The Growth Invitation

Alexis was my very first guest of Season 2 — so bringing her back for the finale felt like the only way to close this chapter.

We talk about what can change in 14 months when you keep showing up… even when it’s messy, uncertain, and you’re not sure you’ll make it out of the valley.

In this episode:

• Alexis shares how surrender became the turning point

• We unpack the pressure of being “the responsible one” (and what it blocks)

• We explore being seen as an act of contribution — not ego

• We share what we’re leaving behind… and what we’re calling in for 2026

• My 2026 word: impact (not virality — impact)

If you’re in a season where you’re borrowing belief, holding on by a thread, or rebuilding self-trust… this one is for you.

✨ Question to sit with: What are you ready to stop carrying into 2026?

The holidays are meant to feel joyful, warm and connected…Yet for so many women, this season can come with a lot of grief, emotional weight, pressure, and quiet overwhelm beneath the surface.In this episode of The Growth Invitation, I sit down with Jessica Rockstar Thompson for a deeply honest conversation about what the holiday season really brings up — from missing loved ones and lost traditions, to the invisible pressure to “hold it all together”.We explore:– Why the holidays can feel heavy even when life looks “fine”– Seasonal emotional shifts and grief– The pressure of expectations and perfection– Letting go of old traditions and creating new ones– Giving yourself grace instead of forcing celebration– Why connection matters more than performanceThis episode is for you if you’ve ever felt:– Low during a time you “should” feel happy– Guilty for not feeling festive– Emotionally disconnected during the holidays– Or quietly overwhelmed by expectationsYou’re not broken. You’re not behind.You’re human — and you’re not alone in this.If this episode resonates, we'd love to hear your reflections in the comments!

In this episode of The Growth Invitation, we dive into a topic almost every high-achieving woman struggles with — self-sabotage, fear of success, and the subtle ways we play small without realising it.

I’m joined by the incredible Phaedra La Reine, a Dutch happiness coach, author, and transformational trainer who helps women break old patterns and reclaim their happiness.

Together, we explore:• Why women self-sabotage even when life looks “good”• The real fear behind fear of success• How playing small becomes a survival pattern• Why we cling to success and then watch it slip• The exhaustion of constantly “getting back up”• How to recognise when you're holding yourself back• What it truly means to play full out

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re meant for more but something keeps pulling you back — this conversation will feel like a mirror and a breakthrough at the same time.

Share your biggest insight with us — we’d love to hear what resonated most!

In this episode of The Growth Invitation, I’m joined by artist and creator Mingxi for an honest and deeply reflective conversation about what it truly means to reconnect with yourself after a period of emotional pain, conditioning, and identity loss.

We explore:

✨ the importance of validating your own feelings

✨ how anger, resentment, and cultural conditioning can block your inner freedom

✨ rebuilding self-trust and finding peace after emotional upheaval

✨ the feminine–masculine imbalance many women experience

✨ what long-lasting happiness feels like beneath instant gratification

✨ the slow, non-linear journey of returning to your true essence

If you’ve been feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure of who you are becoming, this conversation offers warmth, perspective, and possibility.

About Mingxi Zhang:Mingxi Zhang is an artist and creative soul currently exploring the power of inner union — the harmony between her inner feminine and masculine energies. Her work is a living inquiry into what it means to create from the soul rather than ambition, and to allow art, storytelling, and life itself to unfold as one. Through her evolving creative practice, Mingxi invites others into deeper presence, peace, and authenticity.

Follow her on IG: @mingxizhang

What do you do when life throws you a curveball — or several?In this inspiring conversation, Janette Wong sits down with Maria Bradfield, a High-Performance and Transformational Coach, 3x bestselling author, and two-time breast-cancer survivor, to talk about how to navigate life when everything gets turned upside down.Together, they explore:✨ The real meaning of resilience — and why awareness is the first step to freedom✨ How to break free from old programming and negative thought loops✨ The mindset practices that help you reset — even in chaos✨ The power of community and asking for help✨ Why everything you do (and feel) is ultimately a choice🎙️ Maria’s quote that will stay with you:“Everything we do is a choice. I choose joy. I choose to reset. I choose to show up for myself and others.”Whether you’re facing change, uncertainty, or burnout, this episode will remind you that you are stronger than your circumstances — and that clarity and peace are always possible.About Maria Bradfield: Certified High Performance Coach, Lisa Nichols Certified Transformational Life Coach, Certified Law of Attraction Coach and Certified John Maxwell Speaker, Coach and Trainer. And still the best Abue (grandmother). Maria doesn’t just coach — she shakes things up. A two-time breast cancer survivor, three-time best-selling author, and TEDx speaker with a laugh that fills a room, Maria brings bold truth and deep heart to every space she enters.She's not here for fluff. She's here for real change.For women stuck in self-doubt. For professionals feeling lost in the grind. For anyone ready to rewrite their story with clarity, courage, and joy.Known as “Crazy Coach Maria” for her no-BS love and contagious energy, she leads with empathy, tough love, and unshakable belief in your potential. Through her podcast, “Motivational Moments with Maria,” and her transformational programs, she’s helped thousands reclaim their voice and own their power.When she’s not leading a room full of dreamers and doers, you’ll find her pouring love into her family, dancing in the kitchen, or pushing for change in breast cancer awareness through the non-profit she co-founded.Her motto?“Stay focused, stay positive, and always have fun.”Because healing, growth, and transformation don’t have to be boring.Connect with Maria on IG:  @mariabradfield ​

What happens when the pressure to be everything to everyone leaves you feeling empty?In this episode of The Growth Invitation, Janette speaks with Leslie Lattimore-Lorfils — Army veteran, mother of 12, and founder of Girl Organize That Life. Together they unpack the silent burden of expectations: from the military, from family, from society, and from ourselves.Leslie shares the turning point that forced her to set boundaries, realign her priorities, and create her framework for helping women “pivot with poise despite the noise.” The conversation touches on:💎Why unmet expectations often equal disappointment💎The practice of emotional honesty and self-awareness💎How to know when it’s time to let go of labels and lighten your loadIf you’ve ever felt crushed by other people’s expectations — or your own — this episode will help you pause, reset, and choose a different way forward.About Leslie:Leslie Latimore-Lorfils is a transformational powerhouse—retired senior combat veteran (Army Officer), TEDx speaker, Lisa Nichols–certified transformational trainer, and devoted mother of 12. As the visionary founder of Girl Organize That Life and HealthyMe2Be Wellness & Beauty Haven, she empowers high-achieving women to organise their lives and their health—cultivating mindset, structure, and soul-deep wellness. A 4x best-selling author and creator of the Get Going Girl Summit, Leslie’s signature G.P.S. framework helps women pivot with poise, prioritise their purpose, and scale with intention. She doesn’t just inspire—she activates lasting transformation in mind, body, and spirit.

✨ What if manifestation isn’t about attracting something outside of you… but about finding the missing piece within yourself?

In this episode of The Growth Invitation, Janette speaks with manifestation coach Julia Michasiewicz about the hidden link between authenticity and manifestation. Julia shares her journey from overachieving and burnout to surrender, flow, and a life that actually feels alive. Together, they explore why joy and self-connection are the real keys to abundance — and how success transforms when you finally choose you.

👤 Connect with JuliaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliamichasiewicz/

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🎙️ About The Growth InvitationHosted by Clarity & Transformation Coach Janette Wong, The Growth Invitation brings you powerful stories from women worldwide who turned challenges into growth. Each episode is an invitation to step into your next chapter with clarity, confidence, and courage.

✨ What if the very thing that makes you successful is also what leaves you burnt out?

In this episode, I spoke with Dr Keiko Izushi as she shares her story of over-giving, brain fog, and the turning point that forced her to redefine balance. After decades of service across 70+ countries, Keiko created Harum Sari Retreat in Bali, a sanctuary for healing and inner peace. Join us for our conversation as she reveals why true success can’t come at the cost of your health — and what balance really looks like in a world that glorifies busy. About Keiko:Dr. Keiko Izushi is a two-time TEDx speaker, international best-selling author, clinical hypnotherapist, and Rapid Transformative Coach. With over 25 years of service at the United Nations World Food Programme, she played a pivotal role in advancing global peace and combating hunger.Keiko holds a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics and an MBA, and her career has taken her across Afghanistan, Indonesia, and Rome, Italy. She was later awarded an honorary doctorate in Management.Fluent in five languages and having travelled to more than 70 countries, Keiko has gained a truly global perspective. In 2018, an encounter with motivational speaker Lisa Nichols inspired her to translate her UN experiences into TEDx talks, books, and the creation of Harum Sari Retreat in Bali—a sanctuary for healing and inner peace.Her recent best-selling book Against All Odds includes her chapter Cry of the Voiceless: Finding Light in the Darkest Corners of the World (2024), dedicated to colleagues who gave their lives in service. In it, she honours their resilience while sharing powerful stories from war-torn regions such as Afghanistan and Cambodia.Discover more about Keiko’s transformative work at izushikeiko.com and harumsariretreat.com.

Last winter, Kate Capelli did something most people only dream of — she walked away from security to follow her deepest value: Freedom.If you’ve ever caught yourself wondering “What if I just drop everything and go?”, Kate’s story shows what it really takes.She left a stable role as a Business Support Manager, stepped down as CEO of one of the UK’s largest women’s adventure companies, and bought a one-way ticket to Thailand.Her goal? To find out if a life of pure freedom was truly possible.Kate’s no stranger to adventure — she spent 6 years travelling the globe, built a thriving business entirely through social media, and now works remotely as a Business Growth Coach for coaches in health, wealth, and relationships.In this conversation, we explore the moments that led to her leap, the challenges she faced in building a business abroad, and what she’s learned about creating freedom from the inside out.We talk about:💬 Letting go of titles and security to live in alignment💬 Building a business you can run from anywhere in the world💬 The unexpected realities of living your dream💬 Why freedom is an ongoing practice, not just a destinationIf you’ve ever wondered what it might take to live life entirely on your own terms, Kate’s story is proof that bold choices can lead to extraordinary possibilities.Connect with Kate on IG: @katecapellicoachConnect with Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-capelli/

What’s the real cost of pushing through when your body is starting to react negatively?In this powerful TGI episode (S2 Ep 20), I sat down with energy practitioner Meredith Ruben Daniels to explore the hidden layers of burnout — the kind that doesn’t just exhaust you, but disconnects you from who you truly are.We talked about:✨ How burnout shows up (even when life looks ‘successful’)✨ The emotional weight of being “on” all the time✨ What energy alignment really means — and why it matters✨ Meredith’s personal story of burning out and rebuilding with purpose✨ Simple energetic hacks to regulate your nervous system and reconnect✨ A beautiful ‘Bubble of Peace’ meditation you can use anytimeIf you’ve ever felt drained, stuck, or like you’re living a life that no longer fits… this one’s for you.🎧 Tune in now and start coming back to yourself.