In this episode, I sit down with the extremely talent, GIVING and inspiring: Kristin Bentley.

I cannot even start to explain my passion for this woman and her work! Kristin is someone that will blow your mind with her incredible stories, her purpose and her intentionality behind everything she does. I knew that she was an amazing human prior to our conversation, but after talking with her, I am BEYOND impressed!

Kristin is the founder and CEO of her company: Elisely Publishing and she also runs her other business called the Teen Creative. Elisely Publishing provides publishing services, branding & content strategy and offers masterclasses for aspiring authors. Her other business the Teen Creative is a community designed to mentor middle school and high school students throughout the nation, as they step into their creativity and leadership personas.

Kristin is truly a writing and branding expert who has been in the writing industry for over 20 years! She has had experience as a journalist, has been recognized as an award winning editor and also has background as a marketing executive.

Coming from both the entrepreneur space, coupled with her business knowledge, Kristin brings us some of the most valuable content we can feast our ears upon as it pertains to the power of creativity and sharing stories.

A few of my take-away’s from our conversation:

1. Creating an open environment allows people to be more creative, thus attaching more meaning to the work that we do.
2. The best speakers and leaders are those that are in line with those things that they are most personally passionate about.
3. Now more than ever, we need to hear the stories about our lives. We all have a story inside of us and someone out there needs to hear it.
4. Sharing your creative passion and your story somehow is what helps the healing process and allows others the space to say “me too”.

Thank you so much for listening, and a huge shoutout to Kristin and her organizations for all that they are doing for others, and the world!

Resources:

Elisely: www.elisely.com                 Teen Creative: www.teencreative.org

Have we connected yet?  If not, we need to!

Jump on over to: www.valerielynnconsulting.com and let's get in touch! I love hearing from YOU so please also come hang out on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn-5aa73b1b/  or on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/valerielynnconsulting

Topic or Guest Speaker suggestions?  Send me an idea or let me know if you'd like to be a guest on the show by emailing me: [email protected].

Music by: Nimbus

THIS EPISODE means the world to me.

I could not be more proud to have been raised by the most incredible parents, and today we get to hear a conversation I have with my father.

My father is Craig Catlett, and has over 40 years of experience as a former Manufacturing Supervisor, as well as leadership experience in his current role as a CEO of Tuxedo Junction Big Band in Spokane, WA. Along with these impressive roles, he is a current private music teacher and has helped lead and contribute to other music groups.

My dad is someone who has been through experiences that help him share lessons with others in a way that resonates with them. He is a born leader, encourager, and is constantly striving for grace.

I could not be more proud to get to call him my father! And now you all get the gift of being able to listen to his wisdom and stories.

A few of my favorite moments that struck a chord with me were:

1. You won’t always be the best at everything, but you can lead others to be the best.
2. It’s not about you, but how you can motivate somebody else.
3. Wherever you are, you are an influence! Negative or positive, you are being that influence in each moment.

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. THE MORAL COMPASS by William Bennett

2. THE WORDS OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN by Larry Shapiro

Resources:

Have we connected yet?  If not, we need to!

Jump on over to: www.valerielynnconsulting.com and let's get in touch! I love hearing from YOU so please also come hang out on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn-5aa73b1b/  or on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/valerielynnconsulting

Topic or Guest Speaker suggestions?  Send me an idea or let me know if you'd like to be a guest on the show by emailing me: [email protected].

Music by: Nimbus &

The Beatles; Here Comes the Sun

Talk about a story worth sharing, and a woman who is a true badass!My guest, Angie Martin, comes to us sharing about how she took her inner power back. Angie not only is a Program Manager and Personal Trainer for Woodinville Kickboxing, BUT she is also a Crohn’s Disease and Chronic Illness WARRIOR.We get to hear from Angie about her experience being diagnosed with Crohn’s and the depths of what she had to overcome in order to get where she is today.Angie is a firm believer that ANYONE can use healthy habits and a positive mindset to get them on to the next step towards where they want to go.If you have dealt with any level of a chronic illness, disease, or have experienced a rough time in your life (or maybe are experiencing this currently), then please give this episode (and this woman) a listen.Angie delivers us awesome wisdom about so much, but here are some highlights: You do not need permission to be strong! A good leader wants others to thrive and succeed. Sharing your story is powerful because most people have “something” of their own that they might be afraid to share. “Your food shouldn’t make you tired!” It’s ok to start over 10,000 times.This is the SEDOND PART of our TWO-part series we did with Angie! We had so much to share during this conversation that we turned it into TWO episodes!I KNOW you will just FEEL our energy throughout this conversation as we discuss illness, depression and overcoming going through dark seasons in life. To quote an Alicia Keys song, THIS GIRL IS ON FIRE!

Resources:
Have we connected yet?  If not, we need to!Jump on over to: www.valerielynnconsulting.com and let's get in touch! I love hearing from YOU so please also come hang out on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn-5aa73b1b/  or on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/valerielynnconsulting.
Topic or Guest Speaker suggestions?  Send me an idea or let me know if you'd like to be a guest on the show by emailing me: [email protected].
Music by: Nimbus

In this episode I discuss:

• How appreciating where you are at NOW, will help you get to where you want to go
• That we should STOP waiting for things to become toxic to then make changes that are calling us
• That we can be both GRATEFUL for where we are at today and ALSO grateful and excited for what’s to come
• How we need to stop JUSTIFYING those dreams and deep desires that are within us, just because our current life is “comfortable” and “acceptable”

I am SO grateful you are tuning in today because I have a topic that has been on my mind a lot lately, and that is so important because it’s something many of us have had to navigate in the world we live in.  Society tells us that we don’t need to take risks or pursue dreams because that “isn’t comfortable”. We talk ourselves out of making changes to our lifestyles and wait and wait…and wait until our situations becomes unbearable… and THEN we make the change.

But FRIEND…as leaders, as people…we can JUSTIFY those things that we want to try… and we don’t have to wait for things to become horrible in order to do so! You can CHOOSE to make changes, for your life or your business, even if things are going well for you right now. Just because your life is comfortable and “fine”, doesn’t mean it is the best that it can be. The best leaders and most abundant people create their world by taking chances and listening to their intuition.

If you’ve ever felt “stuck”, or like you want to make a change, but feel like you “can’t” or “shouldn’t” because your life is “pretty good” according to others/society…then you NEED to listen to this episode!

Let’s GO.

XO,

Valerie

Resources:

Have we connected yet?  If not, we need to!

Jump on over to: www.valerielynnconsulting.com and let's get in touch! I love hearing from YOU so please also come hang out on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn-5aa73b1b/  or on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/valerielynnconsulting

Topic or Guest Speaker suggestions?  Send me an idea or let me know if you'd like to be a guest on the show by emailing me: [email protected].

Music by: Nimbus

Talk about a story worth sharing, and a woman who is a true badass!

My guest, Angie Martin, comes to us sharing about how she took her inner power back. Angie not only is a Program Manager and Personal Trainer for Woodinville Kickboxing, BUT she is also a Crohn’s Disease and Chronic Illness WARRIOR.

We get to hear from Angie about her experience being diagnosed with Crohn’s and the depths of what she had to overcome in order to get where she is today.

Angie is a firm believer that ANYONE can use healthy habits and a positive mindset to get them on to the next step towards where they want to go.

If you have dealt with any level of a chronic illness, disease, or have experienced a rough time in your life (or maybe are experiencing this currently), then please give this episode (and this woman) a listen.

Angie delivers us awesome wisdom about so much, but here are some highlights:

1. You can be the hero of your own story
2. When dealing with hard times, think to yourself “what could I be doing in this moment right now?”
3. When you show up as a leader, show up with 110% of yourself for OTHERS
4. “I would be robbing others of their best experience, if I can’t handle my own self”
5. You can go through hell in your life, just don’t choose to LIVE there

This is PART ONE of our first TWO-part series we are going to do with Angie! We had so much to share on this topic, that we will be rolling out a part 2 to this episode at a later date.

I KNOW you will just FEEL our energy throughout this conversation as we discuss illness, depression and overcoming going through dark seasons in life. To quote an Alicia Keys song, THIS GIRL IS ON FIRE!

Music by: Nimbus

There are certain people who JUST light up a room with their energy.

Talking to this incredible leader left me feeling lit up in so many ways.

My next guest is Kevin Cullen who has worked in several positions over the course of his leadership journey and currently is leading a team with a top tech organization in the USA!

Kevin shares with us how listening and sharing empathy with others is an incredibly valuable leadership trait.

He has been talked highly of by many, which is what led me to interviewing him. He has clearly proved his reputation as a positive leader.

Kevin is known for his positive attitude, his genuine love for others, and his overall kindness that he exudes. I GUARANTEE you will FEEL his energy come through on this episode!

We dive into some deep topics, but some highlights within this episode are:

-You never know what someone else is going through and showing a little bit of kindness can make a difference in someone’s life

-Being in a position of positivity takes time and is a skillset you need to work to develop.

-Authenticity is key. Employees and others will see through you, but people can FEEL when you are authentic!

-Breath-work is a powerful way to reset the mind and nervous system

Thank you for your support of our show! If you were able to take something away from this content, please reach out to us using the following resources below. We sincerely appreciate our listeners and people LIKE YOU make this all possible! Let’s all continue our journeys ON THE WAY UP together!

Resources:

Have we connected yet?  If not, we need to!

Jump on over to: www.valerielynnconsulting.com and let's get in touch! I love hearing from YOU so please also come hang out on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn-5aa73b1b/  or on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/valerielynnconsulting

Topic or Guest Speaker suggestions?  Send me an idea or let me know if you'd like to be a guest on the show by emailing me: [email protected].

Music by: Nimbus

OK—HOLD ON & GET YOUR MINDS READY FOR THIS EPIC INTERVIEW with my INCREDIBLE GUEST: Jack Bonneau!

Let’s just say, when I watched Jack pitch on SHARK TANK, my mind was completely BLOWN.

Jack Bonneau, at TEN YEARS OLD, pitched a successful business deal on Shark Tank for his awesome company, Jacks Stands and Marketplaces.

Jack currently has TWO businesses and has been putting lots of his time and energy into his second business, Teen Hustl.

To say Jack is inspiring would be a total UNDERSTATEMENT.

He is one of the most eloquent, well-spoken and motivated business people, not to mention, he is using his businesses to help other youth learn about entrepreneurship.

To add to all of this mind-boggling amazing-ness, Jack has spoken on TedX, and has contributed to various articles, podcasts and interviews across the US.

If you are looking for your next story to motivate YOU to pursue your dreams, then THIS is THE EPISODE FOR YOU!

I learned SO much from this incredible human and cannot wait to see what his future has in store!

**side note: he is going to basically take over the world!**

Mind-Blowing Moments:

• “When you’re not 100% into what you do, then you aren’t giving it 100%”
• JUST DO IT, reach out to those around you. Just put yourself out there!
• Failure is just a way to learn from your mistakes and actually become better from it.
• Perseverance is the name of the game. Push through the hard times to get to the good times.

You can find out more about Jack and his businesses here:

Teen Hustl: https://www.teenhustl.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHSBdtnZ0Vl8SEuEQ7DTrRw

TedX: https://tedxboulder.com/speakers/jack-bonneau

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jackbonneau?lang=en

Instragram: www.instagram.com/teenhustl

Resources:

Have we connected yet?  If not, we need to!

Jump on over to: www.valerielynnconsulting.com and let's get in touch! I love hearing from YOU so please also come hang out on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn-5aa73b1b/  or on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/valerielynnconsulting.

Topic or Guest Speaker suggestions?  Send me an idea or let me know if you'd like to be a guest on the show by emailing me: [email protected].

Music by: Nimbus

Do you ever see someone online who is doing amazing work and just kind of cyber-stalk their content?  :)

That is exactly what I did with my next guest......

And when she said “yes” to being on the show I about jumped out of my chair!

My guest in today’s show is the exceptional: Gianna Biscontini.

Gianna is a co-founder, speaker, author, behavior scientist, executive wellbeing advisor and is offering courses by partnering with folks like Simon Sinek--Basically - she is taking on the world!  There is not much this woman does NOT do!

I truly felt like I could talk to her for hours, so you’re in for a treat!

In this episode you will hear about her passion around creating organizations that help people become significantly happier and more successful in their lives and work. She believes this can happen when people are mentally and physically healthy. Gianna is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, who wants to challenge current thinking and inspire mindful growth.

Take-Away’s:

• -Learn to love the practice of shaping your mindset
• -Start with vulnerability
• -We want to avoid the uncomfortable, but meditation helps you go THROUGH it

Truth bomb Quote:

“Nobody sits on their death bed thinking, ‘I really crushed that Tuesday meeting’ ".

If you would do us a favor--have a listen, let us know what you think about her feedback and pop in to subscribe and RATE my podcast channel!

Resources:

Find Gianna Biscontini: https://giannabiscontini.com/

Have we connected yet?  If not, we need to!

Jump on over to: www.valerielynnconsulting.com and let's get in touch! I love hearing from YOU so please also come hang out on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn-5aa73b1b/  or on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/valerielynnconsulting

Topic or Guest Speaker suggestions?  Send me an idea or let me know if you'd like to be a guest on the show by emailing me: [email protected].

Music by: Nimbus

You know those women that are simply badass leaders?  Add to that, when they are fun, realistic and sassy, they are simply incredible.

Meet Traci Couture!

In this episode, we chat about her experience working in leadership for most of her career, and how to keep taking care of YOURSELF, while also showing up for others in your life during quarantine.

Our fun conversation touches on the following:

• What the heck self-care means as a leader!  (Or ANYONE)
• How to be flexible during times that are fully of ambiguity
• VULNERABILITY as a leader, and WHY this is so important

I personally have loved watching Traci grow as a leader in various positions, from leadership roles in hospitals, to taking on amazing positions within Congress, to now her role as Executive Director for the Spokane Teaching Health Clinic.  She exudes a level of confidence in everything she does, but she also is SO personable.  I LOVED her perspectives on how to be vulnerable, while also maintaining boundaries.  I also think she shares some amazing ideas about networking and how to stay connected to people.  

Take-Away QUOTE: "Start with someone's story, and you're always going to find common ground."

This episode has take aways for ANY listener and Traci drops some SERIOUS truth bombs for us all!  

If you would do us a favor--have a listen, let us know what you think about her feedback and pop in to subscribe and RATE my podcast channel!

Resources:

Have we connected yet?  If not, we need to!

Jump on over to: www.valerielynnconsulting.com and let's get in touch! I love hearing from YOU so please also come hang out on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn-5aa73b1b/  or on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/valerielynnconsulting

Topic or Guest Speaker suggestions?  Send me an idea or let me know if you'd like to be a guest on the show by emailing me: [email protected].

Music by: Nimbus

I was SO excited (but also nervous) when I had first approached Kevin to vulnerably ask if he would chat with me about race and diversity during these times.  However, we ended up having such a RICH conversation, and the content in this episode is SO valuable!

In this episode, I ask Kevin Henry ALL about diversity and how we can (& should be) supportive.  

Kevin manages diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) and has been involved in this work for over 30+ years.  

Our episode helps to unpack some of the following:

• How leaders and businesses can do a better job being inclusive
• How we can be supportive and support movements such as BLM with authenticity
• How emotional intelligence helps us manage during uncomfortable times or conversations

This episode is a little bit longer than usual and slightly different style, but this information is so current and important.  This is something that I know is on the forefront of our minds today and that we are all seeking to become more educated around.  Although it might not always be comfortable to dive into topics such as these, sometimes having the discussion we need to have is where the GROWTH happens.  I LOVE how Kevin articulates himself, shares his own personal experience, and helps us understand how we can be a truly supportive.  Kevin is so authentic and easy going, that he easily explains and simplifies the questions that I had for him and makes it understandable.  I also know that what he shares are things that large organizations and businesses would honestly BENEFIT from implementing. My hope is that the more that we share information like this, the more that we can all, collectively, become increasingly connected, educated and takes steps forward towards making positive changes for the greater good!  

Have a listen, and share your feedback!  

Resources:

Have we connected yet?  If not, we need to!

Jump on over to: www.valerielynnconsulting.com and let's get in touch! I love hearing from YOU so please also come hang out on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn-5aa73b1b/  or on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/valerielynnconsulting 

Topic or Guest Speaker suggestions?  Send me an idea or let me know if you'd like to be a guest on the show by emailing me: [email protected].