Paula Shepherd talks with Dr. Amy Matthews Perez about her 34-year career in public education, her retirement, and why she launched MESA, which stands for making education special for all. The conversation centers on special education, relationship-building, and how parents, educators, and administrators can work together more effectively around the table.

Dr. Amy brings deep experience as a classroom teacher, speech pathologist, diagnostician, special education coordinator, assistant principal, principal, director of special education, and director of special programs. She shares a practical, people-first approach to reducing conflict and creating progress in IEP and ARD meetings.

Connect with Dr. Amy via email at [email protected] or dramyperez.com/
Link to read her article - “Power Poker” at IEP Meetings

Want to make it easy to be introduced to the very best people? Hit that SUBSCRIBE button so I can help you do just that!

Have an idea for a future podcast? Email me at [email protected]

00:00 - Welcome to the episode and why Dr. Amy’s work matters

02:24 - Dr. Amy’s fifth-grade calling 

06:41 - The hidden workload of parenting an adult child with special abilities

08:55 - Reframing “special” versus “special education”

10:04 - What “making education special for all” really means

11:24 - Why later is expensive in special education

14:09 - Why vulnerability matters in IEP and ARD meetings

20:26 - The need to set ego aside

What does it take to move from decades in corporate leadership roles into entrepreneurship?

This week Paula sits down with Carolyn Langley, owner and managing partner of Input Idea, for a candid conversation about leaving corporate life, building a business, and learning to trust your own voice.

We talk about the realities behind big career changes, the hidden conditioning that can show up in male-dominated workplaces, and how Carolyn is committed to helping small business owners simplify tech and content marketing.

This is a practical and personal episode about growth, self-awareness, and creating work that fits your life. 

Connect with Carolyn at [email protected] or inputidea.com

Want to make it easy to be introduced to the very best people? Hit that SUBSCRIBE button so I can help you do just that!

Have an idea for a future podcast? Email me at [email protected]

00:00 - Welcome back and meeting Carolyn through a chance connection

03:09 - From corporate roles to helping businesses demystify tech

05:45 - Why leave a successful corporate career for entrepreneurship

08:22 - Work-life balance, personal relationships, and the right timing

15:45 - The silent conditioning of male-dominated workplaces

17:44 - Speaking up without being labeled aggressive

21:39 - Turning reactions into questions instead of comments

24:33 - Grassroots building through community

32:37 - Why the human in the loop still matters

What does it take to move from decades in corporate leadership roles into entrepreneurship?

This week Paula sits down with Carolyn Langley, owner and managing partner of Input Idea, for a candid conversation about leaving corporate life, building a business, and learning to trust your own voice.

We talk about the realities behind big career changes, the hidden conditioning that can show up in male-dominated workplaces, and how Carolyn is committed to helping small business owners simplify tech and content marketing.

This is a practical and personal episode about growth, self-awareness, and creating work that fits your life. 

Connect with Carolyn at [email protected] or inputidea.com

Want to make it easy to be introduced to the very best people? Hit that SUBSCRIBE button so I can help you do just that!

Have an idea for a future podcast? Email me at [email protected]

00:00 - Welcome back and meeting Carolyn through a chance connection

03:09 - From corporate roles to helping businesses demystify tech

05:45 - Why leave a successful corporate career for entrepreneurship

08:22 - Work-life balance, personal relationships, and the right timing

15:45 - The silent conditioning of male-dominated workplaces

17:44 - Speaking up without being labeled aggressive

21:39 - Turning reactions into questions instead of comments

24:33 - Grassroots building through community

32:37 - Why the human in the loop still matters

What does it take to move from decades in corporate leadership roles into entrepreneurship?

This week Paula sits down with Carolyn Langley, owner and managing partner of Input Idea, for a candid conversation about leaving corporate life, building a business, and learning to trust your own voice.

We talk about the realities behind big career changes, the hidden conditioning that can show up in male-dominated workplaces, and how Carolyn is committed to helping small business owners simplify tech and content marketing.

This is a practical and personal episode about growth, self-awareness, and creating work that fits your life. 

Connect with Carolyn at [email protected] or inputidea.com

Want to make it easy to be introduced to the very best people? Hit that SUBSCRIBE button so I can help you do just that!

Have an idea for a future podcast? Email me at [email protected]

00:00 - Welcome back and meeting Carolyn through a chance connection

03:09 - From corporate roles to helping businesses demystify tech

05:45 - Why leave a successful corporate career for entrepreneurship

08:22 - Work-life balance, personal relationships, and the right timing

15:45 - The silent conditioning of male-dominated workplaces

17:44 - Speaking up without being labeled aggressive

21:39 - Turning reactions into questions instead of comments

24:33 - Grassroots building through community

32:37 - Why the human in the loop still matters

This week Paula sits down with email marketer Liz Wilcox to talk about something I think a lot of us need to hear: marketing doesn't have to be complicated to work. 

Liz built a thriving $9/month membership in spite of the naysayers, because it made sense for her life and her audience.

We get into the scrappy start of her RV travel blog, why she bet on email over social media as her main channel, and how a practical skill turned into a real, sustainable business. We also talk about giving yourself permission instead of chasing validation, and what it actually looks like to build something that fits your life instead of burning yourself out in the hustle game.

If you've ever felt like marketing has to be dancing to trending music, yelling into the algorithm voice, or super complicated to work, this one's for you.

Snag Liz’s $9/month email marketing membership here👇
https://fearless4life--lizwilcox.thrivecart.com/email-marketing-membership/

Heads up…some of the links in this post/email are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products, services, and tools I use and genuinely believe in.

Connect with Liz and grab her FREE email swipes👇
lizwilcox.com

Want to make it easy to be introduced to the very best people? Hit that SUBSCRIBE button so I can help you do just that!

Have an idea for a future podcast? Email me at [email protected]

(2:02) - Going all in on email 

(4:21) - Why consumers respond to unpolished, human advertising

(8:26) - Why Liz rejected high-ticket business pressure

(16:12) - Pricing as a long-term strategy, not a quick fix

(27:01) - Why not me? Replacing doubt with action

(29:49) - Giving yourself permission before giving yourself time

(33:03) - Why human-to-human email beats polished corporate crap

(37:08) - Paula’s results using Liz’s email marketing membership

This week, Paula sits down with email marketer Liz Wilcox to talk about something I think a lot of us need to hear: marketing doesn't have to be complicated to work. 

Liz built a thriving $9/month membership in spite of the naysayers, because it made sense for her life and her audience.

We get into the scrappy start of her RV travel blog, why she bet on email over social media as her main channel, and how a practical skill turned into a real, sustainable business. We also talk about giving yourself permission instead of chasing validation, and what it actually looks like to build something that fits your life instead of burning yourself out in the hustle game.

If you've ever felt like marketing has to be dancing to trending music, yelling into the algorithm voice, or super complicated to work, this one's for you.

Snag Liz’s $9/month email marketing membership here👇

https://fearless4life--lizwilcox.thrivecart.com/email-marketing-membership/

Heads up…some of the links in this post/email are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products, services, and tools I use and genuinely believe in.

Connect with Liz and grab her FREE email swipes👇

lizwilcox.com

Want to make it easy to be introduced to the very best people? Hit that SUBSCRIBE button so I can help you do just that!

Have an idea for a future podcast? Email me at [email protected]

(2:02) - Going all in on email 

(4:21) - Why consumers respond to unpolished, human advertising

(8:26) - Why Liz rejected high-ticket business pressure

(16:12) - Pricing as a long-term strategy, not a quick fix

(27:01) - Why not me? Replacing doubt with action

(29:49) - Giving yourself permission before giving yourself time

(33:03) - Why human-to-human email beats polished corporate crap

(37:08) - Paula’s results using Liz’s email marketing membership

If the values of your organization are not matching up with your personal values, this episode is for you! 

In this conversation with the Austin Alliance Group team, we're tossing you the key to the golden handcuffs you're wearing at work as we explore the challenges and opportunities in creating a positive work culture. AAG has made it their mission to inspire workplaces to be more human. Fueled by the power of curiosity, vulnerability, and trust to create positive change in organizations, they know from experience, emphasizes the role of effective communication and feedback in building strong relationships between managers and employees. We discuss the importance of empathy, vulnerability, and trust in the workplace and the crucial need for leaders to take responsibility and lead by example. 

Connect with the Austin Alliance Group Team:

Website: www.austinalliancegroup.com 
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/austin-alliance-group 

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Team from Austin Alliance Group
02:41 Changing the Mentality of HR
04:53 Challenging the Traditional Top-Down Approach
09:14 Evolving Leadership and Management Tactics
12:09 The Importance of Trust and Open Communication
16:50 Building Trust through Vulnerability
18:31 Authenticity in Creating a Positive Work Culture
23:11 Introduction and Discussion on Work Culture
24:40 Leadership's Role in Fostering a Healthy Work Environment
27:05 The Importance of Trust and Vulnerability in Building Strong Relationships
29:06 HR's Role in Shaping Company Culture
32:36 Navigating Difficult Work Situations: Prioritizing Well-being and Growth

Trevor Perry, a former street performer and self-proclaimed computer weenie, shares his journey of self-discovery and empowerment. As a keynote speaker and storyteller, Trevor encourages individuals to embrace their authenticity and step into their power. He emphasizes the importance of passion and curiosity in living a fulfilling life and challenges individuals to overcome self-doubt. Trevor also highlights the power of play and improv in the workplace, fostering creativity and innovation. He advocates for equality and women's empowerment, recognizing the unique perspectives and skills that each individual brings to the table.

Trevor's Unperspective newsletter offers fresh perspectives and encourages unconventional thinking.

• Embrace your authenticity and step into your power.

• Passion and curiosity are key to living a fulfilling life.

• Overcome self-doubt and recognize your unique perspective and skills.

• Play and improv foster creativity and innovation in the workplace.

• Advocate for equality and empower women to embrace their power.

(02:31) Being a Disruptor and Influencer

(05:24) Offering a Unique Perspective

(09:33) Overcoming Self-Doubt and Stepping into Power

(15:27) The Power of Play and Improv in the Workplace

(19:40) Transitioning Careers

(26:20) Motivation vs. Lasting Impact

(27:45) Being an Advocate for Equality and Women's Empowerment

(32:37) The Importance of Play and Unconventional Thinking in the Workplace

(40:22) Embracing Multifaceted Thinking

Connect with Trevor Perry here:

Instagram: @trevorcxo 

Website: www.trevorperry.com

SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW Voices on the Verge and please subscribe if you like what you heard to connect with new voices each week. 

Does someone you know need to hear this episode? Don't keep it to yourself, SHARE!

Tired of boring conversations and small talk?

Chandra Sanders shares her journey of personal growth and transformation, the essential upgrade. She discusses the importance of human sustainability, reframing challenges as opportunities for growth, and embracing a blank slate to create one's own identity. Chandra also highlights the need for workplaces to prioritize employee well-being and purpose, especially in the post-pandemic era. She addresses the challenges faced by individuals in their 40s and beyond, offering advice on finding balance and embracing change. Chandra encourages introspection and self-care as essential steps towards personal and professional growth.

(03:24) Understanding Human Sustainability

(08:54) Embracing Challenges as Opportunities for Upgrade

(13:06 )The Power of a Blank Slate

(19:14) Finding Transferable Skills and Embracing Change

(25:20) Transforming Workplaces for Human Sustainability

(30:23) Overcoming Ageism and Pivoting in Career Transitions

(36:04) Balancing Hustle and Harmony

(39:49) Preparing for an Essential Upgrade

Connect with Chandra Sanders here:

Instagram  - @officiallychandra 

Website: www.chandrasanders.co

SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW Voices on the Verge and please subscribe if you like what you heard to connect with new voices each week. 

Does someone you know need to hear this episode? Don't keep it to yourself, SHARE!

Tired of boring conversations and small talk?

Grab my  25 Conversation Starters for Genuine Connections HERE

What happens when you're under-estimated but get scrappy and take daring risks? 

In this episode, Jenae Goodin, founder and CEO of tech startup, Big Ass Bag, an innovative online shopping platform revolutionizing the way people shop online, shares how she had to make risky decisions that had the potential to affect her future, to founding her own tech company from one wild, in the moment, idea.

As an advocate for entrepreneurship as a universal right, accessible to all backgrounds, Jenae is committed to helping others succeed against the odds. PLUS, she shares practical insights on how absolutely anyone can create something amazing even if they don't have the resources or see the way…yet.

(03:06) Thinking Outside the Box and Getting Scrappy

(09:20) Making Bold Decisions and Overcoming Challenges

(16:41) Accidental Transitions to a New Industry

(29:38) The Truth about Founding her Tech Startup 

(35:31) Growth Fueled by Innovation 

(40:23) Entrepreneurship as a Right for All

(45:19) The Birth of Big Ass Bag (BAB)

(47:07) Tips for Bootstrapping a Business

Download your Own FREE Big Ass Bag here:

www.bigassbag.com 

Instagram  - @jenaejenesaisquoi

TikTok - @jenaejenesaisquoi

Follow Big Ass Bag on Social:

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIN

Pinterest

Does someone you know need to hear this episode? Don't keep it to yourself, SHARE!

Tired of boring conversations and small talk?