THE POWER OF REINVENTION with Kathi Sharpe-Ross

Sometimes the most powerful Reinventions don’t start with a plan, but with two people realizing their different strengths belong in the same story.

In this episode, I chat with the wonderful Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores, the dynamic co-authors of the sizzling debut novel Happy Wife. Happy Wife has captured national attention as a "Read with Jenna Book Club Pick," a SheReads Must-Read, and a Paste.com Most Anticipated Thriller. The novel has earned widespread praise, including Jenna Bush Hager’s “delicious, fun summer book” endorsement, along with acclaim from Booklist and Red Carpet Crash.

But before their success, Meredith spent decades shaping stories in Hollywood, show running The Flight Attendant and developing new series with Netflix, Showtime and Paramount+, while Kendall built her career in communications, beginning with grant writing at the Orlando Science Center before moving into strategy roles at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Mailchimp.

Their journeys took a turn when Kendall turned 40 and chose to stop telling herself the story that she couldn’t write a novel, just as Meredith was navigating the writers’ strike and searching for a new creative outlet beyond television.

Together, they represent two sides of the same coin, and show what happens when you put different strengths together. As two working moms, they blended carpools with Zooms, powered through their first draft in a single summer with a fail-fast mentality, and showed that momentum outweighs perfection. More than anything, it’s about the courage to say your dream out loud, the power of creating with others, and the reminder that reinvention is possible—and exhilarating—at any stage of life.

Key Takeaways 

• Embrace a fail fast mentality - experiment quickly, learn, and keep moving forward.

• It’s okay not to grind at the desk every day - sometimes the best creativity comes from stepping away, sitting on the couch, or just taking a breather.

• Saying your dream out loud invites accountability and energy - when others hear it, they often help you bring it to life.

• When your hobby becomes your job - build new rituals and outlets so your passion doesn’t get lost in deadlines.

• Confidence often comes after action - momentum builds belief faster than waiting to “feel ready.”

Link to their book: https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Wife-Novel-Meredith-Lavender/dp/0593974379https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/771523/happy-wife-a-read-with-jenna-pick-by-meredith-lavender-and-kendall-shores/

Learn More about the Authors: https://www.meredithandkendall.com/

Kathi Sharpe-Ross and all things RE:INVENTION:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross    

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReinventionExch

THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE - for more Inspired Content, Blogs, Podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit https://www.thereinventionexchange.com

Shiv Singh grew up writing fiction in India, Hong Kong and Dubai, before he ever dreamed of shaping brands like PepsiCo or Visa.

That early relationship with language, art, and culture became the backbone of how he now leads in a world being rewritten by AI.

In this wonderful episode of THE POWER OF RE:INVENTION, I speak with Shiv about his career pivots, cultural values, and the humanity behind modern marketing.

We talk about how AI is reshaping everything, from brand voice to business ethics, and why legacy is no longer just about what you build, but how you build it.

Shiv shares reflections on his father’s advice, his early years in advertising, and the moment he realized that storytelling is strategic, necessary, and deeply personal.

Whether you are a CMO, a parent learning how to connect with your young ones in this new world of AI, a founder, or someone navigating your next chapter, this conversation will challenge the way you think about innovation, leadership, and the responsibility that comes with both.

• Poetry and marketing are more alike than we think. Both are about clarity, emotion, and impact
  

• AI is a leadership issue, not just a tech trend. It forces us to ask what kind of world we are building
  

• Your values will show up in your marketing whether you plan it or not
  

• Legacy is created not through titles, but through moments of truth
  

• The best leaders listen more than they speak, and treat culture as strategy
  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivsingh/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/shivsingh/?hl=en

X(Twitter): https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivsingh/

Link to his book: https://www.amazon.com/Marketing-Dummies-Business-Personal-Finance/dp/1394237197/

Shiv’s Website: https://www.savvymatters.com/

THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE - for more Inspired Content, Blogs, Podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.thereinventionexchange.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross    

X: https://twitter.com/ReinventionExch

Maria Weaver has led massive teams, shaped culture across media giants, and built brands at the highest level. But her latest chapter might be the most intentional of all.

In this episode of THE POWER OF RE:INVENTION, I talk with Maria about her journey from acting as a child in New York City to rising through the ranks at HBO, Comcast, and Warner Music Experience. We discuss the decision to step away from corporate life to raise her daughters, the challenges of re-entry, and the many ways she Reinvented along the way.

Maria shares how a quiet passion—handmaking gemstone bracelets for herself and loved ones—evolved into XO Maria Louise, a jewelry brand built on story, spirituality, and self-belief. She explains how she used every tool from her marketing and leadership career to build a business with heart, intention, and structure.

If you’ve ever felt the tug to create something that’s yours, Maria’s story offers the blueprint—and the nudge to start.

Key Takeaways:

• A creative pivot can begin long before it becomes public
  Resilience is a superpower, especially in times of transition
  
• You don’t have to choose between impact and intuition
  
• Building something personal can be your most meaningful work
  
• Side hustles deserve real strategy and heart
  Your next Reinvention might already be with you—you just haven’t launched it yet
  

Explore XO Maria Louise

https://xomarialouise.com/

Follow Maria

Instagram (brand): https://www.instagram.com/xomarialouise/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msmariaweaver/

For more inspired content, blogs, podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE: https://www.thereinventionexchange.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross

Amazon Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/REINVENT-YOUR-LIFE-WHAT-WAITING/dp/1733393005

If you can’t clearly and confidently explain who you are and what you do in 30 seconds, you’re not alone… but it’s costing you.

We all speak every day. But few of us know how to truly communicate in a way that inspires action.

In Episode 150 of THE POWER OF RE:INVENTION (yes, 150!), I’m joined by Shelley Goldstein, known as The Coach Whisperer, who shares what it really takes to embody your messaging and stop shrinking in rooms where you belong.

Shelley has worked with thousands of professionals across five continents. Her #1 international bestselling book, Remarkable Speaking: A Framework to Embody Your Voice and Your Vision, is for anyone who wants to show up with more presence.

In this episode, Shelley breaks down:

• The hidden impact of labels like “introvert” or “imposter”

• How to reframe fear when you’re stepping into something new

• Why storytelling is still your greatest communication tool

• Her signature “sprint method” to unlock clarity in minutes

We first crossed paths at Ringling Brothers, Shelley was designing, I was handling PR. Even then, she had that rare blend of presence and purpose. Today, she teaches others how to find it in themselves.

If you’ve ever wanted your words to reflect your value, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

• You do not need to be a professional speaker to speak with power
  

• Personal storytelling builds connection and credibility
  

• Labels like introvert, extrovert, or job title often limit our potential
  

• Reframing how you think about speaking is the first step to growth
  

• Effective communication is about essence, not perfection
  

• Confidence comes from clarity, repetition and self-ownership
  

• Everyone deserves to be heard, not just the loudest voice in the room

Explore Remarkable Speaking www.remarkablespeaking.com

Follow Shelley LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shelleygoldstein

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@remarkablespeaking

Book (Amazon): https://a.co/d/5eocSAo

For more inspired content, blogs, podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE: https://www.thereinventionexchange.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross

Amazon Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/REINVENT-YOUR-LIFE-WHAT-WAITING/dp/1733393005

What if the version of YOU you’re aiming for doesn’t speak your language yet?

Who will you be that you’re currently not, to be able to yield the result you’re looking for - the “beingness?”

Beth Handel, executive life coach, former co-founder of Handel Group, and the coach leaders call when they’re ready to shift for real, has the answers and we go deep into the conversation in this episode of THE POWER OF REINVENTION.  

Beth has worked with major corporate C-Suite teams (I call her the “Wendy from Billions”) and coached such business luminaries like Gary Vaynerchuk/Vayner Media, Live Nation, NFL players - Justin Pugh and Nolan Carroll, and thousands of executives and creatives ready to rethink how they lead, live, and grow.

She shares her “six-week mirror” method for Reinvention, tracking where you’re not showing up as the person you say you want to be. We explore how logging negative thoughts changes your internal script, what makes performance coaching different from therapy, and why most people avoid the work of change.

Beth reflects on the influence of Dr. Joe Dispenza’s work on reprogramming thought patterns, and reveals how our inner voice often holds more sway than we realize.

Beth also opens up about her own recent Reinvention leaving New York at 65 and building a brand-new life in Los Angeles. From mindset to leadership to redefining what’s next, this episode is packed with real tools and truth.

Key Takeaways

• Your future depends on who you’re becoming
  

• Reinvention starts by noticing where you're not that person yet
  

• Logging your inner voice is the first step to rewriting it
  

• Coaching works best when you're ready to be honest
  

• Culture change begins with leadership, not HR
  

• There’s no expiration date on choosing something new

Resources & Links

Work with Beth or reach out:Email: [email protected]

Connect with Beth online:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-handel-9715795/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethhandel_coach

For more inspired content, blogs, podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE:https://www.thereinventionexchange.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross

Amazon Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/REINVENT-YOUR-LIFE-WHAT-WAITING/dp/1733393005

🧠 Summary

Love shows up in many forms. Sometimes, it’s a plate of food shared across generations.

In this episode of THE POWER OF RE:INVENTION, I connect with my dear friend Palak Patel, an award-winning chef, best-selling author, and purpose-driven advocate for sustainable food systems. Palak’s journey began in a multi-generational home in India where food was family, identity, and joy.

Her path took detours through pre-med, corporate marketing, and the startup world. But the quiet nudge of passion never went away. She shares the bold decision to go to culinary school at 31, self-funding her dream despite doubt and risk. Her Reinvention is rich with flavor, culture, and conviction—from launching her cookbook Food Is Love to addressing food waste with empathy and action.

This episode is a reminder that your purpose may already be within you. Sometimes, it just needs time and courage to rise.

Key Take Aways:

• Your five-year-old self might already know your purpose

• Food is a language of love, memory, and culture

• Reinvention isn’t linear, but it is always possible

• You can honor tradition and still make bold pivots

• Betting on yourself is a powerful decision

• Passion can turn into impact when you listen and act

Explore Palak’s story and recipes on her official site: https://www.chefpalakpatel.com

Follow Palak on Instagram for plant-based cooking and storytelling: https://www.instagram.com/chefpalak

Connect with Palak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/palak-p-15a0462/

Order Food Is Love by Palak Patel on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Food-Love-Plant-Based-Indian-Inspired-Connection/dp/0063320649

For more inspired content, blogs, podcasts,

RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book

RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? visit

THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE: https://www.thereinventionexchange.com

Resources & LinksIG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross

Amazon Link to Book: https://www.amazon.com/REINVENT-YOUR-LIFE-WHAT-WAITING/dp/1733393005

In Episode 146 of THE POWER OF RE:INVENTION, I connect with global changemaker, nonprofit leader, and author Neil Ghosh to explore a kind of meaningful Reinvention that’s rooted in empathy, reflection and intentional impact.

Neil opens up about his personal journey—from childhood dreams of becoming a doctor to building a purpose-driven career across government, business and global philanthropy. His encounters with the Dalai Lama, President Clinton and others have influenced him along the way.  We explore the pivots, pauses, and personal revelations that shaped his path, and how choosing to do good—on any scale—requires both courage and consistency.

This conversation also explores the ideas behind Neil’s upcoming book, Do More Good, which gathers life lessons and stories from extraordinary individuals he’s encountered throughout his journey. His message is clear: making a difference doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It can start small, and it can start now.

Together, we unpack what it means to lead with empathy, how to stay grounded in a noisy world, and why Reinvention often begins not with a plan, but with one intentional act.

Key Takeaways:

• Reinvention starts with reflection. The most powerful changes often come from quiet personal insight.
  

• Small, intentional acts can ripple outward. Doing good doesn’t require a platform—just presence.
  

• Mentorship is a form of legacy. Giving your time and attention can change someone’s direction—and yours.
  

• Empathy is a practice, not a trait. Especially in divided times, it becomes an anchor for impact.
  

• Purpose and sustainability can coexist. Nonprofit work doesn’t mean sacrificing structure or strategy.

  
  

Connect with Neil Official Site: www.neilghosh.org

Neil’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilghosh1/

Get your copy of his book Do More Good on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Do-More-Good-Inspiring-Extraordinary/dp/B0DJZFG75Z

Amazing Huffington Post Article by Neil from Over 9 Years Ago! (Still Incredibly Relevant Today) https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-is-the-secret-of-ame_b_10812956

THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE - for more Inspired Content, Blogs, Podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit https://www.thereinventionexchange.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross    

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReinventionExch

Ever wonder what it really takes to build a globally acclaimed dance company from the ground up?

In Episode 146 of THE POWER OF RE:INVENTION, we step into the rhythm of Reinvention with two incredible creative forces: Tina Finkelman Berkett, founding Artistic Director of BODYTRAFFIC, and Trey McIntyre, choreographer, filmmaker, and Creative Partner at the company. This conversation doesn’t just hit the beats—it leaps, spins, and lands right at the heart of what it means to build something that moves people.

Tina opens up about her early love for both numbers and movement—how studying math at Barnard shaped her sharp mind, and how performing with Mikhail Baryshnikov lit a fire that led to BODYTRAFFIC’s creation. One moment on a New York subway with her dad helped her choose to build something bold. That choice changed everything.

Trey shares stories from his early days as a visionary choreographer, creating his first professional works while still a teenager. He talks about what drives his art, how he brings clarity to others' visions, and how dance offers a unique way to bring emotion and truth into the world.

We go deep into what it takes to run a company, create lasting impact, and move audiences in every sense of the word.

We talk Buddy Holly. We talk identity. We talk about dancers who carry stories in their bodies and bring them to life on stage. We even explore what it's like to watch your own work unfold in real time, surrounded by people who feel every beat.

If you're looking for inspiration, creative insight, and an unforgettable conversation about passion, purpose, and movement—this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Your story can be your structure. Tina merged the precision of math with the power of performance to create something original.
  

• Start before the rules find you. Trey carved his own lane by creating boldly and early, with no gatekeepers.
  

• Art is leadership. Building a dance company means showing up with clarity, energy, and deep trust in the process.
  

• Movement holds memory. Every BODYTRAFFIC performance carries emotional layers, cultural rhythms, and lived experience.
  

• Support shapes vision. Behind every leap is the grind—grants, teams, contracts, rehearsal, community.
  

• Collaboration is rhythm. From choreographer to dancer to audience, great work pulses through connection.
  Catch BODYTRAFFIC in action on June 5 at the Avalon Theater in Los Angeles. Featuring new works by Trey McIntyre, Joan Rodriguez, and Jordan Santiago—including Mayday, a bold and breathtaking piece set to the music of Buddy Holly.

 Get tickets now at bodytraffic.com

Tina’s Bio: https://www.bodytraffic.com/company/leadership

Trey’s Website: https://treycool.com/

THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE - for more Inspired Content, Blogs, Podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit https://www.thereinventionexchange.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross    

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReinventionExch

DM me if you’re curious about BODYTRAFFIC or want to attend the show—I just might have a few surprise tickets left!

What if we’re only in the lightbulb stage of AI—and the real disruption is still ahead?

In this episode of THE POWER OF RE:INVENTION, I welcome Jack Myers, a visionary media ecologist, author, and leadership strategist who has spent decades at the forefront of media transformation. With experience at CBS-TV, ABC Radio, and as the founder of The Myers Report and MediaVillage Education Foundation, Jack brings a rare perspective on how industries evolve—and what it takes to lead through change.

This conversation dives deep into Jack’s newest book, The Tao of Leadership: Harmonizing Technological Innovation and Human Creativity in the AI Era, and his powerful belief that we are just scratching the surface of what AI will mean for our industries, culture, and creativity. As Jack puts it, we’re not even in the internet age of AI—we’re still in the lightbulb stage. The implications for media, storytelling, and leadership are just beginning to unfold.

We explore the urgent need for leaders who prioritize the human side of innovation—empathy, ethics, and emotional intelligence—and why creativity, not just efficiency or data, must lead the charge. Jack also shares insights on how AI is rapidly accelerating the decline of legacy media, and what it will take for the next generation to rise, adapt, and thrive in a completely transformed landscape.

And one of the most powerful reminders from this episode? It’s not about what happened in the past—it’s about what we do right now.

Whether you're a media veteran, a future-focused creative, or just trying to understand how AI will impact your world, this episode is packed with foresight, inspiration, and a call to action for anyone ready to Reinvent with purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• We’re still in the “lightbulb moment” of AI—what’s coming will reshape industries in ways we can’t fully imagine yet.

• True leadership in the AI era will depend on our ability to balance innovation with humanity.
  

• Creativity and empathy must guide our response to data-driven disruption.
  

• The future of media and storytelling belongs to those who embrace change, empower others, and reinvent boldly.

  
  

Jacks Personal Website: www.jackmyers.com

Order Now: Amazon and all booksellers

THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE

For more Inspired Content, Blogs, Podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit ⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.thereinventionexchange.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross    
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReinventionExch

In this episode, I'm joined by the brilliant and boundary-breaking Juel D. Lane—choreographer, dancer, director, and creative visionary. We had the pleasure of meeting through the incredible dance company I'm on the board of, BODYTRAFFIC.

From performing in Jesus Christ Superstar Live and Amazon’s Harlem, to creating original works for BODYTRAFFIC, Ailey II, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Atlanta Ballet, and beyond, Juel has carved out a space in the dance world that’s entirely his own.

But behind the accolades is a story of deep self-discovery, doubt, and fearless creativity. In this candid conversation, Juel opens up about his journey from a young boy obsessed with movement to becoming a nationally celebrated artist and choreographic leader. He talks about the internal battles with imposter syndrome, the power of social media as a modern-day stage, and how finding the right community has helped him thrive, grow, and continually Reinvent himself.

Now serving as the Director of the Choreographic Institute at UNC School of the Arts, Juel reflects on the lessons he's learned—about risk-taking, vulnerability, identity, and the discipline of creativity. Whether you're an artist, a dreamer, or someone navigating your own next chapter, Juel’s story will inspire you to own your narrative, trust your talent, and keep dancing forward—even when you're unsure of the next step.