Episodios
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This Thanksgiving week, we’re exploring servant leadership in life—how we can show up as servant leaders in our relationships, parenting, and community. Tune in to hear:
➡️ How servant leadership in life compares to the workplace.
➡️ Stories of how kids and adults alike can lead through simple acts of service.
➡️ Three key takeaways for serving well and with gratitude.💡 Key Insights:
Servant leadership is about relationships, not results.The holidays bring both joy and challenges, making this a perfect time to serve abundantly.Small, intentional acts can create meaningful connections and inspire others.Let’s make this Thanksgiving about leading with heart, empathy, and gratitude
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Have you ever wondered how servant leadership shows up in action—and how it impacts the people being led? In Episode 2 of Life, Leadership, and Perseverance, we explore what it means to lead with service at work and the profound effects it has on teams and individuals.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What servant leadership looks like in real workplace scenarios.The experience of being led by a servant leader and how it builds trust and loyalty.How servant leadership aligns with career growth and team development.Three less-common strategies for implementing servant leadership at work.🎧 Join the conversation and learn how to create a workplace culture rooted in empathy, empowerment, and collaboration.
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In this heartfelt episode of Life, Leadership, and Perseverance, I sit down with Megan Masters, co-founder of Mulberry and King and creator of Amahj Line. Megan’s journey is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the strength of faith, and the beauty of finding purpose through life’s most challenging moments.
Megan opens up about her deeply personal fertility journey, sharing the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned along the way. From navigating multiple miscarriages to finding strength in her faith, Megan’s story reminds us of the importance of perseverance and trusting in a plan greater than our own.
Through her struggles, Megan not only built a thriving fashion boutique and launched a stunning Mahjong line but also found ways to connect with others facing similar challenges, turning her pain into purpose and inspiring countless others.
Megan’s experiences with loss and hope, and how she found healing.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
1️⃣ Navigating the Emotional and Physical Toll of a Fertility Journey2️⃣ Leaning Into Faith During Life’s Hardest Moments
How faith became Megan’s anchor and guided her through uncertainty.3️⃣ Turning Struggles Into Strength
How Megan channeled her experiences into creating meaningful ventures like Mulberry and King and Amage.Memorable Quotes:
🌟 "I realized there wasn’t a day ahead that God hadn’t already seen. I just had to trust the plan."
🌟 "Sometimes you have to give up the good to step into something great."Links & Resources:
Follow Mulberry and King: @mulberryandkingDiscover Amahj Instagram: @amahjline, www.amahjline.comConnect with Megan: @meganbmasters -
Welcome back to Life, Leadership, and Perseverance! Today, we kick off our new series on servant leadership—a leadership style that goes far beyond traditional models. In this episode, we explore the powerful origins of servant leadership, trace its roots from ancient practices to modern-day workplaces, and discover how this leadership style transforms not just organizations but lives.
Nicole shares their personal story of moving from traditional leadership to servant leadership, explaining the "light bulb" moments that shifted their focus from individual success to empowering others. This episode dives into how servant leadership fosters trust, collaboration, and long-term success in today’s fast-paced world.
Key Takeaways:
Servant leadership is about placing others’ growth and well-being at the forefront.Empathy and community-building are essential elements that make teams stronger and more resilient.Influence is earned through service, not position.Segments:
The Foundation of Servant Leadership: Learn about servant leadership’s history and significance.What Sets Servant Leadership Apart: Discover how it differs from traditional models and why it’s the key to lasting impact.Why Servant Leadership Matters Today: See how it reshapes workplaces, cultures, and relationships.Servant Leadership in Action: Examples of how servant leadership shows up in both professional and personal settings.Join us as we uncover why servant leadership is more essential than ever and how you can begin to incorporate its values into your daily life
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Episode Summary:
In this episode, Nicole sits down with Rebecca Linenger, a dear friend and powerhouse entrepreneur, to explore her inspiring journey as a community-based business leader. They discuss her path from her career start in marketing to co-founding The Boulevard Company, Charleston's premier real estate firm. Rebecca shares her insights on building a business with integrity, balancing work and family, and the life-altering health crisis that changed her perspective on receiving help and leaning on others.
Key Quotes & Takeaways:
On Building a Business Rooted in Integrity: "Respect is the foundation of our partnership and company culture. We put our agents and clients first, creating an environment where people feel empowered to succeed on their own terms." – Rebecca Takeaway: Strong partnerships thrive on mutual respect and complementary skills. Rebecca’s story shows how building a supportive culture can foster resilience and high performance. Navigating Health Challenges and Accepting Help: "No one else cares about your life as much as you do. I had to learn to advocate for myself, to ask for what I needed—even when that meant receiving help, which wasn’t natural for me." – Rebecca Takeaway: Advocate for your own health and well-being, especially when facing life’s uncertainties. This experience taught Rebecca to value vulnerability and community in new, profound ways. On Self-Awareness and Parenting: "My goal as a mother is to provide a foundation, to be in my kids’ corner no matter what choices they make. That’s my North Star." – Rebecca Takeaway: Rebecca’s commitment to being a supportive, present mother while building a thriving business showcases the importance of self-awareness and intentionality in every area of life. Balancing Work and Family with Grace: "Every yes is a no to something else. I don’t try to do everything at a high capacity at once—I create margin where I can, which keeps me grounded and lets me lean in or out as needed." – Rebecca Takeaway: Balancing a busy career and family requires flexibility and setting boundaries. Rebecca emphasizes the need to lean in or out, based on life’s demands, to stay both present and effective. Creating a Space for Individuality in Business: "We encourage agents to operate in a way that’s true to them. It’s not cookie-cutter. People can thrive when they have the freedom to bring their own voice into their work." – Rebecca Takeaway: Rebecca’s approach to real estate is a masterclass in authentic leadership. By allowing individuality to flourish, her company nurtures innovation and fulfillment.Episode Highlights:
Business Origins: Rebecca’s journey from marketing to founding The Boulevard Company and how her partnership with John Liberatos flourished due to mutual respect and clear roles. Personal Health Crisis: Rebecca’s raw account of her life-threatening health challenge and the lessons it taught her about advocacy and the importance of self-care. Parenting with Purpose: Rebecca’s unique approach to motherhood, balancing structure and spontaneity, and empowering her children to pursue their passions. Living with Intention: The power of creating margin, understanding that every “yes” is a “no” to something else, and building a life that prioritizes family and well-being.These titles and show notes capture the essence of Rebecca’s inspiring story, blending leadership insights with her profound personal journe
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In this episode of Life, Leadership, and Perseverance, Nicole sits down with Katie Walters, the visionary founder of Frances and Benedict, to explore her remarkable journey of blending entrepreneurship, motherhood, and ministry. Katie shares the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership style, how her faith fuels her vision, and her experience empowering women in Togo through sustainable fashion. Don’t miss this candid conversation on self-awareness, building a mission-driven business, and navigating the joys and struggles of leadership, marriage, and motherhood.
Key Takeaways:
Faith as the Foundation of Leadership: Katie shares how her faith has been a cornerstone of both her personal and professional life, guiding her decision-making and inspiring her to empower women through her mission-driven brand. The Power of Vulnerability and Self-Awareness in Leadership: Katie emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, especially as a leader, discussing how vulnerability and understanding your strengths and weaknesses can inspire and uplift those around you. Balancing Mission and Family: Katie dives into the challenges and blessings of balancing a growing business with marriage and motherhood, sharing her strategies for staying grounded and present in both roles.Key Quotes from Katie Walters:
"Leadership is less about having all the answers and more about staying true to who you are and allowing others to do the same." "I believe in using business as a force for good, and with Frances and Benedict, we’re empowering women in Togo, creating opportunity, and doing it all through faith." "Marriage is the foundation of everything we build. My husband and I have made it a priority to not just survive but thrive in our relationship, and now we’re passionate about helping other couples do the same."Where to Follow Katie Walters:
Instagram: @katiewalters_ Instagram: @francesandbenedictWebsite for Frances and Benedict:
Frances and BenedictKatie's Passion for Ministry:
Katie and her husband are deeply committed to ministering to couples and helping marriages thrive. Together, they lead a ministry focused on encouraging and equipping couples to build strong, resilient marriages that can withstand the pressures of life, family, and work. Through faith-based counseling and community outreach, they provide tools and resources for couples to grow together and strengthen their relationship.
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Over the past month, we’ve explored what self-awareness is and how it impacts our lives, relationships, and careers. We’ve seen how a lack of self-awareness can create blind spots and the ways it plays a critical role in effective leadership. In this final episode of the series, we dive into the discipline required to make self-awareness a lasting habit, with two practical steps to help you build it into your daily routine. Join us as we uncover the unseen work that transforms surface-level insights into genuine, sustainable growth.
www.nicolesemerarochs.com -
In this episode, Nicole sits down with Sarah Jacob, a chief product officer who went from med school dropout to tech and healthcare innovator. Sarah shares her personal story of navigating the pressures of family expectations, building resilience, and finding her passion in tech. Learn how she built her product chops in the startup world, tackled imposter syndrome, and now balances leadership at MedBridge with her new role as a mom to baby Lucas. Tune in for actionable insights on work-life integration, leading cross-functional teams, and the power of following your instincts—even when the path isn't clear.
Join is in Charleston! Feb. 6 & 7th for Flourish Women's Business Conference
www.flourish2025.com -
In this episode of Life, Leadership, and Perseverance, we explore how self-awareness can transform your leadership. Discover the impact of non-verbal communication—how body language and tone matter more than words—and learn how to practice emotional agility to stay grounded in high-pressure situations. With real-world examples and actionable tips, this episode will help you align your leadership style with intention and empathy. Tune in and start leading with clarity and purpose today! 🎧
#Leadership #SelfAwareness #EmotionalAgility #Podcast #LeadershipDevelopment
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In this episode of Life, Leadership, and Perseverance, Nicole Semeraro sits down with Jennifer Fann, a healthcare leader with a wealth of experience in building high-performing teams and driving innovation around healthcare affordability. Jennifer shares her insights on leadership, the importance of community, and how empowering others can unlock true potential within organizations. She also dives into balancing a demanding career with family, leading with empathy, and staying grounded through gratitude.
Whether you're a leader, aspiring to lead, or simply looking to grow personally and professionally, this episode is filled with actionable takeaways to help you inspire those around you.
Key Topics Discussed:
Jennifer’s Leadership JourneyFrom humble beginnings in Tennessee to leadership roles at Cigna, Mercer, Aon, and Lucent Health.How Jennifer’s career evolved and the key lessons she learned along the way.Empowering Others as a Leadership ToolThe importance of creating space for others to own their success.How empowering teams leads to innovation and growth.Leading with Empathy and HeartJennifer’s approach to balancing emotional intelligence with strong decision-making in leadership.How empathy helps foster deeper connections within teams.The Role of Gratitude in LeadershipWhy gratitude is essential for creating strong relationships and resilient teams.Jennifer’s personal practice of gratitude and how it influences her leadership style.Balancing Career and FamilyHow Jennifer creates intentional moments with her family while leading a successful career.Tips on achieving work-life harmony, even in high-pressure environments.Key Quotes:
"You have to empower others to own their space, create community, and stay curious—that’s where real innovation happens.""Gratitude is the unsung hero of leadership. Recognizing people’s contributions strengthens teams and builds authentic relationships.""Balancing family and career is about intentionality—being present and creating moments of connection, no matter how busy life gets."3 Key Takeaways:
Empower Others: Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about creating space for others to shine. By empowering your team, you unlock their potential and foster innovation.Lead with Empathy: Understanding the needs and emotions of those around you builds trust and connection. A leader who leads with empathy fosters a more resilient and connected team.Practice Gratitude: Showing gratitude helps build stronger relationships and keeps you grounded. Recognize the efforts of those around you and create a culture of appreciation.Resources Mentioned:
Book: Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip Heath and Dan Heath – a must-read for understanding how to drive change through bright spots.Company: Lucent Health – Learn more about Jennifer’s current work focusing on healthcare affordability and innovation. -
It's the second installment of Nicole's Leadership Insights on self-awareness. Nicole bravely brings on her teen son, Jack, to get his take on the current quality of self-awareness in the Semeraro household.
Host, Nicole Semeraro / Instagram / LinkedIN / TEDx
music: Joe Lammers
producer: Joey Svendsen -
It's this first installment of Leadership Insights, and the topic at hand is self-awareness. Nicole shares a story that represents a critical turning point in her life, and although certainly fun and entertaining to hear, it depicts an event that forced Nicole to dig deep as a leader. While 85-90% of people believe they are self-aware, only 10-15% actually are consistently.
Host, Nicole Semeraro / Instagram / LinkedIN / TEDx
music: Joe Lammers
producer: Joey Svendsen -
Nicole Semeraro joins her friend, Jaime Foster, founder and CEO of Georgia Grinders, a company specializing in a clean, simple and delicious almond butter recipe, created by Jaime's grandfather as he was motivated back in the day to foster better habits for good health and a longer life. He succeeded, partly due to his "clean eating" recipes, living until the age of 97. Jamie has now proudly distributed her grandfather's almond butter recipe all around the world, running a successful business now of 12 years. But it wasn't a cakewalk.
To get there, Jaime would have to discover the hard and beautiful truth that "chasing money," even if successful, isn't a road to health or happiness. At the onset of her business start-up, her mother was diagnosed with ALS, a taxing and heavy journey that ended in her mom's passing. Lastly, Jaime and her husband walked alongside their daughter as she struggled through a battle with anorexia. During Nicole's time with her friend Jaime, there are lessons galore. From parenting to persevering through trials and numerous business start-up lessons and advice.
Georgia Grinders is a founder-led and family run business that is dedicated to crafting exceptional nut butters of unparalleled quality from minimal simple, organic and all natural ingredients. We are passionate about offering wholesome and delectable products to you, while simplifying your clean eating journey so you can thrive and be alive!They are advocates for personal health, while being 100% committed to sourcing the finest Non-GMO and locally sourced ingredients. Each jar of Georgia Grinders' handcrafted nut butter is a testament to their meticulous attention to detail and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Georgia Grinders is on a mission to promote better health and wellness for everyone. After all, food is medicine and information! Check them out on Instagram!
A Little History: Georgia Grinders was founded in 2012, in honor of our Founder's (Jaime Foster) grandfather and his recipe for almond butter from the 1970's. Pre-disposed to cardiovascular disease, Jaime's grandfather was determined to beat the odds of his genetics and focused on the foundation of functional medicine & nutrition, extending his life to the remarkable age of 97.
Host, Nicole Semeraro / Instagram / LinkedIN / TEDxmusic: Joe Lammers
producer: Joey Svendsen -
Welcome to your new podcast listening community and meet your new friend and podcast host, Nicole Semeraro, who is driven to use this podcast for sharing with you real stories of everyday entrepreneurs and leaders who are making a difference in the world. Today, she's sharing her own story, including the past 18 years in which she built a career as a healthcare executive and entrepreneur.
Most importantly to Nicole, she also built a family of three boys (and a dog) with her husband, John.
Part of Nicole's story and instrumental to her success was experiencing immense challenges including losing a job and starting over. You'll hear today how this experience, including the insightful and loving response from her husband, was a catalyst that led Nicole to see her life, career and roles as mother and wife, through brand new, life-giving lenses. Add to the equation a plethora of business and leadership experience, a life greatly impacted by faith, and good old-fashioned grit, it's the exact foundation of inspiration for this podcast. The goal is to serve you through these lessons and stories. Welcome aboard to a new journey.
Nicole Semeraro / Instagram / LinkedIN / TEDxmusic: Joe Lammers
producer: Joey Svendsen
