The Even Better Podcast

This episode is brought to you by the Change Maker's Certification Program.   Abby Martinez is a multi-passionate entrepreneur, business coach, and founder of Well Balanced Business. With extensive experience scaling her own agency to multi-six figures, Abby empowers female entrepreneurs and leaders to align their business growth with personal fulfillment. Specializing in self-leadership, emotional resilience, systems, and sustainable scaling, Abby helps clients move beyond burnout and into authentic, purpose-driven success. Abby can be contacted by email at abby@abbymartinezcoaching.com or you can visit her website: abbymartinezcoaching.com.   In this episode of Nervous System Regulation as a Leader, we explore how self-leadership starts with managing your time, energy, and mindset to show up fully. We discuss the role of the nervous system in leadership and how staying in your Window of Regulation helps you stay focused, make decisions, and recover from stress. Simple tools like deep breathing and movement breaks can keep you grounded, while self-awareness helps you stay aligned. Learn how a regulated leader creates a ripple effect of trust and connection with others. Start small with self-leadership habits and watch the transformation unfold.

This episode is brought to you by the Change Makers Certification Program! Lisa Even knows firsthand that leadership isn’t about tracking metrics or delivering perfect PowerPoint slides—it’s about creating a culture where people choose to show up, engage, and make an impact. Early in her career, Lisa thought doing “all the right things” as a leader—tracking numbers, holding others accountable, and saying “good job” often—would be enough. But when her engagement scores landed squarely in the middle ofthe pack, she realized something had to change. Instead of giving up, Lisa redefined her approach.  Lisa’s first job was at a tiny café, serving breakfast and coffee to farmers, truckers, and locals. That experience taught her an invaluable lesson: meet people where they are. You can’t pour a big enough cup of joe or fake-smile someone into being happier—they’ll see right through it. And at a coffee shop, they’ll definitely let you know! Real connection requires a calm nerve, a genuine effort to understand others, and the ability to see eachother as human. She carried those lessons into the corporate workplace. Lisa replaced rigidity with autonomy, task lists withauthentic connection and curiosity, and top-down accountability with shared ownership. She asked herself, What if leadership starts with a Good Ripple Effect? At first, it felt aspirational. But Lisa quickly realized that by shifting her own attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs, she was influencing others to do the same. One step at a time, her team began transforming their environment and building a culture worth keeping. The results? Turnover dropped, engagement scores soared, and the team thrived. Today, Lisa helps organizations do just that. Through hilariously relatable stories (cue Paul and the company potluck), actionable strategies, and practical, repeatable frameworks (because let’s be honest, leaders don’thave time for fluff), Lisa guides leaders and teams to foster leadership presence, build human connection, and drive meaningful engagement. The result? High-performing teams and workplace cultures that balance purpose, productivity, and profit—creating a Good Ripple Effect that lasts.   Join us for an inspiring conversation with Lisa Even as we explore the art of experimenting—whether it's in work, life, or those everyday moments. In this episode, we talk about the importance of trying new things, embracing failure, and finding joy in the process. Life is an experiment, and each step is an opportunity to grow and enjoy the journey. Plus, enjoy a lighthearted story about Paul and potlucks, reminding us that sometimes the best things come when we step out of our comfort zones. Tune in and get ready to live in the lab of life!

This episode is brought to you by the Change Makers Certification Program!   Christine Samuel is a coach, author, facilitator, and speaker dedicated to bringing relational intelligence and heart-centered leadership into the way humans live, work, lead and connect in a changing world. As the founder of Inner Work Matters and the Listening Lab, Christine has pioneered Deep Listening Circles and delivered the TEDx Talk “How Deep Listening Can Change Our World.” As the author of "The Heart Space: Living with Grace and Ease in an Era of Uncertainty," she maps a revolutionary path, transforming our fear of life’s uncertainties into a compass that guides us toward living with unprecedented ease and clarity.   In this episode we explore the dynamic interplay between the head and the heart in navigating workplace uncertainty. We discuss the difference between analytical thinking and heart-centered intuition, highlighting how over-relying on the mind can trap us in repetitive patterns. Tune in to learn how holding space for both our desire for control and our need for creative freedom can transform our approach to work. We’ll uncover how integrating heart-centered practices can lead to a more authentic, fluid, and fulfilling work experience.

This episode is brought to you by the Change Makers Certification Program!  Sinikka Waugh - Connect with me on either LinkedIn or send me an email! Founder, Owner, Trainer, and Coach Sinikka Waugh, PMP, President and CEO of Your Clear Next Step, spends her days helping people have better workdays. Trainer, coach, business leader, and difference maker, Sinikka is known for consistently helping people solve problems and get things done at work. With a 20+ year background in languages, literature, and project management, Sinikka has helped over 50,000 people have better workdays since 2008. Her clients value how her professionalism blends seamlessly with her down-to-earth, “try this now” approach and her passion for helping others. Sinikka holds a BA from Central College, an MA from the University of Iowa, and is a certified Project Management Professional through the Project Management Institute (PMI).   In this episode of Even Better, we explore the powerful idea that caring for others isn’t an act of sacrifice or selflessness—it’s a choice that can lift us all. #6 of 10 Things in the 100th episode, Sinikka talks about how showing up for others doesn’t drain us, but fuels us. When we give our best, we create ripples of hope and light. It’s about the encouragement we receive in return and the joy of seeing others uplifted. Don't apologize for caring—what we put out into the world has a way of coming back. Tune in for a refreshing take on how looking out for each other strengthens us all, builds faith, and inspires us to keep doing good—no matter the circumstances.

This episode is brought to you by the Change Makers Certification Program!  Brian Robbins has been a leader throughout his 30-plus year career as a professional who builds relationships, organizes situations and teams, and collaborates to solve problems.  Brian has a B.B.A. in Finance from Iowa State University.  His career has been mostly focused in the Des Moines metropolitan area and has spanned a diverse set of business verticals including publishing, financial services, agriculture, healthcare, technology services, and retail.  Brian’s approachable and collaborative work style, complemented by exceptional organizational skills, enable him to easily engage teams to focus and deliver.  Brian enjoys learning and helping others grow, including mentoring several young professionals and colleagues.   In this episode, Brian and Sinikka explore the art of leadership in both business and life, emphasizing that leadership is a learned skill, not just an innate trait. Drawing from personal experiences and Biblical examples, including Jesus’ servant leadership, we highlight how leaders shape teams, influence outcomes, and guide others toward shared goals. We also discuss the omnipresence of leadership—whether in business, families, or faith communities—and how selfless acts, like Jesus’ interaction with the woman who touched His robe, demonstrate the power of connection. Tune in for practical lessons on growing as a leader and leading with purpose.

This episode is brought to you by the Change Makers Certification Program!    David Ziemann is a technology leader with over 15 years of experience guiding high-performing software teams. As the founder of MoreThanCoders | Soft Skills Guides and Resources for Software Engineers , he is passionate about helping technology professionals build the skills not taught in school—like communication, conflict resolution, and leadership. David empowers others to thrive in their careers and create positive impact in their organizations.   In this discussion on positive influence, Sinikka and David explore how to lift others up through inspiration, trust, and empowerment. Influence isn’t just about authority or charisma; it’s about making a meaningful impact by providing value, building strong relationships, and empowering those around you. By focusing on solving real problems, aligning with shared goals, and acting with integrity, you can create an environment where trust thrives. Encouraging autonomy, recognizing contributions, and embracing diverse perspectives further enhance your ability to lift others, helping them grow while strengthening the collective success of the team. Through these actions, anyone can become a powerful force for good, elevating those around them and creating lasting positive change. 

This episode is brought to you by the Change Makers Certification Program!  Sinikka Waugh - Connect with me on either LinkedIn or send me an email! Founder, Owner, Trainer, and Coach Sinikka Waugh, PMP, President and CEO of Your Clear Next Step, spends her days helping people have better workdays. Trainer, coach, business leader, and difference maker, Sinikka is known for consistently helping people solve problems and get things done at work. With a 20+ year background in languages, literature, and project management, Sinikka has helped over 50,000 people have better workdays since 2008. Her clients value how her professionalism blends seamlessly with her down-to-earth, “try this now” approach and her passion for helping others. Sinikka holds a BA from Central College, an MA from the University of Iowa, and is a certified Project Management Professional through the Project Management Institute (PMI).   Build More Forts is about finding joy, even in the toughest seasons. Hosted by Sinikka, this episode invites you to shift your focus from darkness and discouragement to the intentional pursuit of joy. After experiencing a tough year both personally and in business, and feeling off-track, Sinikka discovered that joy isn’t something that just happens—it’s a choice you make. In this episode, she shares how to intentionally seek out joy, even when life feels hard or uncertain. Through personal stories and practical insights, Sinikka encourages listeners to make time for joy, and for her that looks like trusting in God, and choosing to look beyond the darkness. Yes, at times, it means to actually build the fort! If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, Build More Forts is a reminder that joy is always within reach—if you choose to go there.

This episode is brought to you by the Change Makers Certification Program!  Sinikka Waugh - Connect with me on either LinkedIn or send me an email! Founder, Owner, Trainer, and Coach Sinikka Waugh, PMP, President and CEO of Your Clear Next Step, spends her days helping people have better workdays. Trainer, coach, business leader, and difference maker, Sinikka is known for consistently helping people solve problems and get things done at work. With a 20+ year background in languages, literature, and project management, Sinikka has helped over 50,000 people have better workdays since 2008. Her clients value how her professionalism blends seamlessly with her down-to-earth, “try this now” approach and her passion for helping others. Sinikka holds a BA from Central College, an MA from the University of Iowa, and is a certified Project Management Professional through the Project Management Institute (PMI).   In a world that constantly pushes us to do more, be more, and achieve more, it's easy to forget that taking care of ourselves is not a luxury, but a necessity. Self-care isn't about pampering or indulgence—it's a fundamental aspect of adulting. It’s the conscious choice to prioritize our well-being, so we can show up fully in our work, relationships, and lives.   At the core of self-care is emotional intelligence: the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our emotions. When we are emotionally aware, we can better navigate stress, prevent burnout, and make more thoughtful decisions. Self-care begins with self-awareness—taking time to assess where we are emotionally, physically, and mentally. Once we know where we stand, we can move toward self-management: creating strategies that help us maintain balance, set boundaries, and respond to life’s demands in a healthy way.   Self-care also requires us to examine our priorities. What really matters to us, and how do we protect and nurture those values? As adults, it’s our responsibility to care for what’s most important—not just for others, but for ourselves. When we take care of our own needs, we have the energy, focus, and resilience to show up and do the work that matters, whether it’s at home, in our careers, or in our communities.   Tune in for more on how self-care is not about escaping responsibilities, but rather how it’s about embracing them fully, with the emotional and physical resources we need to succeed. It's adulting at its finest.

This episode is brought to you by the Change Makers Certification Program!  Sinikka Waugh and Mike Rice discuss God’s Plan is Always Better than My Plan (Jeremiah 29:11). As a dedicated IT Staffing executive and leader, Mike's commitment lies in orchestrating teams to deliver exceptional outcomes for their valued clients. With a relentless focus on nurturing talent and fostering innovation, he lead the organization in identifying, recruiting, and deploying top-tier IT professionals who not only meet but exceed the specific needs and aspirations of their clients. By leveraging cutting-edge strategies and a deep understanding of the tech landscape, Mike empowers their teams to curate solutions that drive success for their clients, fostering enduring partnerships built on trust, reliability, and excellence. It's his passion to align their expertise with the dynamic demands of the industry, ensuring that they consistently deliver unparalleled services and cultivate environments where businesses thrive through exceptional talent acquisition and management. For 25 years, Mike dedicated himself to the IT Consulting field, navigating diverse roles from recruiting and account management to branch management, regional directorship, and executive leadership. His fundamental philosophy centers around fostering businesses incrementally through individual relationships while steadfastly adhering to faith-driven principles in every action. Beyond his professional pursuits, Mike finds joy in golfing, actively participating in Life Change Church, and cherishing moments with his wife and four adult children. Life Verse: Matthew 6:33 “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and he will give you everything you need.”

This episode is brought to you by the Change Makers Certification Program!  Sinikka Waugh - Connect with me on either LinkedIn or send me an email! Founder, Owner, Trainer, and Coach Sinikka Waugh, PMP, President and CEO of Your Clear Next Step, spends her days helping people have better workdays. Trainer, coach, business leader, and difference maker, Sinikka is known for consistently helping people solve problems and get things done at work. With a 20+ year background in languages, literature, and project management, Sinikka has helped over 50,000 people have better workdays since 2008. Her clients value how her professionalism blends seamlessly with her down-to-earth, “try this now” approach and her passion for helping others. Sinikka holds a BA from Central College, an MA from the University of Iowa, and is a certified Project Management Professional through the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Sinikka Waugh and Chad Brown discuss The Two Types of Trust. Join in and explore the two types of trust: blind trust, where we overlook potential risks, and mature trust, which acknowledges the possibility of betrayal while fostering deeper connections. Sinikka and Chad discuss how blind trust can lead to confusion and chaos, while mature trust provides meaningful feedback and minimizes the impact of breakdowns. They will share practical tips for cultivating mature trust in your relationships, including the importance of detailed conversations, attentive follow-ups, and tuning into your instincts.   Chad Brown is a leadership engagement expert. He coaches founders and executives in the art and science of leadership for themselves, their teams, and clients to create new, unprecedented results and experience fulfillment in their work. Chad founded a media production studio called Shade Tree Films in 2008 that has serviced global companies such as Volkswagen, Target, and Pixar Animation Studios. This is where his love and passion for leadership and causing results through others was ignited. He sold that company in 2021. He thrives in extreme environments and difficult conversations. Over the last 7 years, Chad has trained and developed leaders at globally recognized brands like Lulu Lemon, and Ironclad Document Services along with many burgeoning start ups. When he is not engaging in meaningful conversations with leaders, you will find (or won't be able to find) Chad on a wild adventure in the mountains with his family. He resides at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Orem Utah with his wife Katie and three children Addison, Kenya, and Milo.

  Sinikka Waugh and Dorice Horenstein discuss Choosing: The 6 Step Playbook to Making the Right Choice for YOU. Brought to you by the Change Makers Certification Program! Learn more here!   In this new episode, Sinikka and Dorice explore teh 6 Steps of C.H.O.OS.E. Dorice’s second book, Choosing, covers these 6 steps, so their conversation walks through each of these steps. When you think of choices, what comes to your mind? What food to eat? Clothes to wear? A vacation spot for the next family gathering? Or are you considering selecting a choice of values such as empathy, curiosity, hope or other ways of getting along with your team whether at work or at home? How and can you choose your thoughts? Is your choice a spiritual or an interpersonal choice? Is the choice internal or eternal? Most importantly do you use a playbook in making the right choice for you?   Dorice Horenstein, Oy to Joy Resilience Speaker, is a Positive Intelligence expert and a best-selling author of Moments of the Heart: Four Relationships Everyone Should Have to Live Wholeheartedly. After years of leadership in the education field, Dorice transitioned and made the world her platform. Dorice inspires others to improve their mental fitness, sharpen resilience, navigate challenges, discover opportunities for growth, and thus find their champion within.   Interested in becoming a Choosing Ambassador? Follow this link or contact us today at contactus@yourclearnextstep.com and we will connect you with Dorice!

Sinikka Waugh and Myles Finn discuss Teaching Young People To Be More Empathetic Through Vulnerability And Authenticity.   Brought to you by the Change Makers Certification Program! Learn more here!   Myles is in his seventh year as choral director at Indianola High School, in Indianola, Iowa. He is the director of The Indianola Singers, The Apollo Chorus, and Cantare. He also directs Indianola’s Varsity Show Choir, Side One. He and his wife are the directors of musicals at Indianola High School where they have directed Disney’s Newsies, The 25h Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Sound of Music, The Addams Family, and The Wizard of Oz. He is most known for his TikTok videos going Viral at the start of the 2022 school year. Amassing over 120 million and 1.2 million followers, his videos have seemed to spark a love for choral music, musical theatre, and goofy choir teachers. Myles received his Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University, and his Bachelor's of Music Education from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. He directly relates his success within his classroom with his work at Michigan State, his work with Dr. Lee Nelson at Wartburg College, and his passionate high school choir director, Duane Philgreen. Myles is a loving father and husband. He and his wife, choreographer and school counselor Haley (Rudd) Finn live in Indianola and they are proud parents to two beautiful children, Rory and Lyra. When Myles is not in the choral classroom, he can be found on the golf course, reading, playing video games, and spending time with his loving family.

Laura is highly experienced in the field of HR Talent Management and Leadership Development, driven by her passion for empowering individuals to unlock their full potential. She is a Certified Coach, Consultant, Instructional Designer, and Facilitator, with a proven track record of building, managing, and delivering award-winning programs that yield tangible results. Drawing on her expertise in Career Readiness and Transitions, Leadership, and Wellbeing, Laura uses a comprehensive and professional approach to support individuals and teams in reaching their peak performance and achieving remarkable success. But that's not all! In 2021, Laura established a thriving community dedicated to providing invaluable support for Women in Career Transitions. Building on this success, she has recently launched the Women's Career Mastery program, designed to empower women in the workplace to take charge of their careers and make significant strides towards their professional goals. She writes for various platforms, is a coach for the SkillCycle organization, and a Consultant at IBM working to empower technical professionals to grow and succeed.   Download Laura's FREE Career Empowerment Toolkit for Women here!   This episode is brought to you by the Change Makers Certification Program! 

This episode is brought to you by the Change Makers Certification Program!  Sinikka Waugh - Connect with me on either LinkedIn or send me an email! Founder, Owner, Trainer, and Coach Sinikka Waugh, PMP, President and CEO of Your Clear Next Step, spends her days helping people have better workdays. Trainer, coach, business leader, and difference maker, Sinikka is known for consistently helping people solve problems and get things done at work. With a 20+ year background in languages, literature, and project management, Sinikka has helped over 50,000 people have better workdays since 2008. Her clients value how her professionalism blends seamlessly with her down-to-earth, “try this now” approach and her passion for helping others. Sinikka holds a BA from Central College, an MA from the University of Iowa, and is a certified Project Management Professional through the Project Management Institute (PMI).

This episode is brought to you by the Change Maker Certification Program! A solo episode where Sinikka discusses the idea that Not Everyone is Meant To Be In Your Tribe. Sinikka Waugh Founder, Owner, Trainer, and Coach Sinikka Waugh, PMP, President and CEO of Your Clear Next Step, spends her days helping people have better workdays. Trainer, coach, business leader, and difference maker, Sinikka is known for consistently helping people solve problems and get things done at work. With a 20+ year background in languages, literature, and project management, Sinikka has helped over 50,000 people have better workdays since 2008. Her clients value how her professionalism blends seamlessly with her down-to-earth, “try this now” approach and her passion for helping others. Sinikka holds a BA from Central College, an MA from the University of Iowa, and is a certified Project Management Professional through the Project Management Institute (PMI).

This episode is brought to you by the August Cohort of the Change Maker Certification Program!   Sinikka Waugh and Kristen Boldt discuss Becoming Who We Are Meant To Be.   "You are a system thinker".  This observation from a mentor was the first time I had a name for how I am wired. My instinct always looks for the bigger picture, the story behind the story, and how all the different elements work together because I know it is in the nuances that our harmony is created. ​ Systems are important because we exist in dynamic relationship to each other. We are autonomous individuals and interconnected through our relationships and community.  When we bring these dynamics into harmony everyone has what they need as individuals and the integrity of the larger system, whether a family, a business, or a community, is strengthened. ​ There is a great story about a guy walking through the woods who hears a baby crying in the stream. He pulls the baby out and starts to care for it and soon hears another. He rescues that one and calls for more help. Soon there are many people pulling the babies from the stream, setting up feeding stations, housing etc. Finally, one person asks, maybe we should go upstream and find out how they are getting in. ​ That's me. ​ I work with systems because my instincts always take me “upstream”. What excites me about this work is the shift I see in individuals when a system is redesigned and rounded out to be spherical. It is like a weight has been lifted or a barrier removed. When our systems are healthy (well-rounded) it is easy for people to live into their highest selves and to use their gifts to be the contributions they are called to be. ​ I have always been drawn to the arts because that is how we tell our deepest stories. It is said that what is most personal is also most universal. Our stories are what bring us together, the shimmery thread woven through our human tapestry. Our stories connect us and these days we desperately need more connection.

This episode is brought to you by: the Change Makers Certification Program. Become a Certified Change Maker, and Co-Create Greatness!   Sinikka Waugh and Sue Wilson discuss 5 Components of C3 De-Escalation.   Sue has a Master’s Degree in Human Performance and Exercise Physiology from Minnesota State University, Mankato where she studied the Human body under stress and reactions. She served as the Head Athletic Trainer for Indianola High School from 2005-2012 and left the field to start a family and spend time with her 2 daughters, Joviee and Phia. She has experience as the Executive Director of The Helping Hand of Warren County, Indianola School Board Member, Board Member of CTE-HOPE, former member of Governor’s Advisory Council for Brain Injuries, United Way of Central Iowa Agency Director’s Council and represents Warren County on several Task Forces throughout Central Iowa improving engagement in social challenges facing our communities. Sue started as the Executive Director of WeLIFT Job Search Center in the fall of 2022 with the energy and passion to continue to bring new services and partnerships to WeLIFT to better serve our community. She is a Certified Instructor in C3 Descalation and has had the honor of training amazing organizations such as Anawim, UnitedWay, Families First, Waukee Area Christian Services and many different schools. She enjoys watching her husband and daughters play and coach the great game of soccer, loves the outdoors as well as the quiet night by a fire with a book. She is blessed every day with a community of friends and family that truly are the foundation of her heart.

Sinikka Waugh and Heidi Levine discuss Helping People Have Better Workdays to Have Healthier, Happier Lives.   This episode of Even Better is brought to you by The Change Makers Certification Program!   Heidi Levine has had a 40-year higher education career as a student affairs professional. Heidi earned her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Temple University, M.S. in counselor education from the Pennsylvania State University and B.A. in psychology from Northern Illinois University. Following a brief time in residence life, Heidi spent 23 years working in college and university counseling services, directed an integrated health and counseling center, and for the last 16 years has been in administrative leadership roles. Heidi has served as Vice President for Student Development and Planning at Simpson College, in Indianola, IA since 2015, and is about to start the next chapter in her life when she retires in July. Heidi has written and presented on topics including student mental health and resilience, curbing high-risk alcohol use, impacts of campus suicide, and staff development and leadership.

Sinikka Waugh and Kay Arvidson discuss A Personal Parkinson's Journey. Kay’s career has focused on leading change. Her background includes project management and business analysis for eCommerce applications, training and website development for state and local governments, and coaching individuals through career changes. Kay earned a BA degree in psychology from the University of Iowa, and received a MBA from Georgia State University in Atlanta. Kay was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2017.