Step into the Pivot

This episode covers sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised. Please prioritize your well-being while listening.

What would you do if you had more courage? This question sits at the heart of our illuminating conversation with Dr. Margie Warrell, global thought leader on brave leadership and author of "The Courage Gap."

The courage gap affects us all, but particularly women. We explore how imposter syndrome manifests as underestimating our abilities while overestimating dangers. As Margie powerfully states, "We shouldn't be trying to prove our worth. We need to just own our worth." This simple shift in perspective can liberate us to pursue meaningful goals with confidence rather than doubt.

Through vulnerable personal stories, including surviving an armed robbery, Margie demonstrates her transformative "Three Ps" approach to reframing difficult situations. By choosing narratives that make us feel more Powerful, Positive, and Purposeful, we can create generative stories that shape our future rather than keeping us stuck. "You create your stories. But your stories then create you," she explains, offering practical wisdom for catching and redirecting unhelpful narratives. By giving ourselves permission to be imperfect, whether as parents, professionals, or creators—we open doors to experiences and growth we might otherwise miss.

What pivot might be revealing your path today? Listen in and discover how embracing courage in the face of uncertainty can transform your life's journey.

Guest Bio:
Dr. Margie Warrell is a globally recognized expert in leadership and human behavior, renowned for her ability to help leaders and organizations unlock untapped potential by countering the underlying dynamics that inhibit bold thinking, decisive action, and transformative growth.

A passionate advocate for advancing women in leadership, Margie has contributed to government roundtables, spearheaded initiatives to elevate more women to decision-making roles, and co-led Korn Ferry’s Power of All program during her tenure as a Senior Partner in their CEO & Enterprise Leadership Institute.

Margie’s latest book, The Courage Gap (Jan ‘25), distills her decades of research and experience, providing a roadmap for closing the gap between potential and performance. 

Based in Alexandria, Virginia, Margie balances her professional endeavors with her love of adventure. A lifelong hiker and aspiring barista, she finds inspiration scaling mountains, including summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro with her husband and four children.

Connect with Margie:
Website, LinkedIn

Connect with Theresa and Ivana:

Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: tsc-consultants.com
LinkedIn @treeconti, Insta @tscconsultants

Ivana, Courageous Being: courageousbeing.com
LinkedIn @ivipol, Insta @courbeing

SITP team, Step Into The Pivot: stepintothepivot.com
LinkedIn @step-into-the-pivot, YouTube @StepIntoThePivot

In this episode, we welcome the insightful Morgan Rysdon, who shares her inspiring journey of healing through trauma, loss, and the practice of the Alexander Technique. Morgan reflects on pivotal moments that shaped her, including her childhood experiences and the heartbreaking loss of her brother, leading her to embrace a path of resilience and choice.

Amidst profound sadness, Morgan discovered the Alexander Technique, which transformed her relationship with her body and mind. This approach emphasizes awareness and posture as tools for healing, enabling individuals to reconnect with themselves. We explore how Morgan’s experiences led her to understand that true healing begins within and the importance of making conscious choices in life. Throughout the episode, she emphasizes the power of curiosity over judgment and the necessity of seeking movement, comfort, and joy in our everyday routines. 

Join us for this insightful conversation, where Morgan’s wisdom will resonate deeply, inspiring you to reflect on your own choices and journey toward living fully. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences with us. How are you stepping into your own pivots?

Guest Bio:
Morgan Rysdon is a nationally certified Alexander Technique teacher and speaker. In 2013, she created Center  Studio to help others improve their quality of life through increased awareness and mindfulness. Since then,  she’s gone on to teach her work nationally and internationally, helping individuals elevate their performances in the workspace and recover from chronic pain, injury, stress, and anxiety. Committed to helping others,  Morgan teaches workshops, introductory classes and works 1:1 with a focus on building self-awareness,  self-confidence, and poise through improving the overall function of an individual’s mind, body, breath, and voice.  

Connect with Morgan:
Website, YouTube, Instagram

Connect with Theresa and Ivana:

Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: tsc-consultants.com
LinkedIn @treeconti, Insta @tscconsultants

Ivana, Courageous Being: courageousbeing.com
LinkedIn @ivipol, Insta @courbeing

SITP team, Step Into The Pivot: stepintothepivot.com
LinkedIn @step-into-the-pivot, YouTube @StepIntoThePivot

Have you ever felt like life threw you a 40-pound bag of lemons? Join us as we welcome Chase Sterling, an Army veteran, who shares her incredible journey of resilience through life's unexpected turns. From navigating a challenging childhood in an abusive adoptive home to her courageous decision for early emancipation at 17, Chase's story is a testament to strength and adaptability.

Her journey continues with the founding of the Wellbeing Think Tank, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing workplace environments. By sharing the evolution of her consulting practice, Chase emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration in fostering well-being. With monthly events that promote knowledge-sharing and interdisciplinary strategies, Wellbeing Think Tank aims to create uplifting environments that positively influence both personal and societal well-being. Through Chase's personal evolution and her blog "Evolution of Chase," we uncover nuggets of wisdom and reflect on the necessity of adapting to change, inspiring listeners to embrace resilience and become better versions of themselves.

Guest Bio:
Chase Sterling is an Army veteran having served from 1998 - 2005, both on Active duty and in the Reserves. She was an 88M and left the military as an E5.

After transitioning from the military, Chase has dedicated her career to improving both individual and organizational wellbeing. With over 20 years of experience, Chase brings passion combined with evidence-based expertise.

Dedicated to the mission of improving workplaces, Chase founded Wellbeing Think Tank which provides free educational events on workplace wellbeing. Additionally, Chase partners with organizations to drive employee engagement at HHP Cultures. She has held leadership, consultant and educator roles at a variety of organizations including Cigna, Wounded Warrior Project, Google and Sinclair Community College.

Chase holds a BS in Exercise Science and Health Psychology and an MA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology with a concentration in Occupational Health Psychology. She holds numerous certifications related to health and wellbeing including Certified Wellness Practitioner, Mental Health Ally, DEI in the Workplace, and is a Certified Personal Trainer. Additionally. Chase has been published in the The American Journal of Health Promotion and serves on PAPREN, the Physical Activity Policy Research and Evaluation Network Worksite work group.

Chase currently resides in Portland, Oregon with her rescue cat Fizzgig.

Connect with Chase:
LinkedIn

Connect with Theresa and Ivana:

Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: tsc-consultants.com
LinkedIn @treeconti, Insta @tscconsultants

Ivana, Courageous Being: courageousbeing.com
LinkedIn @ivipol, Insta @courbeing

SITP team, Step Into The Pivot: stepintothepivot.com
LinkedIn @step-into-the-pivot, YouTube @StepIntoThePivot

Ever wonder what makes love last? This Valentine's Day, we’re thrilled to have Canadian psychologist Kathleen Henderson with us to unravel the mystery of successful relationships. Kathleen shares how addressing individual issues within the framework of couples therapy can be transformative. She emphasizes the power of slowing down emotional reactions to uncover underlying feelings, which can break cycles of misunderstanding. 

The conversation serves as a mirror for therapists as well as clients, highlighting how their own development can intertwine with the progress of the people they help. Join us for a heartfelt reflection on the universal principle of practicing what we teach, and gather inspiration for embracing change and growth in your relationships.

Guest Bio:
Kathleen Henderson is a registered psychologist from Canada - a therapist specializing in helping couples reconnect and strengthen their relationships. Using a collaborative approach, Kathleen focuses on identifying and transforming patterns of communication that may cause disconnection. 

Kathleen practices Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a method backed by research showing significant improvement in over 80% of relationships. 

Committed to providing quality care, Kathleen encourages individuals and couples to seek evidence-based approaches to therapy and to prioritize finding the right fit in a therapist to meet their unique needs.

Connect with Kathleen:
psychologytoday.com
LinkedIn

Connect with Theresa and Ivana:

Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: tsc-consultants.com
LinkedIn @treeconti, Insta @tscconsultants

Ivana, Courageous Being: courageousbeing.com
LinkedIn @ivipol, Insta @courbeing

SITP team, Step Into The Pivot: stepintothepivot.com
LinkedIn @step-into-the-pivot, YouTube @StepIntoThePivot

Discover the transformative power of mindfulness with Lauren Loehning, a trailblazer in financial services and co-founder of Money Well. Lauren shares her inspiring journey of integrating meditation into her bustling career and family life, revealing how the practice has been a game-changer in managing stress and finding clarity. With nearly a decade of Vipassana meditation under her belt and a completed teacher training program, Lauren offers profound insights into the benefits of silent retreats and the serenity that mindfulness brings amid life's chaos. We're excited for you to hear how meditation has become a cornerstone in her life and how it can enrich yours too.

But that's not all—we explore how mindfulness and emotional awareness can significantly enhance financial resilience. Lauren delves into the intriguing connections between emotions, meditation, and financial well-being. You'll gain practical tips on understanding the parallels between maintaining consistent financial and mindfulness habits. This episode is your invitation to embrace meditation, not just as a tool for personal growth, but as an essential practice for a balanced and fulfilling life.

Guest Bio:
With over two decades in the financial services sector, Lauren K. Loehning is a
respected Partner at Retirement Impact, where her client-first approach has
earned her a reputation for excellence. As the Co-Founder of Moniwell, she
leads a pioneering initiative blending psychology, science, and technology to
redefine financial well-being.

Lauren's expertise, spanning financial planning, investment management, and
financial therapy, is bolstered by prestigious certifications, including Certified
Financial Planner® practitioner, Certified Investment Management Analyst®,
Certified in Financial Social Work, and Accredited Investment Fiduciary®
Her commitment to professional excellence has been recognized by the National
Association of Plan Advisors, with accolades including Top Advisor – All Star
(2021-2023) and Rising Star (2016-2020).

Connect with Lauren:
LinkedIn

Connect with Theresa and Ivana:

Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: tsc-consultants.com
LinkedIn @treeconti, Insta @tscconsultants

Ivana, Courageous Being: courageousbeing.com
LinkedIn @ivipol, Insta @courbeing

SITP team, Step Into The Pivot: stepintothepivot.com
LinkedIn @step-into-the-pivot, YouTube @StepIntoThePivot

Jessica's journey is nothing short of inspiring, as she shares her remarkable story of resilience and leadership. From facing bullying as the only Black person in her family, to discovering the circumstances of her conception, and stepping into her own unwavering strength as a mother, Jessica's life has been a testament to overcoming adversity. Her unique experiences have fueled her commitment to equitable leadership, and she passionately works to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels they belong. Jessica's narrative highlights the profound impact of empathy and the importance of recognizing our personal growth, making her a powerful voice for change.

Parenting and leadership are intertwined in Jessica's philosophy, where authenticity and humor play crucial roles. She emphasizes the need to nurture children's unique gifts, encouraging them to grow beyond imposed labels or expectations. By sharing touching stories, Jessica illustrates how humor can bridge connections, even in challenging times, and how life events shape our resilience and empathy. Her insights remind us that true leadership is about fostering environments that promote growth and healing, embracing vulnerability, and using challenges as stepping stones to a more meaningful life. Join us as we unpack the profound lessons from Jessica's incredible journey.

Guest Bio:
Dr. Jessica Taylor is passionate about equitable leadership and empowering others to transform their organizations and leadership legacy. Known for her empathy, pragmatism, and humor, Jessica empowers and builds organizations where everyone can courageously be themselves without bias, discrimination, or barriers determining their success. With a lifetime of perspective as a biracial, woman of color, years of executive experience, and a background in human development, Jessica coaches executive leaders and guides organizations through equitable leadership strategies through nuanced and comprehensive methods. (she/her)

Connect with Jessica:
LinkedIn

Connect with Theresa and Ivana:

Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: tsc-consultants.com
LinkedIn @treeconti, Insta @tscconsultants

Ivana, Courageous Being: courageousbeing.com
LinkedIn @ivipol, Insta @courbeing

SITP team, Step Into The Pivot: stepintothepivot.com
LinkedIn @step-into-the-pivot, YouTube @StepIntoThePivot

As we usher in 2025, in this episode focused on creating new healthy habits, Theresa interviews Ivana, who's recently been through a major positive pivot:

Ivana has worked with the co-creators of Inner Bonding® Dr. Margaret Paul and Dr. Erika Chopich to create a brand new book, Inner Bonding Guided Journal! This journal is a concise introduction to an astonishingly powerful healing practice of Inner Bonding, and an all-purpose tool to cultivate a more peaceful and joyous life.

We unpack the six-step Inner Bonding process, exploring the empowering role of the "loving adult" in taking responsibility for our emotions and how connecting with our higher self can bring clarity and purpose to our lives.

To our dedicated listeners, your support means the world to us. To express our gratitude, we're thrilled to offer a special book promotion. Purchase the recommended book and email us to receive a unique listener gift. As we wrap up this empowering episode, we're here to remind you to embrace the possibilities of change. Let's step boldly into our pivots, ready to tackle the new year with renewed energy and open hearts.

Our community, the beloved "Pivoters," shared incredible stories with us throughout 2024, and we're committed to maintaining these connections by shifting our podcast release schedule to every other Friday. This change prioritizes quality and aligns with our personal values of self-care and holistic wellness.

Check Out The New Inner Bonding Journal Here!
Amazon
Target
Barnes & Noble

OR

Try The Audiobook Version!
Audible

Connect with Theresa and Ivana:

Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: tsc-consultants.com
LinkedIn @treeconti, Insta @tscconsultants

Ivana, Courageous Being: courageousbeing.com
LinkedIn @ivipol, Insta @courbeing

SITP team, Step Into The Pivot: stepintothepivot.com
LinkedIn @step-into-the-pivot, YouTube @StepIntoThePivot

Amanda Dixon's journey is nothing short of inspiring as she takes us through her transition from tax professional to marketing expert after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Amanda faced the initial signs of MS with a nerve pain twinge in her shoulder, which led to her diagnosis in 2020, a pivotal moment that transformed her life. Her unwavering commitment to self-advocacy and listening to her body serves as a beacon of strength and empowerment, especially for women navigating healthcare systems. Amanda's story is a powerful reminder of the resilience needed to set boundaries and prioritize self-care while living with a chronic condition.

Navigating the medical maze to secure her MS diagnosis, Amanda recounts the challenges of numerous tests and consultations before finding a specialist who confirmed her condition. Her proactive approach led her to choose Okravis, a chemotherapy drug that has effectively halted her disease progression. Amanda shares how adjusting her work life to a part-time, remote setup has provided her with the balance she needed, highlighting the significance of supportive relationships and a positive mindset on this journey. Her experience underscores the importance of advocating for oneself, particularly in the face of dismissive healthcare professionals, and embracing each day with awareness and acceptance.

Guest Bio:
Amanda Dixon began her career as a tax professional, preparing all types of returns, from 1040s to 990s. In 2020, amidst the global pandemic, her life changed when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. After taking the time to get used to her new life with her disease, she began working from home. In 2023, she earned her Enrolled Agent designation, but began to feel an interest in the marketing function at her firm. Seeing an opportunity, she made the switch that same year to a marketing role. She now uses her previous experience and knowledge to break down the complex world of accounting to effectively communicate what her firm’s clients need to know. Today, she advocates for the disabled community and encourages others to advocate for themselves to ensure they get the best possible medical care they can. Amanda considers herself an open book, and is always happy to answer questions about her MS, her diagnosis process, the symptoms she experiences, and how others can better understand and help those in the disabled community. When she’s not at work, you can find Amanda playing Dungeons and Dragons with her friends, dressing up her 12 foot skeleton, watching a spooky movie, and spending time with her husband Adam and their adorable pets.

Connect with Amanda:
LinkedIn

Connect with Theresa and Ivana:

Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: tsc-consultants.com
LinkedIn @treeconti, Insta @tscconsultants

Ivana, Courageous Being: courageousbeing.com
LinkedIn @ivipol, Insta @courbeing

SITP team, Step Into The Pivot: stepintothepivot.com
LinkedIn @step-into-the-pivot, YouTube @StepIntoThePivot

Karen Zander, an executive director at JP Morgan, courageously opens up about the complex and often untold journey of caring for aging parents, a reality many face but few discuss openly. Karen's personal story of managing her father's physical challenges and her mother's dementia and Parkinson's disease is likened to participating in an endless, uphill marathon. Her insights highlight the unpredictable nature of these responsibilities and underscore the importance of having a support network. Within this discussion, Karen draws compelling parallels between preparing for life's unexpected events and training for a marathon, reminding us that many face these challenges without prior preparation.

We delve into the emotional intricacies of caregiving and the daunting decisions that come along with it. Karen emphasizes the importance of proactive planning and open, honest conversations with aging loved ones about their wishes. Through poignant personal anecdotes, she shares the weight of making difficult medical decisions and the crucial role of supportive family dynamics. The episode sheds light on the value of compassionate leadership within the family, especially when navigating the healthcare system and making decisions about treatments.

Wellthy, the organization we reference on the show, helps families balance work and caregiving responsibilities through a combination of precision technology and human expertise.

Connect with Wellthy:
Wellthy.com

Guest Bio:
Karen Zander, Executive Director, is a Retirement National Accounts Client Advisor at J.P. Morgan Asset Management.  Karen is responsible for managing key national accounts with strategic retirement and defined contribution platform partners.  With over 25 years of experience in the investment management industry, and the majority of the time specializing in corporate and individual retirement, Karen serves as a retirement and investment specialist resource for retirement clients as well as internally on special projects.  Karen graduated with a B.S. in Psychology from Fordham University, lives in New York City, and also answers to the nickname “KZ.” 

Connect with Karen:
LinkedIn

Connect with Theresa and Ivana:

Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: tsc-consultants.com
LinkedIn @treeconti, Insta @tscconsultants

Ivana, Courageous Being: courageousbeing.com
LinkedIn @ivipol, Insta @courbeing

SITP team, Step Into The Pivot: stepintothepivot.com
LinkedIn @step-into-the-pivot, YouTube @StepIntoThePivot

Brandon Helms, a beacon of authenticity in the finance world, joins us to share his transformative journey of staying true to oneself amidst career changes. Gain insight into Brandon's recent shift to MarshBerry, where he finds new freedom to express his personal brand and connect stories to the often impersonal numbers of finance. With an impressive trajectory of seven roles over 18 years, Brandon's career is a testament to the power of integrating personal growth with professional development. His approach to maintaining genuine connections within a data-driven industry sheds light on the vital human element often overlooked in financial services.

Our conversation also highlights the urgent need for heart-centered leadership, exemplified by Teresa's successful journey in conscious leadership. We explore the evolving landscape of business ownership and the necessity of nurturing a love for the industry through mentorship and clear career pathways. With personal anecdotes underscoring the importance of purpose and courage, this episode serves as a guide for current and future professionals striving to make meaningful impacts in their careers.

Guest Bio:

The same commitment needed to give his former retirement plan and wealth clients clarity to make more informed decisions drives Brandon Helms to help retirement and wealth advisors steward their businesses.

As a Vice President on MarshBerry’s Financial Advisory team, Brandon’s background in being on the inside of building two fast growing financial advisor teams gives him a unique perspective to be able to consult with advisors on growth strategy and succession planning.

Brandon’s core focus is on providing financial advisors with ideas & insights specific to their business today and align with their vision for the future. Many times, this includes anticipating any potential challenges advisors face as they grow and ways to overcome them.

Prior to MarshBerry Brandon led financial advisor distribution in the southeastern US for a global asset manager where he was able to deliver tailored value add business consulting to some of the largest financial advisor teams in the country. Brandon also spent close to a decade building both individual and institutional businesses experiencing firsthand the challenges and opportunities of operating a successful financial advisory business.

Brandon attended Appalachian State University and currently lives in Greensboro, NC with his wife Lauren, two boys Carter and Greyson and their mini-goldendoodle pup Rose. In his free time, Brandon enjoys working out, watching college football & Premier League soccer, and all outdoor activities.

Connect with Brandon:
LinkedIn

Backflip YouTube Video:
Brandon Helms: Stay True, Stand Out (at 09:27)

Connect with Theresa and Ivana:

Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: tsc-consultants.com
LinkedIn @treeconti, Insta @tscconsultants

Ivana, Courageous Being: courageousbeing.com
LinkedIn @ivipol, Insta @courbeing

SITP team, Step Into The Pivot: stepintothepivot.com
LinkedIn @step-into-the-pivot, YouTube @StepIntoThePivot