#171. Change Starts Within: How to Align Your Life and Career with Cortney McDermott

In this expansive and energizing episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with award-winning author, speaker, and high-performance coach Cortney McDermott for a conversation that blends science, soul, and strategy. With a career that spans executive roles in global corporations, bestselling books, and appearances on stages like TEDx and Mindvalley, Cortney shares how real transformation starts from within—and how we can all access deeper alignment, joy, and purpose by tuning into our own innate wisdom.Cortney opens up about her personal journey from being miserably successful to becoming a conscious creator of a more aligned life and business. She and Desiree explore topics like intuitive decision-making, rewiring subconscious beliefs, and why “hustle culture” often leads us away from the very success we’re chasing. Cortney introduces the neuroscience behind change, the power of permission, and how curiosity can be a guiding force when we're stuck or in transition.Throughout the conversation, Cortney encourages listeners to stop outsourcing their power and start designing a life that actually feels good—not just looks good on paper. Whether you're a high-achieving professional, a curious seeker, or someone craving more clarity and calm in your life, this episode offers practical tools and soulful insights to help you return to your center, trust your inner voice, and create from a place of true alignment.Bio:Cortney McDermott is an award-winning author and speaker and celebrity coach. Her work in self-development and business strategy has been featured in Inc., Women’s Health, NBC, The Huffington Post, MindBodyGreen, and SUCCESS, and her talks on human potential have been shared on stages including TEDx, Mindvalley, Oxford Saïd Business School, and Richard Branson’s private island, Necker.With a Master of Science from the London School of Economics, Cortney blends academic rigor with real-world experience to help individuals and organizations reach their highest potential. Her career highlights include executive roles at Vanity Fair Corporation, Vice President at Sustainability Partners Inc., and successfully running her own businesses, where she has worked with brands such as Universal Music Group, Nike, Kickstarter, and Google.Connect with Cortney:Website: https://www.cortneymcdermott.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortneymcdermott/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortneymcdermott/YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@cortincResources:https://youtu.be/L2f8w1v-Hzo?si=e_Pu3GFB5w9YXGLSBooks mentioned:Give Yourself Permission. Be Confident. Be Happy. Be You. Cortney McDermott - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781736357019https://amzn.to/3ZS7Vnf Change Starts Within You: Unlock the Confidence to Lead with IntuitionCortney McDermott - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9780998955209https://amzn.to/4qi10Pl Think and Grow Rich Napoleon Hill - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781585424337https://amzn.to/4rqn1w5Books by:Alan WattsWallace Wattles———Enjoy this Podcast? If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired and empowered!Questions? Contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening!———This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.This is not intended to treat any medical condition. I am not a medical doctor and do not offer any professional health or medical advice. If you are suffering from any medical conditions, please seek help from a qualified health professional.