Episodes

  • How do we stay engaged with our careers and make them feel sustainable and regenerative for the long haul?

    Today, master coach Merideth Mehlberg introduces common traps that keep us feeling stuck and dissatisfied at work, shares what gets us to the point where we can take action for change, plus offers reassurance that finding more fulfillment isn’t as arduous as it may seem at the outset.

    Learn more about Merideth Mehlberg:

    WebsiteConnect on LinkedInYour Finest Work: Career Fulfillment in a Complicated World Your Finest Work Self-Assessment and Action Guide

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    Get show notes for this episode at https://sustainableambition.com/podcast

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  • If you are a workaholic or have workaholic tendencies, you are not alone. Many of us struggle with overwork and assessing the right amount of effort to put towards our ambitions and priorities, without going overboard.

    Today, Dr. Malissa Clark, author of Never Not Working: Why the Always-On Culture Is Bad for Business—and How to Fix It, joins me for a conversation about workaholism and overwork, what drives it, why more people are struggling with it, and what organizations and individuals can do about it.

    Learn more about Malissa Clark:

    WebsiteConnect on LinkedIn

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    If you liked this episode, please rate, review, and share the episode. Thank you so much!

    Get show notes for this episode at https://sustainableambition.com/podcast

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  • What is work? And what is the role of work in our lives?

    For many Americans, work is a primary source of meaning and identity. But what if you embraced a more holistic identity?

    Today, I’m in conversation with Simone Stolzoff, author of The Good Enough Job, about the roles of work in our modern lives. Simone invites us to embrace more sides of ourselves as we write our stories and, through a broader lens on identity, be more intentional about the role of our work and the ambitions we pursue.

    Learn more about Simone Stolzoff:

    WebsiteInstagram: @thepizza_bagel


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    If you liked this episode, please rate, review, and share the episode. Thank you so much!

    Get show notes for this episode at https://sustainableambition.com/podcast

    Send me ideas for what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or a question that might be read and answered here on the show! Email me at [email protected]


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  • If you live and work in the U.S., you might have daydreamed about finding better work-life balance by moving to another country with different norms and structures around work.

    But what if the challenges of navigating life and work in the modern world are more pervasive than we think?

    France-based coach and consultant Sandra Fillaudeau joins me to dig into the challenges French professionals face with work-life integration, how those issues are reflected cross-culturally, and what shifts individuals and organizations can make to help us better navigate the dynamic nature of our lives and work in the modern world.

    Learn more about Sandra Fillaudeau:

    Conscious CulturesLes ÉquilibristesConnect on LinkedIn


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    If you liked this episode, please rate, review, and share the episode. Thank you so much!

    Get show notes for this episode at https://sustainableambition.com/podcast

    Send me ideas for what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or a question that might be read and answered here on the show! Email me at [email protected]


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  • Sustainable Ambition is a practice and a journey that is ever-changing and each of our journeys is unique to us.

    In this episode, I reflect on the Summer Book Series, how I was impacted by the concepts I shared in those episodes, and what I have been learning about Sustainable Ambition over the last several months.

    I also want to share updates on where I am in my own journey of Sustainable Ambition, not just based on the books, but a view of how I am doing with sustaining my ambition over time and not sacrificing my life or myself in the process.

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    If you liked this episode, please rate, review, and share the episode. Thank you so much!

    Get show notes for this episode at https://sustainableambition.com/podcast

    Send me ideas for what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or a question that might be read and answered here on the show! Email me at [email protected]


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  • Part of pursuing Sustainable Ambition is examining how we can live our lives more fully, and with more purpose, without sacrificing ourselves.

    Today’s guest, speaker and author, Jodi Wellman, calls us to look death in the face in order to become more alive. And while this might sound dour or heavy, it really isn’t.

    Jodi shares her philosophy for crafting a life well-lived, and it doesn’t always require us to make huge changes in our lives. Small things, done in service of our needs, preferences, and goals, really do add up when we stop procrastinating and start living.

    Learn more about Jodi Wellman:

    Four Thousand Mondays: https://fourthousandmondays.comInstagram: @fourthousandmondaysConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fourthousandmondays/


    Thanks for Listening!

    If you liked this episode, please rate, review, and share the episode. Thank you so much!

    Get show notes for this episode at https://sustainableambition.com/podcast

    Send me ideas for what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or a question that might be read and answered here on the show! Email me at [email protected]


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  • We hear a lot about resilience these days. We say people who overcome obstacles and challenges in life and work must be so resilient. But is that the only way to build our resilience muscles? What does it mean to build resilience in practice?

    Building resilience is essential to Sustainable Ambition, both to grow in and navigate our careers over time, and to create the lives we desire and sustain ourselves in the process.

    Today I’m joined again by Luis Velasquez to dig into how we build the resilience that allows us to face challenges and not only survive, but thrive.

    Learn more about Luis Velasquez:

    Velas Coaching: http://velascoaching.comConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/velasquezluis/

    Thanks for Listening!

    If you liked this episode, please rate, review, and share the episode. Thank you so much!

    Get show notes for this episode at https://sustainableambition.com/podcast

    Send me ideas for what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or a question that might be read and answered here on the show! Email me at [email protected]


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  • Over the months of June and July episodes, I’ve been sharing books that have delighted me. Some of them have been written by past guests, while others are new books that have really inspired me to think more deeply about sustainability.

    My hope in sharing these books with you is that you’ll be inspired, as I was, and think differently about how you operate this summer. Through this summer book series, perhaps you’ll start asking important questions, like, “Well, what do I really want? What is enough? What is worth it? Where might I be settling? And where and when can I allow myself to choose sustainability?”

    Today’s episode is the last in the series and this is for the explorers and the questioners, and those who are looking for a break.

    Thanks for Listening!

    If you liked this episode, please rate, review, and share the episode. Thank you so much!

    Get show notes for this episode at https://sustainableambition.com/podcast

    Send me ideas for what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or a question that might be read and answered here on the show! Email me at [email protected]


    Sign up for my curated bi-weekly Sustainable Ambition Forum newsletter at: https://sustainableambition.com/subscribe

  • This summer and over the June and July episodes, I am sharing books that have really delighted me. Some of them have been written by past guests, while others are new books that have really inspired me to think more deeply about sustainability.

    My hope in sharing these books with you is that you’ll be inspired, as I was, and think differently about how you operate this summer. Through this summer book series, perhaps you’ll start asking important questions, like, “Well, what do I really want? What is enough? What is worth it? Where might I be settling? And where and when can I allow myself to choose sustainability?”

    Today’s episode is for those who need inspiration to find inspiration.

    Thanks for Listening!

    If you liked this episode, please rate, review, and share the episode. Thank you so much!

    Get show notes for this episode at https://sustainableambition.com/podcast

    Send me ideas for what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or a question that might be read and answered here on the show! Email me at [email protected]


    Sign up for my curated bi-weekly Sustainable Ambition Forum newsletter at: https://sustainableambition.com/subscribe

  • Over the months of June and July, I will be sharing books that have really delighted me. Some of them have been written by past guests, while others are new books that have really inspired me to think more deeply about sustainability.

    My hope in sharing these books with you is that you’ll be inspired, as I was, and think differently about how you operate this summer. Through this summer book series, perhaps you’ll start asking important questions, like, “Well, what do I really want? What is enough? What is worth it? Where might I be settling? And where and when can I allow myself to choose sustainability?”

    Today’s episode offers points for reflection to inspire you to think about what is worth your ambition and effort. What do you do to sustain yourself to support putting in the effort?


    Thanks for Listening!

    If you liked this episode, please rate, review, and share the episode. Thank you so much!

    Get show notes for this episode at https://sustainableambition.com/podcast

    Send me ideas for what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or a question that might be read and answered here on the show! Email me at [email protected]


    Sign up for my curated bi-weekly Sustainable Ambition Forum newsletter at: https://sustainableambition.com/subscribe

  • This summer and over the four episodes in June and July, I will be sharing books that have really delighted me. Some of them have been written by past guests, while others are new books that have inspired me to think more deeply about sustainability.

    My hope in sharing these books with you is that you will be inspired, as I was, and think differently about how you operate this summer. Through this summer book series, perhaps you’ll start asking important questions, like, “Well, what do I really want? What is enough? What is worth it? Where might I be settling? And where and when can I allow myself to choose sustainability?”

    This episode is for those of us who may need permission to ease into summer and to play a little.


    Thanks for Listening!

    If you liked this episode, please rate, review, and share the episode. Thank you so much!

    Get show notes for this episode at https://sustainableambition.com/podcast

    Send me ideas for what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or a question that might be read and answered here on the show! Email me at [email protected]


    Sign up for my curated bi-weekly Sustainable Ambition Forum newsletter at: https://sustainableambition.com/subscribe

  • How can the arts support our ability to thrive and flourish in life and work?

    As part of my continuing conversations about creativity and how it intersects with Sustainable Ambition, I’m talking with Dr. Tasha Golden about the role of art in our evolution and its power to help us express ourselves more fully.

    We also discuss the dangers of “robotic” behavioral norms to our physical and mental wellbeing and how reimagining identity as an evolving narrative rather than a fixed point can help us let go of (some of) our angst and uncertainty as we grow.

    Learn more about Tasha Golden:

    Website: https://www.tashagolden.com/sustainableInstagram: @tasha.golden LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/tashagolden

    Thanks for Listening!


    If you liked this episode, please rate, review, and share the episode. Thank you so much!

    Get show notes for this episode at https://sustainableambition.com/podcast

    Send me ideas for what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or a question that might be read and answered here on the show! Email me at [email protected]


    Sign up for my curated bi-weekly Sustainable Ambition Forum newsletter at: https://sustainableambition.com/subscribe

  • If asked, most of us would likely say that we want to live with a sense of meaning and purpose. But how many of us truly put that intention front and center in how we make choices for ourselves?

    In this episode, I’m continuing conversations that explore how creative practices can help us come to a deeper understanding of our ambitions and support us as we seek to live and work in meaningful ways.

    Podcast executive producer and audio artist, Emily Shaw, joins me to talk about her pursuit of meaning and enjoyment in her life, following her curiosity, how she sustains her personal creative practices, the importance of “doable” goals, and the benefits of embracing discomfort.

    Learn more about Emily Shaw:

    Website: www.emilyshawcreates.comConnect with Emily on LinkedIn IG: @emilyshawcreates Twitter: @emshawcreatesCandy Ears Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/candy-ears/id1729922814


    Thanks for Listening!

    If you liked this episode, please rate, review, and share the episode. Thank you so much!

    Get show notes for this episode at https://sustainableambition.com/podcast

    Send me ideas for what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or a question that might be read and answered here on the show! Email me at [email protected]


    Sign up for my curated bi-weekly Sustainable Ambition Forum newsletter at: https://sustainableambition.com/subscribe


  • Can engaging in creative practices help us on our journey of Sustainable Ambition? Can we apply creative practices to live and work in more fulfilling and satisfying ways?

    To begin answering those questions, I am joined today by Doug Neill, founder of Verbal to Visual.

    Doug and I discussed the impact of visual thinking and how it can unlock creativity and improve comprehension. Doug believes that even if you don’t consider yourself creative you can discover doodling and sketchnoting as a powerful thinking tool. We also talked about how visualization can help us better understand our commitments and aid in our pursuit of Sustainable Ambition.

    Learn more about Doug Neill:

    Verbal to VisualYouTube: @verbaltovisualSimply Sketched Substack


    Thanks for Listening!

    If you liked this episode, please rate, review, and share the episode. Thank you so much!

    Get show notes for this episode at https://sustainableambition.com/podcast

    Send me ideas for what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or a question that might be read and answered here on the show! Email me at [email protected]


    Sign up for my curated bi-weekly Sustainable Ambition Forum newsletter at: https://sustainableambition.com/subscribe

  • Do you have a hard time allowing your ambitions to shift and change? Do you feel uncomfortable when at times you don’t feel as committed to your ambitions?

    I want to challenge these dominant narratives about success and ambition. So today, I’m digging into why evolving ambitions are inevitable, and even desirable, and offer three alternative ways to reframe ambition so it is sustainable over the course of our lives.


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    If you liked this episode, please rate, review, and share the episode. Thank you so much!

    Get show notes for this episode at https://sustainableambition.com/podcast

    Send me ideas for what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or a question that might be read and answered here on the show! Email me at [email protected]


    Sign up for my curated bi-weekly Sustainable Ambition Forum newsletter at: https://sustainableambition.com/subscribe

  • Are you afraid to ask yourself what you really, really want?

    Today’s guest presents a compelling example of what it looks like to live boldly, with intention and imagination, from the inside out.

    Bonnie Wan joins me to discuss the journey of developing The Life Brief and expanding it from her own personal practice to something she now teaches others and brought to life in her new book, why you have to get messy to get clarity, and how to courageously create the life you want.

    Learn more about Bonnie Wan:

    The Life Brief WebsiteInstagram: @bonniewanofficialFacebook: @livingthelifebriefConnect with Bonnie on LinkedIn


    Thanks for Listening!

    If you liked this episode, please rate, review, and share the episode. Thank you so much!

    Get show notes for this episode at https://sustainableambition.com/podcast

    Send me ideas for what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or a question that might be read and answered here on the show! Email me at [email protected]


    Sign up for my curated bi-weekly Sustainable Ambition Forum newsletter at: https://sustainableambition.com/subscribe

  • Having support structures in place is vital to sustaining our life and work ambitions particularly as we transition through different life stages.

    Entrepreneurs and people who are self-employed have an acute need for strong support structures because they tend to wear all the hats and stretch themselves too thin. Add in pregnancy and childbirth, and the need for strong support systems is even more intense for women entrepreneurs managing and running their businesses while also caring for new life and recovering from birth.

    As part of my periodic series where I invite guests across disciplines and experiences to share their insights into shifting narratives of work and life, I spoke with Arianna Taboada. She shares her unique perspective on the need for support systems, particularly for expecting entrepreneurs.

    Learn more about Arianna Taboada:

    The Expecting EntrepreneurInstagram: @theexpectingentrepreneurConnect with Adrianna on LinkedInGet the Postpartum Eco-Map

    Thanks for Listening!

    If you liked this episode, please rate, review, and share the episode. Thank you so much!

    Get show notes for this episode at https://sustainableambition.com/podcast

    Send me ideas for what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or a question that might be read and answered here on the show! Email me at [email protected]


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  • We all have ambitions for both our personal and professional lives. The question is how do we pursue them sustainably and with resilience so we can get fulfillment and joy from both.

    In this new post-pandemic environment, we need new ideas, narratives, and models to consider and to test for ourselves.

    As part of a new periodic series, I’m speaking with people from a variety of disciplines about how they live and work. In today’s conversation with Ashley Donahey, we’ll touch on how personal and professional dreams enrich our lives, how our ambitions evolve and take shape as we grow, and why it’s so important to find ways to enjoy ourselves along the journey.

    Learn more about Ashley Donahey:

    Two Worlds WhiskeyInstagram: @twoworldswhiskeyConnect with Ashley on LinkedIn


    Thanks for Listening!

    If you liked this episode, please rate, review, and share the episode. Thank you so much!

    Get show notes for this episode at https://sustainableambition.com/podcast

    Send me ideas for what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or a question that might be read and answered here on the show! Email me at [email protected]


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  • If you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed or burned out, you’re not alone. But rather than push or grind through it as so many of us try to do, today’s guest offers a different approach: a resilience plan.

    In this conversation, Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier and I talk about consciously building a resilience plan so that we can operate at our best and achieve our goals and ambitions without burning out.

    Learn more about Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier:

    WebsiteConnect on LinkedInThe Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health


    Thanks for Listening!

    If you liked this episode, please rate, review, and share the episode. Thank you so much!

    Get show notes for this episode at https://sustainableambition.com/podcast

    Send me ideas for what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or a question that might be read and answered here on the show! Email me at [email protected]


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  • As we leave January behind, many of us are still in the process of figuring out what we want out of this year. And it’s not uncommon to long for a clear path forward as we do.

    That desire for clarity can put us on a path of aiming for what we should be doing or pursuing. But if our ambitions are going to be sustainable, we have to make them our own.

    Living with the ambiguity as we define our own ambitions can be a challenge. Today, I want to offer some ways of navigating the uncertainty with a bit more ease.


    Thanks for Listening!

    If you liked this episode, please rate, review, and share the episode. Thank you so much!

    Get show notes for this episode at https://sustainableambition.com/podcast

    Send me ideas for what you’d like to hear on the podcast, or a question that might be read and answered here on the show! Email me at [email protected]


    Sign up for my curated bi-weekly Sustainable Ambition Forum newsletter at: https://sustainableambition.com/subscribe