Are you thriving professionally but feeling disconnected, exhausted, or unfulfilled? In this transformative episode of Your American Dream, host Anisha Jennings sits down with Marina Zakharova, an ICF-certified professional coach (PCC) from Toronto who specializes in helping high-achieving professionals reconnect with themselves without burning out. Marina shares her unique approach to guiding successful individuals who appear to “have it all” externally but struggle internally — offering powerful insights on authentic leadership, purpose alignment, and sustainable success.

About the Guest

Marina Zakharova is an ICF-certified professional coach (PCC) passionate about helping corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and high-performing professionals create deeper fulfillment in their personal and professional lives. Through her coaching, Marina empowers her clients to overcome burnout, rediscover their purpose, and build lasting success that aligns with their authentic selves.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why high-achieving professionals often struggle with burnout and disconnection

Marina’s strategies for maintaining peak performance while staying true to your values

How to align your personal purpose with your professional goals

Practical steps to cultivate authentic leadership and emotional resilience

How redefining success beyond external achievements can lead to greater fulfillment

Episode Outline:

Marina’s Journey: From Ukraine to Canada (0:00)

Navigating Change: Embracing New Beginnings (2:10)

The Importance of Values in Life Decisions (4:27)

Building a New Life: Challenges of Immigration (6:54)

The Role of Coaching in Personal Transformation (9:09)

Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability (11:33)

Work-Life Alignment: Balancing Ambition and Well-being (13:57)

Prioritizing Self-Care and Boundaries (16:19)

Finding Purpose and Values (18:41)

Strategies for High Achievers (21:02)

Connecting with Your Inner Self (23:25)

The Power of Delegation and Saying No (25:43)

Assessing Your Life: Red, Yellow, and Green Zones (28:10)

Creating a Life of Purpose and Fulfillment (30:31)

How to Connect with Marina for Coaching (32:51)

Want to learn more about Marina’s work or connect with her directly?

🌐 Website → https://marinalifegroup.com/

Closing Inspiration

Success isn’t just about climbing higher - it’s about feeling whole while you do it. Marina’s insights remind us that true achievement comes when your goals and values align. If you’ve been chasing milestones but still feel unfulfilled, this episode will inspire you to pause, reconnect with yourself, and lead from a place of authenticity and balance.

✨ Ways to Work with Me (Anisha Jennings)

🌐 Website → https://jenningstechcorner.com/packages/

⭐ Loved this episode?

Your reviews help this podcast grow and reach more amazing women! If today’s conversation inspired you, please leave a quick rating & review - it means the world to us. 💛

In this episode of Your American Dream, get ready to be inspired by the story of Vicki Wright Hamilton - a 40-year corporate technology veteran turned multi-faceted entrepreneur whose journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and purpose-led leadership.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

This conversation is a reminder that the “American Dream” is yours to define and redefine.

🎧 Episode Outline

🔗 Connect with Vicki Wright Hamilton

✨ Ways to Work with Me (Anisha Jennings)

⭐ Loved this episode?

#TechEntrepreneur #BusinessTransformation #MultiPassionateEntrepreneur #CorporateToEntrepreneur #TechnologyConsulting #SevenFigureBusiness #BusinessCoaching #DisruptiveTechnology

🎙In this episode of Your American Dream, get ready to be inspired by the story of Kavita Melwani—a Master Certified Jungian Success Coach and second-generation immigrant whose journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and purpose-led leadership.

🎙 Your American Dream Podcast Guest: Susan Leger-Ferraro

In this episode of Your American Dream, be inspired by Susan Leger-Ferraro — a visionary leader whose lifelong work bridges child development, education, and social justice. A granddaughter of Canadian immigrants, Susan grew up with strong values of community, resilience, and service. Those values fueled her journey to build a multi-million-dollar social justice enterprise that has positively impacted children, families, and organizations worldwide.

Now the Chief Transformation Officer of G3, your Learning and Development Specialists, Susan brings 45 years of expertise in child development, education, and organizational transformation. Her groundbreaking SuperLoop methodology equips leaders, educators, and communities with the tools to create environments where children — and the adults guiding them — can truly thrive.

Whether you’re an educator, a parent, a leader in child-focused initiatives, or an entrepreneur committed to equity and inclusion, this episode offers proven strategies for creating systemic change while fostering human potential from the earliest years.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

How Susan’s dedication to child development shaped her leadership and business journey

The inspiration and purpose behind the SuperLoop methodology

Strategies for building supportive, inclusive systems for children, families, and communities

Mindset shifts around conscious leadership, equity, and inclusion

Encouragement to create organizations that fuel both success and positive social impact

This conversation is a reminder that the “American Dream” is yours to define — and redefine.

🎧 Episode Outline

Introduction to Susan Leger-Ferraro (0:00)

Susan’s Early Life and Family Background (1:46)

Starting a Business at 17 (5:24)

Education and Career Development (12:00)

Challenges in Early Childhood Education (13:58)

Navigating Parenting in Modern Times (15:46)

Supporting Parents and Community Engagement (20:07)

Addressing Literacy Gaps in Education (23:22)

Supporting Parents Through Various Stages (27:38)

Understanding the Mental Health Crisis Among Youth (29:55)

Insights from Susan’s Book on Conscious Leadership (31:10)

Supporting Neurodivergent Children and Relationships (36:49)

🔗 Connect with Susan Leger-Ferraro

Website: https://www.g3works.com/

✨ Ways to Work with Me (Anisha Jennings)

Website: jenningstechcorner.com/packages/

Book a Free Strategy Call: cal.com/anishajennings

Instagram: @jenningstechcorner

Email: [email protected]

⭐ Loved this episode?

#SocialJustice #OrganizationalTransformation #EquityInBusiness #InclusionLeadership #BusinessForGood #SystemicChange #SocialEntrepreneur #TransformationLeadership #ChildDevelopment #EducationLeadership #ConsciousParenting

In this episode of Your American Dream, get ready to be inspired by the story of Le Anne Harper—Co-Founder & COO of Unlock and Founder of Harper Consulting LLC—whose journey from adoptee immigrant to talent operations innovator is a testament to resilience, vision, and leadership excellence.

After navigating the challenges of building a career as an immigrant in the competitive entertainment industry, Le Anne Harper transformed her passion for people and workplace culture into award-winning programs at Sony Pictures, Eventbrite, and DreamWorks. Through her work, she helps HR professionals, talent operations leaders, and executives create cultures where people thrive, innovation flourishes, and business success follows.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen workplace culture, develop high-impact talent programs, or enhance leadership effectiveness, this episode offers proven strategies and practical insights to unlock your organization’s potential.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

How Le Anne Harper turned her personal journey into a catalyst for innovation in talent operations

What inspired the creation of Unlock and her consulting practice

Strategies to build exceptional workplace cultures and leadership programs

Powerful mindset shifts around diversity, inclusion, and operational excellence

Encouragement to lead with purpose and foster meaningful change

This conversation is a reminder that the “American Dream” can be defined—and redefined—through the work you do and the impact you create.

🎧 Episode Outline

Introduction to Le Anne Harper (0:00)

Le Anne Harper's Origin Story (1:07)

Professional Journey and Early Career (4:13)

Finding Purpose in Entertainment (10:47)

Pivotal Career Decisions (13:37)

Health and Work-Life Balance (20:23)

Co-Founding Unlock (26:59)

Unlock: A New Era of Connection (30:36)

Coaching and Consulting Insights (31:58)

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Professionals (33:30)

🔗 Connect with Le Anne Harper

✨ Ways to Work with Me (Anisha Jennings)

⭐ Loved this episode?

#TalentOperations #WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #HRInnovation #TalentManagement #DiversityInclusion #OperationalExcellence #CorporateCulture

🎙 Your American Dream Podcast Guest: Andrea McLean

In this episode of Your American Dream, get ready to be inspired by the story of Andrea McLean—a first-generation Jamaican immigrant, board-certified coach, and corporate leader turned empowerment advocate—whose journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and purpose-led leadership.

Whether you’re a woman of color in corporate America, a professional seeking advancement, or simply craving evidence-based strategies to define your next chapter, this episode offers actionable tools and soul-fueled encouragement to take your next bold step.

✨ Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

How Andrea turned her immigrant experience and corporate challenges into a catalyst for change

What inspired the creation of The S.O.A.R. Method™

Strategies to navigate corporate politics and build confidence as a diverse leader

Powerful mindset shifts around leadership, authenticity, and defining success on your terms

Encouragement to embrace your future self and inspire others through your journey

This conversation is a reminder that the “American Dream” is yours to define—and redefine.

🎧 Episode Outline

Navigating Corporate America: Challenges and Triumphs (3:19)

Resilience in Relocation: Balancing Career and Family (10:17)

Politics in Corporate America: Strategies for Success (15:40)

Transitioning to Coaching: Finding Your True Calling (17:57)

The S.O.A.R. Method: A Framework for Empowerment (21:08)

Building Confidence in Diverse Women (23:45)

Decide to Be Your Future Self: Insights from the Book (25:34)

Advice for Young Women of Color: Embrace Your Authenticity (28:21)

🔗 Connect with Andrea McLean

✨ Ways to Work with Me (Anisha Jennings)

⭐ Loved this episode?

#diversewomen #corporatesuccess #womenempowerment #jamaicanamerican #executivecoaching #womenincorporate #careeradvancement #leadershipdevelopment #immigrantstories #thesoarmethod #authenticleadership #futureleaders #diversityandinclusion #mentorshipmatters #careercoaching #resilientwomen #professionalgrowth #americanDreamPodcast #empowermentcoach #defineyourdream

🎙 Your American Dream Podcast Guest: Amanda Spann — Innovation Strategist & Startup Ecosystem Builder

In this episode of Your American Dream, join us for an inspiring conversation with Amanda Spann, an innovation strategist, startup coach, and co-founder of America’s first immigrant-focused accelerator. Recently named one of Business Insider’s 30 Most Important Women in Tech Under 30, Amanda has helped over 30,000 entrepreneurs around the world build and scale impactful businesses while fostering inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystems from Silicon Valley to the Caribbean Diaspora.

Her story is a testament to resilience, global perspective, and purpose-driven innovation.

Amanda’s unique approach to entrepreneurship bridges cultures and empowers diverse founders to create lasting change through their businesses. Whether you’re a startup founder, immigrant entrepreneur, innovation professional, or someone building inclusive programs, this episode is packed with actionable insights and motivation to help you grow and make a difference.

🎯 What you’ll learn in this episode:

If you’re looking to scale your startup, build a stronger entrepreneurship community, or simply feel inspired by a leader making waves in innovation, this episode is for you.

🎧 Episode Outline

Amanda’s Journey: From Roots to Innovation (0:00)

Building Bridges: The Co-Founding of TipHub Africa (2:40)

Global Entrepreneurship: Approaches and Ecosystem Building (5:25)

Resilience and Advice for Women Entrepreneurs (10:24)

Common Pitfalls in Product Development (12:51)

The Influence of Brand Development on Innovation (15:39)

Cross-Cultural Coaching and Entrepreneurship (18:20)

Patterns of Successful Global Entrepreneurship Ecosystems (20:39)

Success Stories: Impact on Lives and Communities (23:19)

The App Accelerator: Transforming Ideas into Reality (26:01)

🔗 Connect with Amanda Spann

⭐ If you enjoyed this episode:

🎙 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and wherever you stream your favorite shows.

#startupaccelerator #immigrantentrepreneurs #innovationstrategy #womenintech #entrepreneurshipecosystem #startupcoaching #techinnovation #diversefounders #globalentrepreneurship #inclusiveinnovation #ecosystembuilder #startupfounders #brandstrategy #productdevelopment #appaccelerator #caribbeandiaspora #crossculturalcoaching #womenfounders #startupmentor #techleadership

🎙 Your American Dream Podcast Guest: Krittika Mehrotra

After navigating the complexities of love-based immigration to the U.S., Krittika faced the unique challenges of starting a business as an immigrant. She transformed her experience into a thriving cost-reduction consultancy, a framework designed to help business owners identify overspending, reduce operational costs, and improve their bottom line. Through her work, she empowers business owners, CFOs, and entrepreneurs to optimize spending and build sustainable businesses.

Whether you're an immigrant entrepreneur, a professional exploring business ownership, or someone interested in the intersection of culture and commerce, this episode delivers actionable insights and heartfelt encouragement to boldly pursue your own American dream.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

✅ What inspired the creation of her cost-reduction consultancy and methodology

✅ Strategies to uncover overspending patterns in your business

✅ Powerful mindset shifts around entrepreneurship, trust, and financial stewardship

✅ Encouragement to embrace your unique story as a strength in business

This conversation is a powerful reminder that the “American Dream” is yours to define—and redefine.

🎧 Episode Outline

Navigating Challenges: The Transition to Entrepreneurship (5:04)

Expertise in Cost Reduction: Foundations and Methodology (11:30)

Identifying Overspending Patterns: Insights and Strategies (18:34)

Success Stories: Impactful Cost Reduction Projects (23:46)

Building Trust: Relationships with CFOs and Business Owners (25:43)

Measuring Success: Beyond Cost Savings (28:33)

Trends in Business Spending Post-COVID (31:17)

Remote Work and Vendor Cost Strategies (33:14)

Entrepreneurship Insights: Key Takeaways for New Businesses (35:18)

🔗 Connect with Krittika Mehrotra

✨ Ways to Work with Me (Anisha Jennings)

⭐ Loved this episode?

#immigrantentrepreneur #americandream #womeninbusiness #immigrationjourney #entrepreneurialsuccess #culturaltransition #businessownership #entrepreneurshipstory #costreduction #financialstrategy #smallbusinessgrowth #princetonbusiness #cfoinsights #vendornegotiation #remoteworkstrategy #postcovidtrends #entrepreneurialmindset #womenentrepreneurs #businessconsulting #podcastforentrepreneurs

In this special anniversary episode of Your American Dream, we’re flipping the script to hear from the woman behind the mic: Anisha Jennings—website strategist, podcast host, and founder of Jennings Tech Corner. For the past year, she’s been amplifying the voices of immigrant women entrepreneurs through powerful, purpose-driven storytelling.

Now, after producing over 50 impactful episodes, Anisha joins podcast editor Laura Kimball of By the Lake VA & Co. for a behind-the-scenes conversation about what it’s really been like to build and host a podcast centered on representation, community, and redefining success.

From her early fears to her biggest wins, Anisha opens up about the transformation she’s experienced through podcasting, how the show has impacted guests and listeners alike, and what she envisions for the future of Your American Dream.

If you’re a first-time podcaster, an online entrepreneur, or a woman building your brand from the ground up, this episode is full of insights, inspiration, and encouragement to take up space and share your voice.

💡 You’ll walk away with:

This episode is a reminder that the American dream isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s what you make it.

🎧 Episode Breakdown

🙌 Community Shoutouts

✨ Bre Cain - https://www.instagram.com/heyitsbrecain/

🔗 Connect with Anisha Jennings

Anisha supports women entrepreneurs and online service providers by building strategic, story-driven websites that convert with confidence. Whether you’re launching a new brand or refreshing your digital home, she’ll help you design a site that reflects your purpose and builds connection.

⭐ Loved this episode?

#youramericandreampodcast #immigrantwomenentrepreneurs #podcastforwomen #womenwhopodcast #digitalstorytelling #personalbrandbuilder #websitecoachforwomen #latinxpodcasts #bipocpodcasters #entrepreneurpodcast #amplifyimmigrantvoices #podcastinterview #anisha_jennings #laurakimball #bythelakeva #purposeledbusiness #onlinebusinessmentor

🎙 Your American Dream Podcast Guest Template

In this episode of Your American Dream, get ready to be inspired by the story of Dr. Y—a brilliant clinical psychologist whose journey bridges continents and cultures. With a rich background in forensics, trauma, and psychopharmacology, Dr. Y brings a global lens to mental healthcare and a passion for healing through culturally informed care.

After experiencing the differences in psychological practice across countries, Dr. Y developed a cross-cultural approach that integrates language, religion, and identity into the healing process. Through this work, she helps clinicians and patients alike understand the vital role culture plays in emotional well-being and trauma recovery.

Whether you're a mental health professional, psychology student, or someone passionate about culturally competent care, this episode offers powerful insights and global perspectives to deepen your understanding of the human psyche.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

🔹 How Dr. Y turned her international experiences into a catalyst for cultural integration in mental health care

This conversation is a reminder that the “American Dream” is yours to define—and redefine.

🎧 Episode Outline

The Journey of Healing and Understanding (0:00)

✨ Ways to Work with Me (Anisha Jennings)

⭐ Loved this episode?

#ClinicalPsychology #CulturalPsychology #TraumaTreatment #ForensicPsychology #MentalHealthcare #CulturalCompetence #PsychologyPractice #DiversityInHealing #YourAmericanDreamPodcast #ImmigrantStories #MentalHealthMatters #GlobalHealthcarePerspectives