What does it take to uncover your brilliance and embrace confident leadership in every aspect of your life?

In this inspiring episode of the Thrive Today podcast, host Natalie welcomes Tinsley English, an expert in female leadership development, keynote speaker, and author of Grit, Growth, and Gumption. Tinsley shares her personal journey, from a childhood influenced by a determined single mother to her career in insurance and leadership coaching. She dives into the transformative principles of her G Force Code and her passion for empowering women to embrace their talents, overcome fear, and lead with confidence. Tinsley also discusses her book’s mission to impact one million women by 2026, offering actionable insights and a faith-driven approach to leadership.

[00:01 – 04:00] A Leader’s Journey Begins

- Growing up with a resilient single mother instilled grit and adaptability

- Early career decisions can shape unexpected but rewarding paths

- Leadership starts with observing strong role models

[04:01 – 08:25] Writing the Book: A Calling

- A 3 a.m. wake-up call inspired the creation of Grit, Growth, and Gumption

- Writing doesn’t need perfection—focus on completion and impact

- Emotional intelligence and resilience are key themes woven into every chapter

[08:26 – 12:00] Breaking Down the G Force Code

- Grit includes adaptability, self-discipline, and resilience

- Growth requires developing emotional intelligence and empathy

- Gumption is about betting on yourself and embracing bold actions

[12:01 – 17:33] Coaching Confidence: The 24-Carat Leader Program

- Confidence is foundational to effective leadership

- Influence and visibility empower women to amplify their impact

- Strategic career mastery turns ambition into action

[17:34 – 22:12] The Million-Woman Mission

- Faith-driven goals can lead to extraordinary accomplishments

- Focusing on one person at a time builds momentum

- Community and mentorship are crucial for sustained impact

Key Quotes:

"Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about thriving forward." - Tinsley English

"Grit, growth, and gumption are the building blocks for transformational leadership." - Tinsley English

Connect with Tinsley:

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marsh-mclennan-agency

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

Follow Thrive Today on Instagram (@thrivetodaywomen) and visit our website at Thrive Today.

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What if one encounter could radically change your beliefs and set you on a new path of healing?

In this inspiring episode of Thrive Today, Ana Megrelishvili, founder of the Christian Professionals Network Worldwide (CPNW), shares her extraordinary journey from a challenging childhood in Eastern Europe, marked by adversity, to a life transformed by faith. After a powerful encounter with a homeless woman, Ana’s path shifted towards resilience, healing, and a renewed purpose. She discusses her new book, Finding Courage to Change, which delves into generational trauma, personal healing, and the transformative power of faith. With transparency, Ana describes her healing journey, the impact of faith on her life, and how she’s dedicated to helping others break free from the past to lead a thriving life.

[00:01 - 05:00] From Georgia to Georgia: A New Life Path

• Ana’s background in Eastern Europe and her drive to overcome a difficult past

• Her journey from atheism to discovering faith

• Embracing the American dream while seeking something deeper

[05:01 - 10:15] A Journey of Faith and Self-Discovery

• How a chance encounter with a homeless woman changed Ana's beliefs

• Discovering the presence of God through unexpected guidance

• The pivotal decision to begin exploring faith and community

[10:16 - 15:50] Finding Courage to Write and Share

• Ana's process of writing Finding Courage to Change during a silent retreat

• Understanding generational trauma and breaking the cycle of pain

• The decision to publish her story for others' healing

[15:51 - 20:30] Embracing the Healing Process

• The importance of separating trauma from identity

• Embracing healing as a continuous journey rather than a final destination

[20:31 - 25:22] A Message of Hope and Community

• Ana’s vision for helping others through her foundation

• The role of community in supporting survivors of trauma

• Encouragement for listeners to share their stories and seek healing

Key Quotes:

“Healing is a journey, not a destination. It’s about looking back and seeing how far you’ve come.” - Ana Megrelishvili

“If I can use my story to help others find courage and purpose, then it’s all worth it.” - Ana Megrelishvili

Connect with Ana:

Website: https://cpnworldwide.com/

Follow Thrive Today on Instagram (@thrivetodaywomen) and visit our website at Thrive Today.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-STAR Review!

What happens when you start with what you have, where you are, and whom you know?

In this episode, Natalie Born talks with Jacquel Tucker, founder of the Jamaica Project USA, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting rural communities in Jamaica and low-income areas in Georgia through education, healthcare, and outreach programs. Jacquel shares her journey from a business career to a calling-driven nonprofit founder, exploring how faith, purpose, and community empowerment intertwine in her work. Jacquel reflects on setbacks, lessons learned, and the critical importance of aligning her work in both nonprofit and business spaces with her faith.

[00:01 - 06:06] Welcome and Introductions

How the Jamaica Project was founded

Initial projects and achievements in both Jamaica and Georgia

Jacquel’s early influences and faith-driven approach to leadership

[06:07 - 12:15] Early Inspiration and Generosity’s Legacy

Importance of family values and community support

Jacquel’s early experiences of giving with her mother

How these values translated into the mission for Jamaica Project USA

[12:16 - 18:32] The Call to Serve and Starting Small

Taking the first step despite uncertainty

The initial outreach with limited resources

Stories of community impact and the desire to serve on a larger scale

[18:33 - 24:24] Vision for a Sustainable Future

Partnering with local businesses for sustainable land use

Community center as a hub for learning, resources, and self-sufficiency

How Jacquel envisions breaking cycles of poverty through local empowerment

[24:51 - 28:07] Balancing Business and Nonprofit Work

How to discern God’s guidance in decision-making

Lessons in trust, reliance on faith, and building a supportive team

The importance of finding peace in each decision

Key Quotes:

“Start with what you have, where you are, and who you know.” - Jacquel Tucker

“When you lay down what you think you want, God shows you something far greater.” - Jacquel Tucker

Connect with Jacquel:

Website: https://www.thejtuckergroup.com/

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

Follow Thrive Today on Instagram (@thrivetodaywomen) and visit our website at Thrive Today.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-STAR Review!

How can mastering communication transform your leadership and impact your bottom line?

In this episode of Thrive Today, Natalie shares insights from her recent article on communication in the workplace, unpacking how great leaders use emotional intelligence and speaking skills to drive success. With real-life examples and engaging stories, the conversation dives into the importance of understanding your audience, the power of body language, and the value of feedback for continuous improvement. This episode offers practical tools for leaders who want to enhance their communication skills and create lasting impact in their teams and organizations.

[00:01 - 05:11] Welcome and Role Reversal

-The topic of mastering communication

-Discussion of Natalie’s article on leadership and communication

-The importance of communication for business success

[05:12 - 10:00] Impress vs. Impact: Shifting Your Focus

-The shift from impressing an audience to impacting them

-How focusing on delivering value to others can reduce self-consciousness

-The mindset change needed for effective leadership communication

[10:01 - 15:32] Mastering Body Language and Emotional Intelligence

-Practical exercises for improving body language during public speaking

-How emotional intelligence shapes communication

-The importance of non-verbal cues in engaging an audience

[15:33 - 21:26] Knowing Your Audience: Research and Connection

-Strategies for learning about your audience before speaking

-How interacting with audience members can improve the relevance of your message

-Natalie shares a story about tailoring her message based on audience feedback

[21:27 - 26:48] Feedback as a Tool for Growth

-The value of seeking and receiving feedback after each talk

-Natalie shares her process for using feedback to improve her public speaking skills

-The importance of embracing feedback, even when it’s hard to hear

Key Quotes:

"When we focus on impacting others rather than impressing them, it changes the way we communicate." - Natalie Born

"Your audience deserves the very best version of you, and it’s your responsibility to show up ready to give them that." - Colleen Rouse

Connect with Colleen:

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleenrouse

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cwrouse/?hl=en

Follow Thrive Today on Instagram (@thrivetodaywomen) and visit our website at Thrive Today.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-STAR Review!

What strategies can leaders use to balance communication and listening, fostering an environment of trust and productivity?

In this episode, Natalie sits down with Colleen Rouse, founder of Thrive Today, to explore the challenges and nuances of communication and listening as a leader. They discuss practical strategies to foster open feedback, read body language, and adjust communication styles based on the situation. The conversation also highlights the importance of empathy and the critical role listening plays in leadership, offering valuable insights into how leaders can refine their skills to not only communicate effectively but also truly hear those they lead.

[00:01 - 04:10] Mastering the Duality: Communication & Listening

- Leaders often excel in communication but struggle with active listening

- Practical steps to create an open environment where people feel heard

- The dual nature of communication: being both a speaker and a listener

[04:11 - 12:50] Reading the Room: Body Language & Emotional Cues

- Recognizing and responding to body language in communication

- Adjusting communication styles to match emotional cues from others

- Balancing empathy with directness in difficult conversations

[12:51 - 16:30] Handling Hard Conversations: Directness with Empathy

- The art of giving direct feedback without harming the relationship

- The importance of slowing down conversations for clarity

- How to address vulnerability while maintaining firm communication

[16:31 - 20:45] Employee Retention: Listening to Understand

- Listening and valuing feedback as a tool for improving workplace culture

- How being heard equates to feeling valued, especially in leadership

- Recognizing when and how to make time for meaningful conversations

[20:46 - 23:35] Legacy of Leadership: Results & Relationships

- Balancing results and relationships in leadership

- The importance of intentionality in making connections

- Finding opportunities to add value to those who may feel overlooked

Key Quotes:

"Listening is done with your eyes as much as your ears." — Colleen Rouse

"You are not an effective communicator if you aren't a good listener." – Colleen Rouse

Connect with Colleen:

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleenrouse

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cwrouse/?hl=en

Follow Thrive Today on Instagram (@thrivetodaywomen) and visit our website at Thrive Today.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-STAR Review!

How do you balance raising a large family while building a million-dollar business and still find time for self-care? In this episode, Traci Morrow, a dynamic entrepreneur and wellness advocate, shares her journey of raising six children, while launching a successful international business. With passion and insight, she discusses the importance of prioritizing self-care, managing time effectively, and living a purpose-driven life. Traci also offers practical advice on how to build healthier habits and achieve a more balanced, fulfilled life in today’s fast-paced, distraction-filled world.

[00:01 - 05:09] Introduction to Traci Morrow

-From young bride and mother to entrepreneur and wellness advocate

-Traci shares her early family life and the journey to adopting two children

-How Traci’s ministry helped her develop essential time management skills

[05:10 - 10:11] Balancing Family and Business

-Traci talks about managing the schedules of six children

-Why she prioritized self-care and how it transformed her

-Establishing a productive morning routine to set the tone for the day

[10:12 - 15:26] Time Management and Social Media

-A deep dive into how social media can steal valuable time

-Traci shares practical advice on removing distractions

-Using a shared family calendar to create space for meaningful activities

[15:27 - 21:19] The Benefits of Healthy Living

-Traci talks about how living healthily enhances both physical and spiritual well-being

-The importance of small, consistent actions toward health

-Viewing one’s body as a temple to be honored through health

[21:20 - 26:27] Practical Steps for Health and Wellness

-Traci offers practical advice on beginning a journey toward better health

-Tips on incorporating movement and healthier eating habits into a busy schedule

-Finding joy in small victories and creating sustainable habits

Key Quotes:

"When you show up with a full cup, you're giving others the best of you, not the rest of you." – Traci Morrow

"We all have the time; it's how we choose to spend it." – Traci Morrow

Connect with Traci:

Website: https://www.tracimorrow.com/traci-morrow-fitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracimorrow/?hl=en

Follow Thrive Today on Instagram (@thrivetodaywomen) and visit our website at Thrive Today.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-STAR Review!

How can a high school biology project lead to a Grammy-nominated music career?

In this inspiring episode of the Thrive Today podcast, host Natalie Born sits down with Anike, a trailblazer in Christian music recognized as one of the first female Christian rappers to achieve major commercial success. Anike shares her unexpected journey into music, starting from a high school biology project to becoming a Grammy-nominated artist. She discusses the challenges of navigating the music industry as a Christian artist, her creative process, and the importance of authenticity in wielding influence. Anike also opens up about her upcoming album and her first headlining show, offering insights into her growth as an artist and a person.

Discover the groundbreaking sound and influence of Anike, a true trailblazer in Christian music. Recognized as the first female rapper to achieve major commercial success, Anike, formerly known as Wande, is embracing a new chapter in her life. With a commitment to honoring the Lord in every aspect, including her name, she has transitioned from her former legal names given to her at birth, "Mutiat" and "Yewande," which reflected Muslim devotions and the concept of reincarnation. She felt led to leave these names behind as she fully commits to every aspect of her life giving glory to Yahweh.

[00:00:00 - 00:05:58] From Biology to Beats: Anike's Unique Musical Journey

- Anike's entry into music began with a high school biology project

- Her transition from freestyle circles to YouTube and social media

- The challenges of being a Christian artist in the mainstream music industry

[00:05:59 - 00:08:59] Crafting Christian Soundtracks: Anike's Creative Process

- Anike's method of journaling and finding inspiration in everyday life

- The importance of authenticity and integrity in creating music

- Her goal to create a soundtrack for the Christian lifestyle

[00:09:00 - 00:11:59] Influences and Impact: Shaping Anike's Artistic Vision

- The impact of artists like Lecrae on Anike's early Christian walk

- How Jackie Perry influenced Anike's approach to balancing faith and career

- The importance of representation in Christian music

[00:12:00 - 00:14:59] Nurturing Talent and Expanding Influence

- The power of consistency in developing skills and growing influence

- The importance of perseverance and the 1% daily improvement mindset

- How Anike built her online community through consistent engagement

[00:15:00 - 00:20:00] Breaking Through: Anike's Upcoming Projects and Personal Growth

- Details about Anike's upcoming album release on August 30th

- Her first headlining show in Atlanta on October 13th

- Themes of breakthrough and healing in her new music

Key Quotes

"I just really had to find my value and my source and like who God says I am and his assignment for me and not base my value of success on numbers or attention." - Anike

"I want music to be a soundtrack to the Christian lifestyle to help people, um, to help encourage people in the faith." - Anike

Connect with Anike:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/anike/?hl=en

Follow Thrive Today on Instagram (@thrivetodaywomen) and visit our website at Thrive Today.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-STAR Review!

How do the voices in our heads shape our leadership and impact those around us?

In this episode of the Thrive Today podcast, host Natalie Born sits down with Sam Chand, a renowned leadership consultant and author. They delve into Chand's latest book, "Voices: The Power, Pain, and Purpose of Voices in Our Lives." The conversation explores the profound impact of internal and external voices on leadership, personal growth, and relationships. Chand shares invaluable insights on managing toxic messages, the dangers of pride in leadership, and the importance of addressing harmful patterns in others with love and wisdom.

Who would have thought, when in 1973 “student” Sam Chand was serving his college as janitor, cook and dishwasher that he would return in 1989 as “President” of the same college! Now as a leadership consultant he serves leaders all over the world as they seek personal and organizational growth and change. Thus far he has written 30 books on the subject of leadership, is the publisher of the AVAIL Journal, and has been named to the top 30 Global Leadership Gurus list. He has been married to his wife, Brenda, since 1979 and together, their vision is to help others succeed.

[00:00:00 - 00:07:00] The Genesis of "Voices"

1. Sam Chand's book idea emerged from a leadership gathering in Aruba.

2. The voice in our head becomes the voice in our mouth.

3. We are the sum total of voices that have spoken into our lives.

[00:07:00 - 00:15:00] Navigating Negative Voices

1. We often ignore positive voices and fixate on negative ones.

2. Negative voices can be repurposed for motivation and growth.

3. Confidence coupled with humility is valuable, but arrogance is deadly.

[00:15:00 - 00:22:00] The Seduction of Pride

1. Pride is the number one reason for leadership failure.

2. The sin of pride originated in heaven, not on earth.

3. Leaders must guard against entitlement and arrogance.

[00:22:00 - 00:28:00] Addressing Harmful Patterns

1. It's crucial to address patterns of hurtful behavior in others.

2. Focus on patterns rather than isolated incidents when giving feedback.

3. Avoid demanding voices when helping others improve.

[00:28:00 - 00:32:00] The Universal Impact of Voices

1. The book "Voices" is applicable to all walks of life.

2. Be cognizant of which voices to hear, ignore, or change.

3. The book is available on a pay-what-you-want basis at VoicesBookOffer.com.

Quotes:

"The voice in your head becomes the voice in your mouth, and the voice in your mouth becomes the voice in somebody else's head." - Sam Chand

"Pride is the number one reason for leadership failure." - Sam Chand

Connect with Sam:

Website: www.samchand.com

Follow Thrive Today on Instagram (@thrivetodaywomen) and visit our website at Thrive Today.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-STAR Review

How can a simple act of faithfulness lead to a global ministry impacting hundreds of lives?

In this inspiring episode of the Thrive Today podcast, host Natalie Born interviews Deborah Stricklin, an author, Bible teacher, and founder of Deborah Stricklin Ministries. Deborah shares her remarkable journey from sponsoring a child in Nicaragua to establishing educational initiatives in Pakistan. Her story is a testament to the power of faith, obedience, and the ripple effect of small acts of kindness. Listeners will be encouraged to trust in God's plan and take steps of faith, even when the outcome is uncertain.

Deborah is an author, Bible teacher, professional certified life coach, founder/president of Deborah Stricklin Ministries, and ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. She finds some of her greatest joy in challenging, inspiring, and equipping fellow believers to pursue their greater purpose in the Kingdom of God. Deborah and her husband, Jeff, have been serving their home church and their community for 29 years. Deborah and Jeff have been married for 35 years and delight in pursuing Kingdom work alongside their three adult children, two wonderful sons-in-law, and three grandchildren.

[00:00:00 - 00:03:00] Seeds of Faith: Deborah's Early Years

- Accepted Christ at a young age

- Influenced by John Maxwell's leadership

- Developed a heart for missions

[00:03:01 - 00:09:00] From Sponsorship to Divine Connection

- First mission trip to India

- Sponsored a child named Ivan in Nicaragua

- Reconnected with Ivan after 22 years

[00:09:01 - 00:15:00] Harvesting the Seeds: Ivan's Journey

- Ivan pursued ministry after radiology studies

- Miraculous provision for his education

- Current work as a church planter in Nebraska

[00:15:01 - 00:18:00] Expanding Horizons: Ministry in Pakistan

- Started online women's conferences and Bible studies

- Established a School of Ministry with over 60 students

- Launched sewing centers for women's entrepreneurship

[00:18:01 - 00:23:00] The Power of Yes: Impacting Future Generations

- Established two schools in Pakistan, educating over 350 children

- Encouragement to trust God's leading

- Ways to connect with and support Deborah Strickland Ministries

Quotes:

"We have to live with a sense of not being able to see the outcome of the things that God is asking us to invest in today. That is what faith is." - Deborah Stricklin

"When God asks us to move forward, it is always in faith. And so, there's an element of not being able to see what the outcome is going to be, to be planting seeds when you don't know what the harvest is going to look like." - Deborah Stricklin

Connect with Deborah:

Website: https://deborahstricklinministries.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborahstricklinministries/?hl=en

Follow Thrive Today on Instagram (@thrivetodaywomen) and visit our website at Thrive Today.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-STAR Review!

What if the key to unlocking your potential lies in rewiring your mind and embracing discomfort?

In this enlightening episode of the Thrive Today podcast, host Natalie Born sits down with Elana van Deventer, a remarkable innovator in the field of neuroscience and personal development. Elana shares her inspiring journey from overcoming a childhood brain injury to becoming a certified facilitator for Dr. Caroline Leaf's Neurocycle Program. She discusses the power of addressing limiting beliefs, the importance of seeking discomfort for growth, and provides practical tools for achieving inner stability in an ever-changing world. This conversation offers valuable insights for anyone looking to transform their mindset and unlock their full potential.

Elana's journey encompasses launching a non-profit organization, holding leadership positions in the church, and using her voice to instill hope in hearts and minds. She contributes to various leadership publications and is a trailblazing facilitator for Dr. Caroline Leaf's Neurocycle program. Recently, she completed her studies at Wharton Executive Education in Understanding the Brain: Using Neuroscience to Deliver Better Business Results. Her mission is to empower and guide others toward lasting healing, transformation, and breakthroughs in both business and life.

00:00:00 - 00:04:00: From Pain to Purpose: Elana's Transformative Journey

Elana's brain injury at a young age led to her passion for neuroscience

She created a coaching program based on her own healing journey

Recognizing the gap between knowledge and application in personal development

00:04:00 - 00:09:00: Embracing Fear and Building Confidence

The importance of taking action despite fear

Understanding fear as a guide rather than an obstacle

Confidence is built through a process of trusting oneself incrementally

00:09:00 - 00:14:00: Seeking Discomfort and Challenging Comfort Zones

The value of seeking discomfort for personal growth

Evaluating the cost of staying in your comfort zone

The inevitability of change and the importance of choosing its direction

00:14:00 - 00:19:00: Rewiring Beliefs and Healing from the Root

The impact of childhood experiences on adult beliefs

The process of deconstructing and reconceptualizing limiting beliefs

The importance of addressing the root cause of self-doubt

00:19:00 - 00:24:00: Practical Tools for Mindset Transformation

Using multiple perspective advantage to gain objectivity

Recognizing emotions as messengers and guides

The importance of shifting from a victim mentality to personal responsibility

Quote:

"Thoughts are real, but they're not always true." - Elana Van Deventer

Connect with Elana:

Website: https://www.elanavandeventer.com/

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

Follow Thrive Today on Instagram (@thrivetodaywomen) and visit our website at Thrive Today.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-STAR Review!