The Route to Success

Sarah Jackal, founder of the national nonprofit, Democrashe, shares how being told she'd never work again after a chronic illness diagnosis led her to study brain science and resilience, eventually building tools like the "inner best friend" and "inner champion." She discusses how these tools carried her into national political leadership roles and now power her program, which operates in 42 states equipping high school girls with resilience skills and civic engagement training.

Link to Democrashe’s website: https://www.democrashe.org/ 

Show Notes:

00:00 - Introduction to the episode's theme: resilience, identity, and turning adversity into impact

00:15 - Guest intro: Sarah Jackal's 2014 chronic illness diagnosis and founding of Democrashe, active in 42 states

01:06 - Sarah Jackal welcomed to the show

01:25 - Sarah recounts the moment she was told she'd never work again as a social worker

02:19 - Living on the couch for two and a half years and realizing she could control how she showed up

02:54 - Turning to studying the brain and resiliency during her recovery

03:47 - Question: what skills and brain rewiring emerged from that period

04:05 - Explaining the prefrontal cortex vs. the amygdala and fight/flight/freeze responses

05:04 - How the amygdala responds to somatic, grounding language rather than logic

05:37 - Studying Dr. Kristin Neff's self-compassion work and acceptance commitment therapy

05:49 - The "grounding with mother earth" technique explained

06:14 - Introducing the "inner best friend" and "inner champion" tools

06:39 - Barack Obama and her dog Max as her original inner best friends

07:37 - Host connects the concept to her own meditation and gardening routine as grounding practices

08:22 - Host shares her struggle with a harsh inner critic

09:04 - Sarah explains why the inner critic is trying to help, and the "Thank You Brain" technique

10:16 - More on choosing figures for your inner best friend (Michelle Obama, Wonder Woman, Taylor Swift)

11:12 - Explaining the "inner champion" figures like Stacey Abrams, Megan Rapinoe, and Jeannette Rankin

13:00 - Question: how resilience tools helped her step into national political leadership

13:34 - Breaking tasks into tiny steps, like "just get in the car," to overcome overwhelm

14:17 - Becoming national outreach director for Field Team Six and get-out-the-vote director for California NOW

14:53 - Learning to shift "no" into "yes" despite being told she'd never work again

16:08 - Host shares her own health challenges and the power of taking one small step at a time

18:04 - The research-backed importance of celebrating small steps to reinforce progress

18:53 - Using a pet as a stand-in to help celebrate yourself when self-celebration feels hard

20:56 - Dogs and cats as some of the most profound "inner best friends," including on Zoom calls with Democrashe participants

21:34 - Introducing Democrashe: teaching resilience and civics to high school girls

22:00 - Why high school is the last time boys and girls believe equally they can run for office

22:11 - Imposter syndrome and the gender gap in seeing oneself as a candidate

22:34 - Statistics on harassment faced by women candidates and current congressional representation

23:45 - The overwhelm and exhaustion facing today's teens, and hyperarousal vs. hypoarousal

25:09 - Host shares her own experience with workplace gender pushback

26:04 - Why women's voices are needed at every table, from policy to science

27:18 - The crash-test dummy example of how excluding women from research costs lives

28:04 - The peer-led model of Democrashe and letting girls run their own workshops

29:07 - The "prepare, love, let go, learn" motto and "you can't do it wrong"

30:29 - How listeners can find and apply to Democrashe programs via democrashe.org

31:05 - Explanation of the 10-week flagship program, one-day intensives, and free self-directed program

31:35 - Girls are paid a stipend to remove financial barriers to participation

32:09 - Donation options explained and how funding levels support different program elements

33:59 - Host adds her nonprofit expertise to frame the return on investment of donations

36:04 - Closing thoughts: resilience as a muscle you build, and where to find Democrashe

36:58 - Sign-off and call to like, share, and subscribe

Summary

Erin Treacy — former TV producer, nonprofit leader, and restaurant owner — shares how a decade of high-performance leadership led to a physical breakdown from compressed spinal discs and full-blown burnout. She and the host unpack how burnout actually shows up in the body and mind, why people miss the warning signs, and how to rebuild identity, leadership style, and support systems after being forced to stop.

Erin’s Website: https://erintreacycoaching.com/ 

SEO Description

Erin Treacy opens up about burnout, leadership, and rebuilding after her body forced her to stop, sharing real signs of burnout and practical recovery steps.

Show Notes:

00:00 - Intro: welcoming guest Erin Treacy and previewing a deeper episode on burnout and rebuilding

01:01 - Erin Treacy officially welcomed to the show

01:33 - The big question: Erin's non-linear career from TV journalism to nonprofits to restaurants

03:13 - How leadership skills transferred across industries as a "human juggler"

03:28 - Opening the family restaurant and teaching teenage kids workplace leadership

05:04 - Why we expect leadership but never actually teach it

06:05 - Leading on your bad days and showing up as human with your team

09:01 - A staff mental health conversation sparked by Sara's own vulnerability

10:05 - Transitioning into the topic of burnout and why it's overused as a buzzword

11:01 - Erin's early physical burnout signs: constant pain, Tylenol, ibuprofen, lidocaine patches

13:24 - The moment Erin's leg went numb on the cook line

14:20 - Diagnosis: compressed discs (L4, L5, S1) cutting off nerve signals

15:31 - Her husband's warning that her pace was unsustainable

16:31 - Deciding to close the restaurants and the physical "sign to stop"

16:48 - Hearing another speaker's burnout story at a conference and recognizing herself in it

19:31 - Sara shares her own burnout experience and the seven areas of health

20:35 - Discussion on doctors dismissing symptoms and defaulting to "it's just stress"

23:57 - Why people can't hear burnout warnings until they're ready

26:07 - Her husband's gentle repeated nudges before she could finally listen

27:12 - Three to five signs someone is approaching burnout

29:42 - Burnout compared to addiction and pushing loved ones away

31:01 - What Erin learned about over-helping and the cost of "I'll just do it myself"

34:00 - The laundry-folding story: letting go of control and the "art of good enough"

38:16 - Introducing "people first" leadership versus servant leadership

40:20 - The restaurant "swap day" cross-training story and its impact on culture

45:41 - Rebuilding a support system after burnout and pushing back into community

47:38 - Finding activities, hiking without cell service, and saying yes to discomfort

53:00 - Practical small steps: starting conversations at the grocery store and coffee shop

57:28 - Rebuilding circles slowly and referencing the book "Rich Relationships"

1:00:39 - First steps to begin recovery today, and how to support someone in burnout

1:07:00 - The importance of play as an adult and setting boundaries around it

1:10:01 - Closing story about joy, connection, and dancing through hard days

1:11:59 - How to reach Erin Tracy through coaching and social media

1:14:12 - Final thanks and sign-off

Samir Abukhodair shares his winding journey from engineering and corporate tech into teaching and eventually founding Creatures of, a business rooted in helping people rather than chasing sales. He and host Sara dig into finding courage to walk away from misaligned careers, building systems that balance strategy with human connection, and practical steps for anyone feeling stuck in their career.

Samir Abukhodair shares how he left corporate tech to build a purpose-driven consulting business rooted in teaching, connection, and helping people over profit.

Show Notes:

00:02 - Welcome to Root to Success: today's focus on alignment over titles and success on paper

00:18 - Introducing guest Samir Abukhodair and his path from engineering through corporate tech

00:56 - Episode preview: building a business and life grounded in purpose and systems

01:08 - Samir's traditional path into engineering and tech

01:38 - Why engineering didn't match what he expected

01:53 - Moving to New York City and the excitement of the tech startup era

02:19 - Realizing the stress was tied to a specific role, not real fulfillment

02:44 - The final straw and decision to walk away from tech

03:03 - Question: where did the courage to walk away come from?

03:12 - Growing up in rural Minnesota and struggling to talk to adults

03:41 - How New York City and his wife helped him become bolder

04:04 - Realizing CEOs are just people too - overcoming intimidation

04:54 - Discussing the feeling of "soul leaving" a job

05:19 - What made him take action when others stay stuck

05:41 - Childhood dreams vs. eighty-hour tech work weeks

06:06 - Discovering a love for teaching and watching students' eyes light up

06:29 - Realizing his whole family are teachers - coming back to his roots

07:22 - What tutoring revealed about his natural teaching and coaching skills

07:34 - Recognizing he was already teaching and coaching within his tech job

08:08 - His final tech role in revenue enablement and connecting the dots to teaching

08:33 - Bringing together tech, teaching, and people skills into one practice

09:12 - Building a company around the core mission of helping people

09:26 - Balancing financial pressure with staying mission-aligned

10:04 - Becoming a father and the added pressure to provide

10:38 - Trying cold calls and cold emails - and why it didn't work for him

11:01 - Choosing connection and community building over traditional sales

11:38 - How pilot programs turned into long-term lucrative client relationships

12:13 - Why focusing on the person before the task is critical for leaders

12:52 - The missing piece in most rulebooks: how to actually connect with people

13:34 - Building scalable systems with a client while keeping it simple

14:43 - Biggest gaps businesses have in building systems that actually work

15:01 - The limits of apps and technology for staying organized

15:34 - Teaching people to organize their day and prioritize

15:56 - Sunday scaries and where that anxiety really comes from

16:33 - Digital vs. paper planner debate

17:20 - Using paper planners for hands-on projects and construction work

17:58 - The lost art of blocking time on the calendar

18:04 - The big question: one practical step for someone feeling stuck or misaligned

19:03 - Coming back to the core reason you started in the first place

19:22 - Why having real conversations with people is the biggest growth tool

20:01 - Embracing uncomfortable conversations as a path to growth

20:34 - How to connect with Samir: Creatures of Consulting and Creatures of Learning

21:13 - Education branch offerings: summer, fall, and spring learning packages

21:26 - The importance of preventing summer learning loss in kids

21:54 - Closing thoughts on courage, meditation, and following your heart

In this powerful conversation, DeeDee Fisher explores the growing communication crisis in leadership and shares practical strategies to create clearer, more compassionate, and more effective dialogue in today’s workplace.

Using her CPL Framework — Compassion, Process, and Learning — Dee Dee explains how leaders can improve communication, reduce meeting fatigue, build stronger organizational cultures, and foster more energizing environments for their teams.

The discussion covers active listening, setting boundaries, using “I statements,” asking better questions, and creating meaningful conversations in an age dominated by social media and digital overwhelm.

Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, manager, or team member, this episode offers actionable tools you can apply immediately to communicate with greater clarity, empathy, and impact.

In this episode:
• The CPL Framework: Compassion, Process, and Learning
• Why we are facing a communication crisis
• How compassion improves difficult conversations
• Reducing meeting fatigue with structured communication
• The power of active listening in leadership
• Using “I statements” for better dialogue
• Creating energizing and productive work environments
• Setting boundaries for healthier leadership
• Building a positive organizational culture
• Technology, creativity, and the future of communication

Key Takeaway:
“Communication is not just about speaking — it’s about truly connecting.”

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Communication Challenges
02:59 The CPL Framework: Compassion, Process, Learning
05:51 Understanding the Communication Crisis
09:08 Compassion in Difficult Conversations
11:54 Steps to Effective Communication
15:08 Meeting Fatigue and Efficient Communication
21:15 Efficient Meetings and Action Protocols
22:09 Energizing Work Environments
23:07 Utilizing Technology for Creativity
24:31 Active Listening and Communication
25:51 The Power of I Statements
28:24 Asking Questions and Seeking Clarity
30:38 Resetting as a Leader
32:44 Setting Boundaries for Effective Communication
36:21 Creating a Positive Organizational Culture
39:49 Final Tips for Effective Communication

#Leadership #Communication #EmotionalIntelligence #LeadershipSkills #ActiveListening #TeamCulture #WorkplaceCommunication #Productivity #OrganizationalCulture #LeadershipPodcast

In this inspiring episode, Bree Carriglio shares her powerful journey from corporate marketing to nonprofit leadership, dedicating her life to supporting vulnerable communities in Armenia.

We explore what it truly means to lead under pressure, build resilient teams, and support people through humanitarian crises. Brie opens up about emotional intelligence in leadership, the importance of listening, creating a healthy team culture, and why strong leadership starts with compassion and trust.

From refugee support to holistic community care, this conversation offers valuable insights for leaders, nonprofit professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating uncertainty with purpose.

In this episode:
• Transitioning from corporate life to nonprofit leadership
• Leading teams through emotionally heavy work
• The power of listening and emotional intelligence
• Building trust and communication within organizations
• Supporting refugees and vulnerable communities
• Creating a culture of grace and resilience
• Practical leadership lessons for difficult times

Key Takeaway:
“You do not have to solve everything today. Focus on the next step.”

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Leadership Under Pressure
03:00 Transitioning from Corporate to Nonprofit Leadership
05:57 Navigating Leadership Challenges
08:53 The Importance of Listening in Leadership
12:00 Holistic Approaches to Community Support
14:54 Responding to Humanitarian Crises
17:55 Supporting Staff in Emotionally Heavy Work
20:53 Cultivating a Culture of Grace
24:01 Building Trust and Communication in Teams
27:04 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

#Leadership #Nonprofit #EmotionalIntelligence #Humanitarian #TeamCulture #Resilience #CommunitySupport #LeadershipPodcast #RefugeeSupport #PurposeDrivenLeadership

In this conversation, Neil Marshall and Kurt Mosley discuss the critical first 90 days of leadership, emphasizing the importance of understanding organizational culture, building trust, and making strategic decisions. They share real-world examples and actionable insights for leaders to navigate their initial period effectively, highlighting the balance between quick action and thoughtful decision-making. The discussion also covers the significance of small symbolic actions in building relationships and the necessity of resetting expectations with boards and stakeholders.

Takeaways :

Most leadership failures stem from misreading culture.
Leaders who succeed immerse themselves in the organization.
It's crucial to listen and understand before acting.
Be quick to identify problems, but deliberate in action.
Building trust is more important than proving brilliance.
Small actions can have a significant impact on trust.
Negotiating wins before starting can build credibility.
Resetting expectations with stakeholders is essential.
Your behavior sets the tone for your leadership.
Start your leadership journey with intention and clarity.

Connect with Neill - https://www.linkedin.com/in/neillmarshall/
Connect with Kurt - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-mosley-01893212/

If you enjoyed this episode:
• Like the video
• Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, resilience, and personal growth
• Share it with someone who might need it

#TheRouteToSuccess #SaraOrellana

In this conversation, Neil Marshall and Kurt Mosley discuss the critical first 90 days of leadership, emphasizing the importance of understanding organizational culture, building trust, and making strategic decisions. They share real-world examples and actionable insights for leaders to navigate their initial period effectively, highlighting the balance between quick action and thoughtful decision-making. The discussion also covers the significance of small symbolic actions in building relationships and the necessity of resetting expectations with boards and stakeholders.

Takeaways :

Most leadership failures stem from misreading culture.
Leaders who succeed immerse themselves in the organization.
It's crucial to listen and understand before acting.
Be quick to identify problems, but deliberate in action.
Building trust is more important than proving brilliance.
Small actions can have a significant impact on trust.
Negotiating wins before starting can build credibility.
Resetting expectations with stakeholders is essential.
Your behavior sets the tone for your leadership.
Start your leadership journey with intention and clarity.

Connect with Neill - https://www.linkedin.com/in/neillmarshall/
Connect with Kurt - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-mosley-01893212/

If you enjoyed this episode:
• Like the video
• Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, resilience, and personal growth
• Share it with someone who might need it

#TheRouteToSuccess #SaraOrellana

Discover the transformative power of Pranic Healing with Bianca Riemer in this insightful conversation about energy healing, stress management, emotional wellness, and personal growth. Bianca shares her inspiring journey from a high-pressure finance career to becoming a healer, helping people unlock resilience, balance, and inner peace through energy work.

Learn how Pranic Healing works, the science behind chakras and meridians, and why stress is often the hidden cause of physical and emotional illness. Bianca also shares powerful real-life healing stories, including her niece’s recovery journey from leukemia, and explains practical techniques anyone can use to improve their energy, mindset, and wellbeing.

Whether you're interested in alternative therapies, executive coaching, emotional healing, or holistic wellness, this episode offers valuable insights into how energy affects every aspect of life.

Topics Covered:

Pranic Healing explained
Energy healing and chakras
Stress management techniques
Emotional healing and resilience
Executive coaching through energy work
The science behind healing energy
Personal transformation stories
Alternative healing therapies
Practical healing techniques for daily life

Key Quotes:

“The body can heal itself.”
“95% of all illnesses are caused by stress.”
“Pranic healing is not a belief system, it’s a science.”
“Life is too short. What do I want?”

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Pranic Healing
01:29 Bianca's Journey from Finance to Healing
05:46 Dealing with Stress in High-Pressure Environments
09:30 Understanding Pranic Healing
12:45 The Science Behind Energy Healing
22:12 The Role of Chakras and Meridians
25:02 A Personal Story of Healing
30:37 Integrating Pranic Healing in Executive Coaching
33:00 Practical Techniques for Energy Work
40:15 Conclusion and Gratitude

#PranicHealing #EnergyHealing #StressManagement #Chakras #EmotionalHealing #PersonalGrowth #AlternativeTherapies #HealingTechniques #ExecutiveCoaching #Resilience #Wellness #MindBodyHealing #HolisticHealth

Discover the transformative power of Pranic Healing with Bianca Riemer in this insightful conversation about energy healing, stress management, emotional wellness, and personal growth. Bianca shares her inspiring journey from a high-pressure finance career to becoming a healer, helping people unlock resilience, balance, and inner peace through energy work.

Learn how Pranic Healing works, the science behind chakras and meridians, and why stress is often the hidden cause of physical and emotional illness. Bianca also shares powerful real-life healing stories, including her niece’s recovery journey from leukemia, and explains practical techniques anyone can use to improve their energy, mindset, and wellbeing.

Whether you're interested in alternative therapies, executive coaching, emotional healing, or holistic wellness, this episode offers valuable insights into how energy affects every aspect of life.

Topics Covered:

Pranic Healing explained
Energy healing and chakras
Stress management techniques
Emotional healing and resilience
Executive coaching through energy work
The science behind healing energy
Personal transformation stories
Alternative healing therapies
Practical healing techniques for daily life

Key Quotes:

“The body can heal itself.”
“95% of all illnesses are caused by stress.”
“Pranic healing is not a belief system, it’s a science.”
“Life is too short. What do I want?”

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Pranic Healing
01:29 Bianca's Journey from Finance to Healing
05:46 Dealing with Stress in High-Pressure Environments
09:30 Understanding Pranic Healing
12:45 The Science Behind Energy Healing
22:12 The Role of Chakras and Meridians
25:02 A Personal Story of Healing
30:37 Integrating Pranic Healing in Executive Coaching
33:00 Practical Techniques for Energy Work
40:15 Conclusion and Gratitude

#PranicHealing #EnergyHealing #StressManagement #Chakras #EmotionalHealing #PersonalGrowth #AlternativeTherapies #HealingTechniques #ExecutiveCoaching #Resilience #Wellness #MindBodyHealing #HolisticHealth

In this episode of Route to Success, host Sara engages with Roger Devine, a business leader dedicated to supporting volunteer-driven organizations through innovative fundraising tools. Roger shares his journey from publishing to finding purpose in helping communities, emphasizing the importance of resilience, sustainability, and listening in leadership. The conversation explores how organizational culture, institutional memory, and community impact are interconnected, providing insights for leaders looking to create meaningful change.

Key Takeaways

Roger Devine emphasizes the importance of community impact in business.
Leadership can be practical and mission-driven, focusing on long-term goals.
Building a business around service can lead to sustainable success.
The ripple effect of small community solutions can lead to larger societal change.
Resilience is fostered by working alongside dedicated organizations.
Organizational culture starts at the top and must be lived daily.
Listening is a crucial skill for effective leadership and decision-making.
Preserving institutional memory is vital for volunteer-led organizations.
Software can help organizations retain knowledge and improve operations.
Leaders should commit to doing what they know is right for their teams.

Connect with Roger here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerdevine/