Succeed Against the Odds

Have you ever tried your hand at something, maybe a business or a hobby, and after some time realized it wasn't for you? How did you feel? Most of us, unfortunately, would lean towards negative emotions. Somehow it feels like if our decisions don't stay great forever, then maybe they were never great to begin with. This is common thinking but it's also incorrect. We all have journeys we must go on and sometimes, a career change or lesson learned is exactly what we need to get to the next level phase.

Michelle Falcone is a marvelous example of a woman who has found peace within herself throughout her journey. Before becoming a life and business coach, she went through three different career changes. Never once, however, did she give up on finding the perfect fit for herself. It was due to all these lessons that she was able to pick up on different life lessons that have ultimately led her to her present day career and positive attitude. More than that, however, she has taught herself tips and insights on how to truly embrace who she is, both the good and the flaws.

I know you'll appreciate this episode with Michelle because she brings a certain calm and reassurance to it. She has finally come to terms with exactly who she wants to be and, throughout the episode, she shares tips on how you can do the same.

More info at FrancescaAnastasi.com

Every once in awhile I like to give spotlight to someone who may not have decades of experience but whose journey inspires nonetheless. That is the case with this week's guest, holistic nutrition practitioner and coach Tahlia Sage.

As busy businessmen and businesswomen, we are used to long days and full schedules. We may be really good at whatever it is we do for a living, but many of us fail to master listening to the subtle cues our bodies give us about our health. Living a busy lifestyle may not always bode well for a healthy one. This is the issue Tahlia decided to help fix.

Tahlia could have gone on to become a nutritionist working for some bigger, corporate company. She could have followed the path that was planned out for her and yet she didn't. She saw this path to be filled with hypocrisy and unhealthy choices. It was due to this that she decided to step out and begin her own company. With a background in science as well as holistic nutrition, Tahlia founded her company, Sweet & Savoury Nutrition, with the purpose to help people decypher their bodies to truly help them live a full and healthy life.

I highly recommend checking out this episode! Tahlia may be new to the entrepreneurial game, but I'm sure she is already a trailblazer!

I get so excited when I find women who are equally as excited about sharing their stories of succeeding against the odds with other women in order to further the understanding that we can all be our own heros. This is the case this week with my guest, Kristie Kennedy. Throughout the episode, you will further understand why she is described as a powerhouse. Kristie has had a long journey of triumphs and pitfalls but throughout it all, she has kept a level head and has chosen positivity over all. ​On top of her amazing attitude, she also has great work ethic. It takes bravery to jump into entrepreneurship not once but twice. Many people are quick to quit when the going gets tough but Kristie Kennedy is not one of those people. Kristie spends her time helping women discover their queenfidence - yes, queenfidence. As an image consultant, she works with women on their goals, transforming their inner confidence and outer presentation. You won't want to miss it!

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There are some terms in life that we all know or believe to understand and yet may stumble when asked to define. Such is the case with branding. The term branding gets thrown around so easily and frequently, especially these days, that we may truly believe to know what it encapsulates but I think we would collectively miss a few key points. Branding is more than a logo or a website, it is something bigger. This is exactly what my branding consultant, and guest this week, Azadeh Yaraghi and I discussed.

Not only is Azadeh's expertise in branding incredible, so is her journey of how she got here. Born and raised in Iran when the regime shift solidified the extremization of the country, Azadeh grew up with the firm understanding that there is more to one's identity than meets the eye. Having studied design in both New York and Paris before she began her almost decade long career of owning her own branding company, Azadeh knows that brands, like people, are correlated to culture and personality.

On top of everything else, Azadeh takes us through a few examples of great corporate and personal branding. Every entrepreneur, regardless of business size, needs to have a firm grasp on their brand. We need to learn what branding is exactly and how we can use it in the best way possible. If you need these answers, Azadeh is the woman to listen to.

More info at FrancescaAnastasi.com

There is a growing understanding that the energy we surround ourself with, whether it be from our peers or ourself, plays a large role in how way of thinking. For example, when we crowd our thoughts with If continuous memories of all the times we did not succeed, we are hindering future moments that could bring success. My guest Regina Huber, knows all about the importance of our thoughts and energy, as she explained to me in this week's podcast episode.

One thing that distinguishes Regina from the crowd is her spin on the now infamous "power pose" brought to light by Amy Cuddy's Ted Talk, Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are". Regina took this idea and expanded on it with something she calls a "power dance". What this addition means is pretty much as it seems:instead of just a pose, one should add broad movements and energetic music in order to fully embrace and enhance the effects. Although the effects of the original power pose are debated, Regina continues to hold wide success with her mindset focused and body conscious sessions, with a recent write-up in Forbes on top of it all.

Regina brought up lot of interesting ideas during our interview together. A lot of women, whether recent corporate employees turned entrepreneurs or long time small business owners, should take the time to hear it. You will learn just a few key techniques to transform yourself into the powerful leader you have the potential to be.

More info at FrancescaAnastasi.com