The Uplifters

This week we are releasing our episode a couple of days early in light of the tragic events unfolding between Israel and Hamas. Today I am joined by my friend, Sara Axelbaum who leads a global team responsible for keeping diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at the center of her company by fostering a true sense of belonging for every employee. Sara was honored as one of the top women in media and ad tech as a DEI champion, and recognized by The Reagan Awards for Wellness and South by Southwest in 2023 for her work in DEI. Before MIQ, Sarah was an SVP at 21st Century Fox and an entrepreneur. Sara is also Jewish, a mom to two joyful little boys, and the descendant of holocaust survivors.

Sara and I are going to share a conversation today that's different than any conversation we've had on The Uplifters. So much of what we have talked about in these episodes relates strictly to the individual stories of the amazing women that we are talking to and how that has impacted their world. But Sara and I are going to get a little messier today and talk about what's happening in the world and how it's impacting her and others.

You’ll hear us struggle with what we don’t know and get clear about what we do know for sure.

We’re talking about a specific moment in history, and in Sara’s personal experience, but our goal for this conversation is to explore what it means to be an Uplifter in times of crisis and extraordinary fear.

Uplifters, we will all have moments of loss and fear in our lives. Wherever our minds are in this extraordinarily complex time, I hope this episode can be a reminder to hold each other tight, open our hearts, and support one another as only Uplifters can.

I’m profoundly grateful to Sara for mustering the energy to talk to us in this difficult time.

Sara Axelbaum's Background (2:15 - 7:12)

• Sara Axelbaum is introduced as the global head of diversity, equity, and inclusion at MIQ.
• She leads a team focused on fostering a sense of belonging for every employee, and her accomplishments in the field are recognized.
• Sara shares her personal connection to her Jewish heritage and being the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors.

Navigating a Challenging Topic (7:12 - 10:44)

• We discuss the challenging topic of the recent conflict on the southern Israel border.
• We acknowledge the confusion, fear, and complexities surrounding the issue.

Supporting and Uplifting Each Other (10:44 - 17:58)

• Sara emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the suffering of innocent people caught up in the conflict.
• The conversation shifts to how individuals can support and uplift one another during times of crisis.
• We discuss the significance of being there for one another, even when the right words may be hard to find.

The Power of Connection (17:58 - 27:30)

• Sara highlights the importance of reaching out to friends and loved ones during difficult times.
• We discuss their fears about speaking out and the vulnerability that comes with sharing personal experiences in a public space.
• Aransas shares her regret about not reaching out to a friend who was battling cancer and how she learned the importance of showing support, even if it feels uncomfortable.

Creating Space for Grief (27:30 - 34:44)

• We emphasize the significance of creating space for grief and the transition from collective grief to collective joy.
• Sara reveals how her organization is focusing on supporting team members and fostering a sense of community during challenging times.

Intentional Communication (34:44 - 39:21)

• Aransas and Sara stress the value of...
  
  Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Sarah Dusek’s first company flopped. She grew her next company, Under Canvas, the US' largest glamping company, from infancy to be valued at over $100 million. Along the way, Sarah learned invaluable lessons about leadership and integrity. She then created Enygma Ventures, a venture capital fund investing in female entrepreneurs in Africa, that allows her to mentor and champion future leaders.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Why Sarah once said no to $7 million 

• Why she embraces crying in meetings as part of a successful leadership strategy

• Why she believes that women sometimes opt out of leadership and entrepreneurship and how she helps herself stay opted in

• Why empowering female entrepreneurs is a key to global economic growth and innovation.

• How she learned to start listening to her inner voice and trust emotional data as much as “hard facts”.

Visit us at www.theuplifterspodcast.com for more inspiring stories, resources, and research specifically for Uplifters like you!

Click the tab for the full transcript

Segment 1. **Failing Forward:**

   - Sarah's first company's flop and the pivotal lessons it taught her.

   - The importance of giving your all to achieve something extraordinary.

Segment 2. **Leading with Emotion:**

   - Sarah's unique leadership strategy, including embracing emotions and even crying in meetings.

   - The power of emotional data alongside "hard facts" in decision-making.

Segment 3. **Empowering Female Entrepreneurs:**

   - The genesis of Enygma Ventures, Sarah's venture capital fund dedicated to supporting female entrepreneurs in Africa.

   - Mentorship, championing, and her role in helping other female leaders succeed.

Segment 4. **Resilience and Opting In:**

   - Why some women opt out of leadership and entrepreneurship and Sarah's strategies to stay "opted in."

   - The role of resilience in overcoming challenges and setbacks.

“There's something big inside of you that is your gift to the world and that you could do something quite extraordinary with that could drive change and solve a big problem.” -Sarah Dusek

Sarah Dusek’s first company flopped. She grew her next company, Under Canvas, the US' largest glamping company, from infancy to be valued at over $100 million. Along the way, Sarah learned invaluable lessons about leadership and integrity. She then created Enygma Ventures, a venture capital fund investing in female entrepreneurs in Africa, that allows her to mentor and champion future leaders.

Sarah was nominated for The Uplifters by Elisha Costigan. Thank you, Elisha! 💓

In this episode you’ll hear:

* Why Sarah once said no to $7 million. 

* Why she embraces crying in meetings as part of a successful leadership strategy.

* Why she believes that women sometimes opt out of leadership and entrepreneurship and how she helps herself stay opted in.

* Why empowering female entrepreneurs is a key to global economic growth and innovation.

* How she learned to start listening to her inner voice and trust emotional data as much as “hard facts”.

* What Coaches and VCs have in common.

I had a cold during this interview and sounds like I’m doing a Harvey Fierstein impression, but the conversation is sooooooo good that I smiled the entire time! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Let’s keep rising higher, together,

Aransas

You can always listen right here in your email, where you’ll also receive full transcripts (edited and condensed for clarity in the tab next to episode details and comments). But please also subscribe directly to The Uplifters on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, or YouTube, or follow our TikTok for uplifting daily videos. Just click one of those links to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

If you want more conversations like this one, consider going paid. Producing a weekly podcast takes significant time and resources from several talented people. Paid subscriptions make all of our work possible! Plus, you’ll get access to great paid subscriber exclusives like our Uplifter Workshop and extended cuts of our conversations with guests!

Episode Summary

Click the tab for the full transcript

Segment 1. **Failing Forward:**

   - Sarah's first company's flop and the pivotal lessons it taught her.

   - The importance of giving your all to achieve something extraordinary.

Segment 2. **Leading with Emotion:**

   - Sarah's unique leadership strategy, including embracing emotions and even crying in meetings.

   - The power of emotional data alongside "hard facts" in decision-making.

Segment 3. **Empowering Female Entrepreneurs:**

   - The genesis of Enygma Ventures, Sarah's venture capital fund dedicated to supporting female entrepreneurs in Africa.

   - Mentorship, championing, and her role in helping other female leaders succeed.

Segment 4. **Resilience and Opting In:**

   - Why some women opt out of leadership and entrepreneurship and Sarah's strategies to stay "opted in."

   - The role of resilience in overcoming challenges and setbacks.

In Episode 28, you’ll hear the inspiring story of Rola Ghasani, who was born in Lebanon, raised in Australia, and now lives in Texas. She was the youngest of a large family, quieted by the voices of others throughout her life. She observed the toll silence took on her mother and was determined to provide a different model for her three daughters. 

Learning to use her voice set Rola on a mission to care for her mind and body to minimize distress and disease. In this episode, you’ll learn the transformative self-care practices she turns back to daily to help her thrive and the F Method she created to help others find their voices and design lives of holistic richness.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The links between repressed emotion and chronic illness

• The 5 factors of Rola’s F Method

• The simple and transformative EFT Tapping Method

Don't miss this episode filled with inspiration, empowerment, and the reminder that self-care is a gift you can give yourself and those you love.

You can always listen right here in your email, where you’ll also receive full transcripts (edited and condensed for clarity). But please also subscribe directly to The Uplifters on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, or YouTube, or follow our TikTok for uplifting daily videos. Just click one of those links to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

If you want more conversations like this one, consider going paid. Producing a weekly podcast significant time and resources from several talented people. Paid subscriptions make all of our work possible! Plus, you’ll get access to great paid subscriber exclusives like the Uplifter Workshop we hosted earlier this week with Rola!

Click here to check the heart coherence meditation Rola practices each morning.

Learn more about Tapping here.

ROLA’S BACKGROUND

- Rola's early life in Australia as the youngest of eight children, born to Lebanese parents who migrated due to the civil war

- Rola's transition into adulthood, marriage, and motherhood 

- The realization of the importance of self-care and self-discovery in Rola's forties, triggered by the passing of her mother and the desire to lead a more fulfilling life.

THE F METHOD

- Rola introduces her holistic approach to self-care known as the "F method," which focuses on five key areas: fitness, family, finances, future, and fun.

THE IMPACT OF SELF-CARE ON RELATIONSHIPS

- We explore the profound impact of self-care on family dynamics, discussing how taking care of oneself can transform relationships with loved ones.

- The importance of authentic calmness and communication...

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

This Week on The Uplifters

In Episode 28, you’ll hear the inspiring story of Rola Ghasani, who was born in Lebanon, raised in Australia, and now lives in Texas. She was the youngest of a large family, quieted by the voices of others throughout her life. She observed the toll silence took on her mother and was determined to provide a different model for her three daughters. 

Learning to use her voice set Rola on a mission to care for her mind and body to minimize distress and disease. In this episode, you’ll learn the transformative self-care practices she turns back to daily to help her thrive and the F Method she created to help others find their voices and design lives of holistic richness.

In this episode you’ll learn:

* The links between repressed emotion and chronic illness

* The 5 factors of Rola’s F Method

* The simple and transformative EFT Tapping Method

Don't miss this episode filled with inspiration, empowerment, and the reminder that self-care is a gift you can give yourself and those you love.

You can always listen right here in your email, where you’ll also receive full transcripts (edited and condensed for clarity in the tab next to episode details and comments). But please also subscribe directly to The Uplifters on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, or YouTube, or follow our TikTok for uplifting daily videos. Just click one of those links to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

If you want more conversations like this one, consider going paid. Producing a weekly podcast takes significant time and resources from several talented people. Paid subscriptions make all of our work possible! Plus, you’ll get access to great paid subscriber exclusives like the Uplifter Workshop we hosted earlier this week with Rola!

Keep Learning

Click here to check the heart coherence meditation Rola practices each morning.

Learn more about Tapping here.

Episode Summary

ROLA’S BACKGROUND

- Rola's early life in Australia as the youngest of eight children, born to Lebanese parents who migrated due to the civil war

- Rola's transition into adulthood, marriage, and motherhood 

- The realization of the importance of self-care and self-discovery in Rola's forties, triggered by the passing of her mother and the desire to lead a more fulfilling life.

THE F METHOD

- Rola introduces her holistic approach to self-care known as the "F method," which focuses on five key areas: fitness, family, finances, future, and fun.

THE IMPACT OF SELF-CARE ON RELATIONSHIPS

- We explore the profound impact of self-care on family dynamics, discussing how taking care of oneself can transform relationships with loved ones.

- The importance of authentic calmness and communication within the family 

ROLA’S DAILY SELF-CARE ROUTINE

- Rola shares her daily self-care routine, which includes meditation, journaling, EFT tapping, and physical fitness.

- The significance of finding joy and fun in everyday activities is highlighted, with encouragement for listeners to prioritize activities they love to enhance overall well-being.

In episode 27 of The Uplifters Podcast, you’ll meet the incredible Eyvette Jones Johnson. She's an award-winning empowerment educator, a game changer in LA's Skid Row, and a narrative intelligence expert. Discover how she went from network TV to transforming lives on Skid Row, and why self-care and daily practices are the keys to making a real impact in the world. Big thanks to the wonderful Alyse Hart for nominating Eyvette for The Uplifters.

🌟 In this episode, you'll learn:

• The importance of self-care and recognizing early warning signals.

• How to cultivate daily practices for personal growth and empowerment.

• The magic of narrative intelligence and its impact on your life.

• Practical breathing exercises to enhance your well-being.

Don't miss out on Eyvette's invaluable wisdom and her journey to full-cup living. Tune in now for an inspiring and uplifting conversation!

The Uplifters Podcast has been named a finalist in the Signal Podcast Awards! In addition to the judges panel, we are up for a Listener’s Choice Award for Most Inspiring Podcast! Could you please lift up our show by taking a quick second to vote for us? Voting closes on October 5 and we are currently in 2nd place, so every vote really matters. Winning these awards could really help us reach more of the people who most need to hear these incredible stories! If you haven’t done so already, please vote for us here. And huge thanks to all of you who have voted already!

Segment 1: Meet Eyvette Jones Johnson

- Introduction to Eyvette and her impressive background in network TV.

- Eyvette's transition to becoming a game changer on LA Skid Row.

Segment 2: The Importance of Self-Care

- Eyvette's realization of the necessity of self-care.

- The physical and mental toll of not prioritizing self-care.

- Recognizing early warning signals and the need for self-awareness.

Segment 3: Daily Practices for Empowerment

- Eyvette's daily self-care practices.

- The power of breathwork and meditation.

- The role of self-awareness in personal growth.

Segment 4: Narrative Intelligence

- Eyvette's teachings on narrative intelligence.

- How our internal stories shape our beliefs and actions.

- Techniques for gaining conscious awareness of our narratives.

Segment 5: The Magic of Daily Practices

- Aransas and Eyvette discuss the transformative power of consistent...

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Welcome to the The Uplifters Podcast!

In episode 27 of The Uplifters Podcast, you’ll meet the incredible Eyvette Jones Johnson. She's an award-winning empowerment educator, a game changer in LA's Skid Row, and a narrative intelligence expert. Discover how she went from network TV to transforming lives on Skid Row, and why self-care and daily practices are the keys to making a real impact in the world. Big thanks to the wonderful Alyse Hart for nominating Eyvette for The Uplifters.

🌟 In this episode, you'll learn:

* The importance of self-care and recognizing early warning signals.

* How to cultivate daily practices for personal growth and empowerment.

* The magic of narrative intelligence and its impact on your life.

* Practical breathing exercises to enhance your well-being.

Don't miss out on Eyvette's invaluable wisdom and her journey to full-cup living. Tune in now for an inspiring and uplifting conversation!

If you want more conversations like this one, consider going paid. Producing a weekly podcast requires a significant investment of time and resources from several talented people. Paid subscriptions make all of our work possible! 

Do you have a second to lift us up?

The Uplifters Podcast has been named a finalist in the Signal Podcast Awards! In addition to the judges panel, we are up for a Listener’s Choice Award for Most Inspiring Podcast! Could you please lift up our show by taking a quick second to vote for us? Voting closes on October 5 and we are currently in 2nd place, so every vote really matters. Winning these awards could really help us reach more of the people who most need to hear these incredible stories! If you haven’t done so already, please vote for us here. And huge thanks to all of you who have voted already!

Episode Summary

Segment 1: Meet Eyvette Jones Johnson

- Introduction to Eyvette and her impressive background in network TV.

- Eyvette's transition to becoming a game changer on LA Skid Row.

Segment 2: The Importance of Self-Care

- Eyvette's realization of the necessity of self-care.

- The physical and mental toll of not prioritizing self-care.

- Recognizing early warning signals and the need for self-awareness.

Segment 3: Daily Practices for Empowerment

- Eyvette's daily self-care practices.

- The power of breathwork and meditation.

- The role of self-awareness in personal growth.

Segment 4: Narrative Intelligence

- Eyvette's teachings on narrative intelligence.

- How our internal stories shape our beliefs and actions.

- Techniques for gaining conscious awareness of our narratives.

Segment 5: The Magic of Daily Practices

- Aransas and Eyvette discuss the transformative power of consistent self-care practices.

- How daily practices can align us with our purpose and energy.

Segment 6: The Impact of Full-Cup Living

- Eyvette shares her personal transformation and how her life became unrecognizable.

- The merging of one's calling, purpose, and well-being.

Segment 7: Practical Breathing Exercises

- Eyvette guides listeners through simple breathing exercises to enhance self-awareness and vitality.

- The benefits of breathwork and integrating it into daily life.

Listen to the latest episode of The Uplifters Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, or YouTube, or follow our TikTok for uplifting daily videos.

This Week on The Uplifters

In Episode 26 of The Uplifters Podcast, we welcome Reverend Ann Kansfield, the inaugural New York Times New Yorker of the Year; the first female and first openly gay chaplain of the New York Fire Department; Co-pastor, with her wife, Jen, of The Greenpoint Reformed Church in Brooklyn; and author of Be the Brave One.

Ann grew up in the church, and she found comfort and purpose in the church, but after college, she took a job as a trader and became a self-described “Wall Street Jerk”. In the wake of September 11, she felt a call to serve and completed her seminary studies. She left one male-dominated career for another, but found her way in each through uncompromising authenticity. In fact, I almost titled this episode, “How to Fit in Anywhere by Being True to Yourself.”

Ann is frank, funny, and a compelling storyteller. In this episode you’ll hear Ann share:

* The ways her personality and values prepared her for her current roles

* The simple pleasures that bring her joy and help her find balance

* The conflicts between personal values and institutional loyalty that she and her family experienced when she and her wife married and took on leadership roles in their church home

* So many inspiring and juicy anecdotes about her life as a mother, wife, chaplain, and pastor.

Episode Summary

Segment 1: Ann's Background and Identity

- Ann shares her background and various jobs, including working on an assembly line and being a financial advisor.

- She talks about her experience as a chaplain in the fire department, nicknames, uniforms, and the unique challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field.

- Ann discusses the importance of authenticity and how her personality fits well with the fire department's culture.

Segment 2: The Fire Department and Its Mission

- Ann explains the mission of the fire department and the satisfaction of helping people in times of danger.

- She highlights the sense of camaraderie among firefighters and the adrenaline rush that comes with the job.

- The role the legendary FDNY Chaplain Mychal Judge played in her decision to become a Chaplain.

Segment 3: Challenges to Authenticity

- Ann discusses the challenges to her authenticity, particularly when her values clash in certain situations.

- She explores the topic of protecting institutions versus prioritizing the care of individuals, referencing the church's handling of sex abuse scandals.

- Ann emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and not compromising authenticity.

Segment 4: Ann's Influence on the Fire Department

- Ann reflects on her role in the fire department and how her personality and authenticity have positively impacted her relationships with colleagues.

- She shares a heartwarming story about her involvement in a fire emergency and the trust firefighters place in their chaplain.

Segment 5: Ann's Family and Personal Balance

- Ann discusses her upbringing in a religious household and her father's role as a minister.

- She shares the story of her father officiating her wedding and losing his job due to his support for marriage equality.

- Ann talks about her role as a parent and her desire to help her children become the best versions of themselves.

Segment 6: Balancing Work and Personal Life

- Ann explains her approach to maintaining a balance between her role as a co-pastor and her personal life.

- She emphasizes the importance of enjoying every moment, simplifying choices, and finding joy in the simple pleasures of life.

- Ann shares her love for worship, good music, and meaningful connections with others.

- Ann shares her love for participating in emergency responses and explains why her wife calls it "puppy playtime."

Follow Ann on Facebook for more truly beautiful and inspiring stories.

The Uplifters Podcast has been named a finalist in the Signal Podcast Awards! In addition to the judges panel, we are up for a Listener’s Choice Award for Most Inspiring Podcast! Could you please lift up our show by taking a quick second to vote for us? Winning these awards could really help us reach more of the people who most need to hear these incredible stories! If you haven’t done so already, please vote for us here.

Thank you for reading The Uplifters. This post is public so feel free to share it.

In Episode 26 of The Uplifters Podcast, we welcome Reverend Ann Kansfield, the inaugural New York Times New Yorker of the Year; the first female and first openly gay chaplain of the New York Fire Department; Co-pastor, with her wife, Jen, of The Greenpoint Reformed Church in Brooklyn; and author of Be the Brave One.

Ann grew up in the church, and she found comfort and purpose in the church, but after college, she took a job as a trader and became a self-described “Wall Street Jerk”. In the wake of September 11, she felt a call to serve and completed her seminary studies. She left one male-dominated career for another, but found her way in each through uncompromising authenticity. In fact, I almost titled this episode, “How to Fit in Anywhere by Being True to Yourself.”

Ann is frank, funny, and a compelling storyteller. In this episode you’ll hear Ann share:

• The ways her personality and values prepared her for her current roles

• The simple pleasures that bring her joy and help her find balance

• The conflicts between personal values and institutional loyalty that she and her family experienced when she and her wife married and took on leadership roles in their church home

• So many inspiring and juicy anecdotes about her life as a mother, wife, chaplain, and pastor.

Segment 1: Ann's Background and Identity

- Ann shares her background and various jobs, including working on an assembly line and being a financial advisor.

- She talks about her experience as a chaplain in the fire department, nicknames, uniforms, and the unique challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field.

- Ann discusses the importance of authenticity and how her personality fits well with the fire department's culture.

Segment 2: The Fire Department and Its Mission

- Ann explains the mission of the fire department and the satisfaction of helping people in times of danger.

- She highlights the sense of camaraderie among firefighters and the adrenaline rush that comes with the job.

- The role the legendary FDNY Chaplain Mychal Judge played in her decision to become a Chaplain.

Segment 3: Challenges to Authenticity

- Ann discusses the challenges to her authenticity, particularly when her values clash in certain situations.

- She explores the topic of protecting institutions versus prioritizing the care of individuals, referencing the church's handling of sex abuse scandals.

- Ann emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and not compromising authenticity.

Segment 4: Ann's Influence on the Fire Department

- Ann reflects on her role in the fire department and how her personality and authenticity have positively impacted her relationships with colleagues.

- She shares a heartwarming story about her involvement in a fire emergency and the trust firefighters place in their chaplain.

Segment 5: Ann's Family and Personal Balance

- Ann discusses her upbringing in a religious household and her father's role as a minister.

- She shares the story of her...

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Time is our most precious resource. Most of us feel like we don’t have enough of it, don’t use it to its highest impact, and feel like if we only had more, we could do and be more. 

But, what sets apart those people who seem to have more time than the rest of us? What are they doing (and not doing) that expands their capacity?

Kymme Williams is one of those people. She is the founder of Bushwick Grind Cafe, a massively successful cafe and catering business in Brooklyn, NY. In addition to running a complex and growing business, she simultaneously held a senior leadership role in a large global organization for 8 years.

But, how did she have the time for her 9-5 and her cafe and her family and herself? In one word: Purpose!

She fell in love with the science of coffee. She visited coffee roasters and learned about the economics of coffee and the effect that coffee farming has on the local populations, particularly education, women’s health, and the availability of drinking water. 

She fell in love with the community and the connections she made as she watched people fall in love, find purpose, and build their lives over cups of coffee.

She leveraged the symbiotic relationship between her day job and her side hustle, and let each role strengthen the other.

She partnered with her husband to expand time by each taking ownership of the tasks that leveraged their individual strengths.

Finally, she didn’t let fear or well-meaning business advice keep her from going ahead with her plans.  After all, no business plan in the world would account for Covid.  The most important thing is to have a purpose.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• What it takes to lead with “yes.”

• How to measure success in a way that is authentic to you.

• How to get started even if you don’t feel it’s a perfect time, or you don’t have all of the answers.

Learn more about Bushwick Grind and Kymme Williams here.

Visit us at www.theuplifterspodcast.com to meet more Uplifters, and get inspiring ideas, tips, and tools specifically for Uplifters like you!

Let’s keep rising higher, together!