Step into the Pivot

Join us as Michael Muirhead opens up about the profound impact of his son's recent move to Japan, exploring themes of flexibility, personal growth, and the intricate dance of supporting a loved one's dreams. Michael's candid reflections provide a touching and insightful look into the emotional and philosophical challenges of this significant life pivot.

Listeners will be moved by Michael's stories of generational opportunities and family continuity, drawing from his family's immigrant background to highlight the importance of openness and gratitude. As he prepares to visit his son abroad, Michael shares his wisdom on embracing inevitable change and the transformative power of surrendering to new beginnings. This heartfelt episode is a testament to the unforeseen connections in parenthood and the ongoing journey through life's stages, offering valuable insights to anyone grappling with change and growth.

Guest Bio:
Michael Muirhead, Jr. is senior director, Broadridge Fi360. In this role, he’s responsible for leading the product management and delivery of fiduciary training, designation, and certification solutions.

Michael approaches learning and development from the perspective of an industry professional who has successfully worked with plan sponsors, financial advisors, consultants and plan providers for more than 30 years. 

Before joining Broadridge Fi360, Michael was a financial advisor and large market institutional sales manager for Merrill Lynch, where he gained a wealth of experience in consulting, sales, marketing and relationship management.

In addition to his industry experience, Michael has a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in Finance from the Wayne State University. He also attained the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) credential in April 2011 and his Professional Plan Consultant® (PPC®) designation in September 2015.

Connect with Michael:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-muirhead-jr-652a0581/ 

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

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

What happens when personal tragedy collides with professional life? Join us as we sit down with Scott Kelley, a leading figure in the retirement plan industry, who opens up about the heart-wrenching moment he learned of his brother's suicide during an intense work schedule. Scott's story is a powerful exploration of how unexpected loss can deeply impact both personal and professional spheres. He shares not only his immediate reaction and the crucial role his wife played in those first harrowing moments but also the enduring effects of this tragedy on his day-to-day life.

In part two, Scott takes us through the emotional labyrinth of suppressing grief while striving to maintain a strong facade at work. The combination of job loss and the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to confront long-ignored emotions. He offers a candid look at his journey through therapy, emphasizing its pivotal role in his ongoing healing process. By sharing his metaphorical unpacking of emotions likened to boxes in his office, Scott provides an honest and relatable reflection on the challenges of personal growth. This episode is a profound reminder of the necessity of empathy and support in the workplace, making it essential listening for anyone dealing with similar struggles.

Guest Bio:
Scott joined Federated Hermes in 2022 as a Vice President/Senior Retirement
Consultant with 20 years experience working in the financial industry. Prior to his
current role with Federated, he was at Bank of America Merrill Lynch as a Vice
President, Employee Benefits Specialist. He helped advisors in his assigned
territory drive retirement plan business and worked closely with their banking
partners to integrate retirement plans into the business model. Prior to that he
was Vice President, Senior Retirement Consultant at OppenheimerFunds, Inc.
where he managed the DCIO territory on the West Coast.

Scott attended Oregon State University and has a Bachelor of Science in Business
Administration.

Scott dedicates his time and energy to provide retirement plan advisors with
strategies that will help them save time, and grow their practice.

Connect with Scott:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/srkelley/

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

What if you could transform your outlook on fatherhood through the lens of resilience and love? In this poignant episode of "Step Into the Pivot," we sit down with Steve Bush, a dedicated attorney whose life story is a testament to the enduring power of family bonds. From the moment his mother faced an unexpected pregnancy at 19 to the influential role of his grandfather, his stepfather's adoption, and ultimately finding his biological dad, Steve's journey is one of profound personal growth. Tune in as Steve shares how these pivotal experiences shaped his approach to parenting and guided him to the joys of fatherhood.

In a heartfelt segment, Steve opens up about unexpectedly walking his younger sister down the aisle after their stepfather's passing, a moving example of the strength that family ties can provide. As he reflects on fatherhood, Steve illustrates how it permeates every aspect of his life, turning everyday tasks into profound acts of love. From creative home-schooling strategies during the pandemic to balancing professional and personal responsibilities, Steve's story is a brilliant testament to the love and joy that sustain a family through thick and thin. Join us for an episode that encapsulates the art of facing adversity with heart and grace.

Guest Bio:

VP Legal Services and Government Relations at Permanente Dental Associates 

Steve Bush is an experienced corporate attorney in Portland, Oregon focusing on health care, employment, government relations, risk management and general business law. When he is not practicing law he can be found gardening, cooking, repairing his 1952 daylight ranch, hiking, playing soccer or guitar with his kids, or endlessly throwing a frisbee for his Labrador Retriever.  

Connect with Steve:

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

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

In our latest heartfelt episode, recorded live at Sway Live, we sit down with Sheri Fitts, a single mother who opens up about the profound struggles and triumphs of her son Garrett's battle with heroin addiction. Sheri's candid recounting of Garrett's time living under a bridge and the critical intervention by a Portland police officer using Narcan paints a vivid picture of the relentless challenges faced by families dealing with addiction.

Garrett's story is one of struggle and redemption, from incarceration to obtaining subsidized housing and forming supportive bonds in prison. Join us as we honor the heroes among us who strive for recovery against all odds and explore the transformative power of physical health, emotional support, and unwavering familial love.

Guest Bio:
Sheri Fitts, founder/CEO, is a compelling public speaker and financial services marketing, sales and brand guru on a mission to amplify the heart of financial services. Sheri harnesses the power of emotional connection to help financial professionals create more trust in their client relationships and make their engagements more meaningful to their businesses, and more impactful to their bottom line.

Her deep expertise in the retirement plan and wealth management industries, gained over nearly 30 years on both the buy and sell side as well as starting two companies, gives her special insight into what drives investor behavior and sales. Her latest industry innovation, digitalEQ™ (Digital Emotional Intelligence), is Sheri’s highly personalized approach to helping financial professionals use thought leadership, branding, marketing, and presentations to be unforgettable. 

A compassionate technologist and entrepreneur (at age five, she made and marketed rose-scented perfume door-to-door), Sheri is leading and demonstrating how to humanize financial services—the key to reimagining how advice can be delivered to more people with greater impact. As a young single mom, Sheri remembers struggling with financial insecurity. When she was hired as a graphic designer at an investment firm in the 1990s, she saw just how the financial services industry can make a real difference in people’s lives. Sheri realized her mission was to help financial professionals have more meaningful engagements with their clients, so they feel financially confident.

Follow Sheri on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherifitts

Or Visit Her Website: https://sherifitts.com

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

What happens when life throws you a curveball, and you find your true calling in the most unexpected place? Dawn Mabery Chestnut, experienced a life-altering layoff from her political career only to discover her passion for financial literacy. Join us as Dawn shares her transformative journey of becoming a financial planner and what it means to align your career with your personal interests. From teaching financial concepts to kindergarteners to advising adults, Dawn shows how financial education can impact lives at every stage. Her story is a testament to the unexpected joys that come from life's pivots.

Dawn also takes us through the profound impact of her upbringing on her financial behaviors and beliefs, shedding light on how childhood experiences can shape our adult financial habits. Hear about the challenges she faced while transitioning into entrepreneurship and the grace required to navigate this complex journey. Reflecting on her journey, Dawn underscores the importance of inner listening and staying true to personal values. Soak up wisdom on finding purpose through continuous learning and teaching, and learn how to embrace life's twists and turns with grace and grit. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that promises to leave you enriched and motivated.

Guest Bio:

​​​Dawn Mabery Chestnut is a Washington, DC fee-only financial advisor serving clients locally, the metropolitan area including Montgomery County, Maryland and Prince Georges County, Maryland, greater Northern Virginia, and across the country. 

Financial advice can be intimidating and complex, but I’m not your average financial advisor.  I strive to make managing money simpler by speaking plainly (no jargon!) and offering genuine help instead of hard sales tactics.  I prefer a more informal approach – without the stuffy suit.

When I’m not crunching numbers, you might find me tending to my backyard garden with my ducks waddling around, jogging (though trotting is more accurate), or biking with friends – an activity made even better at night thanks to colorful glow-in-the-dark lights we put on our wheels.  My recent fascination is learning to sew clothes.  I also have an amazing and supportive husband.

Follow Dawn on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maberyconsulting

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

Can storytelling transform your life? Carolyn Marsh, a seasoned finance writer who stepped into the world of personal storytelling, certainly believes so. Encouraged by a friend, Carolyn took on the challenge of performing at The Moth, an NPR-affiliated storytelling event, with a theme centered on public transportation. This episode highlights the power of storytelling in creating human connections and providing an authentic glimpse into Carolyn's journey from finance to the stage.

Ever had an encounter that completely changed your perspective? At 23, a trip to New Zealand taught Carolyn valuable lessons about compassion and understanding hidden struggles. Sharing this transformative experience on stage in Washington DC was daunting yet profoundly rewarding. The act of storytelling helped me connect with an audience on a deeper level, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and trusting one's instincts for personal growth. This segment aims to inspire you to embrace the unknown and find personal growth in unexpected places.

Finally, we explore the journey of a freelance writer who has balanced family life and ghostwriting for the past decade. Now, with her children growing older, she stands at a pivotal crossroads, contemplating new goals and ambitions. This candid discussion delves into her evolution from feeling like an imposter to confidently embracing her identity as a writer. We reflect on the significance of mindset and adaptability in navigating life's transitions, encouraging you to embrace change and the opportunities that come with it. Join us for an episode brimming with personal stories, growth, and the courage to pivot.

Guest Bio:

Carolyn Marsh is a financial writer and a director on the board of a privately held energy company. Her roots are in financial services, where she began in risk management and later worked in investment strategy. She has run her own firm since 2015, working with banks, investment firms, research and consulting firms, and other business clients to produce engaging thought leadership that showcases their subject matter experts in the best light. She has worked or studied in Italy, England, New Zealand, and in New York, Chicago, Seattle and now Washington DC. When she’s not working, you can find Carolyn hanging with her family, out on a bike ride, reading, golfing, skiing or watching Michigan football.

Follow Carolyn on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynmarshcfa

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

What happens when the demands of a high-pressure career in medicine overshadow your own health? Dr. Jyoti Patel shares her raw and compelling journey from being a dedicated integrative pediatrics and internal medicine doctor to a thyroid cancer survivor who had to learn the hard way about the importance of self-care. At just 29, Jyoti's diagnosis and subsequent metastatic recurrence forced her to reevaluate her life, pushing through surgery and relentless work culture to find a new balance. Through her story, listeners will gain insights into the critical issues of self-neglegence and the urgent need for healthcare professionals to prioritize their well-being.

Jyoti’s journey didn’t stop at surviving cancer; she had to navigate the challenges of pregnancy and career pressures, with a poignant story about a disheartening interaction with her boss prompting a profound reassessment of her self-worth. In a riveting metaphorical recount, Jyoti describes the experience of being trapped in a ravine, illustrating the significance of self-reflection and mindfulness. This episode offers valuable lessons on setting personal boundaries and understanding behavior patterns, ultimately encouraging listeners to pause, reflect, and create their own path to healing and growth. Tune in to be inspired by Jyoti's resilient spirit and transformative message.

Guest Bio:

Jyoti Patel

Triple board-certified and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Patel practices Integrative Pediatrics and Internal Medicine in Scottsdale, Arizona. Acknowledged as one of the TOP DOCS by Phoenix Magazine in 2009, 2016, and 2022, she has received accolades such as ACP Internist of the Year in 2011 and the Women In White Coats Hero Award in,2019. 

Beyond her medical expertise, she played a pivotal role in establishing a community garden in Fountain Hills. 

Dr. Patel's personal journey, marked by a cancer diagnosis at 29, ignited a profound passion for holistic health. Advocating for preventive care and health education, she extends her commitment beyond traditional medical boundaries. Challenging the reactive nature of the healthcare system, Dr. Patel emphasizes addressing the root causes of disease. Her belief in empowering patients to take control of their health is evident, providing insights and resources for healthier and happier lives.

Follow Jyoti on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyotipatelmd/

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

What if your financial advisor could understand your emotions as well as your accounts? Join us on Step Into the Pivot as we host Jennifer Rayner, a financial advisor turned fintech innovator, who shares her incredible journey through the financial services industry. From caring for her mother with dementia to making the bold decision to purchase an independent RIA firm, Jennifer opens up about the challenges that led her to reevaluate her career and personal identity during the onset of COVID-19. She reveals how these experiences shaped her focus on the emotional aspects of financial planning.

Discover how my own path from being a supportive mother, wife, and executive assistant led me to become a founder. I talk about feeling undervalued in those roles and how defining and owning my unique strengths helped me find success. We explore the importance of emotions in driving behavior, backed by scientific research, and how letting go of past dreams can open doors to new opportunities. This episode is rich with stories of industry transitions and personal growth, underscoring the necessity of aligning your work with your passions.

Finally, learn about the birth of MoneyWell and the significant personal and professional challenges that influenced its creation. We discuss the power of innovative engagement methods like texting and the motivational force of everyday financial struggles. Jennifer's near-death experience and subsequent ADHD diagnosis add layers of empathy and practical solutions to her approach to financial wellness. Stay tuned until the end for a teaser about Jennifer's near-death experience, promising even more intriguing discussions in future episodes.

Connect with Jennifer: 

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 wondered how childhood experiences shape our adult lives? Today, we bring you an extraordinary conversation with Nadine Youssef, assistant chief counsel at the Walt Disney Company and adjunct professor at Loyola Law School. Nadine shares her compelling journey from her early years amidst the turmoil of the Lebanese civil war to finding a new home in America at the tender age of eight. Her narrative doesn't just highlight the harsh realities of growing up in a war zone but also speaks volumes about resilience and the emotional complexities of leaving one's homeland and extended family behind. Nadine’s vivid recollections provide a powerful testament to the importance of practical acts of service and the ways we can support each other in times of need.

In this episode, we also explore how these early experiences have a lasting impact on our health and well-being. Nadine opens up about her battle with cancer, illustrating how childhood trauma can shape our responses to life’s challenges. Through her personal stories, we delve into the critical role of community and the support she received from loved ones during this difficult period. We discuss the significance of delivering messages with love and the transformative effect of meaningful connections. Nadine's journey to becoming an adjunct professor and her dedication to paying it forward underscore the importance of sharing our stories and embracing the support around us. Tune in for an inspiring episode filled with heartfelt insights and valuable lessons.

Guest Bio:

Nadine Youseff
Assistant Chief Counsel at The Walt Disney Company

Strategic legal partner supporting multiple client groups in global commercialization business including licensing, consumer products, digital/interactive experiences, retail, marketing, rights clearances, supply chain, social responsibility, and business processes/operations. Demonstrated leadership skills managing a team of cross-functional attorneys and paralegals to drive optimal legal and business results. Spearheaded the development and implementation of multiple DE&I initiatives.

Follow Nadine on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadineyoussef/

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 faced a moment where your professional aspirations needed to align with your personal life’s goals? Brandon Shea, a financial services professional, joins us to share his journey from Nashville to Los Angeles and back again. Brandon's story is one of resilience and devotion, navigating the challenging move to LA, and the enriching experiences that followed both personally and professionally. His insights into balancing a demanding career while supporting a loved one’s dreams offer invaluable lessons on achieving harmony between work and personal life.

Discover the profound impact of understanding shifting professional goals through Brandon's analogy of a marathon, shedding light on the psychological effects of changing goalposts in the workplace. Brandon opens up about the stress from his wife's traumatic custom song business ordeal and her battle with postpartum depression, recounting their family's conscious decision to prioritize mental health by relocating in 2014. As we explore the transformative power of embracing growth through discomfort, Brandon's stories and strategies provide a roadmap for navigating life's inevitable pivots, large or small. Tune in for an episode filled with heartfelt stories and practical advice on achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.

GUEST BIO:
Brandon Shea specializes in helping retirement plan professionals with solutions that impact their bottom line and make a difference in the lives of their clients. With over 24 years of industry experience, Brandon has helped 1000's of financial advisors and 100's of retirement wholesalers / third party administrators implement proven strategies that help them grow their business. Because he has witnessed some of the most successful financial professionals in action, Brandon has a unique perspective on what it takes to run a successful practice and his clients view him as a valuable resource. As a Defined Contribution Investment Only Consultant, Brandon considers it a privilege to do this work at T. Rowe Price where his and the firm’s values are congruent. Delivering on their shared values with clarity and intention is how he builds long-term partnerships and ultimately even strong friendships with clients. Brandon and his wife Liz, a gifted singer/songwriter & full-time mom, live in the Nashville, TN area where they are active volunteers in their community. In addition to watching his children grow, Brandon loves to brainstorm new business ideas with entrepreneurs, play golf, wakesurf, snowboard & travel (18 countries, 46 states and counting).

Connect with Brandon Shea:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brshea 

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