Is your Sunday ruined by the dread of Monday? In this episode, we’re tackling the Sunday Scaries and transforming them into an opportunity for growth and success.

Join Alyssa as she chats with Lori Rogers, founder of PositiveActivity.net, about the science-backed strategies that elevate happiness, productivity, and sales performance. Lori shares her journey of shifting from negativity to abundance, the life-changing power of the High-Five Habit, and the surprising hacks that make positivity a competitive edge in business.

Whether you're a team leader looking to energize your crew or an individual contributor battling burnout, this conversation will inspire you to rewrite your story, embrace optimism, and finally take back Monday.

Key Takeaways:

• The Morning Mindset Shift That Works: Learn how a seven-second habit from Mel Robbins’ High-Five Habit can transform your confidence and productivity every day.
• The 3-Minute Energy Hack: Discover Lori’s go-to activities, from dancing in the kitchen to a quick nature walk, that instantly shift your mood and get you back on track.
• The Subconscious Mind Trick: Find out why saying affirmations like “Clients are looking for me—it’s so easy!” 50 times a day for three days can rewire your mindset for success.
• The Secret to Joyful Selling: Hear the science behind how positivity can make you 31% more productive and sell 27% more—plus actionable steps to apply it in your sales process.
• How to Overcome the Sunday Scaries for Good: Lori’s practical advice on embracing Monday with optimism, even when the week ahead feels overwhelming.

If you skip this episode, you’ll miss game-changing insights into how positivity isn’t just feel-good fluff, it’s a proven tool for achieving more in business and life.

Key Moments:
00:00 Welcome to Taking Back Monday
00:09 Introducing Lori: Overcoming Negativity
00:53 Strategies to Shift Your Energy
03:21 Dealing with Post-Holiday Stress
06:48 Positivity in Sales and Business Growth
09:06 The Power of Positive Mindset
13:23 Laurie's Journey to Positivity
16:05 Taking Back Monday: Practical Tips
19:35 Recommended Resources and Final Thoughts
21:20 Connect with Laurie and Conclusion

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It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Jean-Pierre Dumas joins Alyssa to unpack the critical connection between employee experience (EX) and customer experience (CX). Jean-Pierre shares powerful stories from his leadership journey, including how a culture in crisis became a thriving, best-in-class team. Discover why your employees are your first—and most important—customers, and how investing in their happiness leads to better results for your business. Whether you're a leader navigating team dynamics or someone passionate about creating impactful work environments, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won't want to miss.

Key Takeaways:

• Your Employees Are Your First Customers
  Investing in your team's experience directly impacts their ability to serve customers. Happy, engaged employees create better customer outcomes and help build a thriving culture.
• Culture Fixes Start with Leadership
  When things go wrong in an organization, the problem isn't always with the people—it often lies in processes and systems. Effective leaders identify these gaps, address them transparently, and rally their teams for success.
• Action Creates Trust
  Whether from employee feedback or customer surveys, taking visible, meaningful action on input is critical to building trust and loyalty. Teams thrive when they see their voices matter.
  
  

Key Moments:
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:20 JP's Origin Story
01:59 Lessons from Early Career
03:24 Merging Teams: Challenges and Insights
06:03 Importance of Employee Experience
13:40 Remote Work and Pandemic Challenges
20:18 Taking Action on Feedback
26:03 Leadership and Team Building
33:51 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Sarah Ratekin, founder of Happiness is Courage, to explore how optimism and positive psychology can inspire courage, improve workplace culture, and combat the challenges of modern work. From addressing burnout and brain drain to redefining leadership accountability, Sarah shares data-backed insights and actionable strategies for creating workplaces where people and organizations thrive. Discover the power of laughter yoga, the importance of happy employees, and why courage grounded in happiness—not fear—is the key to a sustainable and successful future.

Key Takeaways:

• Courage Rooted in Happiness Creates Sustainable Success
  Traditional fear-based motivation may work in emergencies but isn’t sustainable. Tapping into happiness and optimism as sources of courage leads to more positive, long-lasting outcomes in both personal and professional settings.
• Happy Employees Drive Happy Customers
  Employee well-being is the foundation of organizational success. Companies that prioritize their people—not just their customers—see improved brand perception, better customer experiences, and a stronger market position.
• Laughter and Positivity Are Powerful Workplace Tools
  Techniques like laughter yoga harness the brain's natural chemistry to reduce stress, foster connection, and build resilience. Encouraging positivity and joy in the workplace isn’t just good for morale; it’s a strategic advantage.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:15 Understanding 'Happiness is Courage'
01:13 The Importance of Courage in Leadership
02:11 Addressing Employee Turnover and Engagement
03:51 The Link Between Happy Employees and Business Success
06:05 Challenging Traditional Corporate Mindsets
07:42 The Concept of Brain Drain
14:17 Military Experience vs. Corporate Culture
17:09 Exploring Laughter Yoga
20:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

Are you stuck in survival mode at work? In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa Nolte sits down with workplace trauma expert Rob Connelly to explore how professional environments can shape our responses to stress and adversity. Learn how trauma adaptations like fight, flight, freeze, and fawn show up in the workplace and what leaders can do to foster healthier, more productive environments. Discover the power of self-awareness, acceptance, and intentional growth to break free from the cycle of stress and build a thriving workplace culture. Whether you're an employee seeking to heal or a leader looking to inspire, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can start using today.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Professional Trauma: Trauma isn't the event itself but the adaptations your body and brain make to survive overwhelming situations. Recognizing these responses (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) is the first step to healing.
• The Role of Leadership in Workplace Healing: Leaders who invest in understanding their teams as human assets—not just resources—can cultivate environments that improve employee well-being and boost organizational success.
• Adaptation Happens, So Take Control: Change is inevitable, but you can either adapt reactively to stress or proactively toward growth. Embrace self-awareness, acceptance, and intentional action to thrive in your professional life.

Key Moments:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:21 Understanding Professional Trauma
03:24 Projecting Trauma onto Others
04:11 The Science Behind Trauma Responses
06:10 Acceptance and Mindset Shifts
12:02 Creating a Supportive Work Environment
13:19 The Business Case for Employee Well-being
20:35 Leadership and Self-awareness
21:59 Spotlight on Dan Goodman
23:01 Conclusion and Contact Information

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It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In the Season 2 premiere of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Elizabeth Solaru, a trailblazer whose journey spans microbiology, headhunting, and luxury cake artistry. Elizabeth shares her inspiring story of resilience, from cold-calling her way to royal connections to becoming a leading voice in luxury consulting. They explore the evolving meaning of luxury, the power of inclusivity, and how consumers now shape brand narratives. Elizabeth also highlights her groundbreaking book, The Luxpreneur, offering actionable insights for businesses aspiring to achieve luxury status. This episode is a masterclass in courage, adaptability, and redefining success—don’t miss it!

Takeaways:

• Resilience and Adaptability Drive Success:
  Elizabeth Solaru's journey from microbiology to luxury cake artistry exemplifies the power of pivoting when faced with challenges. Her story highlights how desperation can fuel innovation and bravery, proving that persistence and belief in your product are essential for success.
• Luxury is Personal and Inclusive:
  Luxury isn’t just about exclusivity and opulence—it’s about emotional resonance and personal meaning. Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of understanding your customer’s unique definitions of value, whether it’s comfort, security, or minimalism, and tailoring experiences to meet those needs.
• Consumers Shape Brands Today:
  The dynamic between brands and consumers has shifted dramatically, with consumers now dictating what they value through transparency, authenticity, and advocacy. Businesses, especially in luxury, must align with these expectations to remain relevant and competitive.

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa sits down with career coach and former professional dancer Shaté Hayes to explore what it means to build a life and career that truly lights you up. Shaté shares her journey from the dance floor to the corporate world, uncovering her passion for helping others find alignment in their work and personal lives. Together, they discuss how leaders can create happy, high-performing teams, the power of workplace chemistry, and why career fulfillment is about more than just a paycheck. Whether you're navigating a career change, managing a team, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with insights to help you take back your Mondays and find joy in what you do. Tune in to learn how to embrace creativity, align with your values, and build a life you love.

Key Takeaways:

1. Workplace Fulfillment Starts with Alignment: Career fulfillment is about aligning your work with your core strengths, values, and passions. It’s not just about tolerating a job but finding a role that lights you up from the inside out.
2. Leadership Shapes Team Chemistry and Success: Leaders have a responsibility to invest in their team's career growth, foster chemistry, and create an environment where individuals feel valued. Happy, engaged teams don’t just perform better—they also mirror the investment their leaders show in them. 
3. Creativity Thrives Everywhere: Creativity isn’t confined to the arts. Whether solving problems in tech, designing processes, or leading teams, every role has a creative element. Recognizing and embracing this helps individuals and organizations unlock new levels of innovation and fulfillment. 

Key Moments:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:16 Defining Career Fulfillment
03:16 Personal Journey to Career Fulfillment
07:36 Challenges in Career Coaching
11:12 Building Happy and High-Performing Teams
14:54 Inspirational Figures and Final Thoughts
16:41 Where to Find More Resources

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode of *Taking Back Monday*, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Gill Brabner, expert in workplace empathy and founder of Resound Training, to explore the transformative power of compassion in the workplace. Gill shares her ECA model—Empathy, Care, Action—and its role in improving conversations, preventing conflicts, and fostering engaged, high-performing teams. They discuss the connection between employee satisfaction, customer loyalty, and the bottom line, while offering practical advice for leaders looking to create meaningful change. Tune in to discover how to build trust, motivate teams, and inspire action for a thriving workplace culture.

Key Takeaways:

1. Empathy, Care, Action (ECA) Drives Results: Effective workplace empathy requires not only understanding and care but also action. Taking meaningful steps based on feedback builds trust, enhances relationships, and creates a motivated and engaged workforce.  
2. Employee Satisfaction Fuels Customer Loyalty: There is a strong correlation between happy employees and happy customers. Investing in employee well-being and psychological safety leads to better customer experiences and, ultimately, better business outcomes.  
3. Compassion Is a Strategic Advantage: Compassionate leadership fosters a culture of trust and collaboration, which improves team performance, strengthens brand perception, and supports long-term profitability.

Key Moments:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:14 Understanding Empathy at Work
02:28 The ECA Model: Empathy, Care, Action
06:35 Importance of Action in Empathy
08:25 Customer Feedback and Business Success
13:14 Challenges and Benefits of Compassionate Leadership
19:22 Inspiration and Final Thoughts

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa sits down with Sandra Possing, coach and digital nomad, to explore what it takes to thrive by embracing risk and rejecting the conventional 9-to-5. Sandra shares her personal journey of redefining success, ditching the need for perfection, and leaning into failure as a path to growth. Together, they discuss why risk-taking can be a superpower, how to overcome analysis paralysis, and ways to create a career that aligns with who you really are. Whether you're looking to break free from the mold or just curious about what life outside the "safe" path looks like, this episode will inspire you to think bigger, take action, and maybe even redefine success for yourself.

Key Takeaways:

• Failure Fuels Growth: Taking imperfect action often reveals valuable insights faster than playing it safe.
• Redefine Success on Your Terms: Success isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s about building a life that aligns with your values.
• Move Past Overthinking: Action is the antidote to analysis paralysis—taking steps forward builds clarity and confidence.

Key Moments:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:14 Sandra's Journey to Becoming a Digital Nomad
03:13 Challenges of Leaving Traditional Work
05:55 Embracing Action and Overcoming Perfectionism
12:21 Living Authentically from the Inside Out
17:52 Finding and Honoring Your Passions
21:00 Spotlight on Inspirational Women
23:51 Conclusion and Where to Find Sandra

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It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this Taking Back Monday episode, Alyssa Nolte talks with Dionne Mejer about what it means to sell with integrity in the modern workplace. Dionne introduces her "Sales with Soul" methodology, which prioritizes building real connections and leaving behind the "numbers at all costs" mindset. Alyssa and Dionne dive into the friction that often arises between sales and customer success teams, emphasizing the need for alignment and shared goals across departments. They discuss the importance of leadership, setting a clear vision, and fostering resilience in a fast-changing business world.

Tune in to hear their honest take on creating a people-centered approach to sales, staying adaptable, and making Mondays something to look forward to. Whether you're in sales or any customer-facing role, this episode will challenge you to think about how you bring purpose and humanity into your work.

Key Takeaways:

• Sales Should Be Human-to-Human, Not Just Business-to-Business: Dionne’s “Sales with Soul” approach highlights the need to build real connections with customers, balancing profitability with humanity. It’s about meaningful relationships rather than just pushing numbers.
• Alignment Across Teams Prevents Tension: Sales and customer success often clash due to misaligned goals. A shared vision, starting with leadership, can bridge this gap and ensure that both teams work toward sustainable customer success instead of short-term wins.
• Adaptability and Resilience Are Essential: In today’s business world, adaptability isn’t optional. Alyssa and Dionne underscore that staying open to feedback, refining approaches, and fostering resilience are key to thriving in any customer-facing role.

Key Moments:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:14 Introducing Sales with Soul
01:10 Challenges in Sales and Customer Success
02:01 Balancing Sales Goals and Human Approach
06:09 Leadership and Creating a Positive Environment
11:57 Personal Stories and Overcoming Challenges
19:42 Origin of Sales with Soul
22:05 Conclusion and Contact Information

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Jason Yarusi, creator of the Live 100 program, to dig deep into the journey of self-discovery and transformation. Jason shares his story of overcoming personal struggles and tragedies, hitting rock bottom, and ultimately finding purpose through small, intentional changes. They discuss the power of breaking unproductive habits, gamifying tasks, and building momentum toward a life you actually want to live. Alyssa and Jason also touch on the importance of self-awareness, setting meaningful goals, and redefining success in both personal and professional life. If you've ever felt stuck or struggled with the Monday blues, this conversation is full of insights and strategies to help you find fulfillment every day of the week. Tune in for an inspiring look at what it really means to "take back Monday" and live with purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• Small Changes, Big Impact: Jason highlights how making small, consistent changes can transform your life over time. Success doesn’t come from one giant leap but from steady progress.
• Define Your Own Success: Rather than measuring success by someone else’s standards, Jason encourages setting goals based on what genuinely fulfills you, not what society deems successful.
• Self-Awareness as a Superpower: Understanding your reactions, habits, and triggers is key to growth. Self-awareness allows you to pivot from unproductive habits and align your actions with who you want to become.

Key Moments:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:28 Jason's Background and Struggles
02:05 Turning Point: The Accident
03:10 Small Changes, Big Impact
03:33 Building Momentum and Success
04:09 The Live 100 Program
05:07 Small Steps for Greater Success
10:31 Measuring Success and Staying Disciplined
14:23 Self-Awareness and Leadership
18:23 Traits of Successful People
22:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod