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Episode #115. In this uplifting episode, I sit down with Kelly Simants, an HR expert with over 25 years of experience, who shares her remarkable story of resilience. Kelly recounts the pivotal moment when her husband's accident turned their lives upside down and how she became the family's primary breadwinner.
From running a successful wedding planning business to returning to corporate HR and starting a resume writing service, Kelly’s journey is a powerful testament to adaptability and strength.
Listen in for her insights on navigating career transitions, the crucial role of community, and the power of stretching beyond your comfort zone. This episode is a beacon of hope and inspiration for anyone navigating life's unexpected challenges that will inspire you to face challenges head-on and find new paths in your professional life.
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Episode #114. In this episode, we're joined by the incredible Ellen Yin, founder & host of Cubicle to CEO®️.
Ellen’s journey from corporate cubicle to entrepreneurial success is nothing short of inspiring. In our chat, she challenges the notion that planning alone paves the path to success. Instead, Ellen urges us to embrace action as the true catalyst for clarity.
As she eloquently puts it, "Action is what creates clarity, not planning." Ellen reminds us that every venture, whether personal or professional, comes with its share of uncertainty. But it's through action, through taking those initial leaps, that we gain invaluable insights and ultimately soar to new heights.
Ellen’s words on embracing uncertainty really resonated, offering practical lessons in resilience.
Join us on this journey of embracing discomfort and rejection, as essential steps for our journey toward success.
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Episode #113. In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with the incredibly insightful Kristen Van Nest, the author of the captivating memoir "Where to Nest?"
Kristen's infectious energy and wisdom shine through as she shares insights from her book, urging us to break free from societal expectations and carve our own paths. Drawing from her personal experiences, Kristen encourages us to embrace creativity and freedom in our pursuits, reminding us that we have the power to create the life we desire.
As Kristen shares her insights, I find myself inspired to live more purposefully. She reflects on the transformative power of revisiting past chapters of her life, offering valuable lessons in growth and self-discovery.
Join us as we explore the impact of embracing vulnerability and authenticity, both in personal growth and professional endeavors.
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Episode #112. In this episode, I sat down with Pallavi Ridout, an executive leadership coach and dynamic keynote speaker who transitioned from a 20-year corporate career to a life of purpose and passion. Pallavi opened up about her passion for coaching and speaking, emphasizing the importance of leading a life of no regrets. From one-on-one impact to captivating speeches, her dedication to motivating and inspiring others shines through.
As Pallavi shares her wisdom, I can't help but feel inspired to live with intention. Join us for a deep dive into purpose, mindset, and actionable steps.
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Episode #111. In this episode, Amy Lin, a captivating writer from Calgary and author of “Here After”, unfolds the intricate layers of grief, sharing a profound analogy of it being like a ball in a box. Her insights hint at the essence of time in understanding and processing grief.
She invites us to consider the diverse ways people hold grief. From ritualized remembrance to living in the daily ebb and flow, she beautifully articulates the personal nuances of this universal experience. Her wisdom serves as a guiding light for anyone navigating the intricate path of grief.
Join us as we explore the mysterious ways life and loss intertwine. Amy's words are a gentle reminder that, in the embrace of time, we find the strength to move forward.
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Episode #110. In this episode, we dive into the subtle yet impactful facets of energy management. Join me as I share about intentional choices, from the beats that lift our spirits to being mindful of our connections.
Listen to know more about transformative practices like morning pages – a journey into unfiltered morning reflections. And have you considered celebrating victories, both big and small? Ever wondered: what are the things that keep my energy up or bring it down?
It's time to reflect on being intentional with our energy.
Tune in and let's cultivate a life filled with positive energy and purposeful intention. After all, our energy is the cornerstone of our success and fulfillment.
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Episode #109. In our heartfelt conversation, Kara Cecala and Lily Smith, founders of 101Media, unveil the secret behind their success: a culture rooted in shared values. They emphasize the transformative power of embodying values through actions and fostering a team dedicated to making a difference.
Join us as we explore the profound impact of aligning values with actions, not just in business, but in shaping entire communities for the better.
We hope their stories inspire you to infuse purpose into every aspect of your life and work.
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Episode #108. Join me in this inspiring episode as I sit down with Julie Chavez, a cherished elementary school librarian from Northern California and the author of the insightful book, ‘Everyone but Myself’.
In her compelling narrative, Julie opens up about a pivotal time in her life marked by anxiety and self-discovery. Her book is more than a personal story; it's a journey through the complexities of mental health and the pursuit of happiness.
What makes Julie's story unique? It's her relatable approach to life's ups and downs, infused with the wisdom of a librarian and the warmth of a mother to two incredible teenagers. Her home life, filled with love and books sorted by color, paints the picture of someone who finds beauty in order.
As we explore the key themes of her book, Julie shares valuable insights on overcoming adversity and finding joy in the small moments. It's a conversation that resonates with anyone seeking light in the shadows of life.
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Episode #107. This week on podcast I am thrilled to be joined by Elizabeth Passarella.
Elizabeth is the author of It Was an Ugly Couch Anyway and Good Apple, which was named one of the best books of 2021 by Real Simple magazine.
Her articles and essays have appeared in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Parents, Martha Stewart Weddings, Real Simple, and Southern Living.
Elizabeth is originally from Memphis and now lives in Manhattan with her husband and three children.
This conversation was so much fun. I loved Elizabeth’s book It Was an Ugly Couch Anyway. I couldn’t put it down!
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Episode #106. This week on the podcast I am excited to be joined by Nancy McGruder.
As the CEO of NMc Coaching & Consulting and an expert in her field, Nancy uses powerful strategies rooted in research, practical application, and emotional intelligence to meet clients at the point of their needs. As an adjunct professor for DBU's Cook School of Leadership, Nancy teaches a Doctoral course on Professional Coaching and mentoring.
Nancy earned her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University (DBU) in 2016. She also holds graduate degrees in Foundations of Education, Higher Education, and Management.
She earned her coaching certificate from the NeuroLeadership Institute, where she learned to apply a brain-based methodology to facilitate productive coaching conversations using the neuroscience of learning, motivation, and change.
This conversation was a good reminder of the importance of having people in our lives that can help us in our goals.
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Episode #105. This week on the podcast I am thrilled to be joined by Fran Hauser. Fran is an author, keynote speaker, and startup investor who is passionate about leveling the playing field for women.
Fran has invested in over 30 female-founded companies across consumer packaged goods, media & publishing, and wellness.
She is the best-selling author of The Myth of the Nice Girl (Audible’s Best Business Book of the Year, 2018) and Embrace the Work, Love Your Career. Fran regularly speaks at conferences and organizations to help women build careers they love while staying true to themselves.
Much of her current work is informed by 15 years spent in media, where she rose through the ranks at Time Inc. to President of Digital.
She lives outside of NYC with her husband, two sons, and their beloved mini Goldendoodle.
I loved this conversation. Fran is passionate about supporting women and that really comes through in this interview. Her story will motivate you to find ways to embrace who you are and be successful doing it.
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Episode #104. I am thrilled to be joined by Raquel Lovern Harris.
Growing up in her mother’s garden, Raquel has always had a love affair with flowers. She dreamt of being a floral designer but decided to study botany and biology at the University of Texas.
Raquel started designing her friend’s wedding flowers while in college and shortly after R. Love Floral was born.
While teaching elementary science and planting the seeds for her floral business, R. Love Floral blossomed into a successful floral business. It was then that Raquel made the difficult decision to leave teaching behind and become a full-time entrepreneur.
Through the years Raquel has built a dream team and designed over 500 weddings in 13 years serving couples all over the state of Texas and having her weddings published in magazines like BRIDE, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides of North Texas, and D Weddings.
Since starting her floral business in 2010, Raquel has worked with the most amazing wedding clients, large corporate accounts, taught hundreds of floral classes both in person and virtually, and mentored countless budding designers.
When she’s not designing beautiful arrangements, or teaching in the flower barn you can find Raquel in the garden, playing with her kids and spending time with her husband at their dream home in the country.
I loved this conversation. Raquel is so open about her story and her true love for flowers really comes through.
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Episode #103. This week on the podcast, I am thrilled to be joined by James Ijames.
James is a Pulitzer Prize winning and Tony Award nominated playwright, director and educator. James is the recipient of many awards, most recently the 2022 Pulitzer Prize in Drama and a 2023 Tony nominee for Best Play.
He received a B.A. in Drama from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA and a M.F.A. in Acting from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. He is an Associate Professor of Theatre at Villanova University and lives in South Philadelphia.
This is one of my favorite conversations on the podcast. I first heard James speak at the Aspen Ideas Festival earlier this year. His story and message resonated deeply with me and I was so excited when he accepted my invitation to join me on the podcast. Today we talk about his journey to becoming a playwright, authenticity, the importance of Big Talk versus small talk and pursuing what you love.
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Episode #102. This week on the podcast I am thrilled to be joined by Kate Myers.
Kate studied archaeology at Penn and recently published her first novel, Excavations.
She’s lived in New York, LA, and DC and worked for CBS in TV development, CollegeHumor and BuzzFeed.
She’s currently at work on her second novel and lives in Annapolis, Maryland with her husband and daughter.
In today’s conversation, Kate shares the process of getting her book published. She was so open and honest about the process and her sense of humor made the conversation so much fun. She shares how important it is to not give up on our dreams even in the face of lots of rejection.
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Episode #101. Rafael Barlowe joins me on the podcast this week.
After working in basketball operations for the Texas Legends (the Dallas Mavericks’ G League affiliate), Rafael launched Barlowe Basketball, a coaching and player-development operation that led him to becoming a skills trainer for players with the NBA, EuroLeague, EuroCup, Champions League, G League, and the NCAA Division I.
As a videographer, he created YouTube mini-documentaries for a few of the NBA players he trained and gained valuable experience working with elite AAU programs like Mo Williams Academy Elite and D1 Basketball that have produced McDonald's All-Americans and first-round NBA draft picks.
His combination of skills training and the ability to create video content has afforded him the opportunity to see the world while doing what he loves and what he is passionate about.
His video projects have led him to having numerous NBA and NFL players as clients, and his work has been featured on NBA.com, washingtonpost.com, USAToday.com, CBS.com, and NBA TV. He is the host of podcast, NBA Big Board.
I loved this conversation so much. I first met Rafael when he came to my high school to recruit students for an internship program called INROADS. After listening to his presentation, I knew I wanted to be a part of this program. That program eventually led me to an internship and then a full-time offer at one of the biggest accounting firms in the world.
I am so grateful to Rafael and I am so inspired by his incredible story. After leaving INROADS he went on to pursue his passion, basketball. He has an incredible story of perseverance. I can't wait for you to listen.
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Episode #100. I can’t believe its been 100 episodes! You’ll notice that this is the second episode that we are publishing this week and the reason for that is that my team and I launched the very first episode three years ago today. We thought it would be a special way to commemorate the podcast's anniversary.
For today’s episode, I thought it would be fun to switch things up a little and have my friend Hannah Davis interview me for the podcast.
Hannah is previous Paid Vocation guest, tv host, media personality, communications coach and formerly the host of Good Morning Texas.
She is an incredible interviewer and it was such a pleasure to be interviewed by her.
Before we dive into the interview, I want to thank you so much for listening to this podcast. I have loved all of the conversations and have learned so much along the way.
Thank you to my amazing Dklutr team led by Anne Garcia. This podcast is a labor of love and I’m deeply appreciative of every single team member who helps make it a reality.
Thank you for being a part of the Paid Vocation community. Here’s to a hundred episodes filled with learning, growth and stories that shape us.
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Episode #99. This week on the podcast, I am delighted to be joined by Kimberly Lucht
Kimberly is a business coach and energy healer who helps entrepreneurs make money and magic doing what they love.
She's been featured as an expert in Money, Business Insider, Well + Good, Create & Cultivate, Greatist and currently lives near New York City.
This conversation was so much fun. I learned a lot about energy healing. It is a fascinating topic and I love the way Kimberly has been able to combine her love for business coaching with her passion for energy and the way it can provide healing.
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Episode #98. This week on the podcast I am excited to introduce you to Paula Holland.
Paula is a women’s mental fitness mentor & coach, speaker, award-winning author & artist and a 20+ year cancer survivor.
She has inspired thousands of women living on the edge of burnout to triple their ability to take back control, take care of themselves, and joyfully live their true purpose.
Her heart-first approach and innovative growth tools strengthen the part of the brain that creates happiness and quiets the part that creates stress and negative emotions.
Her proven process builds the sustainable resilience required to flourish in today’s chaotic world.
In today’s conversation, we talk about how her cancer diagnosis led to a major transformation and how that has led her to help other women transform their own lives.
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Episode #97. Marissa Valdez is a Latina children’s book author and illustrator who loves to create funny, ridiculous, and spunky characters for meaningful stories.
She originally received her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Animation, but life swept her away from animation and into the world of children’s illustration in the midst of 2020 and the pandemic.
She’s now worked on books with the major publishing houses Hachette, Penguin Random House, Macmillan, and Candlewick Books. Two books that Marissa illustrated, Ambitious Girl written by Meena Harris and Hattie Harmony: Worry Detective written by Elizabeth Olsen and Robbie Arnett, reached the #1 spot on the New York Times Bestsellers list. She also recently won a Golden Kite Honor for her illustrations in Esme’s Birthday Conga Line, a chapter book written by Lourdes Heuer (pronounced Higher).
Marissa is currently working on several other projects, including her own book, that she both wrote and illustrated, which she’s excited to share with the world in 2025. Along with creating books, Marissa enjoys teaching and has collaborated with the online learning platform, Domestika, to teach a course on how to create a children’s book portfolio.
Marissa enjoys finding everyday inspiration in her vegetable garden, reading sci-fi and fantasy books, and rambling around villages in the United Kingdom with her two cats and husband, with whom she shares her West Midlands home. Originally from the South Texas border, Marissa also enjoys incorporating her Hispanic heritage, childhood experiences growing up in Texas, and love of bright colors into her artwork and stories.
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Episode #96. Lydia Fenet is the founder and CEO of the Lydia Fenet Agency, a boutique agency representing best-in-class charity auctioneers.
Over her two-decade-long career, Lydia served as the Global Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships for Christie’s and reshaped the fundraising landscape as the world’s leading charity auctioneer.
She has raised over one billion dollars for more than 800 organizations and broken-down countless barriers for women in the auction industry.
Lydia is also the author of two best-selling books, The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You & Claim Your Confidence as well as the podcast host of Claim Your Confidence in collaboration with Rockefeller Center.
Lydia shares so much wisdom on how we can all create more confidence for ourselves. I am so excited for you to listen to this conversation!
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