Stand Tall & Own It

Feedback or Questions? Send us a text!

I said I'd come back and answer three questions I left you with in December. I didn't — not the way I promised. What I found instead: the difference between ground I was just navigating, and ground that's actually mine.

A few things to sit with:

1. What path are you on because it was offered, not because it was yours?
2. Where are you still asking permission from a role instead of giving it to yourself?
3. What's one piece of ground, however small, you're ready to call yours?

If this stirred something —
Start slow: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/start-here
Talk it out: https://www.everyexpert.com/andreajohnson

LET’S CONNECT
Instagram + LinkedIn → @theintentionaloptimist
Email → [email protected]

ENJOYING THE SHOW? LEAVE A RATING & REVIEW
Apple → Scroll down on the podcast page, hit 5-stars, and write a quick review.
Podchaser (Android) → podchaser.com/podcasts/stand-tall-own-it-empowering-p-1406762

Feedback or Questions? Send us a text!

1 BIG IDEA
Before you step into a new year or set a single goal, pause long enough to name what’s still true. Identity-level truths don’t flip with the calendar. They anchor your leadership, give you direction, and help you move into 2026 with intention rather than urgency.

3 WAYS TO APPLY THIS

• Write down one truth about who you are right now. Use it as an orientation point, not a performance metric.
• Identify the Core Value that refused to be negotiated this year and let it guide your next decisions.
• Notice the thread or direction that keeps resurfacing and allow it to quietly shape your approach to the new year.

3 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

1. What truth about yourself kept resurfacing this year?
2. Which Core Value remained non-negotiable, even when circumstances shifted?
3. What thread—however faint—keeps tugging you toward 2026?

GO DEEPER
Core Values Resources:
Blueprint (Free Download): https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/corevaluesexercise
Digital Course: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/values
Coaching: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/core-values-beta
Healthy Boundaries Make Happy Holidays: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/healthyboundaries 

Missed Live2Lead? You can still experience it online through LeaderPass ($79).
Watch the keynotes and leadership lessons anytime through February 2026:
https://leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead/host/?ref=RHYBTBBY

PREFER YouTube?
Catch the full episode → https://youtu.be/cjhNz8eSI00

PROUD PARTNERS OF STAND TALL & OWN IT

PodMatch: https://joinpodmatch.com/theintentionaloptimist

Liz Wilcox Email Marketing Membership: https://lizwilcox.com?aff=andrea 

LET’S CONNECT
Instagram + LinkedIn → @theintentionaloptimist
Email → [email protected]

ENJOYING THE SHOW? LEAVE A RATING & REVIEW
Apple → Scroll down on the podcast page, hit 5-stars, and write a quick review.
Podchaser (Android) → podchaser.com/podcasts/stand-tall-own-it-empowering-p-1406762

Feedback or Questions? Send us a text!

1 BIG IDEA
Gratitude isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. It’s the practice of seeing clearly what remains true—of letting awareness, not avoidance, steady your heart. When life feels uncertain, gratitude grounds you in your Core Values and helps you lead from what’s still real, good, and enduring.

3 WAYS TO APPLY THIS

• Pause before reacting. Name one truth that still holds steady, even in change.
• Write a note of thanks for a value that showed up this season—in yourself or someone else.
• Use Intentional Optimism to move your values into action: choose curiosity, courage, and presence over reactivity.

3 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

1. What value has anchored me through this season?
2. Where have I seen growth or grace, even in hardship?
3. Who might need to hear a word of thanks from me today?

ACTION STEP:

Choose one Core Value and one simple way to honor it this week—through gratitude, action, or acknowledgment. Let that be your steady place to lead from what’s still true.

GO DEEPER
Core Values Resources: Anchor your decisions in clarity, define what matters, and build steady, values-based confidence.
Blueprint (Free Download): https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/corevaluesexercise
Course: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/values
Coaching: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/core-values-beta
Healthy Boundaries Make Happy Holidays: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/healthyboundaries 

🎁 Black Friday Special: When you purchase the Uncovering Your Core Values Digital Course between Friday, Nov 28-Dec 1, you’ll receive a free one-hour coaching session with me as a bonus. It’s the perfect time to get anchored in your Core Values — and step fully into the work that matters most.

Missed Live2Lead? You can still experience it online through LeaderPass ($79).
Watch the keynotes and leadership lessons anytime through February 2026:
https://leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead/host/?ref=RHYBTBBY

PREFER YouTube?
Catch the full episode → https://youtu.be/9sznDhNDEpg 

PROUD PARTNERS OF STAND TALL & OWN IT

🎙️ PodMatch — Book interviews and share your message with aligned audiences: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/theintentionaloptimist

💌 Liz Wilcox’s Email Marketing Membership — $9/month to stay visible and consistent. Join through my link for a free Healthy Boundaries Make Happy Holidays Masterclass: https://andreamjohnson--lizwilcox.thrivecart.com/email-marketing-membership/

LET’S CONNECT
Instagram + LinkedIn → @theintentionaloptimist
Email → [email protected]

ENJOYING THE SHOW? LEAVE A RATING & REVIEW
Apple → Scroll down on the podcast page, hit 5-stars, and write a quick review.
Podchaser (Android) → podchaser.com/podcasts/stand-tall-own-it-empowering-p-1406762

Feedback or Questions? Send us a text!

1 BIG IDEA
Deeper change comes when your intentions and your actions finally align. Vision without movement is fantasy, and movement without discernment is chaos. Real transformation happens in the steady rhythm of reflection, clarity, and consistent, values-based action.

3 WAYS TO APPLY THIS

• Trade Certainty for Clarity. Stop waiting to feel 100% ready. Clarity grows through motion — take one intentional step and let experience refine your direction.
• Use Your Core Values as a Filter. Before you commit to another project, ask: Is this aligned with what I say matters most? Let your values set the pace.
• Follow the Recognize–Reflect–Respond Rhythm. Build a practice of pausing, evaluating, and then acting on what truly aligns with your vision.

3 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

1. Which part of my vision have I been circling but not acting on?
2. What small, meaningful action could move me forward this week?
3. How can my Core Values guide where I invest my next energy and attention?

ACTION STEP:  Identify one micro-action that matches the magnitude of your vision — something small, clear, and completely doable. Take it this week, then notice how momentum grows when your movement finally matches your mission.

GO DEEPER
Core Values Resources: Anchor your decisions in clarity, define what matters, and build steady, values-based confidence. Blueprint (Free Download): https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/corevaluesexercise
Course: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/values
Coaching: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/core-values-beta

🎁 Black Friday Special: Purchase the Uncovering Your Core Values Digital Course between Friday, Nov 28-Dec 1, and receive a free one-hour coaching session with me as a bonus. It’s the perfect time to get anchored in your Core Values — and step fully into the work that matters most.

Missed Live2Lead? Experience it online through LeaderPass ($79). Watch the keynotes and leadership lessons through February 2026: https://leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead/host/?ref=RHYBTBBY

PREFER YouTube?
Catch the full episode → https://youtu.be/5hk6dpF_p-E 

PROUD PARTNERS OF STAND TALL & OWN IT

🎙️ PodMatch — Book interviews and share your message  https://www.joinpodmatch.com/theintentionaloptimist

💌 Liz Wilcox’s Email Marketing Membership — $9/month to stay visible and consistent. Join through my link for a free Masterclass: https://andreamjohnson--lizwilcox.thrivecart.com/email-marketing-membership/

LET’S CONNECT
Instagram + LinkedIn → @theintentionaloptimist
Email → [email protected]

ENJOYING THE SHOW? LEAVE A RATING & REVIEW
Apple → Scroll down on the podcast page, hit 5-stars, and write a quick review.
Podchaser (Android) → podchaser.com/podcasts/stand-tall-own-it-empowering-p-1406762

Feedback or Questions? Send us a text!

1 BIG IDEA
Big Idea: Listening is the quiet strength that anchors wise, present leadership.

3 WAYS TO APPLY THIS

• Practice the Recognize – Reflect – Respond rhythm before replying in any tense conversation.
• Choose one relationship or meeting this week where your only goal is to listen.
• Take one daily 3-minute pause to check what your body or environment is communicating.

3 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

1. Where have I been reacting more than listening?
2. What might I learn if I get curious instead of certain?
3. How does my presence communicate respect before I say a word?

ACTION STEP:

Notice one place this week where you’ve been reacting more than listening. Pause before responding—and see what new information emerges.

GO DEEPER

What Is Intentional Optimism? (Free Download): https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/what-is-intentional-optimism 

Core Values Resources: Anchor your decisions in clarity, define what matters, and build steady, values-based confidence.
Blueprint (Free Download): https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/corevaluesexercise
Course: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/core-values-beta
Coaching: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/core-values-beta

Missed Live2Lead? You can still experience it online through LeaderPass ($79).
Watch the keynotes and leadership lessons anytime through February 2026:
https://leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead/host/?ref=RHYBTBBY

PREFER YouTube?
Catch the full episode → https://youtu.be/zP71gjg1JoM 

PROUD PARTNERS OF STAND TALL & OWN IT

🎙️ PodMatch — Book interviews and share your message with aligned audiences: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/theintentionaloptimist

💌 Liz Wilcox’s Email Marketing Membership — $9/month to stay visible and consistent. Join through my link for a free Healthy Boundaries Make Happy Holidays Masterclass: https://andreamjohnson--lizwilcox.thrivecart.com/email-marketing-membership/

LET’S CONNECT
Instagram + LinkedIn → @theintentionaloptimist
Email → [email protected]

ENJOYING THE SHOW? LEAVE A RATING & REVIEW
Apple → Scroll down on the podcast page, hit 5-stars, and write a quick review.
Podchaser (Android) → podchaser.com/podcasts/stand-tall-own-it-empowering-p-1406762

Feedback or Questions? Send us a text!

1 BIG IDEA
When the world feels restless and reactive, the most impactful leaders aren’t the loudest — they’re the steadiest. Steady leadership is calm authority in motion: rooted in values, guided by discernment, and expressed through integrity and compassion. Learn how to cultivate steadiness that restores trust, models courage, and invites others to do the same.

3 WAYS TO APPLY THIS

• Use the Recognize – Reflect – Respond rhythm to stay grounded and lead with integrity.
• Choose one Intentional Optimism tenet — Optimistic, Present, Energetic, Courageous, Wise, or Intentional — to practice this week.
• Share the “why” behind your steady action to invite others into calm, values-based leadership.

3 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

1. Where in my work, home, or community does uncertainty keep pulling me off balance?
2. Which Core Value or tenet of Intentional Optimism could guide me through that moment?
3. How can I lead with calm authority — and invite others to steady themselves beside me?

GO DEEPER
What Is Intentional Optimism? (Free Download): https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/what-is-intentional-optimism 

Core Values Resources: Anchor your decisions in clarity, define what matters, and build steady, values-based confidence.
Blueprint (Free Download): https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/corevaluesexercise
Course: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/core-values-beta
Coaching: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/core-values-beta

Missed Live2Lead? You can still experience it online through LeaderPass ($79).
Watch the keynotes and leadership lessons anytime through February 2026:
https://leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead/host/?ref=RHYBTBBY

PREFER YouTube?
Catch the full episode →https://youtu.be/9V9F52RHoiE 

PROUD PARTNERS
🎙️ PodMatch — Book interviews and share your message with aligned audiences: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/theintentionaloptimist

💌 Liz Wilcox’s Email Marketing Membership — $9/month to stay visible and consistent. Join through my link for a free Healthy Boundaries Make Happy Holidays Masterclass: https://andreamjohnson--lizwilcox.thrivecart.com/email-marketing-membership/

LET’S CONNECT
Instagram + LinkedIn → @theintentionaloptimist
Email → [email protected]

ENJOYING THE SHOW? LEAVE A RATING & REVIEW
Apple → Scroll down on the podcast page, hit 5-stars, and write a quick review.
Podchaser (Android) → podchaser.com/podcasts/stand-tall-own-it-empowering-p-1406762

Feedback or Questions? Send us a text!

1 BIG IDEA
Playing small doesn’t protect your leadership—it dilutes it. In a world that rewards caution and conformity, it takes courage to lead with authenticity. This episode unpacks why we shrink, how it costs us—and what it looks like to show up whole, steady, and courageous.

3 WAYS TO APPLY THIS

• Recognize where fear is holding you back—visibility, relationships, or even your pricing.
• Reflect on the source of that fear. Is it an Assumption, Belief, or Conditioning (your ABCs)?
• Respond with one bold action that honors your Core Values, even if it feels “too big.”

3 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

• Where have I been shrinking back out of fear of being “too much”?
• Which of my ABCs are feeding that fear? (See Episode 235 for more on your ABCs.)
• Who benefits if I stop playing small—and who misses out if I don’t?

GO DEEPER

• Core Values Blueprint (Free Download): https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/values
  Start anchoring your decisions in clarity and confidence.
• Uncover Your Core Values Course: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/values
  Discover and define the values that ground your leadership.
• Core Values Coaching Program: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/values
  Work with Andrea to build steady, values-based confidence.
• Missed Live2Lead? You can still experience it online through LeaderPass ($79).
   Watch the keynotes and leadership lessons anytime through February 2026:
   https://leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead/host/?ref=RHYBTBBY

PROUD PARTNERS OF STAND TALL & OWN IT

• 🎙️ PodMatch- It’s time to use your voice and share your message, PodMatch is where I recommend starting.  It’s how I booked myself on 100 podcasts last year—connecting with the right hosts and audiences who needed to hear it.
  Check it out here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/theintentionaloptimist
• 💌 Liz Wilcox’s Email Marketing Membership - This $9/month membership gives you everything you need to build your email list and show up confidently.
  Join through my link and you’ll get my Healthy Boundaries Make Happy Holidays Masterclass—free—as a bonus.
  Because the holidays are where leadership, values, and courage all get tested.
  Sign up here: https://andreamjohnson--lizwilcox.thrivecart.com/email-marketing-membership/

LET’S CONNECT

Instagram + LinkedIn → @theintentionaloptimist
Email → [email protected]
Podcast Hub → theintentionaloptimist.com/podcast

ENJOYING THE SHOW? LEAVE A RATING & REVIEW
Apple → Scroll down on the podcast page, choose a rating, and write a quick review.
Podchaser (Android) → podchaser.com/podcasts/stand-tall-own-it-empowering-p-1406762

PREFER YouTube?
Catch the full episode →https://youtu.be/IYN4nnE2o-c 

Playing small doesn’t protect you or anyone else—it costs too much.  The world needs leaders who are willing to show up whole.

LET’S CONNECT
Instagram + LinkedIn → @theintentionaloptimist
Email → [email protected]

ENJOYING THE SHOW? LEAVE A RATING & REVIEW
Apple → Scroll down on the podcast page, hit 5-stars, and write a quick review.
Podchaser (Android) → podchaser.com/podcasts/stand-tall-own-it-empowering-p-1406762

Feedback or Questions? Send us a text!

1 BIG IDEA
Silence costs more than approval. When you edit yourself to keep the peace, you lose influence, joy, and integrity. This episode helps you reclaim your voice and lead with conviction, clarity, and grace—so your presence builds trust instead of tension.

3 WAYS TO APPLY THIS

1. Name the Fear Ask “What am I afraid will happen if I speak up?” Naming it breaks its grip.
2. Anchor in Values Identify which Core Value is at stake. Truth spoken through values lands with integrity.
3. Practice Micro-Bravery Say the thing you’ve been editing out. Small, steady acts rebuild confidence and trust

3 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

1. Where in your leadership are you still holding back your voice?
2. Which Core Value needs to be honored out loud this week?
3. What is one act of micro-bravery you can take right now?

Speak up—even if your voice shakes. You were created with the voice you have to use it right where you are.

GO DEEPER

• Core Values Blueprint (Free Download) → theintentionaloptimist.com/values
  Start anchoring your decisions in clarity and confidence.
• Uncover Your Core Values Course → theintentionaloptimist.com/values
  Discover and define the values that ground your leadership.
• Core Values Coaching Program → theintentionaloptimist.com/values
  Work with Andrea to build steady, values-based confidence.
• Couldn’t attend Live2Lead in person? Watch online through LeaderPass ($79): leaderpass.com/pass/live2lead/host/?ref=RHYBTBBY

RESOURCES

• PodMatch → joinpodmatch.com/theintentionaloptimist Start your own show, fill guest slots, or book me as a guest.
• Impacted Tees → impactedtees.com Find the “Own Your Story” shirt featured in this episode and other original designs that inspire confidence.

LET’S CONNECT
Instagram + LinkedIn → @theintentionaloptimist
Email → [email protected]
Podcast Hub → theintentionaloptimist.com/podcast

ENJOYING THE SHOW? LEAVE A RATING & REVIEW & SHARE
If this encouraged you, share it with a fellow leader ready to resist conformity and lead with courage, conviction, and joy.
Apple → Scroll down on the podcast page, choose a rating, and write a quick review.
Podchaser (Android) → podchaser.com/podcasts/stand-tall-own-it-empowering-p-1406762

PREFER YouTube?
Catch the full episode here →https://youtu.be/YPXEBm0Da7A 

LET’S CONNECT
Instagram + LinkedIn → @theintentionaloptimist
Email → [email protected]

ENJOYING THE SHOW? LEAVE A RATING & REVIEW
Apple → Scroll down on the podcast page, hit 5-stars, and write a quick review.
Podchaser (Android) → podchaser.com/podcasts/stand-tall-own-it-empowering-p-1406762

Feedback or Questions? Send us a text!

1 BIG IDEA
Boundaries are not rejection—they are leadership. Setting and holding clear boundaries protects your energy, builds trust, and models integrity. For purpose-driven women, boundaries are not about being mean or difficult; they are about leading with clarity, courage, and care.

3 WAYS TO APPLY THIS

• Protect your energy: Identify one place where overextending is costing you and draw a line.
• Model healthy leadership: Communicate boundaries clearly so your team feels safe to do the same.
• Anchor in Core Values: Use your values as the blueprint for when and where to set limits.

3 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

1. Where in my leadership role am I currently stretched too thin?
2. Which Core Value is being dishonored when I fail to hold a boundary?
3. How can I communicate my boundary with clarity and care, rather than apology?

Resources & Next Steps

• Free Core Values Blueprint: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/corevaluesexercise
• Core Values Coaching Program: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/core-values-coaching-beta 

Live2Lead 2025 — Thrive in ’25
Join Andrea LIVE in Virginia this October to recharge, refocus, and rise. Two events designed for purpose-driven leaders who want conviction, courage, and clarity in their leadership.

• Charlottesville: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/live2lead-charlottesville-2025
• Lynchburg: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/live2lead-lynchburg-2025

Let’s Connect

• Instagram + LinkedIn: @theintentionaloptimist
• Email: [email protected]
• Podcast Hub: www.theintentionaloptimist.com/podcast

Enjoying the Show? Leave a Rating & Review
Apple: scroll down, choose a rating, and write a review.
Podchaser (Android): https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/stand-tall-own-it-empowering-p-1406762

Share This Episode
If this encouraged you, share it with a fellow leader who’s ready to resist conformity and lead with courage, conviction, and joy.

Prefer to Watch Instead?
Catch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nRhWe_hDTOg  
Listen & Subscribe: www.theintentionaloptimist.com/podcast 

LET’S CONNECT
Instagram + LinkedIn → @theintentionaloptimist
Email → [email protected]

ENJOYING THE SHOW? LEAVE A RATING & REVIEW
Apple → Scroll down on the podcast page, hit 5-stars, and write a quick review.
Podchaser (Android) → podchaser.com/podcasts/stand-tall-own-it-empowering-p-1406762

Feedback or Questions? Send us a text!

1 BIG IDEA
What does resistance really look like in leadership? It’s not rebellion or rage — it’s conviction anchored in joy. In this episode, Andrea Johnson, The Intentional Optimist, explains how joyful defiance helps women leaders resist conformity, lead with authenticity, and protect their humanity in high-pressure environments.

3 WAYS TO APPLY THIS

• Hold firm to one Core Value this week, even if it costs you comfort or approval.
• Practice joy as resistance — choose humor, gratitude, or curiosity instead of cynicism.
• Pair clarity with compassion in your leadership. Conviction + humanity = influence.

3 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

1. Where in my leadership am I tempted to conform instead of stand in conviction?
2. How could I embody joyful defiance — leading with both steadiness and celebration — in one situation this week?
3. What boundary or value is worth holding firm, even if it costs me comfort or approval?

Resources & Next Steps

• Free Core Values Blueprint: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/corevaluesexercise
• Core Values Coaching Program: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/core-values-beta

Live2Lead 2025 — Thrive in ’25
Join Andrea LIVE in Virginia this October to recharge, refocus, and rise. Two events designed for purpose-driven leaders who want conviction, courage, and clarity in their leadership.

• Charlottesville: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/live2lead-charlottesville-2025
• Lynchburg: https://www.theintentionaloptimist.com/live2lead-lynchburg-2025

Let’s Connect

• Instagram + LinkedIn: @theintentionaloptimist
• Email: [email protected]
• Podcast Hub: www.theintentionaloptimist.com/podcast

Enjoying the Show? Leave a Rating & Review
Apple: scroll down, choose a rating, and write a review.
Podchaser (Android): https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/stand-tall-own-it-empowering-p-1406762

Share This Episode
If this encouraged you, share it with a fellow leader who’s ready to resist conformity and lead with courage, conviction, and joy.

Prefer to Watch Instead?
Catch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ik3b27Y2VG8
Listen & Subscribe: www.theintentionaloptimist.com/podcast 

LET’S CONNECT
Instagram + LinkedIn → @theintentionaloptimist
Email → [email protected]

ENJOYING THE SHOW? LEAVE A RATING & REVIEW
Apple → Scroll down on the podcast page, hit 5-stars, and write a quick review.
Podchaser (Android) → podchaser.com/podcasts/stand-tall-own-it-empowering-p-1406762