Heartbeat For Hire with Lyndsay Dowd

Letha Sandison, CEO + Founder, Four Moons Spa A lifelong creative and service-driven visionary, her work has always centered around creating spaces that help people feel more seen, supported, and inspired. Before founding Four Moons, Letha lived in Uganda, where she ran an NGO supporting pediatric cancer patients and their families—an experience that deeply shaped her understanding of healing, human connection, and the power of community care. Upon returning home, she envisioned a new kind of wellness space: one where beauty, healing, artistry, and meaningful connection could coexist under one roof. Under her leadership, Four Moons has evolved into more than a spa. It is a wellness playground and community gathering place designed to help people slow down, reconnect to themselves, and experience wellness as a way of life. Through thoughtful details, transformative experiences, and a deeply human approach to hospitality, Letha continues to shape Four Moons as a space where ritual becomes a return to self. Outside of Four Moons, she finds inspiration in travel with family and loved ones, painting, and all things art and design. For her, self-care looks like daily morning and evening rituals that support a conscious and mindful life. She feels most lit up when creating art, connecting with interesting people, and exploring the world with family and friends. Connect with Letha: Instagram socials: @fourmoonsspa and @lethasandison LinkedIn: @lethasandison Episode Summary: Lyndsay Dowd sits down with Letha Sandison, founder of Four Moons, a wellness "playground" in Encinitas, California, built for slowing down and reconnecting. Letha shares how nearly a decade running an NGO in Uganda — creating a fashion line that funded chemotherapy for pediatric cancer patients — shaped her belief that self-care isn't a once-a-year luxury but a daily necessity. She and Lindsay dig into why wellness has become a critical leadership tool, what sets Four Moons apart from a traditional spa (community programming, "healers and mystics," makers markets, women's tables), and why prescriptive wellness advice ("meditate for 30 minutes or you're failing") often backfires. Letha closes with a look at Four Moons' upcoming at-home ritual product line and her hope that listeners give themselves permission to be honest about what they actually need. Key Takeaways: - Self-care isn't a treat for your birthday — it's daily fuel that shows up in how you lead and show up for others. - Working harder doesn't make you better. It just burns you out faster. - Wellness works best when it's a two-way street: healers with formal training paired with more intuitive, esoteric support. - Rigid wellness rules ("you must meditate 30 minutes a day") can make people feel like failures. Start small and build the muscle instead. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Cold Open: Why Self-Care Isn't Optional 00:48 Welcome & Guest Introduction 01:53 Letha's Path: Art School to Nonprofit Work 03:08 Founding a Fashion Line to Fund Pediatric Cancer Care in Uganda 06:13 Coming Home and Reimagining Wellness 07:37 Why Wellness Is a Leadership Imperative 10:23 Inside Four Moons: A Wellness Playground, Not a Spa 13:00 Community as Medicine (and Coming Home to Social Media) 14:55 What Leaders Experience and Take Away 16:04 Ditching One-Size-Fits-All Wellness 19:01 Sponsor Break: Cozy Earth 19:59 What's Next: Bringing Spa Rituals Home 22:26 Where to Find Letha and Four Moons 22:43 Inspiration, Legacy, and Final Advice

Marlene Chism is an executive advisor, leadership consultant, speaker, and author who helps organizations fix the conversations that quietly undermine execution. She works with leaders to address hidden breakdowns in clarity, accountability, and communication that often show up as disengagement, turnover, conflict, and stalled results. Connect with Marlene: Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/marlenechism Twitter URL: @marlenechism LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlenechism/ Instagram URL: marlenechismconsulting Website: www.marlenechism.com Episode Summary: Lyndsay Dowd sits down with leadership consultant, author, and LinkedIn Learning instructor Marlene Chism, who went from working the production line at Kraft Foods to teaching over 700,000 people how to handle hard conversations. Marlene shares her journey from blue-collar worker to sought-after executive advisor, and unpacks why so many "accountability problems" aren't actually accountability problems at all — they're breakdowns further up the chain in clarity and conversation. She introduces her alignment chain (clarity → conversation → accountability → execution), explains why real conversation is different from communication, and walks through the performance coaching framework she built to give leaders confidence in hard conversations. The episode closes with reflections on inner growth, legacy, and Marlene's upcoming book, Spilling the Beans. Key Takeaways: - Most "accountability problems" are actually missing conversations or missing clarity, not a lack of accountability itself. - Accountability only works when there's real measurement — not just a conversation that happened. - A conversation is different from communication: communication can be a memo, but a conversation involves real back-and-forth, including some discomfort. - Confidence in hard conversations comes from having a framework, not from personality. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Cold open — 3 things you'll learn in this episode 00:45 Podcast intro 01:01 Guest introduction: who is Marlene Chism 01:37 Welcome to the show 01:53 Marlene shares her story 02:47 Blue-collar days at Kraft Foods and wanting "something more" 04:04 The three life tragedies of growth 04:49 Quitting her job at 40 to become a professional speaker 05:23 Coaching people through career pivots and reinvention 07:29 The story behind her book Stop Workplace Drama 09:53 Her upcoming 5th book: Spilling the Beans 10:54 Why accountability problems aren't accountability problems 13:07 The hidden weak link: conversation vs. communication 15:41 Giving up the need to be right 16:03 Reframing conflict as opposing drives, desires, and demands 17:02 Sponsor break 17:41 Why confidence in hard conversations is a framework, not a trait 18:35 The performance coaching model: preparing before the conversation 19:39 Leadership clarity: leading with intention 20:07 The messy middle: employee clarity 21:00 The accountability follow-up: circling back 21:12 The power of choosing how you respond 21:45 What inspires Marlene: inner growth 22:35 On legacy and living an aligned life 23:22 What's next for Marlene 24:07 Her ideal clients: mission-driven leaders 24:49 Where to find Marlene 25:06 Final takeaway: clarity can change any situation

Katrena Friel is an internationally recognized Business Mentor known for her transformative approach to leadership and entrepreneurship. With over 25 years of experience, Katrena empowers entrepreneurs and leaders to master their unique Field of Excellence. Her clients range from ambitious startups to seasoned professionals, all seeking to elevate their influence and success. As an award-winning author and TEDx speaker, Katrena's mission is to help individuals unlock their full potential and create thriving, future-proof businesses. Her innovative "Done for You Program" turns dreams into reality within 90 days, leveraging seven distinct streams of income to build a sustainable business ecosystem. Connect with Katrena Friel: Email: katrena@becomingtheexpert.com.au Phone: +61 412 537 053 Website: www.becomingtheexpert.com.au LinkedIn: @katrenafriel Episode Summary: Lyndsay Dowd sits down with Katrena Friel, a business mentor with over 25 years of coaching and leadership experience, TEDx speaker, and award-winning author, to unpack why most entrepreneurs are sitting on income streams they've never touched. Katrena shares the painful $30,000 lesson that launched her coaching career, then breaks down her framework for building seven (really eight) streams of revenue from expertise people already have — from books and speaking to training, coaching, mentoring, facilitating, consulting, and franchising. She also walks through her 90-day "done for you" program that turns an idea into a full business ecosystem, describes her ideal client, and closes with advice on thinking bigger about what a fulfilling business and life can look like. Key Takeaways: - Most experienced professionals already have enough knowledge to build multiple income streams — they just don't know it. - A costly mistake or bad experience can become the turning point that pushes you toward your real path. - A personal brand isn't just being an influencer — it's a business built around your expertise. - There are seven (plus a bonus eighth) income streams available to experts: book/e-book, speaking (paid and unpaid), training, coaching, mentoring, facilitating, consulting, and franchising. - Writing a book builds credibility and positions you as an expert, even if it isn't a major revenue source on its own. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Episode teaser: 3 things you'll learn 00:47 Guest introduction: Meet Katrena Friel 01:54 Katrena's background and path from corporate 02:52 The $30,000 lesson: a bad coach and a turning point 07:00 Why entrepreneurs are leaving money on the table 08:56 Client example: building the Virtual Assistant Institute 12:22 The seven streams of income, explained 12:27 Stream 1: Book / e-book 13:41 Stream 2: Speaking (paid and non-paid) 14:30 Stream 3: Training 14:53 Streams 4–6: Coaching, mentoring, facilitating, consulting 15:48 Bonus stream 8: Franchising 16:28 The power of a side hustle (a college grad's story) 18:09 Inside the 90-day program 21:17 Two types of clients: corporate-safe vs. all-in 23:01 Sponsor break 23:44 What inspires Katrena 24:41 Who is the ideal client? 26:01 Three types of clients: done-for-you, hybrid, and DIY 27:38 Katrena's legacy and definition of freedom 28:35 What's next: the Business Mentor Institute 29:14 Where to find Katrena 29:36 Final takeaway for listeners

Matt Edelman serves as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President, with responsibility for the company's strategy, capital allocation, operations, and long-term growth. Appointed CEO in April 2025 after serving as President and Chief Commercial Officer, Matt architected a comprehensive corporate restructuring, strengthening the company's balance sheet and raising more than $26 million in six months, culminating in a $20 million private placement in October 2025. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Matt drove more than 20x revenue growth, led multiple M&A transactions, oversaw hundreds of brand partnerships, supported the company's successful NASDAQ IPO, and helped establish Super League as a defining force in the emerging category of playable media. To know more about Matt visit his LinkedIn: @mattedelman Episode Summary: Matt Edelman has spent over 30 years at the intersection of media, gaming, and emerging tech — starting at Marvel in the 1990s, helping launch Marvel.com, moving through WME/IMG's global live-events business, and now leading Super League as its Chairman, CEO, and President. In this conversation, Matt walks through his "meandering" career path, what it took to raise $26 million while restructuring Super League from an esports company into a platform that helps brands reach the "gamified consumer," and the leadership lessons he's picked up along the way — from building trust with his team to spotting emerging categories before they have a name. Key Takeaways: - Follow where you can have impact, not just what's exciting - More people play video games than watch sports - Reframe the audience to shift perception - Trust is a leader's most important asset - Curiosity drives good leadership, but it needs a check - Younger generations are wired for gamified experiences - Build a personal board of advisors - The human side of your story matters as much as your business story Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Episode teaser: the stats on gamers vs. sports fans 00:40 – Welcome & guest introduction 01:42 – Welcome, Matt 01:58 – Matt's origin story: from investment banking to Los Angeles 03:36 – The Marvel years: launching Marvel.com and riding the dot-com wave 11:20 – What Super League is and why it matters 16:34 – Matt's evolution as CEO and the importance of trust 19:15 – Listener support shoutout (top 2% of podcasts globally) 19:55 – What inspires Matt: solving business puzzles 22:08 – What legacy Matt wants to leave 23:35 – What's next for Super League and the gamified consumer trend 26:18 – Where to find Matt (LinkedIn) and why the "human side" matters online 29:08 – Final takeaway for listeners: build your personal board of advisors 31:47 – Outro

Whitney Conner Clapper is the Executive Director of the Farmhand Foundation, where she is helping build a future in which ecosystems, farmers, and communities support one another. With more than 20 years of experience in brand marketing, storytelling, regenerative agriculture, and community engagement, Whitney has built purpose-driven campaigns that connect business with lasting social and environmental impact. Her work spans the outdoor industry, including 12 years at Patagonia, where she led Indigenous engagement and justice, equity, and inclusion initiatives while helping shape mission-driven programs such as Worn Wear, Patagonia Provisions, and Patagonia Action Works. She built enduring partnerships between business, Tribal Nations, nonprofits, and grassroots movements to advance climate resilience, biodiversity, and environmental justice. Today, Whitney's work centers on regenerative agriculture—strengthening local food systems, restoring ecosystems, and helping farmers thrive through collaboration, innovation, and deep listening. Rooted in Indigenous wisdom and informed by science, she believes meaningful change begins with relationships, heart-led leadership, and the courage to reimagine how we care for both people and the land. Connect with Whitney: LinkedIn: @whitneyconnerclapper Instagram: @whitneyconnerclapper Farmhand Foundation: LinkedIn: @farmhandfoundation Instagram: @farmhandfoundation Episode Summary: Whitney Clapper shares her journey from building sustainability initiatives at Patagonia to co-founding a nonprofit dedicated to helping farmers and communities thrive. She explains why listening directly to farmers shaped their mission, what regenerative agriculture really means beyond buzzwords, and how supporting local food systems can create healthier communities and a more resilient future. The conversation also explores leadership, purpose-driven work, and the importance of meeting people where they are before trying to create change. Key Takeaways: Listen before trying to solve problems—those closest to the challenge often have the best insights. Regenerative agriculture is about caring for people, land, and communities together. Great leadership starts with humility and curiosity. Farmers play a vital role in building a sustainable future. Supporting local farmers strengthens both communities and food systems. Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & Three Big Lessons from the Episode 01:18 – Whitney's Career Journey to Patagonia 05:50 – Building Sustainability Initiatives at Patagonia 11:03 – Transitioning from Patagonia to Working with Farmers 14:06 – What Regenerative Agriculture Really Means 16:16 – Challenges Facing Farmers Today 19:39 – The Listening Tour That Inspired a New Mission 20:37 – Helping Farmers and Communities Thrive 22:10 – The Power of Listening as a Leader 23:15 – Creating Lasting Impact Through Community Work 28:24 – The Vision for the Future of Agriculture 29:38 – Why Buying Local Matters 31:08 – Final Thoughts & Closing

Keren Eldad (Coach Keren), Executive Coach to elite performers, Bestselling Author of GILDED, and Host of COACHED Keren Eldad is not just an executive coach—she is someone who climbed the highest rungs of ambition, lost everything she thought mattered, and rebuilt a life that finally felt like her own. Before becoming one of the most recognized voices in high-performance transformation, Keren was a picture of outward success—married, living in Zurich, running a career that sparkled on paper. From the outside, she had "made it." Socials: Website: https://kereneldad.com/ Instagram: @coachkeren Episode Summary: Keren Eldad returns to Heartbeat for Hire as a repeat guest to dive deep into what happens after the breakthrough. While doing the personal work is essential, the real challenge is sustaining who you become and not slipping back into old patterns. Keren explores the concept of "identity dissolution"—breaking free from the patterns and identities that have defined you throughout your life. She reveals why success is actually harder to survive than failure, why insight alone isn't enough without identity-level change, and why high performers unconsciously rebuild their own cages even after doing transformational work. This episode is for anyone who's had breakthroughs but struggled to make them stick. Key Takeaways: - Breaking free requires resolving underlying patterns - Success is harder to survive than failure - Insight without identity integration is just borrowed confidence - Overachievers are addicts - High performers rebuild their cages - Find your reference group Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: The Three Things You'll Learn Today 00:55 Welcome to Heartbeat for Hire & Keren's Credentials 01:28 The Real Assignment: Sustaining Who You Become 02:00 Keren's Background: Corporate Overachiever to Coach 04:45 What It Means to Be an Overachiever 07:15 Overachievers Are Addicts, Not Just High Performers 10:30 Why Success Is Harder to Survive Than Failure 14:00 The Possum on Your Chest: Suffocation & Misalignment 16:45 Keren's Reckoning: Divorce, Grief, and Awakening 19:20 Building an Overachiever's Recovery Guide 21:30 Insight Without Identity Integration Is Just Borrowed Confidence 23:45 The Choice We're Making: Saving Our Own Lives 24:45 What's Next: Book Tour, VIP Day in Austin, Turning 50 25:30 Life Transition: Kids Graduating & New Chapters 26:00 Where to Find Keren & Resources 27:00 Closing & Call to Action

Mark Peters is the Chief Executive Officer of Butterball Farms, Inc., which was nationally recognized as one of The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® from 2018 to 2025. Most recently, named a Top 101 Companies to Work For® in the nation. The second-generation family business, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is America's leading producer of culinary butter and margarine and creates custom butter flavors for some of America's biggest brands. Peters began as a factory worker in his father's company at the age of 12: an experience that taught him first-hand about the challenges that frontline workers face. At 30, he took over the company determined to lead a financially successful business that would also enrich the lives of its workers. Socials: Website: https://butterballfarms.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markpetersbutterball/ Instagram: @markpetersbutterball Episode Summary: In this episode of the Heartbeat for Hire Podcast, host Lyndsay Dowd sits down with returning guest Mark Peters, CEO of Butterball Farms, author of The Retention Trap, and founder of a nonprofit workforce support model that has generated a reported 300% ROI for participating organizations. Mark shares how starting on the factory floor at age 12 shaped his leadership philosophy, why traditional retention strategies often miss the mark, and how employers can create environments where employees genuinely thrive. The conversation explores leadership, employee well-being, workforce development, and practical ways businesses can support workers beyond the workplace. Key Takeaways: - Great leaders understand the realities of frontline employees. - Retention should be a byproduct of employee success, not the primary objective. - Financial stability is often a bigger challenge for employees than employers realize. - Building trust requires support systems outside traditional HR structures. - Organizations that invest in employee well-being can create measurable business returns. - Leadership is most effective when it focuses on enriching lives, not just improving performance metrics. Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & What You'll Learn 00:59 – Meet Mark Peters 02:30 – Starting on the Factory Floor at Age 12 05:00 – Understanding Employees' Real-Life Challenges 08:00 – Building Better Workplace Support Systems 10:00 – The Source: A Different Employee Assistance Model 15:00 – The Business Impact of Employee Support 18:00 – Why Retention Is the Wrong Goal 24:00 – Financial Barriers Facing Workers 27:00 – A New Model for Employer Collaboration 30:00 – The Future of Leadership 34:00 – Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks

Josh Kosnick is a Bridge Builder—a leader forged through fire and guided by faith. As the founder of Kairos Coaching and an EOS Implementer, he empowers individuals and organizations to align vision with execution, transforming struggles into stepping stones toward fulfillment. With firsthand experience in building and exiting three successful businesses, Josh brings a unique perspective on creating sustainable value and long-term impact. Through his masterminds and mentorship, he inspires others to embrace their calling, overcome adversity, and build legacies rooted in authenticity, resilience, and generosity of spirit. Website: www.joshkosnick.com Episode Summary: In this episode of Heartbeat for Hire, Josh Kosnick shares his journey from being denied a raise at Best Buy to building, scaling, and exiting multiple businesses. He opens up about leading a 250-person financial services firm, navigating one of the most difficult seasons of his life after organizational betrayal and career loss, and how faith helped him rebuild his identity and purpose. Key Takeaways: - Success in business doesn't eliminate hardship; every growth story includes setbacks. - Your identity should never be tied solely to your career or business. - Difficult seasons can become the foundation for stronger leadership. - Great businesses should be able to operate without constant founder involvement. - Men's mental health deserves open and honest conversation. - Relationships, community, and real human connection matter more than ever. - Retirement is not the end of purpose—it's an opportunity to redirect it. - Leadership is ultimately about serving others with your unique gifts. Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & What You'll Learn 01:44 – From Best Buy to Entrepreneurship 02:45 – Building Businesses & Early Exits 03:23 – Scaling a Financial Firm 04:16 – Thriving Through COVID 05:35 – Career Crisis & Leadership Betrayal 08:02 – Faith, Loss, and Rebuilding Identity 10:01 – Discovering a New Purpose 12:15 – The Mission Behind Kairos Coaching 13:46 – Personal Loss & Men's Mental Health 15:01 – The Crisis Facing Young Men 18:03 – Human Connection Matters 21:01 – Leading by Example 26:18 – Life's Three Core Priorities 27:01 – Entrepreneurship, Exits & Purpose After Success 30:01 – Using Your Gifts to Serve Others

Wendy Valentine is an internationally published author of Women Waking Up: The Midlife Manifesto for Passion, Purpose, and Play, an inspiring book that became a #1 Amazon New Release, Founder of Midlifology™, and Keynote Speaker. She's also the host of the top 1% globally ranked podcast, The Midlife Makeover Show, inspiring women worldwide to embrace midlife as a powerful new beginning. After navigating divorce, menopause, job loss, debt, and an empty nest—all at once—Wendy stopped living on autopilot and started designing a life that finally felt like her own. Her journey from breakdown to breakthrough fuels everything she does. Today, Wendy empowers women to kick fear to the curb, reconnect with their purpose, and create bold, joy-fueled lives. She's been featured on Good Day New York, CBS News Los Angeles, NBC News Philadelphia, and numerous top-rated podcasts and media outlets, where she shares her empowering message that midlife isn't a crisis—it's a catalyst. Splitting her time between Portugal and traveling the USA in her RV, Wendy is living proof that life gets better—not smaller—with age. 🌐 Website: wendyvalentine.com 📱 Instagram & Facebook: @hellowendyvalentine Episode Summary: In this episode, host Lyndsay Dowd sits down with Wendy Valentine, founder of Midlifeology, #1 Amazon new release author, keynote speaker, and host of a top 1% globally ranked podcast. Wendy shares her raw, honest journey from a childhood shaped by abandonment to a midlife pile-up at age 46 that left her staring at a stranger in the mirror — broke, sick, divorced, and alone. Instead of disappearing, she made a bold decision: she would bet on herself. Key Takeaways: - Rock bottom can be a launchpad - You can't connect the dots looking forward - The greatest abandonment is self-abandonment - Midlifeology is about self-study, not crisis - Give yourself permission to pivot - The number one regret of the dying is living for everyone else Episode Chapters: 00:00 Teaser — Three things you'll learn from this episode 00:35 Welcome & guest introduction: Who is Wendy Valentine? 01:54 Connecting the dots: Wendy's story begins 02:26 Little Wendy — childhood, intuition, and abandonment 04:12 Fast-forward to 46: the midlife pile-up 05:57 The mirror moment — not recognizing herself 06:19 The breakdown, the vision, and the RV dream 08:02 The crossroads: stay comfortable or chase the dream 09:18 The comeback — real estate, $45M in sales, debt-free 10:07 Healing little Wendy: therapy, yoga, journaling 11:34 Getting the RV and quitting the job 14:46 What is Midlifeology? 17:04 Midlife losses as pivots, not endings 18:25 Life is short — no woulda, shoulda, couldas 19:45 From the RV to Portugal: how Madeira became home 21:06 Living with less — from 5,000 sq ft to 100 23:05 Sponsor break — Cozy Earth 23:39 Back to Portugal: 9–10 months a year on the island 24:06 RV life, Felicia, and US national parks 25:07 What is Women Waking Up? 25:29 What inspires Wendy 26:16 Wendy's legacy: making people smile 26:39 What's next: video podcast, keynote speaking & Netflix dreams 27:08 Where to find Wendy 27:34 Closing thoughts

Meet Meghann Conter, CEO and Visionary of The Dames — the only global business accelerator for 6-, 7-, and 8-figure right-scaling their businesses without sacrificing themselves. Through curated high-caliber connection, strategic scaling Think Tank Circles aligned to revenue stage, and high-caliber collaborations that builds credibility, sharpens strategy, and accelerates results. The Dames helps high-performing women right-size their businesses, amplify their impact, and do it all with radical collaboration, joy, and zero burnout. Because success isn't about being in all the rooms — it's about going deep in the right rooms. And for the women we serve, that room is The Dames. Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghannconter/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/18630915 https://www.instagram.com/thedamesco https://www.instagram.com/meghannconter https://www.facebook.com/thedamesco Episode Summary: In this episode, host Lyndsay Dowd sits down with Meghann Conter, CEO and Visionary of The Dames — the only global business accelerator connecting women at the top of six, seven, and eight-figure businesses. Meghann shares how she went from running a marketing agency and hustling five nights a week just to fill her pipeline, to building a thriving peer community rooted in radical collaboration, intentional growth, and joy. Meghann challenges the outdated hustle-and-grind model that was built by men, for men, and makes the case for a new paradigm of business — one where women define success on their own terms, scale at their own pace, and win together instead of competing. She introduces The Dames' core philosophy: move beyond referrals and networking to become true "power partners" and "golden geese" for one another. Key Takeaways: - Being in all the rooms costs you everything - Pick one or two rooms — and go deep - Right scaling beats just scaling - Stop chasing golden eggs; find your golden geese - Women were conditioned to compete. It's time to unlearn that - Your nervous system matters more than your revenue number - Your "why" needs to come from within Episode Chapters: 00:00 Cold Open — The Cost of Being in All the Rooms 00:28 What You'll Learn Today (3 Key Promises) 00:46 Welcome to Heartbeat for Hire 01:01 Introducing Meghann Conter & The Dames 01:58 Meghann's Story — From Marketing Agency to Global Accelerator 03:50 Why 2020 Was a Turning Point for The Dames0 5:00 The Problem with "I Have to Be Everywhere" 05:55 The Real Cost of Showing Up in All the Rooms 07:03 Why Spreading Yourself Thin Is the Worst Strategy 08:50 How The Dames Structures Community (Just 2–3 Hours/Month) 09:57 The Business Milestones: $100K, $250K, $500K, Seven & Eight Figures 12:07 Radical Collaboration — What It Is & Why It's Your Unfair Advantage 13:33 Golden Eggs vs. Golden Geese: A New Way to See Your Network 14:11 Power Partners - Referral Partners 15:52 Stop Seeing Other Women as Competitors 16:33 Right Scaling vs. Wrong Scaling 17:09 Redefining Success on Your Own Terms 19:04 Nervous System Regulation & Profits Over Revenue Vanity 20:47 Listener Shoutout & Podcast Awards 21:24 What's Inspiring Meghann Right Now 21:38 Meghann's Legacy: More Women Looking Inward 23:37 Where to Find Meghann & The Dames 24:02 What's Next — Funference (October 7–10, Denver) 24:31 How to Join The Dames 25:24 Closing Thoughts

Nausheen I. Chen is a 3-time TEDx speaker, a Public Speaking instructor for the Executive MBA program at Central European University and Wesleyan, and a LinkedIn Learning Instructor with 600,000+ followers across LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. Nausheen coaches leaders at Google, Amazon, NASA and the UN as well as startup founders to speak fearlessly. Her clients have raised more than $115 million through winning investor pitches and successful exits. You can connect with her on: nausheen@speaking.coach. Summary: Public speaking coach Nausheen Chen joins Lyndsay Dowd to break down the real reasons people freeze under the spotlight — and the practical framework she uses to turn nervous executives and introverted entrepreneurs into compelling, confident communicators. Key takeaways: - Nervousness on camera isn't a personality flaw - The three-level speaking framework - Better pitching = better deals - Authenticity is the strategy Episode chapters: 0:00 Intro & episode preview 1:03 Nausheen's origin story 3:33 From filmmaker to speaking coach 6:06 The purple hair strategy 9:39 Speaking to investors: a $65M case study 14:18 Know your story before you tell it 16:39 The speaker's toolkit: voice, energy & body language 20:47 What inspires Nausheen 22:52 Legacy, ideal clients & what's next 24:49 Final advice & how to connect

Renée Marino is a dynamic International Keynote Speaker, Host, and Connection Expert who helps leaders and entrepreneurs communicate confidently and authentically to create real connection that leads to powerful opportunities. With over 30 years of experience mastering communication under pressure, Renée brings a rare perspective shaped on some of the world's biggest stages. She is best known for her role as Mary Delgado in Clint Eastwood's Jersey Boys film and for her work across Broadway productions including West Side Story, Pretty Woman: The Musical, Jersey Boys, Chaplin, and Wonderland. Connect with Renee Marino: Website: www.renemarino.com Instagram: @iamreneemarino LinkedIn: @RenéeMarino Visit here for more: https://book.glamandgritevent.com/home Episode Summary: In this conversation, Renee shares the raw story of how she almost missed her once-in-a-lifetime film opportunity because she was too afraid to speak up — and how that moment became the foundation of her entire philosophy on communication. She also opens up about her journey from Broadway to co-hosting Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi's global events, how she built her business from scratch during COVID by simply showing up as herself on video, and the mindset shift that makes confident communication available to anyone — on any stage, in any room. If you've ever shrunk when you should have owned it, or wondered why your message isn't landing the way you meant it to, this episode is your reset. Key Takeaways: - Speaking up can change everything - Human connection is your edge in an AI world - Most leaders are talking at people, not with them - Nerves are just excitement with a different label - Showing up consistently — as yourself — opens doors - Vulnerability builds trust - Regret is the worst outcome Episode Chapters: 0:00 Teaser – Why human connection beats AI 0:24 Episode intro & three things you'll learn 0:59 Guest intro: Who is Renee Marino? 2:06 Renee's story: From Italian kitchen table to Broadway 3:53 What it really takes to make it on Broadway 4:50 The Clint Eastwood moment — Jersey Boys on film 6:28 The audition she almost didn't get 7:44 Speaking up in the room and landing the role 9:33 Lessons from lunching with Clint Eastwood every day 11:24 The truth revealed: Clint had requested her all along 13:26 The "if you don't ask, you don't get" philosophy 14:13 Transitioning from Broadway to speaking & coaching 15:02 How Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi came into the picture 16:32 Going viral on video in a COVID Facebook group 18:02 Winning five days at Tony Robbins' Fiji resort by just showing up 19:11 Co-hosting Dean's world summit & joining Tony's team 21:29 3 tips to show up better on camera 21:40 Tip 1 – Treat the camera like a friend 22:38 Tip 2 – Reframe nerves as excitement 23:26 Tip 3 – It's not about you, it's about service 24:20 Bonus tip: It's not about perfection, it's about connection 27:22 What inspires Renee 28:10 Renee's legacy 28:33 What's next: The Glam & Grit women's event 30:40 Where to find Renee & closing words

Blake Schofield works with successful leaders and founders who feel drained, unfulfilled, and like their success doesn't feel the way it should—even though everything looks right on paper. After 18 years as a top-performing Fortune 500 executive—including turning around a $130M business at Target from –25% sales to positive growth for the first time in over a decade, delivering $7.5M in profit over plan, and building a new division at Stitch Fix to a 75,000-person waitlist in 11 months—she realized something most high performers don't see: They're not actually solving the root problem—and it's not because something is wrong with them. So they change jobs, start new businesses, go to therapy, hire coaches, or push through… but nothing actually fixes it. Because the issue isn't effort or capability. Episode Summary: Blake Schofield spent 18 years climbing the corporate ladder at Fortune 500 companies — leading turnarounds, scaling new divisions, and delivering results most executives only dream of. But behind the impressive résumé was a pattern she couldn't shake: six to nine months of excitement with every new role, followed by burnout, drain, and the nagging feeling that something was still missing. What she discovered in the years that followed changed everything. The problem wasn't the jobs, the bosses, or the industry — it was misalignment. And after investing over half a million dollars and tens of thousands of hours into understanding why traditional approaches fall short, she developed a framework around three core areas of misalignment that keep talented people stuck. Key Takeaways: - Changing jobs doesn't fix misalignment - Your natural wiring is unique - Most of our beliefs were formed before age 7 - Environment matters more than we think - Asking for help is a strength - Trust the unsettled feeling Episode Chapters: [00:00:00] — Cold Open: The Power of Beliefs [00:00:48] — What You'll Learn Today [00:01:08] — Welcome & Guest Introduction [00:02:22] — Blake's Story: From Psychology to Corporate to Burnout [00:05:03] — The Breaking Point at Stitch Fix [00:07:30] — The Misalignment Framework: Why the Same Cycles Keep Repeating [00:10:41] — Misalignment #1: How You're Naturally Wired to Thrive [00:14:59] — Misalignment #2: Beliefs and Conditioning [00:17:37] — Shining the Mirror: Blake's Coaching Philosophy [00:19:11] — Misalignment #3: Environment [00:20:53] — Who Blake Works With [00:21:20] — What Inspires Blake [00:23:31] — Blake's Podcast: Impact with Ease [00:25:39] — The Entrepreneurship Wake-Up Call [00:29:35] — Final Takeaways from Blake [00:30:52] — Outro & Show Close

Kait LeDonne is a New York-based personal branding strategist and LinkedIn coach who helps thought leaders, executives, and corporate teams turn expertise into visible authority, influence, and qualified deal flow. She is a featured instructor for CNBC Make It's "How to Build a Standout Personal Brand," bringing practical executive-grade playbooks to a broad audience. Her LinkedIn audience and "Build a Brand" newsletter community exceed 80,000 professionals. She has delivered training for organizations, including the United States Air Force and Kia. Listed by Favikon among the Top Personal Branding Influencers in the U.S., Kait is frequently cited in the media for clear, results-driven personal brand strategies professionals can sustain. Connect with Kait LeDonne: Website: www.kaitledonne.com Linkedin: @kaitledonne Episode Summary: In this episode, host Lyndsay Dowd sits down with New York-based personal branding strategist Kait LeDonne — a LinkedIn coach with 80,000+ followers, CNBC contributor, and newsletter founder — to break down exactly how executives, consultants, and thought leaders can stop being the best-kept secret in their industry. Kait shares how she went from a corporate marketing role to launching her own business within 90 days, all powered by LinkedIn. The conversation covers LinkedIn's newest AI-driven algorithm, the three content pillars every professional needs, and how to convert visibility into real revenue — without ever feeling salesy. Key takeaways: Your expertise is already there — the gap is visibility, and the key is clarity. You don't need more credentials; you need a clearer message. Personal branding isn't about being everywhere. It's about being unmistakable somewhere. Pick two to three topics and own them consistently. LinkedIn isn't just a resume — it's a revenue channel. Turning on your Services section, showcasing packages, and adding a soft CTA in posts can quietly drive real deal flow. Don't confuse engagement with your niche. A viral personal story proves you're human, not that you should pivot your entire brand toward it. Think like a reporter covering your own career. Your daily work is more fascinating to outsiders than you think — mine your schedule for content instead of waiting for big wins. Episode chapters: 0:00 Cold open & episode preview 0:44 Introducing Kait LeDonne 2:11 Kait's origin story 4:50 Personality on LinkedIn — the three Ps framework 9:21 Three tactical tips for LinkedIn beginners 13:21 LinkedIn as a revenue channel 16:23 What most people get wrong — the reporter mindset 19:31 LinkedIn video — what's really happening 23:29 Kait's ideal clients & what makes brands fly 25:38 What inspires Kait — and her legacy 28:03 Where to find Kait

David Gorsuch is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive with 30+ years of experience leading high growth companies across finance, technology, and services. He has a proven track record of scaling businesses from early-stage startups to successful acquisitions, with 4 strategic exits and leadership roles spanning CEO, COO, and VP-level positions. David has built and transformed companies at every stage - from pre-revenue startups to late-stage enterprises - driving exponential revenue growth, operational excellence, and leadership development. He has worked with bootstrapped ventures, private equity-backed firms, and public companies, including Amazon, Boeing, D+H, and Demandbase. His leadership impact includes: High-Growth Leadership - Scaled multiple businesses, leading to exits at 10x–16x EBITDA Operational & Strategic Excellence - Launched innovative platforms in FinTech, AI, and SaaS Leadership & Talent Development - Coached and advised thousands of leaders, from first-time managers to senior executives and board members Entrepreneurial & Business Acumen - Deep experience in M&A, GTM strategy, and business transformation Connect with David: 📌 LinkedIn : @davidgorsuch Heartbeat for Hire has been nominated for its 4th award- Best Business Podcast from Women in Podcasting. Please vote at this link. It's 1 vote per email. We are so grateful for your support! Thank you! https://www.womenpodcasters.com/lyndsay-dowd Episode Summary: To mark her 200th episode, host Lyndsay Dowd sits down with her friend and collaborator David Gorsuch — a rare executive with 30+ years of building, scaling, and exiting companies across finance, technology, and wellness. David has held leadership roles at Amazon, Boeing, and four privately exited companies, and is now channeling everything he's learned into something he's most excited about yet. Key Takeaways: Culture isn't soft — it's strategy. People follow leaders, not systems. The gap isn't always intentional. Know when to pass the baton. Don't lose yourself in the grind. Your body keeps the score. In the age of AI, humanity is the differentiator. Heart and head have to work together. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Cold open — your body keeps the score 00:22 Three things you'll learn today 00:52 Guest introduction: Who is David Gorsuch? 02:10 David's story — from Alaska to 30+ years of scaling companies 04:41 What David sees in every organization: the culture gap 07:30 The paradigm shift happening in leadership right now 09:00 The "felt sense" — why leaders can't name what's missing 14:22 Connecting heart and head: what great leadership actually looks like 15:53 Lessons from four exits — succession, identity, and knowing when to let go 20:00 The post-exit identity crisis no one talks about 22:35 David's most courageous decision: stepping down 24:21 Mid-episode break + listener shout-out + partner sponsors 25:20 What's coming next: the culture transformation collective 26:36 How Limitless Minds shaped David's vision 27:00 Introducing the new global collective with Pamela Matson 30:01 Building from love, heart, and care — not just frameworks 31:52 What inspires David: human resilience 33:29 What legacy looks like for David 35:01 Where to find David + closing thoughts

Kofi Douhadji is an Investment Advisor and bestselling author who helps French-speaking immigrants turn income into assets by understanding and leveraging the North American financial system. Originally from Togo, Kofi experienced firsthand what it means to earn in a new country without understanding the rules that govern money. After a decade in civil engineering and serving as a U.S. Air Force officer, he identified a pattern: high-earning immigrants were working hard, but without a system, their income wasn't translating into ownership. 🔗 Connect with Kofi Djouhadi: @kofi.douhadji on all platforms Heartbeat for Hire has been nominated for its 4th award- Best Business Podcast from Women in Podcasting. Please vote at this link. It's 1 vote per email. We are so grateful for your support! Thank you! https://www.womenpodcasters.com/lyndsay-dowd 📝 Episode Summary: In this episode, Kofi shares his remarkable journey from a small village in West Africa — where his father once told him airplanes "weren't for us" — to becoming a commissioned US Air Force officer, a published author, and the founder of Flying Wings, a consulting firm dedicated to helping French-speaking immigrants build lasting financial freedom in North America. Kofi opens up about the financial blind spots that keep high-earning immigrants stuck in survival mode, why the North American financial system feels like playing basketball with a tennis racket, and how he wrote his bestselling book (in French!) during a military deployment to the Middle East. His core belief is simple but powerful: you cannot win a game you don't understand the rules of — and his mission is to change that for an underserved community. ✅ Key Takeaways: - Your "no" can become your fuel. - Financial literacy has a language barrier. - You don't need to be Warren Buffett to start. - Stop improvising with your finances — build a system. - Curiosity is the real superpower. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 — Intro & teaser: Why high-earning immigrants stay stuck in survival mode 01:07 — Meet Kofi Djouhadi: the many hats of a remarkable life 02:10 — Growing up in Togo: the airplane moment that changed everything 05:27 — Becoming a pop star in West Africa (parallel to his engineering degree) 07:42 — From Togo to the US: winning the diversity visa lottery in 2015 08:00 — Landing in El Paso & enlisting in the US Air Force 10:10 — Curiosity as a life philosophy: "I am a mystery to myself" 11:05 — The immigrant financial gap: why the rulebook isn't the same 12:48 — What Kofi noticed: financial education missing in immigrant communities 13:08 — The tennis-on-a-basketball-court analogy: learning a new financial system 15:12 — Practical starting tips: get the basics, find a fiduciary, start now 16:04 — Your money doesn't have to wait while you figure it all out 19:39 — Writing the book during a Middle East deployment 20:11 — The book goes viral: twice a bestseller, 2,000+ copies sold on TikTok Shop 22:21 — What inspires Kofi: life itself, and the odds he's already beaten 24:18 — Ideal clients: high-earning immigrants who feel stuck and don't know where their money is going 24:57 — What's next: building Flying Wings to serve French-speaking immigrants in the US, Canada & Europe 25:44 — Final message: "Don't just be a bystander. Become an owner of a piece of the economy you participate in."

Erika Sinner is a multi eight-figure founder, bestselling author, and sought-after speaker redefining what it means to lead with empathy and impact. She is the Founder and CEO of Directorie®, one of the world's fastest-growing and award-winning life science agencies supporting bringing medications to market and impacting over 100 millions lives. Recognized twice on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies, Erika was named to the prestigious 2026 Inc. Female Founders 500. Under her leadership, Directorie has become a trusted strategic partner for life science organizations, blending operational excellence with a culture rooted in purpose, innovation, and humanity. As the Chief Empathy Officer of TinySuperheroes®, Erika channels her success toward social good, leading a global charitable organization that is on track to empower 5 million kids in the next five years who are chronically and terminally ill children to see themselves as strong, courageous and capable. Through superhero-themed programs in hospitals and homes around the world, she is transforming the way children and families experience care. Connect with Erika Sinner: 🌐 Website: erikasinner.org 📸 Instagram: @erika_sinner 💼 LinkedIn: Erika Sinner Summary: In this conversation, Erika opens up about growing up on food stamps in a trailer park and how those humble beginnings became the foundation for a leadership philosophy centered on making people feel human, not just hired. She shares how she built Directory to provide top pharmaceutical talent to small and mid-size companies bringing life-saving medications to market — and how treating employees with genuine care has driven triple-digit growth three years running. Key Takeaways: - Empathy is a power skill, not a soft skill. - You don't have to choose between performance and compassion. - Pet loss is real grief. - Showing up for people in hard moments builds lasting loyalty. - Your people are your asset. - Giving back grounds you. - How you respond is always yours. Episode Chapters: 0:41 Episode intro & three things you'll learn today 1:17 Introducing Erika Sinner 2:42 Erika's background – St. Louis, five dogs, and 20 years in life science 4:14 How Directory connects every team member to their impact 5:00 Leadership style: empathy as a "power skill" 6:21 Growing up with humble beginnings & the origin of her values 8:07 What humble beginnings teach leaders 8:29 Stories that shaped her empathetic leadership style 10:22 The non-negotiable: one-on-ones with every employee 12:09 Your people are your culture 13:05 Segue: pet bereavement leave 14:10 Losing Kingston – and the unexpected shame of grieving a pet 15:51 Kingston's deeper meaning – the first unconditional love in Erika's life 16:22 Writing Pets Are Family & advocating for broader bereavement policy 16:49 Are other companies adopting these policies? 18:00 Grief in the workplace – the post that resonated with thousands 19:49 How the cape reframes a child's medical journey as a heroic mission 21:44 Erika's own journey with self-worth and therapy 22:30 How to get involved with Tiny Superheroes 23:07 The fastest way out of a funk: go give and go serve 23:51 From trailer park to Barnes & Noble on Fifth Avenue 24:10 Managing energy and putting your own oxygen mask on first 26:00 Erika's legacy: leaving the world better than she found it 27:09 Final takeaway: do it scared, do it brave — just do it 27:40 Closing remarks

Hannah Hammond is a dynamic entrepreneur, real estate investor, and the CEO of HB Capital, a national CRE lending company, and the firm RE, a CRE real estate brokerage in Arizona. As self-made multi-millionaire in her 20s. her mission extends beyond financial success-she's passionate about empowering the next generation of leaders through financial literacy, emotional wellness, and entrepreneurship. 🔗 Connect with Hannah Hammond: Instagram: @hannahbhammond Facebook: @hannah.hammond4 LinkedIn: @hannahbhammond TikTok: @hannahbhammond YouTube: @hannahbhammond Heartbeat for Hire has been nominated for its 4th award- Best Business Podcast from Women in Podcasting. Please vote at this link. It's 1 vote per email. We are so grateful for your support! Thank you! https://www.womenpodcasters.com/lyndsay-dowd Summary: In this episode, host Lyndsay Dowd sits down with Hannah Hammond — self-made multimillionaire, CEO of HB Capital and The Firm RE, podcast host, and founder of a financial literacy foundation for kids. Hannah shares the raw, unfiltered story of how she went from a scarcity-filled childhood in Arizona to building a real estate empire in her twenties — and why hitting that first million at 25 didn't fix the internal pain she expected it to. Hannah unpacks the mindset shifts, emotional work, and wealth-building principles that changed everything for her: from reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad at 13, to working with an energetic intelligence coach who taught her that the outcome of any action can only be as great as the energetic state you bring to it. She also gets practical about teaching kids financial intelligence and makes a compelling case for why emotional wellbeing isn't soft — it's strategy. ✅ Key Takeaways: - You don't need the right background to build wealth. - Money won't fix internal pain. - Your energetic state drives your outcomes. - Teach kids three buckets: spend, give, invest. - Flow beats force. - You are the common denominator. 📍 Episode Chapters: 0:00 Intro — Rich Dad, Poor Dad principles & episode preview 0:36 Welcome to Heartbeat for Hire 0:51 Introducing Hannah Hammond 1:53 Hannah's story: feeling lost, disconnected, and searching 4:14 Going deeper — Hannah's childhood & scarcity mindset 5:00 The "rich dad, poor dad" moment at age 7 (and the McFlurry that changed everything) 7:33 First steps toward wealth — reading, real estate, and buying assets 9:20 " Mind your own business" — why a job alone won't bring financial freedom 10:22 Teaching kids financial literacy — the three buckets and the investment matching strategy 14:08 Shifting gears: emotional wellbeing as a business strategy 15:00 The epiphany at 25 — becoming a millionaire and still feeling the pain 16:35 The energetic intelligence coach who changed everything 17:03 The quote Hannah lives by: energetic state drives outcomes 18:43 Staying in the "green zone" — auditing your energy, relationships, and activities 20:13 The paradigm shift in leadership — flow vs. force, ambition vs. peace 21:26 You don't need a massive company to feel joy and success 23:10 What inspires Hannah & her legacy 24:11 Who Hannah works with & how to connect 25:54 Closing words & call to action

Global media executive and #1 bestselling author Adam Torres has garnered 25 million+ views as the Mission Matters powerhouse host. As a "Top 2%" Podcast Futurist out of 4 million global podcasts, his show series is available in 180 countries. Hailed as "The New Larry King," Torres creates a warm, engaging, and insightful platform for his guests, which include world leaders, C-suite executives, celebrities, world-class athletes, and top influencers. He has been featured in Forbes, Yahoo! Finance, CBS, and Fox Business. Adam Torres ushers in a new, fresh, and exciting chapter in the history of new media. Summary: This episode is a masterclass for anyone curious about podcasting — whether you're thinking of starting, already a few episodes in, or wondering if the space is too crowded. Adam makes a compelling case that podcasting is barely in its infancy, why mission-driven creators are positioned to win big, and how AI is changing the game for long-term content builders. He also shares the three monetization strategies that actually worked for him, the "Goldilocks Rule" of designing a sustainable show, and why the number one secret to a top-ranked podcast has nothing to do with audio quality. Key Takeaways: - Anyone can start — and start messy. - Design a system, not a schedule. - Longevity is the real ranking algorithm. - Podcasting is still in year one. - The three real monetization paths. - Your catalog is your moat. - Imperfection builds connection. - Podcasters are the new historians. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Cold open — Adam's vision of podcasting for life 1:04 Welcome & guest introduction 2:00 Why podcasting is the new gold mine of media 2:40 Adam's origin story — from finance to media 5:00 The pivot: a mentor says "write a book" 7:25 How Mission Matters was born (and why Adam almost said no) 9:38 The Oprah model — designing a CEO-meets-creator lifestyle 10:45 Reality check: podcasting is a 5+ year commitment 11:25 What to think about before building your show 12:05 The Goldilocks Rule of podcasting sustainability 13:45 Why Adam plans to podcast into his 100s 15:00 Designing a show you can do "in your sleep" 16:50 Building in buffers and production systems 19:17 Why interview shows energize (not drain) the host 20:00 The truck-stop interview — embracing imperfection 22:32 What actually makes a top-ranked podcast 23:00 Compounding content: why your catalog is your asset 25:00 AI search and why you can't fake a back catalog 27:10 Sponsor break 27:36 What Adam is working on now + why he wrote 1 Billion Podcasts 29:30 The case: podcasting hasn't even started yet 30:45 Dynamic advertising and the YouTube parallel 32:30 Generational wealth through podcasting 32:47 The three monetization strategies that worked 33:45 What inspires Adam 34:30 Adam's legacy: launching a million storytellers 36:00 Why podcasters are the new historians 36:30 Where to find Adam + get the free book 37:16 Closing & outro

Dr. Kevin Gazzara is the Senior Partner of Magna Leadership Solutions established in 2007, and the coauthor of the acclaimed books "The Leader of OZ" and "Ready, Set, Get Hired". He is an ICF certified coach, and a certified Positive Intelligence (PQ) Mental Fitness coach and founder of CoachSultants.com. Kevin has taught and developed Management and Leadership career-changing programs in the corporate world during his 18 years at Intel Corporation and as a University professor at 6 Universities over the last 28 years. Dr. Gazzara's work has been recognized for his international leadership development programs by Workforce Magazine, https://magnaleader.co/LTP Kevin's passion is in helping individuals find the leader within Socials: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevingazzara LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/magna-leadership-solutions/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MagnaLeadership Twitter: https://twitter.com/doctorkevin Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Magnaleaderhip Website: https://pqtrainingandcoaching.com/ Website: https://www.coachsultants.com/ Summary: In this episode, Kevin Gazzara joins Lyndsay Dowd to discuss why leadership is a mindset rather than a formal title. Drawing from 18 years of experience at Intel Corporation and decades of teaching, Kevin explores how individuals can unlock their leadership potential by "thinking at the next level up". The conversation covers the critical distinction between management and leadership, the importance of bringing solutions to the table, and how coaching combined with consulting can provide the necessary tools for professional growth. Kevin also shares a personal story about his own health journey to emphasize the power of intuition and being your own advocate. Key Takeaways: - Leadership is a Mindset, Not a Title - Bring Solutions, Not Just Problems - Management vs. Leadership - The Power of Language - Be Your Own Advocate Episode Chapters: [00:00] Introduction [01:54] Kevin Gazzara's Journey [05:34] Leadership Beyond Titles [07:06] The Next Level Up Mindset [07:38] Valuing Critical Thinking [09:36] Defining Management vs. Leadership [10:45] Can Leadership Be Learned? [15:26] Coaching vs. Consulting [19:10] A Personal Turning Point [21:02] Communication and the "But" Rule [26:36] Being Your Own Health Advocate [29:33] Connecting with Kevin [30:40] Closing Thoughts