Unleashed

Unleashed

By Wendi SwansonBusinessManagement
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Unleashed episodes

  • Kyle McDowell: Begin with We before Me

    Kyle McDowell is a former Fortune 10 executive turned bestselling author, leadership coach, and inspirational speaker. He is on a mission to crush corporate dysfunction and reignite leaders' passion. With nearly three decades of experience leading tens of thousands, his game-changing philosophy—The 10 WEs—transforms toxic workplace cultures into thriving, high-performance environments. In his Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller, Begin With WE, Kyle lays out a bold framework for leadership that prioritizes collaboration, accountability, and excellence—because the future of business depends on leaders who put "WE" before "me." His insights have earned him invitations to speak at prestigious business, educational, and nonprofit institutions, and his expertise has been featured in major national publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Inc. Magazine.


    In this episode, Wendi and Kyle discuss:

    • Challenges of promoting untrained employees into leadership roles
    • Role of self-reflection in uncovering fear and improving leadership
    • Value of vulnerability, authenticity, and ego-free connection in leadership
    • Transformation of difficult team members through relationship-building and principles
    • Lasting impact of leadership grounded in authenticity, trust, and shared values


    Key Takeaways:

    • The essence of leadership lies in vulnerability, authenticity, and a people-first mindset, emphasizing human connection over transactional management tactics.
    • Rather than being innate, leadership is cultivated through continuous effort, humility, and the willingness to acknowledge and uplift others.
    • A culture of alignment and excellence emerges when teams unite around core principles, engage in data-driven dialogue, and lean into challenges together.
    • Through stories of transformation, the power of patient relationship-building and principled action becomes clear, especially when prioritizing people over performance metrics.
    • Fulfillment in leadership stems from creating meaningful change—by staying rooted in foundational truths, embracing discomfort, and investing in others' growth.


    “Leaders are not born... repetition is required to get better at something. But that repetition, again, only comes after you've made the commitment to get better at something.” 

    - Kyle McDowell


    Connect with Kyle McDowell:

    Website: https://kylemcdowellinc.com/ 

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

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

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KyleMcDowellInc 

    Twitter: https://x.com/KyleMcDowellInc 

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kylemcdowellinc 

    Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylemcdowellinc 

    Kyle’s Book: https://kylemcdowellinc.com/bestselling-book/ 



    Connect with Wendi Swanson:

    Website: etymongroup.com

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

    Email: [email protected]



    Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama


    Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    58 min
  • Ruth Rathblott: Unhiding for True Connection

    Ruth Rathblott is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and expert on inclusion and belonging. She shares her powerful journey of embracing uniqueness and the transformative impact of “unhiding.” A former award-winning nonprofit leader, Ruth helps individuals and organizations unlock potential, foster deeper connections, and achieve peak performance. Her bestselling books, Singlehandedly and Unhide & Seek, explore the power of authenticity, while her TEDx talk, When I Stopped Hiding, I Found Freedom, has inspired thousands worldwide. Ruth’s message challenges us to embrace our differences and create more inclusive spaces.


    In this episode, Wendi and Ruth discuss:

    • The transformative power of "unhiding" in embracing vulnerability and authenticity
    • The impact of societal pressures and learned behaviors on creativity and innovation
    • Overcoming fear of judgment to foster genuine connection and belonging
    • Strategies for creating safe spaces that encourage vulnerability and trust
    • Unhidden leadership and the freedom of living an authentic life


    Key Takeaways:

    • Unhiding one’s true self fosters liberation, creativity, and deeper personal fulfillment, demonstrating the power of authenticity in unlocking potential.
    • A broader understanding of diversity, including factors like disability, age, and geography, highlights the need for inclusive spaces where individuals feel safe expressing their full identities.
    • Societal pressures and learned behaviors often push individuals to hide parts of themselves, leading to exhaustion, disconnection, and lost opportunities for innovation.
    • Leadership thrives on fostering environments of psychological safety, where vulnerability is modeled, empowering employees to engage authentically and contribute meaningfully.
    • Empathy emerges as a critical leadership skill, requiring intentional development to create connections, inspire followership, and cultivate a culture of shared understanding.


    “Unhiding is the key to connection. When we unhide, we don't just change ourselves—we create ripple effects that transform every room we walk into. When we show up as a person who is safe, who is authentic, who shows up as our best self where we can, we invite others to do the same. The truth is, people connect with us not because of perfection but because of our struggles. They connect with us when we feel. When they see that we can be human.” 

    - Ruth Rathblott


    Connect with Ruth Rathblott:

    Website: https://ruthrathblott.com/ 

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-rathblott/ 

    TEDx: https://www.ted.com/talks/ruth_rathblott_when_i_stopped_hiding_i_found_freedom 

    Ruth’s Books: https://geni.us/singlehandedly, https://geni.us/UnhideAndSeek



    Connect with Wendi Swanson:

    Website: etymongroup.com

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

    Email: [email protected]


    Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama


    Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

    1 hr 4 min
  • Cheryl Einhorn: Breaking Biases, Making Better Decisions

    Cheryl Einhorn is a leading expert in decision-making and the creator of the AREA Method, a system for tackling complex challenges with confidence. She is the founder of Decisive, an adjunct professor at Columbia Business School and Cornell Tech, and an award-winning author of three books. A former investigative journalist, her work has appeared in The New York Times, Foreign Policy Magazine, Barron’s, and Harvard Business Review. She also shares her expertise as a LinkedIn Learning instructor.


    In this episode, Wendi and Cheryl discuss:

    • Evolution of decision-making education and its late formalization
    • Adapting decision-making approaches as careers progress
    • Cognitive biases and the role of self-awareness in complex problem-solving
    • AREA method and decision-making profiles for enhanced collaboration
    • AI’s role in decision-making alongside human intuition and leadership


    Key Takeaways:

    • AREA Method emerges as a structured decision-making framework, designed to counter cognitive biases and cultivate a more objective, holistic approach to complex problem-solving.
    • Effective leadership hinges on well-trained managers, cautioning against the common misstep of promoting top salespeople into leadership without proper management training.
    • A deeper appreciation for intellectual diversity and distinct decision-making profiles fosters stronger collaboration, with roles like adventurer, detective, listener, thinker, and visionary offering unique perspectives that enhance decision quality.
    • The AREA approach unfolds in five phases, guiding decision-makers through primary and secondary research, interviews, hypothesis testing, and a pre-mortem analysis to anticipate potential weaknesses before taking action.
    • While AI plays a pivotal role in information gathering, human intuition, and strategic reflection—exemplified by the Cheetah Paws technique—remain indispensable for high-stakes leadership decisions.


    “We're stuck in our own perspective and our perspective is not somebody else's. I might think it's really important to make decisions based on facts and data. And you may say, well, that's missing out on the people. I think we should collect wisdom from others. And so you can just see that if we stay in our own worldview and we have a certain comfort zone, that is not necessarily the way to really have a fulsome understanding of the problems that we're solving.” - Cheryl Einhorn


    Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/bQ0lfgGXkWs


    Connect with Cheryl Einhorn:

    Website: https://www.areamethod.com/ 

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

    Cheryl’s Books: https://www.areamethod.com/problem-solved-4/, https://www.areamethod.com/investing-in-financial-research/ , https://www.amazon.com/Problem-Solver-Maximizing-Strengths-Publications/dp/1501768034/

    Cheryl’s LinkedIn Course: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/strengthen-your-decision-making-with-generative-ai 



    Connect with Wendi Swanson:

    Website: etymongroup.com

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

    Email: [email protected]



    Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama


    Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

    48 min
  • Matthew Gould: Changing Your Steps, Changing the Dance

    Matthew Gould, Founder of More Co, brings nearly 30 years of business experience leading sales teams, managing partnerships, and driving growth in the telecommunications industry. A certified leadership coach since 2010, he founded More Co to help leaders and teams achieve extraordinary results while fostering exceptional relationships. As a trained mediator and negotiation advisor, he specializes in executive coaching, leadership development, and conflict resolution. More Co partners with organizations to enhance leadership effectiveness, improve negotiation skills, and provide mediation services at all levels. Passionate about empowering leaders, Matthew combines practical business expertise with proven coaching methodologies to drive meaningful, lasting impact.


    In this episode Wendi and Matthew discuss:

    • Disconnect between leadership theory and real-world practice
    • The need for a collaborative, non-blaming mindset for alignment
    • True leadership emerging under pressure and applied knowledge
    • Reframing mindsets to improve communication and adaptability
    • The value of adversity, curiosity, and mutual understanding in leadership


    Key Takeaways:

    • A collaborative mindset, open communication, and mutual feedback are emphasized as essential elements for achieving collective success and personal fulfillment within teams.
    • A non-blaming and curious approach fosters neutral communication, strengthens team dynamics, and nurtures a culture of understanding.
    • The power of reframing perspectives, such as avoiding personal assumptions, emerges as a key strategy for improving communication, acknowledging emotions, and aligning toward shared goals.
    • Through a structured approach, effective one-on-one meetings are portrayed as a space for balanced responsibility, clear goal-setting, and solution-focused discussions that drive growth.
    • True leadership thrives on redefining goals, embracing fluidity between leader and follower roles, and prioritizing collaboration over confrontation.


    “When I change my steps, I change our dance. The only thing I can control is how I show up.” - Matthew Gould


    Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7-ijkOyvv6o


    Connect with Matthew Gould:

    Website: https://www.moreco.ca/ 

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moreco.ca/ 

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



    Connect with Wendi Swanson:

    Website: etymongroup.com

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

    Email: [email protected]


    Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama


    Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

    1 hr 4 min
  • Matt Hampton: Be Intentional—Own It, Do It on Purpose

    Matt Hampton is the Director of Client Management at Envoy Design, with a dynamic background spanning figure drawing, digital strategy, and endurance sports like Ironman triathlons and marathons. With over 20 years of experience running a digital strategy and development company, he specializes in connecting cutting-edge technology with people and businesses. Passionate about strategy, execution, and measurable success, Matt helps brands clarify their vision and navigate modern marketing.


    In this episode, Wendi and Matt discuss:

    • Connecting technology with people and executing business strategies
    • Developing a unique brand voice through critical creative thinking
    • Importance of metacognition for overcoming biases and enhancing learning
    • Evolution of the Irreverent Health podcast to focus on practical longevity
    • Role of AI in amplifying quality input and the necessity of metacognitive ability


    Key Takeaways:

    • Interdisciplinary thinking emerges as a key driver of innovation, demonstrating how connecting diverse ideas leads to problem-solving that extends beyond technical expertise.
    • A distinct brand voice, shaped by personal quirks and authenticity, becomes a powerful tool for fostering memorable interactions and standing out in a crowded market.
    • Metacognition is a transformative skill that enables individuals to challenge assumptions, refine their thinking, and unlock new levels of creativity and insight.
    • By embracing curiosity across disciplines and engaging in diverse pursuits, individuals can cultivate deeper understanding, adaptability, and continuous personal growth.
    • AI’s true potential lies not in replacing human judgment but in amplifying high-quality input, reinforcing the need for metacognitive skills to ensure meaningful and responsible application.


    “Intentionality is everything—just do it on purpose. Stop waiting, stop overthinking, and take action. Whether it's dating, starting a podcast, or building a business, nothing happens without a decision. Fail forward, figure it out as you go, and make the world believe you meant to do it all along.” - Matt Hampton


    Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/6fBI7IXdC4k


    Connect with Matt Hampton:

    Website: https://envoydesign.com/ 

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-matt-hampton/ 



    Connect with Wendi Swanson:

    Website: etymongroup.com

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

    Email: [email protected]


    Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama


    Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

    1 hr 1 min
  • Eileen Vélez-Vega: Breaking Barriers with Self-Initiative

    Eileen Vélez-Vega is a trailblazing civil engineer and leader who has broken barriers throughout her career. She made history as the first woman to lead the Puerto Rico Department of Transportation and Public Works, bringing her expertise in transportation, resiliency, and emergency response to the forefront. A passionate STEM advocate and two-time cancer survivor, she continues to inspire the next generation—especially Latinas—by proving that perseverance and leadership can drive meaningful change.


    In this episode, Wendi and Eileen discuss:

    • Overcoming obstacles to become Puerto Rico’s first female transportation secretary
    • Gaining engineering experience through internships at Disney and NASA
    • Leading infrastructure investments and establishing a maintenance program
    • Navigating resilience, self-care, and advocating for women's health awareness
    • Mentoring in STEM, fostering employee accessibility, and embracing authenticity in leadership


    Key Takeaways:

    • A powerful message emerges about embracing challenges and conquering fears, revealing untapped potential that leads to greatness.
    • Failure is reframed as a stepping stone to success, emphasizing the importance of self-care, goal-setting, and perseverance in combating imposter syndrome.
    • A structured approach to achievement, where focus, preparation, and intentional planning pave the way for progress while maintaining a balance between present joy and future aspirations.
    • The necessity of adaptability—expecting change, learning from setbacks, and fostering resilience through shared experiences and empathy.
    • Individuals are urged to take initiative, uplift other women, build strong networks, and drive success through tenacity, commitment, and authenticity.


    “I believe in self-initiative and drive—you have to have that for yourself. You cannot wait for others to care about your success. You are the one who will care the most about it, and you are the one responsible for it. Do not blame anybody else or rely on someone else to make your dreams come true. They can help you, and I have so many mentors and amazing people in my life, but you are the one who is responsible first. You're the one. And that self-initiative has to be there.” - Eileen Vélez-Vega


    Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/9lEGHit19BQ


    Connect with Eileen Vélez-Vega:

    Website: https://www.kimley-horn.com/ 

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileenmvelez-vega/ 

    TEDx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqEtJBRBc9s 



    Connect with Wendi Swanson:

    Website: etymongroup.com

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

    Email: [email protected]



    Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama


    Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    1 hr 10 min
  • Wendy Cocke: Engineering Leadership for the Modern Workplace

    Wendy Cocke is a best-selling author, workplace strategist, and the founder of Engineering Leadership Solutions LLC. She helps high-achieving professionals and organizations rethink how work gets done. As the author of Making Flex Work and Reimagine Your Work, Wendy provides practical strategies for balancing career growth, workplace flexibility, and business success. With over 20 years of experience leading tech teams in Fortune 500 companies, she brings a results-driven, pragmatic approach to helping individuals and businesses thrive in the modern workplace.


    In this episode, Wendi and Wendy discuss:

    • The future of work embracing flexibility and career growth
    • Strategies for assessing value-added expectations and making incremental changes 
    • Balancing flexibility, efficiency, and compensation without sacrificing benefits 
    • Effective leadership and team culture in an evolving work environment 
    • Challenges and opportunities of hybrid work and fostering collaboration 


    Key Takeaways:

    • The evolving workplace demands a balance between flexibility and career growth, requiring individuals and organizations to adopt pragmatic strategies that foster long-term success amid constant change.
    • A closer look at work-life balance reveals that true efficiency stems from understanding individual needs, optimizing processes, and making incremental, data-driven improvements that enhance both productivity and well-being.
    • Intentionality and negotiation emerge as critical skills, empowering employees to set boundaries and shape work arrangements that align with their professional aspirations and the shifting dynamics of the job market.
    • Leadership in the modern era is no longer about rigid authority but about adaptability—understanding team members' unique goals, fostering engagement, and cultivating a culture of trust and productivity.
    • Hybrid work is cementing its place in the future, not just as a reaction to market forces but as a strategic shift driven by employment laws, commercial real estate trends, and leaders prioritizing retention through flexibility.


    “Be open and honest with your team, because people want to work for a great leader. But in the absence of a great leader, they want to work for a leader who wants to be great. So if you don’t think you’re great yet, bring them along on your journey. Let them know you’re investing in yourself because you want to be great—they’ll keep following you.” - Wendy Cocke


    Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/JMF-o9_X3h4


    Connect with Wendy Cocke:

    Website: https://www.engineeringleadershipsolutions.com/ 

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-anderson-cocke/ 

    Email: [email protected] 

    Wendy’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Flex-Work-Defining-Success/dp/B0B5TDKFYW/ https://www.amazon.com/Reimagine-Your-Work-Managing-Business/dp/B0CMSSWSJ5/ 



    Connect with Wendi Swanson:

    Website: etymongroup.com

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

    Email: [email protected]


    Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama


    Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

    54 min
  • Therese Markow: Look Deeper, Stay Critical, Question More

    Dr. Therese Markow is an award-winning geneticist who has held prestigious academic positions at major universities in the U.S. and abroad. As the host of the Critically Speaking podcast, she is passionate about translating complex scientific concepts into everyday language, empowering audiences to make informed decisions about their health, communities, and the planet. She also serves as the president of Sin Fronteras, a nonprofit supporting arts and science, and is a dedicated champion for women, bringing her expertise and commitment to equality to every conversation.


    In this episode, Wendi and Therese discuss:

    • Transition from mentoring to hosting "Critically Speaking" on societal and health issues
    • Challenges of misinformation spreading faster than peer-reviewed publications
    • Links between underarm treatments, breast cancer, and autism prediction in fetal brain imaging
    • Impact of obesity, endocrine disruptors, and chemical exposure on rising health conditions
    • Sin Fronteras nonprofit supporting scientists, collaboration, and artistic innovation


    Key Takeaways:

    • The podcast "Critically Speaking" emerges as a platform bridging societal and health concerns while addressing the lag in combating misinformation, underscoring the importance of timely, factual communication.
    • Scientific insights reveal startling links between chemically-treated underarms and breast cancer, as well as autism prediction through fetal brain imaging, pushing for deeper exploration of health and environmental impacts.
    • Amid systemic challenges like mansplaining and gender discrimination, there’s a powerful call to champion female scientists, advocate for their contributions, and inspire the next generation of women in biological sciences.
    • Emphasizing informed decision-making, the discussion highlights the risks of chemicals like glyphosate, the value of organic food, and the need for tools like the EWG app to guide safer lifestyle choices.
    • Rooted in perseverance and self-belief, the narrative inspires action—urging individuals to embrace opportunities, critically evaluate contrasting evidence, and champion publicly funded science for a better future.


    “I guess one of the most important things, I think, is that people look at the data. If they're going to believe something or they think, 'Oh, wow, I better be careful about that,' or, 'Did you hear this?' I think they should try to find a way to access the original information so that they can really make an informed decision and not just base it on what they heard or saw from some sound bite headline on social media. I think that's really important.” - Therese Markow


    Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/O5n07L1xTTE


    Connect with Therese Markow:

    Website: https://criticallyspeaking.net/ 

    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@critically_speaking 

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/criticallyspeakingpod 

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

    Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/critically-speaking/id1463016517 



    Connect with Wendi Swanson:

    Website: etymongroup.com

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

    Email: [email protected]


    Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama


    Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

    44 min
  • Ramin Jahedi: People-First Leadership and Legacy of Impact

    Ramin Jahedi is a visionary entrepreneur, consultant, and talk show host who rose from being an immigrant dishwasher to a successful CEO. As the founder of Black Ops Agency, he embodies people-first leadership, guiding businesses to strengthen connections and empower their teams. Through his podcast, Talk2Rami, he shares stories of resilience and success, inspiring listeners to embrace determination and the right mindset to create their own paths to success.


    In this episode, Wendi and Ramin discuss:

    • Learning every aspect of a business and taking bold risks to achieve goals
    • Prioritizing people over work to create a family-like workplace culture
    • Empathy, gratitude, and family support as pillars of leadership and entrepreneurship
    • Measuring success through positive impact rather than material possessions
    • Encouraging open dialogue, questioning, and creativity to foster ownership and innovation


    Key Takeaways:

    • The transformative power of self-belief, visualizing goals, and taking bold risks as fundamental steps toward achieving success.
    • Prioritizing human connections and relationships over profits, fostering genuine care and intentionality to build trust and loyalty.
    • Leadership principles focus on cultivating empathy, gratitude, and selflessness while maintaining accountability through clear boundaries and disciplined practices.
    • Success is redefined as the positive impact made on others, shifting away from material possessions or status symbols toward a legacy of meaningful connections.
    • The value of creating judgment-free environments, encouraging open dialogue, and embracing creativity to inspire innovation and collaborative growth.


    “My existence in this world has a purpose. I am here for some reason—we’re all here for some reason. My reason is to help as many people as possible because legacy is everything. You’re not going to be defined by how much money you made; you’re going to be defined by how many people you helped.” - Ramin Jahedi


    Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/6BmNZnUI5q8


    Connect with Ramin Jahedi:

    Website: https://blackopsagency.com/ 

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

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talk2rami/ 

    Twitter: https://x.com/Talk2Rami/ 

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Talk2Rami 

    Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk2rami/id1525226939 



    Connect with Wendi Swanson:

    Website: etymongroup.com

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

    Email: [email protected]


    Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama


    Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

    1 hr 12 min
  • Lisa Chastain: Permission Granted—Your Path to Wealth, Freedom, and True Success

    Lisa Chastain is a personal finance expert, best-selling author, and host of the “Real Money” podcast. After overcoming her own financial struggles, she has learned to live a life free from money stress. Drawing from her experiences, Lisa has dedicated her career to helping women overcome financial shame and take control of their finances. Through her unique Stop Budgeting system and focus on rewiring money mindsets, Lisa empowers individuals to build wealth, embrace financial freedom, and live life on their own terms. Featured in major outlets like CNBC, Fortune, and O, The Oprah Magazine, Lisa combines her expertise and personal insight to guide listeners toward lasting financial success.


    In this episode Wendi and Lisa discuss:

    • Financial struggles shape money philosophy and highlight societal contrasts
    • Mindset rewiring leads to wealth building and financial freedom
    • Vulnerable storytelling empowers others to address personal struggles
    • Societal expectations and comparisons obstruct financial independence
    • Budgets become flexible cash flow plans aligned with individual goals


    Key Takeaways:

    • Financial freedom requires questioning societal perceptions and comparisons, emphasizing personal desires and authentic financial goals.
    • Reframing budgets as empowering tools, such as "cash flow" or "roadmap to adventure," shifts focus from restrictions to joyful financial planning.
    • Societal norms highlight a disparity between women’s restrictive budgeting expectations and men’s encouragement to take financial risks.
    • Abundance is achieved by investing in oneself, even if it involves taking on debt, as this can lead to successful ventures and meaningful growth.
    • Women are encouraged to embrace imperfection, take risks, lead boldly, and fail forward to drive transformative change and achieve financial equity.


    “First and foremost, remember: this is your only life—your only time in this body, in this moment. So, what are you waiting for? If not now, when? And if you’re waiting for permission to take control, here it is: permission granted. Your freedom—whatever it means to you—is 1000% worth the journey. But let it be your freedom, your definition of success—not someone else’s.”  - Lisa Chastain


    Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/ZEU7GCkXk00


    Connect with Lisa Chastain:

    Website: https://lisachastain.com/ 

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

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/savvymoneywithlisa 

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

    Podcast: https://lisachastain.com/podcast/ 

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcbyns9cEvGtWm6GgOiUW-Q 

    Liberate: The Ultimate 90 Day Financial Bootcamp: https://lisachastain.com/the-ultimate-90-day-financial-bootcamp/ 

    Stop Budgeting Free Guide: https://lisachastain.com/stop-budgeting/

    Lisa’s Books: https://lisachastain.com/book/ , https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stop-budgeting-start-living-lisa-chastain/1146384270 


    Connect with Wendi Swanson:

    Website: etymongroup.com

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

    Email: [email protected]


    Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama


    Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

    42 min

About Unleashed

From the publisher's feed

Discover the inimitable wave of leadership on Unleashed, where we dive deep into the heartbeat of organizations—its people. You'll learn how to champion a human-centered approach to growth,…