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With everything that’s happened in the past few years—and the latest tragedies that have shaken the entertainment industry—it’s no surprise that many of us feel stuck, are questioning what’s next or even questioning what the point of it all is.
In this episode, I sit down with Bevin Farrand, speaker, coach, author, and founder of the Take the DAMN Chance movement. Bevin knows firsthand what it means to navigate profound loss—after enduring a series of tragedies, one event ultimately turned her life upside down. This led her to develop what she calls the DAMN framework to help others move forward during difficult times. Together, we explore how to face hardship without getting stuck in it. We talk about what it really means to acknowledge grief and uncertainty, why toxic positivity can do more harm than good, and the first steps to take when you feel paralyzed by everything happening around you.
Bevin also introduces the DAMN Manifesto—an anchor to help you regain clarity and direction when everything feels uncertain. Her approach isn’t just about vague motivation but real, actionable steps to help you break free from stagnation and start moving forward, even when it feels impossible.
If you’re struggling to find your footing in the midst of uncertainty, this conversation with Bevin offers a fresh perspective on how to move forward, even in the hardest of times.
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Here's What You'll Learn:The events that led Bevin to the Take the DAMN Chance movementHow Bevin created the DAMN frameworkWhy it’s not always a good idea to think that bad things happen for a good reasonKEY TAKEAWAY: It’s okay to respond with sadness and griefKEY TAKEAWAY: Responses can shiftHow toxic positivity can get us stuckThe common mistake when talking to someone who’s having a difficult time and what to say insteadHow to move forward when you’re trapped in uncertainty and anxietyThe difference between fear and anxiety and how fear can be usefulWhat is the “pad method” to get out of anxietyWhy you need multiple “why’s”Bevin takes the Hot Seat to go deep into her origin storyKEY TAKEAWAY: There is no evidence to support that you "will never get through this."Why fighting reality can cause more sufferingHow people get stuck even after figuring out what they wantWhy you can’t wait for confidence or inspiration to take actionWhat is the DAMN manifesto and how it can help us push through when things get difficultUseful Resources Mentioned:"Your DAMN Manifesto": Free Book to Achieve Bold Dreams and Live Intentionally
Man’s Search for Meaning | Viktor Frankl
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference | Malcolm Gladwell
Ep30: How Regular Movement Makes You Smarter | with Dr. John Ratey
Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain | Dr. John Ratey
Bevin Farrand | Free Meditation to Combat Anxiety and Overwhelm
Continue to Listen & LearnEp271: How to Keep Moving Forwards After You’ve Lost Everything | with Christina Rasmussen
Ep256: Overcoming the Grief of “Invisible Losses” (Including Losing Your Job), and Getting Out of “Survival Mode” | with Christina Rasmussen
Ep254: The Ugly Truth About Burnout (Even When You’re Unemployed), and How to Build Immunity From It | with Dr. Kandi Wiens
Ep47: The Ugly Side of Depression, Burnout, and Imposter Syndrome | with Gen Malone
Ep82: Real Talk About Mental Health and Depression | with Michael Kammes
Ep265: Unemployed? Burned Out? Or Both? How to Manage a Career Break | with Laura Nguyen
Ep231: How to Become Resilient In the Face of Change (and Manage an Identity Crisis) | with Brad Stulberg
Ep183: Pushing Yourself to Your Limits (When Quitting isn’t an Option) | with Evan Perperis
Ep55: How Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James Clear
Ep48: Feeling Lost? It’s Time to ‘Find Your Why’ | with David Mead
Ep252: Find Your Creativity by Finding Your Why | with Dr. Mark Shrime
Guest Bio:Bevin Farrand
Bevin Farrand is an executive coach, brand strategist, and creator of the Do the DAMN Thing Method.
In 2019, after an unexpected loss just 5 days after she returned from a whirlwind trip to France with her husband, Bevin Farrand founded the Take the DAMN Chance movement. Her DAMN framework has inspired thousands to connect with the people that they love, do the “crazy thing” that makes all the difference and, when given a choice, to take the damn chance. Additionally, she is a coach that supports entrepreneurs in growing their business to 5-, 6-, and 7- figures, and women in achieving their goals, even after going through deeply challenging experiences.
Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.
The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/optimize-yourself/exclusive-content -
Want to continue learning from the world’s experts on time management, networking, career development, better sleep, overcoming burnout, and so much more?
→ Click here for your customized podcast playlist
The past two years have been relentless for creatives, and even in the first quarter of the year,, the losses keep piling up with no end in sight. Staying creative, hopeful, or even grounded feels harder than ever.
In this episode, I sit down once again with acclaimed grief counselor and bestselling author Christina Rasmussen to talk about navigating loss in times of crisis. She shares valuable insight on how to cope when back-to-back losses shake the foundation of our creative lives, leaving us questioning who we are and what’s left to hold onto. Instead of the usual “power through” mentality, Christina offers a different approach—one rooted in self-compassion, asking for help, and finding strength in community. Together, we explore how to apply these ideas in moments of uncertainty and what it means to stay true to ourselves even when the industry feels unrecognizable.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by it all, this conversation is for you. It’s a reminder that even in the hardest times, you’re not alone—and that your creative voice still matters.
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Here's What You'll Learn:How life’s changes often come with unexpected losses—and why they matterKEY TAKEAWAY: Without losses we’d have no way to measure the gainsWhat “life re-entry” really means and how to move forward after griefThe important lesson Zack learned from losing his dadWhy community is essential—and why putting your head down and powering through isn’t enoughHow a lack of self-compassion can distort our perception of reality and keep us stuckWhat to do when losses start to feel overwhelmingOvercoming the fear and reluctance of reaching out for helpHow to stay true to your creative self even when everything is falling apartFinding fulfillment and staying creative in times of deep uncertaintyChristina puts me in the hot seat, challenging me to reflect on my own period of uncertaintyUseful Resources Mentioned:Ep256: Overcoming the Grief of “Invisible Losses” (Including Losing Your Job), and Getting Out of “Survival Mode” | with Christina Rasmussen
Christina Rasmussen’s website
Continue to Listen & LearnEp254: The Ugly Truth About Burnout (Even When You’re Unemployed), and How to Build Immunity From It | with Dr. Kandi Wiens
Ep47: The Ugly Side of Depression, Burnout, and Imposter Syndrome | with Gen Malone
Ep82: Real Talk About Mental Health and Depression | with Michael Kammes
Ep01: Understanding the Link Between Creativity and Depression | with Dr. Edison de Mello
Ep237: A New Approach to Relieving Stress & Anxiety (and Improving “Emotional” Health) | with Nick Wignall
Ep265: Unemployed? Burned Out? Or Both? How to Manage a Career Break | with Laura Nguyen
Ep231: How to Become Resilient In the Face of Change (and Manage an Identity Crisis) | with Brad Stulberg
Ep216: Chase Jarvis On Building Your Network of ‘A-Gamers,’ Designing the Life You Want, and Fulfilling Your ‘Creative Calling’
Ep183: Pushing Yourself to Your Limits (When Quitting isn’t an Option) | with Evan Perperis
Ep113: The Importance of Setting Boundaries, Advocating For Yourself, and Asking For Help | with Janace Tashjian
Ep226: The Benefits of Mindfulness & Therapy (and How to Know Which One You Need) | with Seth Gillihan
The Mindful Editor | It’s Okay If You’re Not Ready to Be Productive
Guest Bio:Christina Rasmussen
Christina Rasmussen is an acclaimed grief educator and bestselling author of Second Firsts (Hay House, 2013), Where Did You Go? (Harper One, 2018), and Invisible Loss (Sounds True, 2024). In 2010, four years after her thirty-five-year-old spouse passed away from Stage 4 colon cancer, she created the Life Reentry process, which launched her on a mission to bring compassion, grace, and validation to thousands, while simultaneously establishing an exit from what she termed the Waiting Room.
Christina holds a master’s degree in guidance and counseling (University of Durham). She is currently finishing her master of fine arts degree in painting and drawing (Academy of Art). Her grief work has been featured on ABC News and in Women’s World, the Washington Post, and the White House Blog.
In her spare time, she is learning to play the piano and planning her first trip to the edge of space. She works and lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, Eric, and their two dogs.
Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.
The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/optimize-yourself/exclusive-content -
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My guest today is Jennifer Kahnweiler, a bestselling author, host of the Introvert Ally Podcast, and one of the leading experts on introverts at work. Her books — The Introverted Leader, Quiet Influence, The Genius of Opposites, and Creating Introvert-Friendly Workplaces — have been translated into 18 languages. Drawing from her research and experience, Jennifer sheds light on the challenges introverts face in professional and social settings. We examine how society and the workplace often feel designed for extroverts, leaving many introverts to believe they need to become extroverts to succeed, often at the cost of burnout and frustration.
In our conversation, Jennifer reveals that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of changing who you are. We explore how introverts can thrive on their own terms, not by forcing themselves to be extroverted, but by fully embracing their strengths. We dive into why introverts actually have an edge in leadership, networking, and even sales — yes, sales. We also unpack how to navigate an extrovert-dominated world without exhausting yourself or compromising your nature.
From managing energy levels and setting up introvert-friendly work environments to networking strategies that feel natural, this conversation is packed with insights. Whether you struggle with workplace dynamics, job interviews, or simply finding a way to be heard, this episode will give you a fresh perspective and practical tools to make your introversion work for you, not against you.
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Here's What You'll Learn:How Jennifer built a career around introversion despite being an extrovertThe history of the study of personalities (extroversion & introversion)The popular myths about introverts versus what they really areHow personality types are more of a spectrum rather than binaryThe real data on how many of the population are introverts and what it means to society in generalThe disadvantage of remote work that even introverts find difficultThe preferred workplace arrangement of introverts and creatives that allow them to thriveHow the society has developed preference for extrovertsHow introverts can be better communicatorsThe important strengths of introverts that will help them thrive without having to become extrovertsThe importance of having an ally or advocate for introvertsHow introverts can be better at "selling"The intersection of creativity and introversionWhat creatives can do to advocate for themselvesUseful Resources Mentioned:Jennifer Kahnweiler’s website
Myers–Briggs Type Indicator
The Hidden Advantages of Quiet Bosses
Annie Hall (1977) - IMDb
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking | Susan Cain
Business Networking With Dr. Ivan Misner
To Sell Is Human | Daniel H. Pink
Continue to Listen & LearnEp259: Overcoming Communication Fears for Introverted Creatives | with Bridget Sampson
The Socially Awkward Introvert’s Guide to Networking with Industry “Experts”
Why Writing Cold Emails Is the Most Important ‘Soft Skill’ You Must Master (Especially If You’re An Introvert)
Ep262: How to Work with Challenging Colleagues Without Losing Your Mind (or your job) | with Amy Gallo
Ep260: How to Build Collaborative Cultures & Fix Toxic Creative Environments | with Chris Deaver
Ep159: Overcoming Limiting Beliefs (and Lack of Experience) to Break Into Scripted Television | with Marcella Garcia
Ep244: [CASE STUDY] How Marc Wiltshire Optimized His Cold Outreach Strategies (and Expanded His Network) to Land His Dream Job
Ep234: [CASE STUDY] How to Make the Most of Slow Work Periods and Make a Career Pivot | with Malinda Zehner Guerra
Ep154: Using Humility to Cultivate Relationships and Land Your Dream Gig In Network TV | with Scott Powell, ACE
Ep113: The Importance of Setting Boundaries, Advocating For Yourself, and Asking For Help | with Janace Tashjian
How to Find the Right Type of Mentor For You (and When You Should Seek the Best)
Ep184: Networking (the Right Way), Mentorship, and Connecting with ‘Experts’ | with Troy Takaki, ACE
Episode Transcript[fusebox_transcript]
Guest Bio:Jennifer Kahnweiler
Jennifer B. Kahnweiler is a bestselling author, podcast host and one of the leading experts on introverts at work. Her pioneering books, The Introverted Leader, Quiet Influence, The Genius of Opposites, and Creating Introvert-Friendly Workplaces have been translated into 18 languages. The Introverted Leader was named one of the top 5 business books by The Shanghai Daily. Jennifer has partnered with leading organizations like NASA, Amazon, Merck, Kimberly Clark, Bosch, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. She holds the Certified Speaking Professional designation, awarded to a small percentage of speakers, and serves as a mentor to many professional women. Jennifer loves Yoga, pickleball, and competing with her husband Bill playing Jeopardy.
Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.
The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/optimize-yourself/exclusive-content -
Want to continue learning from the world’s experts on time management, networking, career development, better sleep, overcoming burnout, and so much more?
→ Click here for your customized podcast playlist
A few years ago, Sandy Zimmerman came on the Optimize Yourself podcast as a longtime Physical Education teacher and coach. During that conversation, she made a quiet prediction—she felt she was meant for something more and believed she’d be back to share her journey. She was right. Today, Sandy is a full-time speaker, coach, and author, traveling the country to share her Dream Big Formula and her book, Get Out of the Car - Inspirational Stories for Cultivating an Empowering Inner Voice.
But her transition wasn’t easy. For years, Sandy carried the weight of an inner voice shaped by a difficult childhood—a voice that told her she wasn’t capable of achieving anything extraordinary. In our conversation, she opens up about the fears she had to face as she left behind the comfort and stability of a decades-long teaching career. She shares the mindset shifts that gave her the confidence to take the leap, along with the strategies she still relies on to overcome challenges, stay focused, and continue growing in her new career.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your next step, my conversation with Sandy offers valuable insights and real-world advice to help you work through uncertainty and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
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Here's What You'll Learn:Sandy's origin story and the unsuspecting prediction she made in the Optimize Yourself podcast a few years backKEY TAKEAWAY: Sandy borrowed from other people's belief in her when she couldn't believe in herselfSandy's superpower that allowed her to switch careers after 23 years of being a teacherThe importance of failure to help you grow and move forwardWhy you need to go out and find people who are better than youWhy Sandy left the comfortable career she had built and lovedThe advice Sandy got from her coach about finding happiness while also growingThe vision Sandy had that helped her manage the many plates she's spinningKEY TAKEAWAY: It's okay to not be pedal to the metal in every single area of your lifeSandy's advice to people looking for clarity on what to do nextSandy puts Zack in the Hot Seat to workshop his American Ninja Warrior journeyWhat Sandy tells herself before any performance or presentation she givesUseful Resources Mentioned:Ep165: How to Overcome Doubting Yourself When You Know You’re Meant For More | with Sandy Zimmerman, ANW | Optimize Yourself
Ep230: The Performance Paradox – How Only Focusing On Performance Leads to Performing Worse | with Eduardo Briceño | Optimize Yourself
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success – Carol S. Dweck, Ph. D.
The Messy Middle: Finding Your Way Through the Hardest and Most Crucial Part of Any Bold Venture – Scott Belsky
Autographed copy of Sandy’s book, Get Out of the Car
Continue to Listen & LearnEp268: [Case Study] From the FBI to Hollywood: Anatomy of An Unlikely Career Pivot | with Kathy Robinson
Ep267: [CASE STUDY] How to Diversify Your Creative Skills and Experience to Build Multiple Income Streams | with Krysia Szyszlo
Ep234: [CASE STUDY] How to Make the Most of Slow Work Periods and Make a Career Pivot | with Malinda Zehner Guerra
Ep145: [CASE STUDY] Navigating a Difficult Career Transition | with Sam Lavin
Ep232: How to Future-Proof Your Creative Career, Avoid Burnout, and Build a Life Bigger Than Your Résumé | with Christina Wallace
Ep246: Building a Career Beyond Your Job Title, Strategically Crafting Your Story, and Diversifying Your Career Portfolio | with Jeff Bartsch
Ep233: Redefining Your Career Path in a Post Generational Society | with Mauro Guillén
Ep263: The Art of the Pivot: Going From Freelancer to Entrepreneur | with Nick Milo
Ep198: Terrified to Make a Big Change In Your Life? Start By “Showing Up Small” | with Eddy Roche
Ep179: Navigating The ‘Messy Middle’ of Life & Career Transitions | with Melissa Costello
[BONUS] Mastermind Q&A: How to Successfully Be a “Specialized Generalist” | with Michael Addis
Ep228: The Link Between Telling Your Story & Identifying Your Purpose (And How to Do Both) | with Dan Davis
Ep178: How to Manage An Identity Crisis (Especially When You Know You’re Meant For Something More) | with Erica Wernick
Episode Transcript[fusebox_transcript]
Guest Bio:Sandy Zimmerman
Sandy Zimmerman believes every child is just one caring adult, one lesson learned, or one mindset shift away from becoming a success story. Through her engaging, dynamic story telling Sandy brings others HOPE that things can be better, BELIEF that through their actions and choices they can create an incredible life, and INSPIRATION that if Sandy can overcome her circumstances and achieve big dreams and goals so can they. (from her website)
Despite an upbringing filled with poverty, abuse, time in foster care, and countless injuries and immense hardship, Sandy has defied the odds to become a national Judo champion, earn a full ride basketball scholarship to Gonzaga University, become a Physical Education teacher and coach for 23 years, and today continues breaking records on NBC’s hit show American Ninja Warrior, traveling the country sharing her story as an inspirational speaker..
Over and over again Sandy has been able to overcome barriers, circumstances, and obstacles in her own life to achieve incredibly big dreams. After a tremendous amount of reflection, she noticed a pattern, a formula Sandy calls her ‘Dream Big Formula’ that she is excited to share with others. Sandy moved to Spokane in 1994 to attend college at Gonzaga University and has been here ever since.
Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.
The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/optimize-yourself/exclusive-content -
Want to continue learning from the world’s experts on time management, networking, career development, better sleep, overcoming burnout, and so much more?
→ Click here for your customized podcast playlist
In today's episode, I sit down with Kathy Robinson, a longtime member of the Optimizer community and one of my coaching students who has made a remarkable career transition. Kathy is on the path to being a film and video editor and currently working as a TV assistant for a small cable network. But her journey here is anything but typical. Before joining the entertainment industry, she spent over a decade in federal law enforcement working with the FBI. She is also a proud Navy veteran.
Kathy discovered her passion for storytelling while working at the FBI, using her creativity to solve problems. Kathy opens up about the fears she had to overcome to pursue a completely new career and how she found her "tribe" through the Optimizer community. Together, we explored how her transferrable skills — like managing torpedoes in the Navy and working as an investigative operations analyst at the FBI — could be repurposed to fit into the different but highly detailed and pressure driven demands of the entertainment industry.
Kathy’s story is a powerful reminder that starting over is not starting from scratch. Instead, it’s about leveraging what you’ve already learned to build something new. Her journey is sure to inspire anyone considering a bold career move.
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Here's What You'll Learn:Zack reveals what he knew about Kathy from the first time they metThe realization Kathy had while still working at the FBIKEY TAKEAWAY: Making a career transition is not starting overThe important lesson Kathy learned from Zack that stuck with her through her journey into the creative worldThe first thing that needed to change for Kathy in order to successfully make a career transitionThe biggest obstacle Kathy had, where it came from and the lesson she learned from the Optimizer coaching program to overcome itHow to say 'no' to the wrong opportunitiesWhy Kathy stayed in a toxic work culture for so longWhere Kathy's resilience comes fromHow building habits helped Kathy when she retired from the FBIHow Kathy got her current job and why she loves itHow managing torpedoes in the Navy is relevant to becoming a TV editorThe advice that Kathy will give her past self and the advice that her future self will give to her present selfUseful Resources Mentioned:The Mark of the Maker (Short 1991) - IMDb
Ep55: How Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James Clear | Optimize Yourself
Continue to Listen & LearnEp267: [CASE STUDY] How to Diversify Your Creative Skills and Experience to Build Multiple Income Streams | with Krysia Szyszlo
Ep234: [CASE STUDY] How to Make the Most of Slow Work Periods and Make a Career Pivot | with Malinda Zehner Guerra
Ep145: [CASE STUDY] Navigating a Difficult Career Transition | with Sam Lavin
Ep232: How to Future-Proof Your Creative Career, Avoid Burnout, and Build a Life Bigger Than Your Résumé | with Christina Wallace
Ep246: Building a Career Beyond Your Job Title, Strategically Crafting Your Story, and Diversifying Your Career Portfolio | with Jeff Bartsch
Ep233: Redefining Your Career Path in a Post Generational Society | with Mauro Guillén
Ep263: The Art of the Pivot: Going From Freelancer to Entrepreneur | with Nick Milo
Ep198: Terrified to Make a Big Change In Your Life? Start By “Showing Up Small” | with Eddy Roche
Ep179: Navigating The ‘Messy Middle’ of Life & Career Transitions | with Melissa Costello
[BONUS] Mastermind Q&A: How to Successfully Be a “Specialized Generalist” | with Michael Addis
Ep228: The Link Between Telling Your Story & Identifying Your Purpose (And How to Do Both) | with Dan Davis
Ep178: How to Manage An Identity Crisis (Especially When You Know You’re Meant For Something More) | with Erica Wernick
Guest Bio:Kathy Robinson
Kathy Robinson is a film and video editor transitioning from a decade-long career in Federal law enforcement to pursue her passion for storytelling and visual media. Her previous role instilled a strong foundation of adaptability, resourcefulness, and the ability to excel under pressure. These skills have seamlessly translated into her video editing career, where she has contributed to diverse freelance projects with non-profit organizations, marketing agencies, and independent filmmakers. Through these experiences, she developed a keen eye for detail, technical proficiency, and a collaborative approach to creative problem-solving.
One of her proudest achievements as a video editor was collaborating with her former DePaul University classmates on an independent 30-second film during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2021. Tasked with creating a 90-second short film using only a cell phone and incorporating the elements of "high heel" and "button," her team's ingenuity and teamwork earned them the WaFL audience award. Her enthusiasm for taking on new challenges and her dedication to continuous learning drive her to create impactful and engaging content in every project she undertakes.
Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.
The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/optimize-yourself/exclusive-content -
Want to continue learning from the world’s experts on time management, networking, career development, better sleep, overcoming burnout, and so much more?
→ Click here for your customized podcast playlist
My guest today is Krysia Szyszlo, an Optimizer OG who has successfully diversified her career across multiple fields, including television editing, real estate investing, and dating coaching. Krysia’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. In her own words, she started in a dark place, struggling with a stalled career for over a year and later, a broken relationship. Through resilience, smart strategies, and more importantly, a shift in mindset, she transformed her career and built a life filled with purpose and growth.
In our conversation, we also uncover the fascinating connections between her work as a dating coach and career-building. Krysia highlights the parallels between dating, networking, and job hunting, offering practical advice and fresh perspectives that resonate across both personal and professional journeys.
If you’re navigating challenges in your own career, this episode is a thoughtful reminder that reinvention is possible — even when the path forward feels unclear. Krysia’s story offers a blueprint for resilience and growth, no matter where you’re starting.
Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode
Here's What You'll Learn:Why Krysia decided to join the Optimizer coaching & mentorship programWhy coaching is important especially in difficult times according to KrysiaHow Krysia transitioned from editing 30-second commercials to a 90-minute feature despite the voices telling her that it can’t be doneWhy Krysia believes that we can transition to any career we wantKEY TAKEAWAY: Transitioning is not necessarily an all or nothing approachWhat a day looks like for a multi-hyphenate personKEY TAKEAWAY: Your ‘why’ has to be big enough for your unbalanced life for a little while until you get into the grooveKEY TAKEAWAY: No matter how many tactics and strategies you have, if you don't have mindset and belief, you're wasting your timeWhere Krysia got the spark to become a dating coach and what were her transferable skills from editing workKEY TAKEAWAY: Transition is integrating skills from one career to another careerHow Krysia handles rejections from dating and how it can also apply to career rejectionsNetworking advice from a dating coachHow to start putting yourself out there if you don’t believe in yourselfHow authenticity and vulnerability can work in networking for introvertsHow to recognize the right career matchKrysia’s important advise whether you’re seeking companionship, networking or looking for a jobUseful Resources Mentioned:Date Your Destiny
Eben Pagan Training
Dear Hollywood: We Don’t Want to “Go Back to Normal.” Normal Wasn’t Working.
Krysia Szyszlo’s website
Continue to Listen & LearnEp234: [CASE STUDY] How to Make the Most of Slow Work Periods and Make a Career Pivot | with Malinda Zehner Guerra
Ep145: [CASE STUDY] Navigating a Difficult Career Transition | with Sam Lavin
Ep232: How to Future-Proof Your Creative Career, Avoid Burnout, and Build a Life Bigger Than Your Résumé | with Christina Wallace
Ep246: Building a Career Beyond Your Job Title, Strategically Crafting Your Story, and Diversifying Your Career Portfolio | with Jeff Bartsch
Ep233: Redefining Your Career Path in a Post Generational Society | with Mauro Guillén
Ep263: The Art of the Pivot: Going From Freelancer to Entrepreneur | with Nick Milo
Ep198: Terrified to Make a Big Change In Your Life? Start By “Showing Up Small” | with Eddy Roche
Ep179: Navigating The ‘Messy Middle’ of Life & Career Transitions | with Melissa Costello
[BONUS] Mastermind Q&A: How to Successfully Be a “Specialized Generalist” | with Michael Addis
Ep259: Overcoming Communication Fears for Introverted Creatives | with Bridget Sampson
Ep228: The Link Between Telling Your Story & Identifying Your Purpose (And How to Do Both) | with Dan Davis
Ep178: How to Manage An Identity Crisis (Especially When You Know You’re Meant For Something More) | with Erica Wernick
Episode Transcript[fusebox_transcript]
Guest Bio:Krysia Szyszlo
Krysia Sizzlo is a true embodiment of the gig economy's potential. As a Toronto television editor, real estate investor, and dating coach at DateYourDestiny.com, and creator of the 3-Date Method, Krysia has mastered the art of diversifying income streams. Her career journey is a testament to the importance of flexibility and innovation in any economy.
With her unique ability to blend creativity with strategic thinking, Krysia offers valuable insights into how diversifying work across different fields has not only enriched her professional life but also provided stability and growth.
Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.
The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/optimize-yourself/exclusive-content -
Want to continue learning from the world’s experts on time management, networking, career development, better sleep, overcoming burnout, and so much more?
→ Click here for your customized podcast playlist
My guest today is Justin Jones-Fosu, who is the CEO of Work. Meaningful., an organization dedicated to transforming corporate culture by fostering mindset, purpose, and performance. Justin is also the author of I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World — a timely guide for navigating the conflicts that seem unavoidable in today’s polarized world.
In our conversation, we explore the growing divisions in workplaces and beyond, unpacking why disagreements so often escalate into toxicity. Justin sheds light on why initiatives like DEI, despite their good intentions, sometimes fall short and how rethinking our approach to conflict could make a difference.
We discuss the core of his philosophy: seeing disagreements not as battles to be won but as opportunities to understand and respect others, even when we don’t see eye to eye. Justin shares actionable strategies and mindset shifts from his book, offering a way to approach disagreements that prioritize respect, collaboration, and mutual understanding.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to engage in conflict with clarity and compassion, whether at work or in everyday life.
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Here's What You'll Learn:Why the DEI initiative isn't workingKEY TAKEAWAY: People are less likely to engage in solutions if they feel they aren't part of it at allHow to engage with someone who has a different perspective from youKEY TAKEAWAY: Conflict management starts before any disagreement occursThe Five Pillars of Bridging the DivideThe type of questions to ask to transform conversations to meaningful onesWhat is disrespectful agreement and how it may be sneaking into your conversationsHow to respectfully disagree when it's difficult to do soHow our brains work against us in conflictsHow to listen effectively in conflictsHow to approach and resolve a disagreement when either party are leaning towards avoiding itHow NOT to start the conversation with someone who has a different perspectiveWhat to do if the other person's perspective challenges your core fundamental valuesKEY TAKEAWAY: Even if we're closed-minded we have to be open-hearted Why respect should not be earned but given freelyHow to ask questions to people you have a disagreement withWhy you should look for common ground instead of middle groundUseful Resources Mentioned:I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World - Justin Jones-Fosu
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success - Carol Dweck
Ep230: The Performance Paradox – How Only Focusing On Performance Leads to Performing Worse | with Eduardo Briceño
Man’s Search for Meaning - Viktor Frankl
Dialogue: The Art Of Thinking Together - William Isaacs
Ep260: How to Build Collaborative Cultures & Fix Toxic Creative Environments | with Chris Deaver
Ep161: Managing Limiting Beliefs, Imposter Syndrome, and all the “Chatter” In Our Heads | with Ethan Kross
Continue to Listen & LearnEp227: A Psychologist’s Guide to Building Relationships and Managing Conflict (Both Personally and Professionally) | With Dr. Jessica Higgins
Ep262: How to Work with Challenging Colleagues Without Losing Your Mind (or your job) | with Amy Gallo
Ep259: Overcoming Communication Fears for Introverted Creatives | with Bridget Sampson
Ep261: Meetings Don’t Have to Suck: Learn a Better Way to Create and Collaborate | with Dr. Steven Rogelberg
Ep126: On the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi Armaganian
Ep139: Fostering Better Relationships and Improving Team Culture | with Jason Barger
Ep138: On Hiring Editors & AE’s, Fostering Creative Collaboration, and Managing Happy Post Teams | with Paul Leonard
Ep154: Using Humility to Cultivate Relationships and Land Your Dream Gig In Network TV | with Scott Powell, ACE
Ep78: How to Build Meaningful Relationships in the ‘Real World’ | with Camille Virginia
Ep217: How to Live a Better Life Simply by Asking Better Questions | with Marc Champagne
Guest Bio:Justin Jones-Fosu
Justin Jones-Fosu is the embodiment of energy, both at home as a dedicated father to two spirited children and atop the world's highest peaks, having recently conquered one of the famed 7 Summits. But Justin's passion for elevation doesn't end with trekking, it's mirrored in his professional ascent as a captivating business speaker, innovative social entrepreneur, and insightful workplace researcher.
At the helm of Work. Meaningful., Justin is the driving force and CEO behind a movement that empowers organizations across the globe, delivering over 50 keynote addresses a year on the pivotal topics of meaningful work and inclusion. His mission is to ignite a transformation in corporate culture, guiding organizations and individuals to ascend to their peak potential through mastery of mindset, purpose, and performance.
Justin is not only a pathfinder in the wilderness but also in the literary world, authoring essential reads such as "Your WHY Matters NOW," "The Inclusive Mindset," and his latest thought-provoker, “I Respectfully Disagree: How to have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World.” His work is a compass for those seeking direction on creating connections in an often-fragmented society.
With a flair for infusing humor into his well-researched content, Justin doesn't just give a speech; he crafts an experience, leaving his audience not just informed but transformed. His approach is not merely to inform but to inspire, not just to direct but to make a difference.
Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.
The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).
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My guest today is Laura Nguyen, a burnout coach and author of Career Break Compass: Navigating Your Path to a Balanced Life Through Intentional Time Off. While her book focuses on taking career breaks by choice, we tackle a question that hits close to home for many creatives right now: What happens when the career break chooses you?
Laura and I address the overlooked idea that even a lack of work can lead to burnout—how the uncertainty, panic, and self-doubt that follow job loss can weigh just as heavily as being overworked. We examine the root of this panic, often tied to feelings of shame and embarrassment, and how these emotions can intensify the experience.
In our conversation, Laura offers actionable steps to regain balance and a sense of purpose, even when downtime feels overwhelming. We also discuss why creatives are especially prone to burnout—exploring the emotional exhaustion, dissatisfaction, and self-imposed pressure. More importantly, Laura reveals the mindset shifts that can make a real difference in moving forward.
Whether you're navigating an unexpected break, feeling stuck, or simply looking for new ways to manage burnout, this episode is packed with insights to help you take your next step with clarity and intention.
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Here's What You'll Learn:The moment of burnout recognition for both Zack and Laura and the important realization that it can teach usHow overwork and self-sacrifice is normalized and how they changed expectationsHow to prioritize self-care in a way that's productive and meaningfulThe difference between voluntary and involuntary career breaksWhy people can be burned out even when they're not workingHow to get past the panic phase of an involuntary career breakThe different types of burnout and where does creative burnout fit inHow rest relates to the type of burnout you experienceSigns of burnout and Laura's burnout questionnaireWhy creatives are more prone to burnoutWhy Laura believes finding your “purpose” is overratedWhat is the Judgment Backpack and how it helps manage your inner criticWhat are Anti Goals and why should you set themWhat is a Career Matrix and when to use itWhy it's essential to have a coachThe importance of community when dealing with burnoutUseful Resources Mentioned:Career Break Compass: Navigating Your Path to a Balanced Life Through Intentional Time Off - Laura Nguyen
The Burnout Quiz
I Was Tired of Putting My Kids to Bed via FaceTime Every Night. Here’s What I Did About It.
Continue to Listen & LearnEp 264: The Dumpster Fire of 2024, Predictions for 2025, and The Future of Creativity | with Zack Arnold
Ep255: Managing the Burnout, Anxiety, & Depression Created By Your “Busy Brain” | with Dr. Romie Mushtaq
Ep254: The Ugly Truth About Burnout (Even When You’re Unemployed), and How to Build Immunity From It | with Dr. Kandi Wiens
Ep170: How to Avoid Burnout and Live a More ‘Effortless’ Life | with Greg McKeown
Severance Is Not Only the Dystopian Future of Workplace Burnout…In Many Ways We’re Already There
Ep232: How to Future-Proof Your Creative Career, Avoid Burnout, and Build a Life Bigger Than Your Résumé | with Christina Wallace
Ep47: The Ugly Side of Depression, Burnout, and Imposter Syndrome | with Gen Malone
Ep64: [CASE STUDY] Overcoming Burnout and Imposter Syndrome | with Chryss Terry
Ep147: [CASE STUDY] From Total Burnout to Shooting for the Moon (Literally) | with David J. Turner
Ep03: The Science Behind Success and Creative Burnout (And Why You’re Approaching Both Mostly Wrong) | with Eric Barker
How I burned out as a burnout coach (and then bounced back)
[CASE STUDY] “What should I do when I’ve been fired from a gig?” with Chris Salters
Guest Bio:Laura Nguyen
Laura Nguyen is an experienced marketing executive and entrepreneur with an extensive background in data-driven marketing, digital marketing and communications for Fortune 500 companies. She is the founder of Solle Solutions, a marketing consultancy. Laura is also a certified executive coach, helping mid-career, high-achieving leaders go from burned out to balanced through her coaching program and online community.
Laura received her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science at Truman State University, and her Master in Business Administration from Rochester Institute of Technology. She lives in Des Moines, Iowa, with her family.
Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.
The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/optimize-yourself/exclusive-content -
Want to continue learning from the world’s experts on time management, networking, career development, better sleep, overcoming burnout, and so much more?
→ Click here for your customized podcast playlist
For this special kickoff episode of the new year, we’re flipping the script: I, Zack Arnold, the usual host of Optimize Yourself, step into the guest seat to give you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what 2024 was like for me and my team. My podcast producer, Debby Germino interviews me to give you an inside look at how we dealt with the uncertainty and endless changes that 2024 bestowed upon us. From the challenges of navigating a difficult year in the entertainment industry (as well as my personal life) to the launch of our brand-new Mastermind program, I share the personal and professional journey that brought us here.
We also give you the origin story of the GO FAR framework, my proven method for setting and achieving meaningful goals, and provide a cheat sheet for how you can use it to achieve your goals this year. Whether you’re a creative professional looking for structure in your career or a self-starter ready to take action, this episode is packed with insights and tools to help you move forward in 2025.
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Here's What You'll Learn:Zack’s 2024 predictions he wrote in last January's newsletterThe biggest challenges Zack faced in 2024, including industry shifts, personal losses, and professional setbacksWhy Optimize Yourself is rebranding and changing the nameWhat the Mastermind program is and how it’s different from anything we’ve offered beforeThe GO FAR framework: how it works and why it’s the foundation of the Mastermind programPractical steps to apply the GO FAR framework to your own career and goals.How to turn adversity into an opportunity for growth.Useful Resources Mentioned:Ep36: How to Accomplish Your ‘One Thing’ Every Day | with Jay Papasan | Optimize Yourself
Ep230: The Performance Paradox – How Only Focusing On Performance Leads to Performing Worse | with Eduardo Briceño | Optimize Yourself
Continue to Listen & LearnEp201: What I’ve Learned About Life From 200 Interviews with Amazing Human Beings | with Zack Arnold | Optimize Yourself
Ep143: Mastering the “Chess Mindset” to Achieve Any Difficult Goal (and Get Really Good at Failing Along the Way) | with Misha Tenenbaum
Ep03: The Science Behind Success and Creative Burnout (And Why You’re Approaching Both Mostly Wrong) | with Eric Barker
How I burned out as a burnout coach (and then bounced back)
Ep165: How to Overcome Doubting Yourself When You Know You’re Meant For More | with Sandy Zimmerman, ANW
Ep90: How to Stay Productive (and Stop Procrastinating) During Your Next Hiatus | with Debby Germino | Optimize Yourself
Ep263: The Art of the Pivot: Going From Freelancer to Entrepreneur | with Nick Milo | Optimize Yourself
The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).
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Today’s mini-episode is the latest edition of my Case of the Mondays newsletter, a free newsletter I send out exclusively to my subscribers every Monday morning with my latest thoughts, strategies, and tips for better managing the crazy balancing act between work & life. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather design a career where I’m excited about Mondays instead of dreading them. To be the first to receive next week’s newsletter, to read today’s episode in addition to listening, and for access to all of the past newsletters in the Case of the Mondays archives, simply visit optimizeyourself.me/newsletter.
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Today’s mini-episode is the latest edition of my Case of the Mondays newsletter, a free newsletter I send out exclusively to my subscribers every Monday morning with my latest thoughts, strategies, and tips for better managing the crazy balancing act between work & life. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather design a career where I’m excited about Mondays instead of dreading them. To be the first to receive next week’s newsletter, to read today’s episode in addition to listening, and for access to all of the past newsletters in the Case of the Mondays archives, simply visit optimizeyourself.me/newsletter.
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Since May of 2014 I’ve done my best to release a brand new long form conversation on a weekly basis, and between my original show Fitness In Post and now Optimize Yourself, I’ve now released just short of 400 episodes. But eventually this thing called life gets in the way. And I had to make the difficult choice to pause recording new interviews for the time being, hence the lack of new long form conversations. But rest assured we’ll be returning in early 2025 better than ever with new guests, new conversations, an updated format, and who knows….maybe even a brand new show altogether (wink, wink, nudge nudge). I won’t say anymore at this point, but needless to say we’re only hitting the pause button for now, certainly not the stop button.
Having said that we’ll continue to release a Hot Seat Friday episode every week for the remainder of the year to give you an insider’s glimpse into how we do things in the Optimizer community so we can continue to help you design the more rewarding, the more fulfilling, and the more sustainable creative career (and life) that you ultimately deserve.
In the meantime you’re welcome to enjoy the over 250 episodes in our archives. And we look forward to being back in your earbuds in early 2025. Thanks so much for being a devoted listener and longtime member of this global community of creative misfits. Take care, and be well.
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In this Hot Seat session, long-time community member Sam Lavin opens up about an unexpected and deeply challenging moment in her career: being fired for the first time. The experience shook her confidence and left her scrambling to address the immediate financial strain. Feeling scattered and unsure of her next steps, Sam and I worked together to untangle her priorities.
We explored practical strategies to help her focus on what’s most urgent while still carving out time for her long-term goals. Along the way, we discussed how to channel the anger and frustration of this setback into productive actions that move her forward.
I highly encourage you to listen to our conversation about resilience, clarity, and finding balance during times of uncertainty.
Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!
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Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?
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In this Hot Seat session, I sit down with community member Saarang Vinodh, who’s navigating a delicate challenge: reconnecting with a producer he had previously reached out to. Their last conversation seemed to close the door on potential mentorship, but now Saarang’s goals have shifted, and he’s confident this producer could help. The question is, how can he reach out again without the message feeling purely transactional? Together, we workshop thoughtful strategies to craft an outreach that goes beyond the surface, aiming to spark a meaningful conversation and lay the foundation for a deeper, more genuine connection.
Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!
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Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?
→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program
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In this Hot Seat session, I sit down with community member Brett Williams to help him refine his resume and align it with his career goals. Brett is targeting broadcast promos and marketing agencies but finds himself grappling with a resume that's overflowing with information. While he has a good sense of which experiences to emphasize, he's unsure how to organize them in a way that tells a clear, compelling story. Together, we workshop his resume—trimming away the irrelevant details, reordering sections, and focusing on strategies to ensure it resonates with his target audience at a glance.
Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!
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Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?
→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program
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In this Hot Seat session, community member Stephen Lehman opens up about his goal to edit narrative projects consistently while working as a film teacher. Stephen is trying to navigate the challenges in building the right connections to make this vision a reality. Together, we explore the types of relationships he should focus on and develop strategies to ensure he's on the radar for future opportunities that align with his goals.
Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!
→ Click here to let us know what you think of this format
Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?
→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program
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In this Hot Seat session, I sit down with community member David Spragg to tackle the challenge of reaching out cold to a gatekeeper. David wants to connect with a YouTuber known for creating high-quality documentary and travel content, who is now venturing into scripted filmmaking. Drawing on his experience in filmmaking, David hopes to offer his skills and insights to support this person’s project. Together, we craft a thoughtful and compelling strategy to ensure his message stands out and gets a response.
Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!
→ Click here to let us know what you think of this format
Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?
→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/optimize-yourself/exclusive-content -
Today’s mini-episode is the latest edition of my Case of the Mondays newsletter, a free newsletter I send out exclusively to my subscribers every Monday morning with my latest thoughts, strategies, and tips for better managing the crazy balancing act between work & life. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather design a career where I’m excited about Mondays instead of dreading them. To be the first to receive next week’s newsletter, to read today’s episode in addition to listening, and for access to all of the past newsletters in the Case of the Mondays archives, simply visit optimizeyourself.me/newsletter.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/optimize-yourself/exclusive-content -
In this Hot Seat session, longtime community member Tonianne Fleig tackles the challenge of pivoting from film into the brand and agency world. Although her recent years have been in film, Tonianne is confident in her skills and expertise—and now it’s about framing her experience to resonate with potential employers in a new space. Together, we dig into the strategies that will help her highlight her unique strengths and communicate the true value she brings to the table that sets her apart from the others.
Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!
→ Click here to let us know what you think of this format
Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?
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In this Hot Seat session, community member Mark Carr is looking to re-engage a valuable contact he reached out to a few months ago. Knowing the person was previously too busy to respond, Mark wants to follow up in a way that’s both respectful of their time and likely to get a response. Together, we break down the art of a well-crafted follow-up, exploring subtle strategies that go beyond a simple nudge and aimed at making his outreach feel timely, genuine, and worth reading.
Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!
→ Click here to let us know what you think of this format
Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?
→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program
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