Becoming You (after Winning Wednesday)

What if everything you’ve been told about managing your hormones, your stress, and your body is incomplete? Jenny Wright, PA and founder of Right Wellness, left traditional medicine behind to practice the way women actually deserve to be treated — holistically, personally, and without the band-aids. From a life-changing women’s retreat in Tulum to opening her own doors, Jenny is rewriting what healthcare looks like for women in perimenopause and beyond. What You’ll Learn: Why women were excluded from medical studies for decades — and what that means for your health today The real reason stress is at the root of almost every hormone imbalance Why cold plunges and HIIT might actually be working against you How your gut health and hormone health are more connected than you think Why Jenny doesn’t do weight loss — and what she does instead Key Focus Areas: Perimenopause & Hormone Balance – What “I just feel off” actually means and how to get to the root of it Functional Medicine – Why fixing foundations comes before any lab results Inputs & Outputs – Food, content, people — everything you surround yourself with affects your body Stress & the Nervous System – Cortisol, oxytocin, and why your stress management practice should feel good Entrepreneurship & Purpose – What happens when you stop practicing medicine for others and start practicing it your way Jenny’s Approach: Physician Assistant specializing in hormone and gut health for women ages 35–50+ Founder of Right Wellness — a one-woman practice built on personalized, root-cause care Trained in holistic hormone health and functional medicine Teaches an 8-week hormone balancing course grounded in lifestyle foundations Believes you can’t know where you’re going until you know where you are Perfect If You’re: A woman in your 30s, 40s, or 50s who keeps being told your labs are “normal” but you feel anything but Exhausted by generic advice that doesn’t account for your actual life Curious about perimenopause but overwhelmed by the flood of information out there Ready to stop treating symptoms and start addressing root causes A mom, entrepreneur, or caregiver who has completely lost track of who she is outside of her roles Jenny’s Philosophy: “You can’t know where you’re going until you know where you are.” “Your inputs affect your outputs — food, content, and the people you surround yourself with.” “Oxytocin trumps cortisol — do stress management that actually makes you happy.” “I’m not here to help you lose weight. I’m here to help you get healthy.” “Remove yourself from the people who define you and get to know yourself again.” CONNECT WITH JENNY: Website: rightwellnessco.com Instagram: @rightwellness.co ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What happens when you’ve completed the entire prescribed path—degree, career, marriage, kids—and suddenly ask “now what?” Sanjai Mehta shares his profound journey of becoming himself at 60, the exact age his father died. From following expectations to finding freedom in service, charity work, and redefining what sales really means. What You’ll Learn: How to reconcile multiple identities (parent, partner, employee, person) without losing yourself The difference between heart-based selling and transactional sales tactics Why 57% of B2B buying decisions happen before you even talk to a salesperson How childhood trauma shapes personality patterns across generations The BOLD coaching framework for breaking limiting beliefs Why serving others creates congruence between who you are and what you do How to pivot from materialistic success to meaningful fulfillment Key Focus Areas: Identity & Congruence – Aligning your values with your professional identity Heart-Based Selling – Moving from transactional to relational business relationships Service Leadership – Finding fulfillment through serving others (not selling to them) Second Half of Life – What happens after you’ve checked all the “success” boxes Intergenerational Trauma – How parents’ experiences shape our life paths Blue Bike Foundation – Education through skills development for underserved youth The BOLD Method – Beliefs, Ownership, Liberation, Delivery coaching framework Sanjai’s Journey: Born in Kenya to Indian parents who lost half their belongings in transit Father died suddenly at 60 when Sanjai was 14 Followed the prescribed path: school → degree → job → marriage → kids Just turned 60 himself—now finally “becoming me” Host of “Success Matters” podcast (75+ episodes) Chair of Blue Bike Foundation charity board Sales coach specializing in heart-based, consultative approaches Redefining success beyond materialistic measures Perfect If You’re: Feeling like you’ve followed “the plan” but wondering “what’s next?” Struggling with sales roles that feel incongruent with your values Looking to give back but don’t know where to start Interested in mentoring or coaching others Tired of transactional business relationships Seeking examples of how to pivot in your 50s/60s Wanting to understand how childhood experiences shape adult patterns Ready to explore what success means beyond material achievements Sanjai’s Philosophy: “I’m not a salesperson—I’m a business person who serves people” “Your role is to serve others, whether internal or external clients” “Success is more than just materialistic aspects” “If you can marry your values with your identity, success comes easier” “We never know how close or far we are from someone—build your network” “It’s not what you know but who you know” BLUE BIKE FOUNDATION: Helping children through education and skills development across Europe and beyond 90% of funds go directly to projects (only 10% admin) Projects include: business workshops, filmmaking, football clubs, feeding programs in Kenya Recently collected 500+ letters of encouragement for students worldwide Contact: [email protected] | Website: bluebikecharity.org ABOUT SUCCESS MATTERS PODCAST: Sanjai’s show exploring what success means beyond material wealth Creating space for guests to share their stories Inspiring trajectory changes through authentic conversations ABOUT SANJAI META: Podcast Host | Sales Coach | Charity Board Chair | Mentor Specializing in heart-based selling and consultative business relationships Based in London, UK CONNECT WITH SANJAI: Podcast: Success Matters LinkedIn:   / sanjaimehta   Charity: bluebikecharity.org ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on: LinkedIn: /connectorqueen RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 80: Stop Waiting for Perfect Conditions | Solo Backpacking Europe at 35 Ep. 76: Tiffany Carter – From Corporate Burnout to 7-Figure Freedom Ep. 75: Dr. Ginny Baro – How to Give Your Brain Purpose BONUS: We play Six Degrees of Separation and discover K is only 2 people away from Oprah Winfrey! #HeartBasedSelling #LifeAfter60 #SecondHalfOfLife #BecomingYourself #SalesCoaching #CharityWork #ServantLeadership #IdentityAndSuccess #BluebikeFoundation #ConsultativeSelling #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen #SuccessMatters #BOLDMethod Subscribe for weekly episodes exploring transformation, redefining success, and the courage to become yourself at any age!

What happens when your body forces the pause your ambition never would? Morgan Short spent 10+ years climbing to Senior Director in B2B SaaS, measuring her worth entirely by her output — until a rare neuroendocrine tumor landed her in the ER and sent her on a journey of radical unbecoming. Two weeks into going fully solo, she’s rewriting what success looks like from the inside out. What You’ll Learn: Why hustle culture is a lie we tell ourselves — and how to stop feeding it What a medical crisis can reveal about identity beyond your job title How “making healing a to-do” keeps you stuck in the same patterns Why rest doesn’t need to be earned — and what happens when you finally believe it How to start building your personal brand while still in a 9-to-5 Key Focus Areas: Unbecoming – Unlearning the lies of hustle culture and corporate identity Identity Beyond Output – Who are you when you stop producing? Solo Entrepreneurship – The real fears (health insurance, income) and real rewards Authentic Storytelling – Helping creatives be seen and tell their true story Personal Brand Building – How to get your feet wet while keeping your day job Morgan’s Approach: Former Senior Director of Content Marketing in B2B SaaS Rare neuroendocrine tumor diagnosis that forced a life-changing pause Now solo — helping entrepreneurs and creatives see themselves clearly and show up fully Building a business around discovery, authentic storytelling, and calling in dream clients Philosophy rooted in slow, steady, sovereign living Perfect If You’re: Burning the candle at both ends and wondering when it ends Questioning whether your job title is your whole identity Thinking about leaving corporate but terrified to take the leap A creative who’s wildly talented but hiding from being seen Ready to rewrite your version of success on your own terms Morgan’s Philosophy: “See yourself clearly, tell your story confidently, and call in what’s unmistakably yours.” “We are not products. My healing is not a to-do list.” “Rest does not need to be earned.” “Why not you? Other people do it.” ABOUT MORGAN SHORT: Content Marketer | Storytelling Strategist | Solo Entrepreneur | Helping creatives and entrepreneurs step into their full expression and tell their authentic story CONNECT WITH MORGAN: LinkedIn:   / morgan-short-9a101b82   Website: https://www.artisthenewwallstreet.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artisthenew… ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” — stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn: / ConnectorQueen #ConnectorQueen #CorporateBurnout #HustleCulture #CareerChange #WomenInBusiness #SoloEntrepreneur #PersonalBrand #AuthenticStorytelling #BecomingYou #WorkLifeBalance #MentalHealth #Entrepreneurship #ContentMarketing #PodcastLife #Leadership

What happens when you run away at 5 years old and find your voice 40+ years later? Lynda Sunshine West transformed from an abuse survivor with a stifled voice into a bestselling author publisher who’s empowered thousands to share their stories. From red carpet interviews to collaboration books, discover how confidence equals freedom. What You’ll Learn: How doing 6,000+ live videos rebuilt confidence after decades of silence The collaboration book model that creates instant bestselling authors Why sharing your story makes a greater impact than keeping it in your head How to turn personal trauma into a mission that serves millions The “confidence = freedom” formula that changes everything Key Moments: Mission: Empowering 5 million women and men to share their stories with the world Background: From abusive childhood to first marriage that mirrored the trauma Breakthrough: Discovering how much positive impact her voice could make Method: 6,000+ live videos that rebuilt the confidence she had at age 5 Result: Bestselling author publisher helping others become published authors Lynda’s Journey: Ran away at 5 years old – gone an entire week from abusive environment Decades of stifled voice through childhood trauma and difficult first marriage Self-discovery journey led to speaking up and making positive impact 6,000+ live videos rebuilt confidence and created massive influence Red carpet interviewer and bestselling book publisher Collaboration book creator helping others become bestselling authors instantly Perfect If You’re: Considering writing a book but don’t know where to start Have a story to share but worried no one will care Looking for ways to amplify your voice and message Interested in collaboration books vs. solo authoring Want to turn your experience into impact for others Lynda’s Wisdom: “When we lift up each other, we are raising the vibration on this planet” “Confidence = Freedom” “Nothing Happens Without Action” “The more I was engaged and consistent, the more impact I made” ABOUT LYNDA SUNSHINE WEST: Bestselling author publisher | Red carpet interviewer | Mission: Empower 5 million people to share their stories | Creator of collaboration books that make instant bestselling authors CONNECT WITH LYNDA: LinkedIn:   / lyndasunshinewest   Become a Bestselling Author: http://www.ActionTakersAuthor.com ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 76: Tiffany Carter – From Corporate Burnout to 7-Figure Freedom Ep. 74: Jenna Pershin – Finding Your Sunshine in the Darkness Ep. 73: Devon McCarroll – 2 Years Sober & The Courage to Question Everything #BookPublishing #BestsellingAuthor #AbuseRecovery #Storytelling #CollaborationBooks #RedCarpetInterviewer #VoiceYourStory #ConfidenceBuilding #PersonalBrand #AuthorLife #BookWriting #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for weekly episodes that prove your story has the power to change the world!

Are you stuck in the daily grind wondering “why does this matter to me?” This episode is your roadmap to reconnecting with your WHY and designing a career that energizes you instead of burning you out. What You’ll Learn: The 5-step framework to discover your authentic purpose (not someone else’s definition of success) How to identify your “red thread” – the pattern that connects your career highlights Why hitting milestones without meaning leads to burnout How to translate your purpose into your current role and lifestyle The art of change management that accelerates your growth The 5 Steps to Find Your Purpose: Step 1: Gather Your Stories – Think of 3 powerful moments: when you felt proud, in flow, and making impact Step 2: Mine for Clues – What were you doing? Who were you with? What strengths were you using? How did you feel? Step 3: Find Your Themes – Circle repeating words, skills, and feelings that emerge from your stories Step 4: Draft Your North Star – Create a clear statement: “I feel most on purpose when I’m using __ to help __ achieve ___” Step 5: Test & Tweak – Ask: Does this energize me? Feel true when things get hard? Would I be proud if this were my legacy? Guest Insights: Jess & Allison share how this process helped them design their business with intention and create a North Star they return to whenever they question their direction. Key Takeaways: Self-awareness keeps you grounded during complexity and change You don’t have to be “one thing” – be a few things that align with your purpose Stop leading by default and start leading by design In a distracted world, your North Star refocuses your efforts on what matters About Becoming You: Inspiring conversations with professionals who’ve navigated career transitions, found their authentic voice, and built meaningful impact. Hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. New episodes drop weekly! CONNECT WITH US: LinkedIn: @ConnectorQueen Free Personal Brand Starter Kit: [https://katrinafuhrman.com/connector-…] Book a Strategy Call: [  / connectorqueen  ] Listen on your favorite podcast platform GUESTS: Jess – [  / jessicamjacobs  ] Allison – [  / allison-wright-544534  ] TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction: The Purpose Problem 03:15 Why “checking boxes” leads to burnout 07:22 The 5-Step Purpose Framework 15:30 Real examples of purpose in action 22:45 How to test your North Star statement 28:10 Designing vs. defaulting in your career 35:20 Wrap-up & final insights HASHTAGS: #PurposeDriven #CareerChange #PersonalBrand #ProfessionalDevelopment #PodcastLife #LinkedIn #Networking #CareerAdvice #BecomingYou #Leadership #ChangeManagement #WorkLifePurpose Subscribe for weekly episodes that help you become the most authentic version of yourself professionally!

What happens when a licensed therapist integrates astrology and sound healing into practice? Carly J Riddle, LCSW, is revolutionizing mental health by combining evidence-based therapy with alternative healing modalities. For the spiritually exhausted and overwhelmed who crave real change beyond traditional approaches. What You’ll Learn: How sound healing enhances traditional psychotherapy outcomes Why some people need alternative approaches to conventional therapy The science behind using sound as medicine for trauma and grief How to honor trauma while promoting lasting change Building therapeutic communities that address our primal need to belong Key Focus Areas: Sound Healing Integration – Using vibrational medicine alongside talk therapy Trauma-Informed Care – Honoring trauma and grief in the healing process Community Healing – Creating belonging through collective therapeutic experiences Alternative Modalities – Evidence-based research meets holistic practices Real Change – For those who’ve tried traditional therapy without lasting results Carly’s Approach: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with alternative healing training Owner/Founder of Waves of Change Coalition in Virginia Beach Sound healing practitioner using vibration as therapeutic medicine Community-focused therapy addressing primal need for belonging Holistic integration of evidence-based research with alternative practices Perfect If You’re: Spiritually exhausted from traditional healing approaches Overwhelmed by conventional therapy that feels incomplete Interested in trauma-informed alternative healing modalities Seeking community-based therapeutic experiences Curious about sound healing and vibrational medicine Looking for therapists who “keep it real” about healing Carly’s Philosophy: “Therapist for the people who wanna keep it real” “More than a therapy practice – it’s a community promoting lasting change” “Using sound as medicine” “Honoring trauma + grief” ABOUT CARLY J RIDDLE, LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker | Sound healing practitioner | Founder of Waves of Change Coalition | Integrating evidence-based therapy with alternative healing modalities in Virginia Beach CONNECT WITH CARLY: Website: https://wavesofchangecoalition.com/ Instagram: @wavesofchangecoalition LinkedIn: / carly-jones-lcsw-83395a216 ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn: / connectorqueen RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 76: Tiffany Carter – From Corporate Burnout to 7-Figure Freedom Ep. 75: Dr. Ginny Baro – How to Give Your Brain Purpose Ep. 73: Devon McCarroll – 2 Years Sober & The Courage to Question Everything #SoundHealing #AlternativeTherapy #TraumaHealing #HolisticMentalHealth #LCSW #VibrationalMedicine #TherapyInnovation #MentalHealthSupport #HealingCommunity #IntegrativeTherapy #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for weekly episodes exploring innovative approaches to healing and personal transformation!

What happens when your body literally shuts down from corporate burnout? Tiffany Carter went from TV news anchor to pharmaceutical executive to multi-million dollar entrepreneur – but not before her nervous system forced a complete life reset. What You’ll Learn: How to recognize when you’re running on “adrenaline addiction” (and why it’s unsustainable) The “straddling method” for transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship safely Why clients were waiting for her to ask for payment (game-changing mindset shift) How trauma responses in childhood create workaholism in adulthood The difference between productive stress and toxic burnout Key Moments: 5:23 – “We were wondering when you were going to ask us to start paying you” – The moment everything changed 12:30 – The straddling method: How to side hustle for 6 months before quitting 24:25 – When your body completely breaks down from burnout 28:11 – “I wish the old Tiffany could come back” – Missing your workaholic self 36:53 – Brain resting time: The daily practice that changes everything Tiffany’s Journey: TV News Anchor → Pharmaceutical Sales Rep → National Sales Director → 7-Figure Entrepreneur Built ProjectME podcast to top 5 in 57 countries Runs TLC Enterprises serving Fortune 100 companies Overcame childhood trauma and corporate glass ceilings Perfect If You’re: Feeling trapped in corporate but scared to leave Working 60+ hours a week and calling it “productivity” Hitting glass ceilings despite strong performance Wondering if there’s more to life than climbing ladders Ready to bet on yourself but need a roadmap Tiffany’s Wisdom: “85% of entrepreneurship is mental game, 15% is strategy” “Your body keeps the score – and it will force you to change” “That consistent tickling in your mind? It’s there for a reason” ABOUT TIFFANY CARTER: Host of ‪@ProjectMETV‬ with Tiffany Carter podcast | Multi-million dollar consultant | Former pharma executive turned freedom entrepreneur CONNECT WITH TIFFANY: ProjectME Podcast (all platforms) Instagram: @projectme_with_tiffany LinkedIn: Tiffany Lou Carter Website: projectmewithtiffany.com ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 From truth-teller to corporate climber 03:25 The pharmaceutical industry revelation 08:51 “When are you going to ask us to pay you?” 12:52 The straddling method explained 20:17 Corporate masking and overgiving 24:31 When your body shuts down completely 28:45 Missing your workaholic self 32:27 Learning to operate from regulation 36:15 Brain resting time practice 40:28 Building ProjectME empire 44:16 Final advice: Honor that nagging voice RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 67: Yana Spivak – Burning Out Ep. 65: Elana Little – Career Transitions Ep. 61: Katrina Fuhrman – Grace & Space for Yourself #ConnectorQueen #CorporateBurnout #Entrepreneurship #CareerChange #WomenInBusiness #PersonalBrand #PodcastLife #WorkLifeBalance #MentalHealth #FinancialFreedom #BecomingYou #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment Subscribe for weekly episodes that prove your biggest career transition might be your greatest breakthrough!

What happens when you treat your brain like a Labrador? Dr. Ginny Baro, TEDx speaker and best-selling author, reveals why your mind needs a “stick” to chase – and what happens when it doesn’t have one. From breaking poverty cycles to building million-dollar businesses, discover the patterns that create lasting success. What You’ll Learn: The “Labrador brain” concept that changes how you think about focus Why patterns in one area of your life show up everywhere else How to connect your current role to changing the world (even in corporate) The difference between self-confidence and self-worth that changes everything 3 major strategies to unlock your potential through self-investment Key Moments: 1:13 – How AI transformation mirrors pandemic workplace changes 5:08 – “How is my current role impacting the world?” – The purpose question 10:23 – From field study to book: How Dr. Ginny discovers writing topics 11:15 – TEDx announcement: “My TED talk got picked!” 13:06 – “Do you ever have crunchy days?” – Behind the effortless facade 21:29 – The Labrador brain analogy that will change your focus forever Dr. Ginny’s Journey: Dominican Republic village → Corporate America → Executive Coach & TEDx Speaker 26 years in corporate climbing to executive levels Best-selling author of 3 books including “Dearest Women at Work” Upcoming TEDx talk at University of Northern Iowa Runs Executive Bound mastermind (rebranding to “Elevate Her”) Perfect If You’re: Feeling like you’re on autopilot in your career Struggling to see how your work makes a difference Wanting tools to navigate “crunchy” times with grace Ready to invest in yourself but unsure where to start Looking for your compelling vision for the next 12 months Dr. Ginny’s Wisdom: “The patterns that we notice in our lives tend to show up in different areas” “It’s not what’s happening that takes us down – it’s the meaning we give it” “When your brain has no stick to chase, it turns on you” ABOUT DR. GINNY BARO: ‪@drginnybaro‬ TEDx Speaker | Best-selling author of 3 books | Executive coach with 30+ years experience | Founder of Executive Bound mastermind CONNECT WITH DR. GINNY: LinkedIn:   / ginnybaro   Books: “Healing Leadership: How to lead, love, and thrive in business and life” “Fearless Women at Work: Five Powerful Strategies to Thrive in Your Career and Life!” Website: [https://drginnybaro.com] ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Patterns that shape our lives 02:56 AI transformation vs pandemic changes 05:08 How your work impacts the world 07:19 From ideas to bestselling books 10:23 The accidental field study method 11:15 TEDx talk announcement 13:06 Behind the “effortless” success 15:54 Yacht vs dingy: Navigating life storms 18:00 Self-worth stripped of achievements 21:29 The Labrador brain concept 24:38 What chapter are you in? RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 76: Tiffany Carter – From Corporate Burnout to 7-Figure Freedom Ep. 61: Katrina Fuhrman – Grace & Space for Yourself Original Episode: Dr. Ginny Baro – Winning Wednesday (Executive Coach & Published Author) #connectorqueen TEDxSpeaker #ExecutiveCoaching #PersonalDevelopment #WomenInBusiness #Mindset #Leadership #CareerGrowth #SelfWorth #BecomingYou #ProfessionalDevelopment #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for weekly episodes that prove your biggest career transition might be your greatest breakthrough!

What happens when you’re gay, religious, and working in corporate America? Jenna Pershin shares her powerful journey of learning that “two things can be true at once” – and how hiding parts of yourself at work literally steals 65% of your brain power. From faith vs. sexuality to networking your way to world-changing opportunities. What You’ll Learn: The “sunshine” concept that transforms how you show up authentically everywhere Why hiding your identity at work blocks 65% of your cognitive capacity How to navigate conflicting parts of your identity without choosing sides The yellow resume strategy that changed a career trajectory overnight Simple language changes that make meetings instantly more inclusive Key Moments: 3:22 – “Can you be gay and religious?” – Wrestling with conflicting identities 11:04 – Coming out at work: “You can do that?” – The moment everything changed 14:50 – “It unlocked 65% of my work brain” – The power of authentic presence 18:25 – “Thanks guys” problem: Small language changes with big impact 21:25 – The red apple meeting phenomenon every woman recognizes 27:54 – “Joe’s pizza, we’re out of pepperoni” – The accidental career-changing call 35:00 – Building bridges of stone, not sticks Jenna’s Journey: Reconciling faith and sexuality through intensive research and self-acceptance Corporate underwriter → World-changing opportunity via bold networking Board member making summer camp free for 125+ kids annually LGBTQIA+ advocate creating representation where none existed before Perfect If You’re: Hiding parts of your identity at work and feeling drained Struggling with conflicting aspects of who you are Wanting to network boldly but feeling uncertain how Looking for ways to be more inclusive in your daily language Ready to find your “sunshine” and carry it everywhere Jenna’s Wisdom: “Two things can be true at once – and you don’t need acceptance from others to live them” “You don’t realize how restrictive hiding is until you step into your full self” “Network up, down, and sideways – build bridges of stone, not sticks” ABOUT JENNA PERSHIN: Corporate professional | LGBTQIA+ advocate | Board member making camp accessible to all kids | Believer in authentic networking and inclusive workplaces CONNECT WITH JENNA: LinkedIn:   / jenna-pershin-59343482   ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Two things can be true at once 02:40 Can you be gay and religious? 05:48 12-hour Sundays researching faith and identity 11:04 Meeting the first out lesbian at work 14:50 How hiding blocks your brain power 18:25 Inclusive language that actually works 21:25 The red apple meeting phenomenon 27:54 The yellow resume that changed everything 32:00 Networking in all directions 35:00 Building bridges of stone 38:12 Avenues of love and world-building RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 76: Tiffany Carter – From Corporate Burnout to 7-Figure Freedom Ep. 75: Dr. Ginny Baro – How to Give Your Brain Purpose Ep. 61: Katrina Fuhrman – Grace & Space for Yourself #LGBTQ #WorkplaceAuthenticity #InclusiveLeadership #Networking #PersonalBrand #TwoThingsCanBeTrue #FindingYourSunshine #CorporateInclusion #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen #FaithAndIdentity #WorkplaceDiversity Subscribe for weekly episodes that prove your biggest breakthrough comes from embracing all parts of who you are!

What happens when the world stops and forces you to think? Devon McCarroll shares her journey from prescribed religious upbringing to questioning everything at 23, plus how approaching 2 years sober taught her that authenticity beats perfection every time. From panic attacks to therapy breakthroughs to simple grounding techniques that actually work. What You’ll Learn: How the pandemic became a 2-year identity reconstruction process Why questioning everything you were taught is scarier than staying comfortable The difference between therapy as crisis management vs. life optimization tool Simple grounding techniques using everyday items (like hand lotion!) How to interview therapists like you’re hiring them (because you are) Key Moments: 4:53 – “I’d rather be crazy because I’ve never felt more alive” – Breaking the housewife mold 19:33 – The pandemic identity crisis: “I didn’t know anything – and that was scarier” 21:07 – Two camps of people: comfort seekers vs. compulsive questioners 25:14 – “I’d rather be anxious than choose not to think” – The cost of curiosity 30:16 – When panic attacks made college impossible to navigate 46:13 – The hand lotion hack: Instant grounding through your senses Devon’s Journey: Prescribed religious upbringing → Pandemic questioning → Authentic self-discovery Approaching 2 years sober in March 2025 Multiple therapy experiences from high school through present From comfort zone to embracing the uncomfortable growth process Perfect If You’re: Questioning beliefs you were raised with but afraid to explore Struggling with anxiety or panic attacks in your 20s Looking for practical therapy tips and grounding techniques Feeling caught between comfort and growth Interested in sobriety stories and mental health journeys Devon’s Wisdom: “I’d rather extract exactly what I think and why, even if I never get to an answer” “It’s comfortable to sit with what you know, but what don’t you know you don’t know?” “Little things that bring instantaneous joy make a huge difference throughout the day” ABOUT DEVON MCCARROLL: 2+ years sober | Mental health advocate | Former prescribed-life questioner turned authentic truth-seeker | Believer in therapy as life optimization CONNECT WITH DEVON: LinkedIn: LinkedIn:   / devonmccarroll   ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Authenticity in a curated world 04:53 The housewife who chose “crazy” over comfort 11:17 Spaghetti brains vs. waffle brains explained 19:33 Pandemic identity reconstruction at 23 25:14 Why some people can’t stay comfortable 30:16 Three distinct therapy journeys 34:57 How to interview and hire your therapist 46:13 Hand lotion grounding technique 48:39 Simple daily practices for mental health RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 76: Tiffany Carter – From Corporate Burnout to 7-Figure Freedom Ep. 75: Dr. Ginny Baro – How to Give Your Brain Purpose Ep. 74: Jenna Pershin – Finding Your Sunshine in the Darkness HASHTAGS: #Sobriety #MentalHealth #TherapyJourney #PandemicReflection #QuestioningBeliefs #AnxietySupport #GroundingTechniques #AuthenticLiving #PersonalGrowth #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen #SelfDiscovery Subscribe for weekly episodes proving that your biggest questions lead to your most authentic answers!

What if saying NO to everything became your superpower? The ConnectorQueen shares her “Year of NO” approach – ditching alcohol, added sugar, and dating for 365 days – plus the 5 books that transformed her mindset. From religious trauma healing to perfectionism insights, this solo episode reveals the personal growth behind the podcast. What You’ll Learn: The “Year of NO” strategy: Why eliminating 3 things unlocked massive growth 5 game-changing books for personal development and healing How Choice Theory helped reclaim personal power and free will Why “No More Mr. Nice Guy” applies to everyone (not just men) Religious trauma healing even 10+ years after leaving the church Key Moments: 4:25 – Choice Theory: Choosing your life while letting others live theirs 7:21 – No More Mr. Nice Guy: Ending people-pleasing and manipulation patterns 9:12 – The Perfectionist’s Guide: 5 types of perfectionism (and why that’s okay) 10:48 – When Religion Hurts You: Healing from high-control environments 13:49 – No Bad Parts: Understanding your internal family systems 16:33 – Year of NO: Alcohol, added sugar, and dating elimination strategy Katrina’s Growth Journey: 5 years of podcasting evolution from shy beginner to confident host Year of NO approach to eliminate distractions and focus on growth Religious deconstruction 10+ years post-church with continued healing Book writing project in progress with show-don’t-tell approach Platform expansion to Spotify, Apple Music, and all major podcast platforms Perfect If You’re: Struggling with people-pleasing or perfectionism patterns Healing from religious or high-control environments Looking for practical book recommendations for personal growth Considering elimination strategies for better focus Ready to prioritize yourself over external validation Katrina’s Insights: “Areas that needed healing bubbled up to the surface when I stopped focusing on distractions” “I don’t need to wait for anyone or anything to make these things happen in my life” “All of your parts are good and they serve a purpose” BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: Choice Theory by William Glasser, MD – Choosing your life and staying close to people you need No More Mr. Nice Guy – Ending people-pleasing and manipulation patterns The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control – Understanding and leveraging different types of perfectionism When Religion Hurts You – Healing from religious trauma and high-control environments No Bad Parts – Internal Family Systems therapy for trauma healing ABOUT KATRINA FUHRMAN (THE ConnectorQueen): Host of Becoming You podcast | 5+ years podcasting journey | Personal brand strategist | Author in progress | Advocates for authentic connection and personal growth ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to 2025 – solo episode introduction 04:25 Choice Theory: Reclaiming personal power 07:21 No More Mr. Nice Guy: Ending people-pleasing 09:12 Perfectionist’s Guide: 5 types of perfectionism 10:48 When Religion Hurts You: Healing from HCRs 13:49 No Bad Parts: Internal family systems 16:33 Year of NO: Alcohol, sugar, and dating elimination 18:44 Single life bucket list and personal empowerment 21:12 Podcast expansion to all streaming platforms 22:46 Book writing journey and creative process RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 76: Tiffany Carter – From Corporate Burnout to 7-Figure Freedom Ep. 61: Katrina Fuhrman – Grace & Space for Yourself (Previous solo episode) Ep. 75: Dr. Ginny Baro – How to Give Your Brain Purpose #YearOfNo #PersonalGrowth #ReligiousTrauma #BookRecommendations #SelfDevelopment #Perfectionism #PeoplePleasing #InternalFamilySystems #ChoiceTheory #ConnectorQueen #BecomingYou #SoloEpisode Subscribe for weekly stories proving that your biggest transformations come from choosing yourself first!

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: A vulnerable solo reflection on 5 years of podcasting evolution, pandemic-driven personal growth, and the ongoing journey of becoming. Recorded as both gratitude to guests and potential closure to the series. SPECIAL THANKS: Shout-out to Dredd De Jesus for masterful editing throughout this season! ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn: @connectorqueen Subscribe for authentic stories of transformation and the courage to keep becoming!

What happens when cystic acne forces you to confront your deepest insecurities? Zan Carver went from being bullied as an overweight kid to becoming a financial advisor and competitive bodybuilder. His journey through severe acne, public ridicule, and hormonal struggles revealed the mindset that now makes him unstoppable. What You’ll Learn: How childhood bullying shaped a relentless drive for transformation Why “balance or being your best” – you can’t have both (controversial take) The testosterone replacement therapy mistake that led to severe cystic acne How public ridicule on social media built unshakeable confidence Why “I’m tired” is a cop-out answer that reveals misalignment Key Moments: 4:07 – From Hawaii back to New Jersey: How losing sports led to weight gain 18:41 – “You either pick balance or being your best, but you can’t have both” 23:33 – The testosterone mistake that destroyed his skin for 4 months 26:59 – Getting roasted on YouTube while being vulnerable about acne 27:32 – “I could take any criticism now – I don’t care what anybody says” 32:08 – Swimming upstream: Why he does the opposite of popular culture 42:51 – “We’re all tired – how else are you doing? Are you happy?” Zan’s Transformation: Overweight kid → D3 college football player → Wall Street bodybuilder Family legacy: Dad (Duke grad/attorney), sister (overcame addiction) Career focus: Financial advisor specializing in fitness industry Content creator: Provocative takes on work-life balance and authenticity Bodybuilding competitor: Used stage to overcome childhood insecurities Perfect If You’re: Struggling with body image or past bullying trauma Questioning work-life balance vs. peak performance Dealing with skin issues or appearance-related confidence Ready to swim upstream against cultural norms Looking for authentic masculinity content without toxic messaging Zan’s Philosophy: “I never want to let down the people who sacrificed for me” “Going through tough times was the best thing that ever happened to me” “I want people to feel better about themselves, not think about me” “Are you aligned, are you happy, are you clear about who you are?” ABOUT ZAN CARVER: Financial advisor specializing in fitness industry | Competitive bodybuilder | Content creator challenging cultural norms | Wall Street professional who refuses to dim his personality CONNECT WITH ZAN: Website: zancarver.com TikTok: @zancarver Instagram: @zancarver LinkedIn: Zan Carver IV   / zan-carver-iv   YouTube: @zan_carver ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: Never letting down family sacrifice 01:05 Bergen County connections and high-achieving family 03:50 Sports as identity: From Hawaii back to New Jersey football 07:08 D1 vs D3 choice: Balancing athletics with personal growth 10:04 Sibling dynamics: Sister’s recovery inspiring his drive 13:57 Family expectations without pressure 15:43 Future vision: Real estate investments with sister 17:48 Controversial take: Balance OR being your best 22:05 Provocative content strategy and authentic messaging 23:05 The testosterone mistake that changed everything 27:28 Becoming fearlessly unbothered after public ridicule 30:55 Swimming upstream: Rest days still at the gym 36:47 Bodybuilding triumph over childhood trauma 41:41 Final thoughts: Moving beyond “I’m tired” RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 73: Devon McCarroll – 2 Years Sober & The Courage to Question Everything Ep. 72: Katrina Fuhrman – My Year of NO + 5 Books That Changed Everything Ep. 76: Tiffany Carter – From Corporate Burnout to 7-Figure Freedom #BodyTransformation #CysticAcne #WorkLifeBalance #Bodybuilding #FinancialAdvisor #MentalHealth #BullyingRecovery #AuthenticMasculinity #WallStreet #FitnessMotivation #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for authentic stories of transformation that prove your biggest struggles become your greatest strengths!

What happens when you follow open doors instead of forcing closed ones? Julian Curi ( ‪@Righteous_Robot‬ ) went from struggling LA actor to viral filmmaker creating intricate paper-cut animations. His 3-year solo project “Gruff” taught him why sharing process beats perfected products every time. What You’ll Learn: Why chasing trends kills authenticity (and what to do instead) How sharing behind-the-scenes process builds stronger following than finished work The difference between mimicry and influence in creative development Why following “open doors” leads to bigger opportunities than forcing locked ones How growing up in strict Catholic environment accidentally fueled artistic vision Key Moments: 8:17 – LA reality check: “The quality mainly sucks” – culture shock from college theater 13:54 – “More value put on chasing trends than finding your truth” 16:29 – “Don’t try to be the best, simply do your best – someday you might become the best” 19:24 – From copying Across the Universe art to finding unique voice 29:03 – Accidental discovery: “People are attracted to process, not product” 37:01 – 3-year grind mentality: “Complete today’s tasks, not the whole project” Julian’s Journey: Strict Catholic upbringing where arts weren’t considered viable profession College theater success → LA acting struggles → Behind-camera discovery Fine art commissions paid better than acting roles (following open doors) 3-year solo animation project funded by crowdfunding community Viral success from sharing process, not just polished final products Perfect If You’re: Creative struggling between commercial vs. authentic artistic expression Feeling stuck chasing trends instead of developing unique voice Wondering whether to share work-in-process or wait for perfection Navigating career pivots in creative industries Balancing hobby passion with full-time work demands Julian’s Creative Philosophy: “Follow the open doors, don’t force the locked ones” “People invest in journeys, not products” “Your combination of influences is what makes you unique” “Being vulnerable about struggle attracts more following than perfected work” ABOUT JULIAN CURI ( ‪@Righteous_Robot‬ ): Filmmaker and visual artist known for intricate paper-cut animation | Creator of viral short film “Gruff” | Former LA actor turned behind-camera storyteller | Advocates for authentic artistic voice over trend-chasing CONNECT WITH JULIAN: YouTube: @Righteous_Robot Instagram: @righteousrobot LinkedIn: Julian Curi   / julian-curi-8766766a   ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: Chasing trends vs. finding truth 00:56 College connection and creative evolution 04:44 Strict Catholic upbringing shaped escapist art 06:13 College theater to LA acting reality check 09:35 Quality control in oversaturated creative market 12:48 Rick Rubin’s influence: Art for self vs. commercial 17:20 From mimicry to authentic influence development 21:11 Combining multiple influences creates uniqueness 24:26 Creativity in corporate environments 28:59 Sharing process vs. polished products strategy 33:45 Science behind satisfying skill demonstration 36:40 3-year project: Daily tasks vs. mountain mentality 39:31 Following open doors in creative career 44:52 Permission to pace when passion becomes profession 48:01 Final wisdom: Truth over trends, process over product RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 70: Zan Carver – From Overweight Kid to Wall Street Bodybuilder Ep. 72: Katrina Fuhrman – My Year of NO + 5 Books That Changed Everything Ep. 74: Jenna Pershin – Finding Your Sunshine in the Darkness #FilmMaking #PaperCutAnimation #CreativeProcess #LAActing #IndependentFilm #ArtisticAuthenticity #CreativeEntrepreneur #FilmProduction #VisualArt #StoryTelling #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for authentic creative journeys that prove following your truth beats chasing trends every time!

What happens when 150% effort at work leads to clinical burnout symptoms? Yana Spivak went from medical school dropout to healthcare administrator, carrying guilt that drove her to dangerous overwork. Her breakdown at 50+ reveals why choosing careers to avoid trauma – not follow passion – creates the perfect burnout storm. What You’ll Learn: Why burnout is now hitting people in their 20s and 30s (epidemic proportions) How trauma-based career choices set you up for compassion fatigue The difference between boundaries (self-protection) vs rules (controlling others) Why “I’m so busy” is socially acceptable but “I took a bubble bath” isn’t Clinical symptoms that force your body to stop when you won’t Key Moments: 0:24 – “If you don’t take time for wellness, your illness will make sure you do” 10:32 – Boundary revelation: “Your day has ended – stop checking emails” 22:52 – Wrong profession trap: Prominent doctors burning out despite success 30:44 – Society’s judgment: “I spent an hour on the couch” vs “I’m so busy” 41:22 – Physical breakdown: Falling asleep at red lights, throwing up before work 52:26 – Wall Street lawyer’s 1000-page brief over holiday weekends Yana’s Journey: Medical school dropout → Healthcare administrator carrying parental guilt 150% effort philosophy leading to dangerous overwork patterns Clinical burnout symptoms forcing body shutdown in mid-50s Nonprofit founder: “A Bridge 2 Thrive” supporting burnout recovery Accidental athlete at 50 discovering fitness during recovery Perfect If You’re: Working 60+ hours weekly and calling it “dedication” Choosing careers to please others or avoid trauma Experiencing chronic fatigue, disengagement, or relationship strain Unable to establish work-life boundaries Mid-career and questioning if this is sustainable Yana’s Hard-Won Wisdom: “Only you know what you need – don’t be afraid to put yourself first” “We normalize recharging devices but not ourselves” “People who enter wrong professions burn out despite external success” “Burnout divides people into two categories: burned out or on the way” ABOUT YANA SPIVAK: Healthcare administrator turned burnout advocate | Founder of “A Bridge 2 Thrive” nonprofit | Survived clinical burnout in mid-50s | Helps professionals recognize early warning signs CONNECT WITH YANA: LinkedIn: Yana Spivak   / yana-spivak-222ba5222   Nonprofit: A Bridge 2 Thrive https://abridge2thrive.org/ ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: If you don’t take time for wellness… 00:56 Burnout epidemic affecting younger generations 04:10 Women’s monthly cycles vs. men’s 24-hour energy reset 10:09 Establishing boundaries: Where your workday ends 14:44 Overextending and people-pleasing patterns 19:16 110% effort at work: Ambition or destruction? 25:00 Trauma-driven career choices and wrong professions 30:40 Social judgment: “I spent an hour on the couch” 35:29 Society’s structure blaming individuals 39:21 Clinical symptoms requiring tangible help 43:40 Resources and nonprofit work for burnout recovery 47:24 Constructive feedback and self-awareness 52:24 Wall Street lawyer’s impossible weekend briefs 54:41 Final wisdom: Put yourself first RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 76: Tiffany Carter – From Corporate Burnout to 7-Figure Freedom Ep. 73: Devon McCarroll – 2 Years Sober & The Courage to Question Everything Ep. 72: Katrina Fuhrman – My Year of NO + 5 Books That Changed Everything #Burnout #HealthcareWorkers #WorkLifeBalance #MentalHealth #ClinicalBurnout #WomensHealth #CareerTrauma #OverworkCulture #SelfCare #BoundariesAtWork #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for authentic stories that prove putting yourself first isn’t selfish – it’s survival!

What happens when you realize helping people doesn’t require medical school? Rashmi Ketha pivoted from premed to data science to product management, discovering that generalists often find success later but build more resilient careers. From managing 95+ mentees to working on Chase’s mobile app, here’s why embracing dynamic timelines beats rushing to specialize. What You’ll Learn: Why generalists succeed later but build more sustainable careers than specialists How to separate emotional reactions from your identity during setbacks The mindset shift that transforms panic into “things happen when they’re meant to” Why mentoring 95+ people creates abundance mindset vs. scarcity thinking 5 counterintuitive mental health tips that actually work Key Moments: 3:31 – Mindset shift: “If it’s not meant to happen today, it’ll happen some other time” 9:51 – Career pivot: “I know I want to help people, but is med school the only way?” 17:07 – Identity vs. experience: “This is what I’m experiencing, but this is not who I am” 22:03 – Future self reflection: “5-year-old me would be very proud of current me” 28:03 – Abundance mindset: Why helping others doesn’t diminish your own opportunities Rashmi’s Journey: Premed major → Data science degrees → Product manager at Chase mobile app Verizon rotational program gave exposure to different business applications Personal startup experience bridged technical skills with customer problems 95+ mentees spanning high school to college students Three life pillars: Gratitude, curiosity, and resilience Perfect If You’re: Feeling behind peers who seem to have clear career paths Struggling with the pressure to specialize vs. explore different interests Managing career pivots and questioning if you’re on the “right” path Learning how to process emotions without reactive responses Interested in product management career transitions Rashmi’s Philosophy: “Range” by David Epstein: Generalists vs. specialists mindset shift “The world is abundant – we don’t need to fight over crumbs” “Take time to process emotions before reacting to conflicts” “Gratitude, curiosity, and resilience as life’s three pillars” BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: “Range” by David Epstein – Why generalists triumph in a specialized world “The Slight Edge” – Small daily decisions compound into major life changes ABOUT RASHMI KETHA: Product Manager at JP Morgan Chase mobile app | Former Verizon data scientist | Startup founder | Mentors 95+ students | Advocates for generalist career paths and abundance mindset CONNECT WITH RASHMI: LinkedIn: Rashmi Ketha   / rashmiketha   ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring the significant moments that shape who we become. Originally started as “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19 as a remote networking tool and mid-week inspiration. Now evolved into “Becoming You” – stories of transformation available to binge at your convenience. Created and hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Find me on LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: Things happen when they’re meant to anyway 00:56 Career update: Verizon to Chase mobile app product manager 03:01 Letting go of panic as first reaction 04:19 College struggle: Navigating beliefs and career uncertainty 07:45 Accepting that success has dynamic timelines 09:32 Iterative career path: Premed to data science to product 13:00 Mental fortitude during valleys and setbacks 16:23 Separating external stimulation from identity 18:36 Envisioning future self: How far out to plan? 24:12 Five counterintuitive mental health tips 28:51 Abundance mindset: Why the world has enough for everyone 30:37 Final thoughts on creative outlets and transformation RELATED EPISODES: Ep. 70: Zan Carver – From Overweight Kid to Wall Street Bodybuilder Ep. 69: Julian Curi – From Failed Actor to Viral Paper-Cut Filmmaker Original: Rashmi Ketha – Winning Wednesday 2020 (First appearance:    • Press the Start Button | STEAM, Data Scien…  ) #ProductManagement #CareerPivot #DataScience #GeneralistVsSpecialist #MentalHealth #ChaseApp #JPMorgan #Mentoring #CollegeToCorporate #STEMCareers #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for career pivot stories that prove there’s no single path to success!

What happens when life keeps taking the people you love most? At 16, Jill lost her brother in a car accident. At 30, her mother to cancer. Later, both sons battled addiction. Instead of breaking, she transformed her pain into purpose, becoming a therapist at 47. Here’s her raw story of resilience and the mindfulness techniques that saved her sanity. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses death, addiction, miscarriage, and anxiety. What You’ll Learn: How to transform fear into faith during life’s darkest moments Why supporting addicted children requires unconditional love (not enabling) Practical anxiety management techniques from a therapist who lives them How going back to school at 47 changed everything about her identity Marriage wisdom that kept 35 years strong through multiple crises Key Moments: 8:17 – Timeline of devastating losses: Brother, mother, father all gone 20:52 – “I had to learn how to put fear into faith” 23:46 – Breathing technique: Hands on chest, three deep breaths to de-escalate 32:53 – “Marriage is hard work – anyone who says it’s not is lying” Jill’s Resilience Journey: Brother killed at 23 in car accident when she was just 16 Mother died of cancer after only 3.5 years with first grandchild Both sons struggled with addiction – she chose love over tough love Earned Master’s in Social Work at 47 with 4.0 GPA despite family chaos Built successful therapy practice helping others with similar struggles About to become grandmother – new chapter of purpose and joy Perfect If You’re: Dealing with anxiety after experiencing major losses Supporting adult children through addiction or mental health struggles Considering career changes later in life (40s, 50s+) Learning to manage fear without letting it control your decisions Struggling with perfectionism vs. self-acceptance Jill’s Mindfulness Arsenal: “I cannot take on this fear” – daily car conversations with higher power Hands on chest breathing: Three deep breaths to de-escalate panic “Be where your feet are” – presence over worry about future Acceptance: “This is who I am, perfectly imperfect” Faith over fear: “Let the cards fall where they may” ABOUT JILL JONAS: Licensed Social Worker & Psychotherapist | Late-bloomer who found her calling at 47 | Specializes in anxiety, addiction, and life transitions | 35-year marriage survivor | Soon-to-be grandmother CONNECT WITH JILL: LinkedIn:   / jill-jonas-lsw-certified-life-coach-960b7378   ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Raw conversations about the moments that break us open and reshape who we become. Hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Instagram:   / connectorqueen   LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: “I was 16 when my brother was killed” 01:04 Introduction: 10-year friendship through Six Degrees of Separation 02:52 “Be Where Your Feet Are” – mindfulness that changed everything 07:14 Timeline begins: 1980 through present day 08:17 Age 16: Brother killed in car accident – everything changed 10:40 1993: Mother dies of cancer on same date as brother (April 19th) 12:38 2008: Both sons caught in addiction – unconditional love tested 14:00 Master’s degree at 47: Overcoming “I’m not smart enough” beliefs 20:52 Fear to faith: “I cannot take on this fear” – car conversations 23:22 Practical anxiety tools: Breathing, walking, laundry distractions 31:50 35-year marriage truth: “It’s hard work, not perfect” 41:12 Pre-grandma time capsule: Excitement over apprehension #MentalHealth #TherapistLife #AddictionRecovery #AnxietyManagement #Mindfulness #CareerChange #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for new episodes that prove your biggest breakthrough comes from embracing all parts of who you are!

What happens when you realize the values you’ve lived by your whole life aren’t actually yours? Anna Hanzelka went from black-and-white thinking rooted in childhood beliefs to becoming a “values detective” – questioning everything from family traditions to cultural programming. Here’s her raw conversation about deconstructing limiting beliefs and designing a life that actually aligns with who you are. What You’ll Learn: How to deconstruct limiting beliefs without losing what actually serves you The meditation that reveals: “What in me is dying? Being born? Always been the same?” Why “should,” “have to,” and “supposed to” are red flag words to watch for How to give yourself the “gift of time” for authentic self-reflection Why treating yourself with curiosity instead of shame changes everything Key Moments: 3:25 – “You have to do deconstruction work to really become yourself” 6:00 – Moving from black-and-white thinking to living in the gray 14:12 – Meditation practice: What’s dying, being born, always been the same? 17:06 – “Carefree timelessness” – why undistracted time creates clarity 40:31 – Red flag words: “I have to, I’m supposed to, I should” 45:51 – “If I had to pick one value for my life, it would be love” Anna’s Transformation Journey: Raised with rigid black-and-white thinking from church and cultural programming Study abroad in Austria exposed her to different cultural values beyond “beer, football, and Jesus” Learned to question family values – what’s actually hers vs. inherited beliefs Developed “values detective” mindset – taking limiting beliefs “to court” for evidence Created monthly values check-ins to stay aligned with authentic self Embraces perfectionism as superpower instead of something to fix Perfect If You’re: Feeling trapped by “shoulds” and expectations that don’t feel authentic Raised in religious/rigid environments and questioning inherited beliefs Struggling with perfectionism and self-criticism Want to learn practical self-reflection techniques that actually work Ready to design a life based on YOUR values, not others’ programming Anna’s Values Toolkit: “Am I meeting my constructed self with curiosity and kindness?” Take limiting beliefs “to court” – what’s the evidence this is true? Monthly values check-ins: What needs to die, be born, stay the same? Love as the ultimate filter: “Does this serve love?” “Carefree timelessness” for authentic reflection without distractions BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: “The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control” – Reframing perfectionism as a superpower “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey – Keeping the end in mind ABOUT ANNA HANZELKA: Values detective | Former black-and-white thinker turned gray-area explorer | Advocates for conscious value selection over inherited programming | Believes in treating yourself with the same love you’d show a friend | Tea party enthusiast with her cat Patches CONNECT WITH ANNA: LinkedIn:   / annachanzelka   ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring how we evolve from inherited beliefs to conscious choice. Originally “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19, now evolved into stories of authentic transformation. Hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Instagram:   / connectorqueen   LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: “Beer, football, and Jesus” vs. family and nature values 01:05 Introduction: College friends reunited for values deep-dive 02:27 Consciously choosing values vs. inheriting them unconsciously 05:57 Deconstructing limiting beliefs: It’s not just about religion 07:53 Study abroad revelation: Other cultures, other options exist 11:37 Self-reflection with curiosity and kindness, not shame 14:11 Meditation practice: What’s dying, being born, always the same? 16:22 Giving yourself the gift of undistracted time 19:17 Thriving on change: Creating chaos for growth 23:41 Self-development vs. believing you’re broken and need fixing 26:45 Aligning and designing your life around authentic values 30:20 Deciding what “counts”: Natural abilities vs. struggle validation 36:27 “Enjoy the process” – laptop sticky note wisdom 40:00 Red flag words: Should, have-to, supposed-to awareness 45:10 Love as the ultimate value filter for life decisions 50:45 Thanks for watching & listening! RELATED EPISODES: Winning Wednesday: Irene DeRouen – Living a Life Full of Meaning Future episodes on values, authenticity, and conscious living #ValuesWork #Deconstruction #LimitingBeliefs #Authenticity #SelfReflection #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #ConsciousLiving #ReligiousDeconstruction #PersonalValues #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for new episodes that prove your biggest breakthrough comes from embracing all parts of who you are!

What happens when being “real” costs you convenience but saves your soul? Steven Edelson went from carefree college days to managing three kids under 5, but his philosophy stayed the same: authenticity over conformity, relationships over rules. Here’s his raw conversation about parenting imperfect children as an imperfect parent, and why genuine connection trumps everything else. What You’ll Learn: Why being authentic is harder but more fulfilling than being fake How to parent three different personalities without losing yourself The “mortar matters more than bricks” philosophy for relationships Why you should choose family over career advancement every time How to practice compassion (literally “suffering with”) instead of just sympathy Key Moments: 7:08 – “I’d rather be Stephen and face consequences than be fake for convenience” 14:21 – “Education is a matter of the heart, not just the mind” 15:53 – “The mortar matters” – relationships hold the rules together 31:22 – “It’s easier to skip disciplining, but that’s our responsibility” 44:22 – “There’s freedom in surrendering your freedom for others” 50:26 – “There’s no career worth being a bad parent or spouse” Steven’s Evolution: College philosophy student who studied abroad in Italy and prioritized deep friendships Admissions director turned teacher who chose authenticity over sales tactics Married to Anya (nurse) after reconnecting post-college Father of three under 5: Peter (4), Amelia (2.5), Kiara (13 months) Educator for 10 years believing relationships matter more than rules Lives by principle: Truth and charity must coexist, never choose between them Perfect If You’re: Struggling with authenticity vs. fitting in at work or social situations New parents feeling overwhelmed by multiple young children Teachers/educators wanting to build genuine connections with students Anyone choosing between career advancement and family priorities Learning to accept imperfection in yourself and others Steven’s Life Philosophy: “Never being fake – you’re killing yourself when you suppress who you are” “Compassion means to suffer WITH someone, not just feel sorry for them” “The mortar (relationships) matters more than the bricks (rules)” “No career is worth being a bad parent, spouse, or worse version of yourself” “Freedom comes from surrendering your freedom for people you love” WISDOM FROM THE TRENCHES: St. Don Bosco motto: “It’s not enough to love students – they must know you love them” Practical parenting: Each child needs different approaches at different developmental stages Marriage truth: Imperfect parents will wound their children unintentionally – compassion required Career vs. family: Deathbed regrets are always about relationships, not promotions Authenticity principle: Truth and charity can always coexist with wisdom and prudence ABOUT STEVEN EDELSON: High school teacher & administrator | Father of three under 5 | Philosophy major turned educator | Believes relationships trump rules | Practices radical authenticity in professional settings | Married to Anya (nurse) | Lives in Tappan, NY CONNECT WITH STEVEN: Message through comments and we’ll pass it along! ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Deep conversations exploring how life’s biggest challenges shape who we become. Originally “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19, now evolved into stories of authentic transformation. Hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Instagram:   / connectorqueen   LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: “Never being fake – you’re destroying who you are” 02:52 Italian lesson & study abroad memories 05:25 Euphoria in friendship: Surprising each other abroad 09:12 Admissions director to full-time teacher transition 10:41 Being real to people in business vs. scripted responses 12:38 Patience in the process: No agenda with human beings 15:50 “The mortar matters” – relationships hold rules together 18:47 Pre-COVID to now: Added two more kids during pandemic 23:00 Three small kids with individual needs and challenges 26:28 Shift from traveling couple to family-building mode 27:47 Puddle of challenges you choose to accept with children 31:20 Easier to skip disciplining but responsibility to help guide 35:14 Self-compassion and self-awareness as imperfect parents 39:19 Kids as extension of you vs. detached parenting approach 44:17 Freedom in detachment: Caring about others’ success over your own 47:32 Final thoughts: Authenticity, truth with charity, family over career 54:37 Thanks for watching & listening! #Parenting #Authenticity #Education #TeacherLife #FamilyFirst #ThreeUnderFive #Relationships #ParentingPhilosophy #WorkLifeBalance #AuthenticLiving #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for new episodes that prove your biggest breakthrough comes from embracing all parts of who you are!

What happens when brutal honesty leads to unexpected friendship? Joe Arrigo admits he “really didn’t like” Katrina after their first podcast – then 6 months later they became close friends. Here’s his unfiltered take on creating bold content that sparks conversation without crossing the line, plus why turning 30 changes everything about knowing your worth. What You’ll Learn: How to stir the pot for meaningful conversation without getting canceled Why you should audit your life and cut people who don’t support your growth The “masculine writing style” that makes people take you seriously How to respond to trolls with composure (hint: neutral acknowledgment works) Why examining your inherited beliefs is crucial for authentic living Key Moments: 4:15 – “I really didn’t like you after the first podcast… now we’re besties” 10:46 – “We couch things from fear of being cancelled or questioned” 17:52 – Content strategy: “Stir the pot but leave ambiguity for discussion” 28:18 – “I didn’t know my worth until I was 34… turning 30 changes everything” 37:01 – “Audit your surroundings – get rid of people who don’t support you” 39:03 – “Take stock of your thoughts – where do they actually come from?” Joe’s Evolution: Age 20s: Sought comfortable, safe, easy life without major aspirations Turning 30: Everything questioned – body aching, life perspective shifted completely Current at 34: Finally knows his worth, focused on career challenges and growth Author: “Marble and Sculptor” – examining personality types and self-transformation Content creator: Recruiter who creates philosophical LinkedIn content about workplace dynamics Philosophy enthusiast: Believes in “masculine writing style” – no hedging, clear convictions Perfect If You’re: Creating content online but afraid of negative feedback or getting canceled Approaching or past 30 and questioning your life direction Struggling with inherited beliefs vs. authentic personal values Want to write with conviction but worried about offending people Learning to respond professionally to criticism and trolls Joe’s Content Philosophy: “All you have to do is say something semi-bold and leave it vague for discussion” “I confirm their comment but don’t agree – ‘That’s certainly one idea out there'” “Most people forget your post in a week – take a long-term perspective” “You need a healthy ego to put yourself out there and not fall apart” “Examine your thoughts – do you believe that or is it just a meme from parents/school?” LIFE-CHANGING BOOKS MENTIONED: “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin – Completely rewrote his second book after reading this “Marble and Sculptor” by Joe Arrigo – His first book on personality types and self-transformation Carl Jung’s work – Original source material on deep thinking and isolation Nietzsche – “Masculine writing style” with clear convictions, no hedging ABOUT JOE ARRIGO: Recruiter turned philosopher | Author of “Marble and Sculptor” | LinkedIn content creator focused on workplace psychology | Believes in examining inherited beliefs | Advocates for “stirring the pot” through thoughtful conversation | Currently 34 and finally knows his worth CONNECT WITH JOE: Instagram:   / advisrenterprises   LinkedIn:   / joe-arrigo   Calendly: https://calendly.com/advisr/pick-my-b… YouTube:    / @ghostofjung   Business: https://www.advisrenterprises.com/ Blog: https://joe-recruiter.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B42PTVZL/ ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Raw conversations exploring how brutal honesty and authentic transformation shape who we become. Originally “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19, now evolved into deeper stories of personal evolution. Hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro: “I really didn’t like you after the first podcast” 01:52 From Winning Wednesday to Becoming You evolution 06:20 Personal evolution throughout life and inherited beliefs 10:43 Toeing the line: Fear of being canceled vs. authentic expression 12:00 “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin completely changed his writing 17:52 Content strategy: How to stir the pot for meaningful conversation 25:22 Success using LinkedIn: Why successful people don’t know how to use it 34:20 “Everyone can’t be like you” – Gratitude for differences 37:00 Audit your life: Get rid of people who don’t support your growth 41:35 Reckless abandon with deep thinking: Philosophy vs. modern repackaging Joe’s 1st appearance:    • Myers-Briggs at Work | Using Personality T…   #ContentCreation #LinkedInStrategy #PersonalGrowth #Philosophy #CareerGrowth #AuthenticExpression #SelfReflection #Mindset #PersonalityTypes #ProfessionalDevelopment #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for new episodes that prove your biggest breakthrough comes from embracing all parts of who you are!

What happens when life forces you to choose between your dream career and family? Charlie Barker was living his best life in sports broadcasting until his sister’s cancer diagnosis changed everything. He walked away from his Florida dream job to care for her – and the very next day got a call that launched his sales career. Here’s how he turned fear into his biggest motivator and why kindness beats everything else. What You’ll Learn: How to turn fear from debilitating force into career fuel Why “there’s a million jobs but only one sister” mindset changes everything The power of taking a breath before reacting to difficult situations How near-death experiences completely shift your priorities Why working to live (not living to work) creates better success Key Moments: 3:24 – Sister’s cancer diagnosis: “There’s a million jobs but only one sister” 6:05 – Near-death experience 6 months after son’s birth changed everything 8:15 – “Fear is my motivating factor for success in sales” 12:25 – “You can only eat the apple one bite at a time” 15:26 – “Be open to change – I never planned on cybersecurity” 22:01 – Advice to younger self: “Just be nice to people” 23:43 – “When you’re tense, take a breath before reacting” Charlie’s Transformation Journey: Started in sports broadcasting in South Florida – dream job in his field Sister’s breast cancer diagnosis forced career pivot to move back to Minnesota Karma moment: Got perfect job offer the day after giving notice to help family Son Andrew born – discovered his life purpose was being a dad Near-death experience from internal bleeding shifted all priorities Cybersecurity sales leader – turned fear into positive motivating force Success through kindness – believes niceness gets you farther than anything Perfect If You’re: Facing major life decisions between career and family Struggling with fear and anxiety in high-pressure sales roles Looking for motivation techniques that actually work long-term Learning to respond vs. react in stressful work situations Planning for work-life balance and eventual retirement Charlie’s Life Philosophy: “There’s a million jobs on Earth but I only have one sister” “Fear can be debilitating or it can be your motivating factor” “Work to live, don’t live to work” “Kindness gets you so far in life – be nice to people” “Take a breath, step back, don’t react on emotion” BOOK MENTIONED: “Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It” – About forgiving yourself and embracing your future self “The Gift of Fear” – Learning to trust your intuition and use fear as a tool LIFE LESSONS FROM CHARLIE: Career pivots happen: What looks like a setback might be setting you up for something better Family first principle: Some decisions are easy when you know your priorities Fear as fuel: Turn anxiety into motivation by using it to drive performance One bite at a time: Break overwhelming goals into manageable daily steps Kindness matters: In harsh business world, nice people are remembered and rewarded ABOUT CHARLIE BARKER: Cybersecurity sales leader | Former sports broadcaster | Father who discovered his purpose | Believes fear can be a positive motivating force | Advocates for work-life balance | Lives in Texas | Son Andrew turns 14 tomorrow | Cancer survivor family member CONNECT WITH CHARLIE: LinkedIn:   / charliebarker21   ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Stories of transformation through life’s unexpected turns. Originally “Winning Wednesday” during COVID-19, now evolved into deeper conversations about how pivotal moments reshape who we become. Hosted by Katrina Fuhrman, The ConnectorQueen. Instagram:   / connectorqueen   LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: “Million jobs but only one sister” 01:01 Introduction: Debut episode of Becoming You podcast 02:44 Sister’s breast cancer diagnosis changes everything 04:38 From broadcasting to sales: The karma moment 05:54 Birth of son Andrew followed by near-death experience 07:52 Fear as motivating factor in sales success 12:25 Managing progress: “Eat the apple one bite at a time” 14:26 Future self visualization and staying open to change 17:49 Life after retirement: Not wanting to work at 79 20:06 “Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It” excerpt 21:18 Advice to younger self: Be nice to people 23:43 Managing stress: Take a breath before reacting 25:09 Final thoughts: Believe you can be whatever you want 26:23 Thanks for watching and listening RELATED EPISODES: Winning Wednesday: Allison Wright – Managing How You Show Up at Work Future episodes on career transitions, family priorities, and sales success #CareerChange #SalesMotivation #FamilyFirst #WorkLifeBalance #CybersecuritySales #FearIntoFuel #Kindness #ParentingPriorities #CareerPivot #LifePurpose #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen Subscribe for new episodes that prove your biggest breakthrough comes from embracing all parts of who you are!

What happens when a pandemic-born networking idea becomes your life’s work? I’m Katrina Fuhrman (The ConnectorQueen), and after 60 episodes of Winning Wednesday, I’m launching something completely new. Here’s why I’m transitioning from random networking conversations to deep-dive stories about transformation, and how the journey of “becoming you” never really ends. What You’ll Learn: How I accidentally became a podcaster during COVID lockdown Why networking through storytelling beats traditional approaches The framework behind “Becoming You” – past, present, future self exploration How to overcome fear when putting yourself out there publicly Why every moment sets the trajectory for who you’re becoming Key Moments: 0:39 – Winning Wednesday flashback: How it all started during pandemic 2:10 – Why networking became my passion during global isolation 4:35 – Framework overview: Past, present, future self exploration 7:13 – Inspiration from Diary of a CEO podcast and Stephen Bartlett 8:40 – Overcoming fear: “We are such a small blip in time and space” 10:45 – Digital connection breaks down barriers like nothing else Katrina’s Evolution: Pandemic pivot: Turned lockdown isolation into digital networking opportunity Accidental podcaster: Started weekly videos that became 60-episode series Career catalyst: Podcast led to opportunities in marketing and content creation Platform upgrade: Moving from Zoom to professional Riverside production New framework: “Becoming You” focuses on transformational life moments Authentic storytelling: Inspired by how guests evolve over time Perfect If You’re: Considering starting your own podcast or content creation journey Feeling nervous about putting yourself out there professionally Interested in authentic networking that goes beyond surface connections Want to understand how pivotal moments shape who we become Looking for inspiration to live more courageously and authentically Katrina’s Content Philosophy: “We’re constantly growing, changing, going through human experiences” “How can I sleep well tonight? How can I be authentic to myself?” “This moment sets us up for success, change, growth” “We are such a small blip in time – how we live impacts who we become” “I want guests to share their story profoundly and courageously” THE EVOLUTION: Winning Wednesday Era: Random networking conversations, 60 episodes during pandemic Career Growth: Project management to marketing roles through podcasting opportunities Technical Upgrade: From basic Zoom recordings to professional Riverside platform Content Shift: From networking demos to transformational storytelling Brand Evolution: Updated logo, colors (pink to teal), professional presentation ABOUT KATRINA FUHRMAN (THE ConnectorQueen): Digital networking pioneer | Accidental podcaster who started during COVID lockdown | Marketing professional | Believes in authentic storytelling over superficial connections | Passionate about helping people live courageously | Based in Jersey City (formerly commuted to Manhattan) CONNECT WITH KATRINA: Instagram:   / connectorqueen   LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen   Learn more: LinkedIn post about Becoming You launch ABOUT BECOMING YOU: Stories of transformation through life’s pivotal moments. Every guest shares something significant that impacted their life trajectory and shaped who they’re becoming. Focused on authentic storytelling, courage, and the evolutionary process of being human. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Preview: Excited for 2024 and new platform launch 00:39 “Winning Wednesday” flashback: How pandemic isolation sparked creativity 01:20 “Becoming You” transition: New platform, new framework 02:10 Reflection on podcasting and networking evolution during COVID 04:35 Framework overview: Past, present, future self exploration 05:45 Mindfulness: “How do I want to live my life today?” 06:18 Goal for the podcast: Professional, crisp, marketable content 07:13 Inspiration from “Diary of a CEO” and Stephen Bartlett’s approach 08:40 Putting yourself out there: Overcoming fear and hesitation 09:23 Guests’ evolution: Watching friends transform over years 10:45 Connecting with you: Breaking down digital barriers 11:20 Thanks for watching and future episodes preview RELATED CONTENT: Winning Wednesday Recap: How I Started Podcasting Future episodes featuring long-time friends and their transformations LinkedIn content about living fearlessly and authentic storytelling #PodcastLaunch #BecomingYou #ConnectorQueen #DigitalNetworking #AuthenticStorytelling #PersonalGrowth #Transformation #ContentCreation #Mindfulness #LivingCourageously #PodcastingJourney #ProfessionalDevelopment Subscribe for new episodes that prove your biggest breakthrough comes from embracing all parts of who you are!

Sixty episodes. One year and change of showing up every Wednesday with something worth saying. And for the finale of Winning Wednesday’s first chapter, the universe sent exactly the right guest. Elise Neel, VP of New Business Incubation at Verizon, professional tap dancer turned 5G frontier explorer, WAVE co-lead, mother of three, wife, and self-described lover of music and movement, closes out this season with the kind of conversation that makes you want to get intentional about every single thing — your time, your talent, your calendar, and your Wednesday. What You’ll Learn: What New Business Incubation at Verizon actually does — and why leading a team of explorers building toward a 3-to-10-year horizon feels like a roller coaster you chose to get on Why you don’t find time for what matters — you decide it matters and plan accordingly How auditing your last 30 days of calendar time reveals whether you’re living your values or just thinking you are Why WAVE’s 13,000 members across 32 countries represent far more than a women’s group — and how intersectionality makes it relevant to everyone Why knowing thyself is the first and most critical step to building a career that actually fits Key Focus Areas: New Business Incubation – What it’s like to lead frontier technology development at a Fortune 15 — from aerial robotics to distributed energy — with a timeline of three to ten years and permission to dream The Roller Coaster Metaphor – Why Elise describes her daily leadership life as exhilarating — and why that word encompasses the waiting, the anxiety, the click-click-click, and the whoosh of getting it right Calendar as Mirror – Why going back through the last 30 days of your time and sitting with what you find is the most honest leadership development exercise available Elise’s Approach: VP of New Business Incubation at Verizon — leading a team building software businesses that harness the future of 5G and mobile edge compute Former professional tap dancer with a home studio who still dances to decompress, create, and move — because the body and the mind are not separate Co-lead of WAVE, Verizon’s Women’s Association with 13,000+ members across 32 countries — finding the time by deciding it matters and planning accordingly Mother of three, wife, follower of Christ, extrovert, music lover — and a firm believer that we are not just one thing Wins Wednesday on horseback — riding her daughters’ horse after their lessons and letting whatever the week built up exhale through the animal Perfect If You’re: A corporate leader who wants to understand what innovation actually looks like inside a Fortune 15 — the blessing and the challenge of it Someone who keeps saying they don’t have time for what matters — and is ready to hear a different framework A woman navigating a big organization and wondering if advancing is worth it — Elise gives an honest, nuanced answer Anyone who needs permission to audit their own calendar and make changes accordingly Elise’s Philosophy: “You will know what is really important to you by the way you spend your time.” “You don’t find time for these things — you decide they are part of the time you need to spend.” “I was created on purpose for a purpose — and that gives me my own unique value proposition.” “The moment we start looking like everybody else it diminishes your value.” “Know thyself — figure out what you’re the best at and bring that to work.” A NOTE ON THIS EPISODE: This was the final episode of Winning Wednesday before Katrina paused the show to focus on her corporate career and help other businesses produce and launch their own podcasts. Three years later, she returned to hosting — and renamed the show Becoming You. Sixty episodes. One community. One connector queen. And a whole lot more story still to tell. ABOUT ELISE NEEL: VP, New Business Incubation | Verizon | WAVE Co-Lead | Former Professional Tap Dancer | Mother of Three | Frontier Technology Explorer | Helping teams build the future — one exhilarating roller coaster ride at a time CONNECT WITH ELISE: LinkedIn:   / eliseneel   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What happens when a high-performing sales leader who’s been running nonstop finally gets forced to slow down — and discovers she’s been suffering without even knowing it? Tina Gravel, channel sales executive, published author, public speaker, and women’s leadership champion, brings one of the most refreshingly honest conversations in the Winning Wednesday catalog. From her chapter in the pandemic leadership anthology to her conviction that partnering makes the world go round, Tina covers the full spectrum — business strategy, mental health at work, authenticity in leadership, and the simple morning ritual that sets her up to win every day. What You’ll Learn: Why Tina’s confidence is real now — but wasn’t always — and what the difference between a facade and genuine self-assurance actually feels like What the pandemic forced Tina to confront when the travel stopped and the stillness set in — and why she’s grateful for it Why channel sales is the most leveraged growth strategy available to companies — and how new logos are the only metric that really matters Why joining a women’s group is the single best move for any woman who doesn’t yet feel her voice is being heard Why gratitude first thing in the morning — before anything else — is the foundation of getting after it Key Focus Areas: Contagion as a Leadership Concept – Why what you show up with is what your team will feel — and how to be authentic without burdening the people who need your steadiness The Pandemic Existential Crisis – How being grounded for the first time in years forced Tina to face things she’d been running from — and what the spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional work of recovery actually looked like Channel Sales as Leverage – Why no company can hire enough people to do what partnering can — and why new logos are the measure that matters Women Finding Each Other – Why Tina didn’t gravitate toward women’s organizations until she felt the direct experience of being asked to shrink — and what changed when she did Gratitude List, Then Get After It – Why starting the day with what you’re grateful for is the practice that makes everything else possible Tina’s Approach: Channel sales executive whose entire career was built on making the number — until she started feeling the pull toward disadvantaged women and local board work and realized a new purpose was forming One of 25 contributors to the pandemic leadership anthology Leading Through the Pandemic — her chapter a personal account of what enforced stillness revealed Public speaker on advancing women whose keynotes were cancelled one by one at the start of COVID — and who found meaning in the pause anyway Believes numbers are the great equalizer in sales — and that partnering is the great equalizer in business growth Starts every morning with a gratitude list — and finishes by getting fully after it, no half measures Perfect If You’re: A sales leader exploring channel as a growth strategy and wanting a practitioner’s perspective on what actually works A woman in a big role who’s been asked — innocently or not — to be a little less of yourself to fit in Someone who’s been running so fast you haven’t stopped to check whether you’re running toward something or away from it Anyone who needs a workout accountability story that will make you laugh and get back in the gym Tina’s Philosophy: “I was suffering and I didn’t even know it — I was just so used to it.” “Contagion is real — what you show up with is what you will cause your team to feel.” “Partnering makes the world go round — especially today where staffing is so hard.” “If you don’t feel like your voice is being heard — join a women’s group. Someone there has already been through this.” “Make a gratitude list — and then get after it. Really get after it.” ABOUT TINA GRAVEL: Channel Sales Executive | Public Speaker | Published Author | Women’s Leadership Champion | Helping companies grow through partnership, leverage, and the conviction that you’re never going to win alone CONNECT WITH TINA: LinkedIn:   / tinagravel   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What does it look like to spend 32 years at one company — starting with MCI before it became Verizon — and still show up every day like you have something left to prove? Shelly Ashwill-Powers, senior Verizon leader, WAVE champion, and the woman known for her Woohoo energy, brings a masterclass in longevity, leadership, and paying it forward. From Bill McGowan breaking up the Bell monopoly to Hans Vestberg’s fourth stakeholder philosophy, Shelly has watched Verizon evolve through every era — and distilled it all into one conviction: you’re never going to win alone. What You’ll Learn: Why Shelly has stayed at one company for over 32 years — and what she’s found there that kept her Why you can’t apply for the job when it posts — and how far in advance top professionals are actually working toward their next opportunity Why happy at home and happy at work aren’t separate goals — they’re the same goal How to make sure your above-and-beyond contributions actually get counted — and why your performance plan is the tool most people underuse Why women in leadership need to stop seeing each other as competition — and what happens when they do Key Focus Areas: 32 Years, One Company – What keeps a top professional loyal across decades — and what Verizon’s leadership evolution taught Shelly about finding what you love in each era The Fourth Stakeholder – Why Verizon’s mission to solve global problems requires leaders who attack tough issues — and why society belongs at the table alongside customers, employees, and shareholders Earn the Right Before the Job Posts – Shelly’s career development philosophy: be the obvious choice months or years before the role is even available Women Paying It Forward – Why the fixed mindset that there aren’t enough seats at the table is the real obstacle — and how shifting it changes everything Win-Win Wednesday – Why being happy at home is the foundation of being successful at work — and why giving yourself permission to take a break is a leadership skill Shelly’s Approach: 32-year Verizon veteran who started at MCI fresh out of college and never left — because she fell in love with what the company stands for and kept finding new reasons to stay Senior leader who takes personal check-ins, over-communication, and genuine interest in employee wellbeing as seriously as any business metric Champion for WAVE and the WOW development program — passionate about women earning the right to compete for top opportunities through preparation, not luck Believes the correlation between employee satisfaction and customer satisfaction always points to the same actions — and leads accordingly Known for her Woohoo energy and a hat to match Perfect If You’re: A professional who wants to understand what long-term career success at one company actually looks like from the inside A woman in mid-career who’s been going above and beyond and wondering why it isn’t translating to advancement A leader trying to figure out how to stay close to the front lines from a senior position Someone who keeps work and home in separate mental buckets — and is starting to sense they might be connected Shelly’s Philosophy: “You’re never gonna win alone.” “You can’t apply for the job when the job is posted — you have to be working toward that next opportunity months and years in advance.” “There needs to be leaders that will attack the tough issues and innovate to make our lives better while we’re on this planet.” “Being happy at home is really important to being happy at work — that’s my win-win Wednesday.” “It’s our obligation to ensure equal representation across key opportunities — not just at Verizon, around the world.” ABOUT SHELLY ASHWILL-POWERS: Senior Verizon Leader | WAVE Champion | WOW Program Advocate | 32-Year MCI/Verizon Veteran | Female Leadership Champion | Woohoo Energy Certified | Helping the next generation of leaders earn their seat at the table — long before the job ever posts CONNECT WITH SHELLY: LinkedIn:   / shellyashwill   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen

What does it look like when a gay Salvadoran immigrant raises a two-year-old son, writes a children’s book about a rainbow bee, volunteers as a Trevor Project suicide prevention counselor, and gets promoted to lead employee engagement — all in the same month? It looks like Ricardo Gattas-Moras. A 14-year Verizon veteran, proud husband, and quietly extraordinary human, Ricardo joins Winning Wednesday during Pride Month to share what living your truth actually looks like when you’re doing it fully — at work, at home, and in the world. This one is warm, grounding, and genuinely moving. What You’ll Learn: Why Ricardo and his husband wrote a children’s book about a rainbow bee — and what they couldn’t find on bookstore shelves that made them create it themselves How Ricardo’s mom went from fear about grandchildren to grandmother of a two-year-old — and why that story matters What Trevor Project suicide prevention counselor training actually teaches you — and who the resources are designed to serve Why LGBTQ+ youth suicide rates are rising — and the specific environmental and social factors Ricardo sees driving it Why allyship starts with doing your own homework — and why it’s not the community’s job to educate you Key Focus Areas: The Rainbow Bee – How a birthday cake, a son who started repeating words from books, and a gap in inclusive children’s literature became a published story about belonging The Trevor Project – What suicide prevention counselor training looks like — and how Ricardo shows up monthly for youth up to age 24 who need someone to talk to Coming Out in El Salvador – Why growing up without language or resources for his identity made Ricardo deeply committed to creating that access for others Pride as a Fight, Not Just a Celebration – Why Ricardo’s understanding of Pride shifted from celebration to ongoing movement — and what worldwide legal realities make that necessary Lead With the Heart – Why creating workplaces where people feel like people produces the best version of everyone — and Ricardo’s simple framework for doing it Ricardo’s Approach: 14-year Verizon veteran recently promoted to Project Manager for Employee Engagement, Volunteering and Recognition for the BCG Sales and Operations team Born in El Salvador, moved to the US at 12, built his career through Verizon retail leadership before moving into operations Married five years, father of a two-year-old son — the family that his mom once feared coming out would cost her Trained Trevor Project suicide prevention counselor who volunteers monthly to support LGBTQ+ youth in crisis Co-wrote a children’s book about a rainbow bee to give his son — and other children — the inclusive stories he never had Perfect If You’re: A parent looking for inclusive, accessible children’s books that carry a message of belonging without being heavy-handed Someone who wants to support the LGBTQ+ community but doesn’t know where to start — Ricardo’s allyship framework is clear and actionable A leader who wants to create more inclusive workplaces and needs a simple north star to orient around Anyone who came out later than they wished they had — and wants to hear from someone building the world they needed sooner Ricardo’s Philosophy: “You won’t be able to feel loved by others unless you find love within yourself.” “Pride is not just about where we are now — it’s about where we still need to go.” “Don’t expect the community to teach you about it — take the time to learn.” “Here I am with a son — and my mom gets to be a grandma after all.” “Lead with the heart — that’s when you get the best version of who everyone is.” ABOUT RICARDO GATTAS-MORAS: Verizon Project Manager | Employee Engagement Leader | Trevor Project Suicide Prevention Counselor | Children’s Book Author | Proud Gay Salvadoran Immigrant | Husband & Dad | Creating inclusive environments — one conversation, one book, one phone call at a time CONNECT WITH RICARDO: LinkedIn:   / ricardo-gattas-moras   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen

What happens when a songwriter, non-binary creator, and self-described verified fool decides to just stop caring what people think — and builds a career out of it? Libby Larkin, New York-based songwriter and TikTok personality, brings one of the most refreshingly unfiltered conversations in the Winning Wednesday catalog. From writing briefs for major labels to going viral over a breakup EP, from understanding TikTok’s algorithm to redefining what Pride actually means — Libby is the kind of guest who says the thing everyone else is dancing around, and somehow makes it land with both honesty and grace. What You’ll Learn: Why TikTok is the one platform built for your organic weird self — and why artists especially need to stop being embarrassed about using it How Libby learned TikTok’s algorithm from the inside — and why understanding it changed everything about building a brand Why relationships don’t happen overnight — and why patience, not pressure, is the real networking strategy What it felt like to finally be called they/them — and why Libby’s advice for anyone exploring identity is that nothing is permanent Why Pride was never really for queer people — and whose voices Libby thinks it needs to center instead Key Focus Areas: TikTok as Liberation – Why the platform’s culture of being an idiot is actually radical — and why it’s done more for artists than any polished feed ever could Algorithm Literacy – How TikTok batches content to test audiences — and why understanding that changes how you create and distribute Get to Know the Person First – Libby’s networking philosophy: lead with humanity, follow with work — and why that’s how real collaboration gets born Non-Binary Identity as Exploration – Why trying on a pronoun, a sound, or a feeling isn’t a commitment — it’s just listening to yourself Pride’s Real Purpose – Why corporate rainbow logos miss the point — and why trans women and men of color are who Pride was always supposed to be for Libby’s Approach: New York-based songwriter who works with labels and artists as a kind of musical therapist — going into sessions, talking about life, and writing songs from it Went viral on TikTok with a breakup EP and learned that accountability plus art plus letting go of other people’s perception is the actual formula Identifies as non-binary using they/them pronouns — arrived there slowly, stayed because it felt like butterflies and being seen Believes the ego is there to protect you but will also destroy you — and that listening to instinct over ego is the creative and personal edge Wins Wednesday by picking up the phone and calling the person who matters most — not texting, actually calling Perfect If You’re: An artist, creator, or entrepreneur who keeps putting off TikTok because it feels undignified — Libby has something to say to you Someone in the middle of figuring out your identity — and needing permission to explore without committing A networker who leads with your pitch instead of your humanity — and wondering why it isn’t working Libby’s Philosophy: “TikTok is made for you being your organic weird self — and that’s transformative.” “Relationships don’t happen overnight — people have walls, boundaries, trauma. Respect it, and be patient.” “You cannot control how somebody sees you — so let it go.” “Nothing is permanent — you can explore something and come back out of it.” “Call the person that means the most to you — don’t text them, call them. Life is too short.” ABOUT LIBBY LARKIN: Songwriter | Non-Binary Creator | TikTok’s Verified Fool | Musical Therapist | Helping artists, creatives, and humans stop performing for other people and start making something real CONNECT WITH LIBBY: LinkedIn:   / libby-larkin-socialmedia   Wrong Places: available on all streaming platforms CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What does it look like to be Black, a woman, a lesbian, and a mom — all at once, every single day, with no days off for any of it? Irene DeRouen, Verizon V-Teamer, ERG advocate, dog mom, snowboarder, and self-described open book, brings one of the most grounded and generous conversations about Pride, intersectionality, and authentic leadership in the Winning Wednesday catalog. From explaining the evolution of the Pride flag to sharing the anxiety she carries every day as a mother of a nine-year-old Black son — this episode goes places most Pride Month conversations don’t. And it does it with compassion, humor, and a whole lot of truth. What You’ll Learn: What the colors of the Pride flag actually represent — including the newer additions for marginalized communities and transgender inclusion Why hiding who you are at work costs you more than just comfort — it costs you performance What “the talk” really means for Black mothers raising Black sons — and why a leader who finally listened made all the difference Why intersectionality means you don’t get to be Black on Monday and a lesbian on Tuesday — and why that matters at work How to move from allyship to advocacy — and why teaching moments beat shutting people out every time Key Focus Areas: ERGs as Permission to Show Up – How finding employee resource groups gave Irene the aha moment that she didn’t have to live a double life at work anymore Redefining Professionalism – Why the old definition of professional was always coded — and why COVID cracked it open for good The Talk – What Irene has to teach her nine-year-old son about interacting with police — and why her leader’s response to hearing it changed everything Intersectionality in Practice – Why labels exist to make other people comfortable — and why being fully human is always more important than being categorized From Ally to Advocate – Why compassion and education beat confrontation — and how choosing teaching moments over shutting doors actually moves the world forward Irene’s Approach: Verizon V-Teamer, ERG leader, and Pride advocate who came out later in life and uses that experience to create space for others — especially youth — to do it sooner Mom of a nine-year-old Black son who navigates the anxiety of his safety every day while still showing up fully at work Believes children who hear honest conversations at home first are better equipped to process what they encounter in the world Advocates for compassion over confrontation when someone uses outdated or offensive language — because education only happens when the door stays open Lives her truth unapologetically — knowing some people will love it, some will hate it, and she’ll have peace either way Perfect If You’re: Someone who wants to be a better ally to the LGBTQ+ community but doesn’t know where to start without getting it wrong A leader who has never heard “the talk” explained — and needs to understand what your Black colleagues are carrying into every workday A professional who has been hiding part of who you are at work — and is starting to feel what that costs Someone navigating multiple identities at once and looking for language to make sense of it all Irene’s Philosophy: “Unapologetically authentic — that’s how I win Wednesday and every other day.” “I don’t get to show up on Monday and be Black, Tuesday a woman, Wednesday a lesbian — this is all of me, all the time.” “If you can respect that at the core of who I am is a human being — that’s what I’m asking from an ally.” “I waited until later in life to live my truth — I want our youth to have that space now.” “Show up with compassion — because a lot of times people don’t have ill intent, and that’s a teaching moment.” ABOUT IRENE DEROUEN: Verizon V-Teamer | ERG Advocate | Pride Month Champion | Black Mom Raising the Next Generation | Dog Mom | Snowboarder | Showing up unapologetically authentic — every single day CONNECT WITH IRENE: LinkedIn:   / irene-derouen-0508b796   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What happens when one of the most prominent voices in evangelical Christianity transitions — and discovers that the cis-straight world is sometimes kinder than the LGBTQ+ community itself? Dr. Paula Stone Williams, pastor, pastoral counselor, TEDx speaker with 4.1 million views, Simon & Schuster author, and international speaker on gender equity, brings one of the most intellectually expansive and deeply human conversations in the Winning Wednesday catalog. Her message is both radical and simple: I’m a pastor who happens to be trans — and when that becomes incidental rather than primary, that’s when real connection happens. What You’ll Learn: How a Sunday morning sermon led to a TEDx talk that now has 4.1 million views — and what Paula learned working with TED’s head speaking coach Why humans are wired to create enemies — and what that biological reality has to do with legislation targeting transgender children The data behind post-transition wellbeing — and why 92% of those who transition are happy in their new gender Why the biggest driver of post-transition suicidal ideation isn’t the body — it’s how people are treated What the six countries that handled COVID best had in common — and why Paula believes collaboration and correction are feminine leadership superpowers Key Focus Areas: TEDx & The Power of a Honed Talk – How Paula went from mega-church stages to 4.1 million views — and what word-for-word precision taught her about communicating across cultures Tribal Biology & The Enemy We Create – Why humans as a eusocial species are wired to manufacture enemies when none exist — and how fundamentalism exploits that instinct The Data on Trans Lives – Why 96% of post-transition unhappiness comes from how people are treated, not how people feel in their bodies — and what that demands of all of us Feminine Leadership in a Crisis – Why the six countries that led the world through COVID’s first wave all had female heads of state — and what collaboration over hierarchy actually looks like The Sacredness of the Ordinary – Paula’s Wednesday philosophy: every moment is holy — the morning run, the client session, the phone call — all of it sacred Paula’s Approach: Pastor of Left Hand Church in Boulder County Colorado, pastoral counselor with a doctorate in psychotherapy, and international speaker on gender equity — published by Simon & Schuster Known in the evangelical world pre-transition and chose visibility over disappearance — for the sake of those internalizing transphobia in silence Believes allyship looks like letting trans identity be incidental — treating trans people as whole humans whose gender is just one part of who they are Perfect If You’re: Someone whose understanding of the trans experience has been shaped entirely by legislation and headlines — and is ready to hear it from a lived perspective A leader, pastor, or organizational figure wrestling with how to create inclusive community without making identity the only conversation Curious about the intersection of biology, religion, and gender equity — and ready for a perspective that goes far deeper than talking points Paula’s Philosophy: “I’m a pastor and I happen to be trans — and it’s nice that that’s not my primary identity.” “When you’ve talked to one transgender person, you’ve talked to exactly one transgender person.” “They solved a problem that didn’t exist and created another huge problem in the process — that’s what fundamentalism does.” “The sacredness of the ordinary — if you see every moment as holy, that is grounding.” “I wish I had learned the value of deference, compromise, correction, collaboration.” ABOUT DR. PAULA STONE WILLIAMS: Pastor, Left Hand Church | Pastoral Counselor | TEDx Speaker (4.1M Views) | Author, Simon & Schuster | International Speaker on Gender Equity | Screenwriter | Helping the world see the humanity behind every identity — one sacred ordinary moment at a time CONNECT WITH DR. PAULA: LinkedIn:   / dr-paula-stone-williams-2119b915a   TEDx Talk:    • I’ve lived as a man & a woman — here’s wh…   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

Winning Wednesday: Pride at Verizon Today’s Guest: Chad Parker New York/New Jersey PRISM Chapter Leader Representing our LGBTQ+ Community at VZ In this episode, you’ll hear about being yourself at work & finding ways to advocate for your colleagues. seeing representation in org charts working 10x as hard to prove your worth coming out as a result of covid I would love to hear from all of you! #ConnectorQueen #WinningWednesday

What happens when you’re a professional opera singer turned Verizon leader who survives multiple strokes — and comes back to work only to realize the attitudes you once held about illness were the same ones now being directed at you? Krista Hinman, disability advocate, ERG leader, yoga teacher, painter, photographer, and self-described perpetual learner, brings one of the most honest and quietly radical conversations in the Winning Wednesday catalog. Her message is simple and profound: sometimes people just get sick, there isn’t always a why — and the work of becoming a better ally starts with interrogating your own assumptions first. What You’ll Learn: Why a background in opera and musical theater actually prepared Krista for a corporate career — through rejection, resilience, and flexibility Why ERGs will never stop being relevant — because as culture shifts, new conversations always emerge What it’s really like to return to work after serious illness — and how the attitudes of colleagues (and yourself) can be the hardest part Why people search for a reason when someone gets sick — and what it means that sometimes there just isn’t one How leaders can open the door to mental health conversations without oversharing — and why that vulnerability goes further than any policy Key Focus Areas: Opera to Verizon – How years in music and theater taught Krista the flexibility, resilience, and rejection tolerance that corporate life demands Disability Is More Common Than You Think – Why once you include mental health, neurodivergence, and acquired disability, almost everyone is touched by this community at some point The Search for a Why – Why people need a cause for someone else’s illness — and how confronting that impulse is the first step to real allyship ERGs as Culture Builders – Why there will never be a finish line for diversity work — and why that’s exactly the point Who Are You on the Weekend – Krista’s framework for winning Wednesday — close the gap between who you are outside of work and who you bring into it every day Krista’s Approach: Verizon leader, disability advocate, and ERG leader whose experience surviving multiple strokes shifted her entire perspective on illness and allyship Former professional opera singer and musical theater performer — degrees in music, theater, and opera — who brings an artist’s mindset to continuous learning Teaches yoga, paints, photographs, and pursues curiosity across every medium — because personal growth has no finish line Believes the most effective leadership tool in disability advocacy is asking questions that lead people to their own conclusions rather than telling them how to think Committed to confronting her own internalized attitudes — even the uncomfortable ones — as a daily practice Perfect If You’re: A leader who wants to create psychological safety on your team but doesn’t know how to start the conversation Someone who has returned to work after illness or disability and felt the weight of other people’s assumptions An aspiring ally to the disability or neurodivergent community who wants to show up more thoughtfully Someone living a version of yourself only on weekends — and wondering how to close that gap Krista’s Philosophy: “Sometimes people just get sick — and sometimes there isn’t a why.” “Disability, mental health, neurodivergence — when you start thinking of it through that lens, you realize how common it is.” “Dip your toe in the water of vulnerability — it doesn’t have to be super in-depth, just take that first step.” “I never hit a point where I’m arrived — I’m always asking what do I need to learn next.” “Who am I on the weekend — and why can’t I be that person every day?” ABOUT KRISTA HINMAN: Disability Advocate | ERG Leader | Former Professional Opera Singer | Yoga Teacher | Painter | Photographer | Perpetual Learner | Helping workplaces shift attitudes, open conversations, and make space for every version of who people are CONNECT WITH KRISTA: LinkedIn:   / kristahinman   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What do you do when your grandfather survived the Holocaust, escaped a concentration camp, was shot eight times, and still found love on a train after the war ended? You tell the story — because stories heal. Yogi Roth, broadcaster, filmmaker, author, TEDx speaker, and former football coach, has built an entire career around seeking and uncovering humanity through sport. His mother — a refugee whose parents were both Holocaust survivors — gave him one final instruction before she passed: your only job is to heal the world and put those stories out into it. This episode is one of the most moving in the Winning Wednesday catalog, and one you won’t forget. What You’ll Learn: Why the sixth stage of grief — meaning — is the one that actually changes your life How Yogi’s documentary Life in a Walk was born from a plane ticket to Madrid and a father’s cancer diagnosis Why worry is the biggest misuse of your imagination — and how to switch wonderment back on How emotional intelligence became the most important skill Yogi ever taught to elite quarterbacks Why the only goal in life is to give everything away — and what that actually looks like in practice Key Focus Areas: Heal the World – The Hebrew phrase tattooed on Yogi’s wrist — and the mission his mother handed him as she was dying Storytelling as Medicine – Why a good story makes you feel something — and how Yogi has used film, broadcasting, and writing to surface humanity in sport Life in a Walk – The documentary born from a father-son walk across Portugal and Spain — and why dads and sons wept watching it together Worry vs. Wonderment – Why Yogi believes worry is imagination misdirected — and how he taught elite quarterbacks to become products of the process instead of prisoners of the moment Control Decisions, Release Outcomes – Why the laissez-faire approach is BS — and why the real Wednesday win is checking in on what you can and can’t control Yogi’s Approach: Broadcaster, filmmaker, author, TEDx speaker, and former football coach — driven since childhood by a mission to uncover humanity through sport Son of a Holocaust refugee and grandson of two Holocaust survivors — raised with resilience, humility, and empathy as non-negotiable family values Created Life in a Walk — a documentary about fathers, sons, and the questions we’re too afraid to ask — that reunited families who watched it Taught emotional intelligence at the Elite 11 quarterback camp — making top recruits look each other in the eye and say what they actually think Went to therapy openly during one of the hardest years of his life — and shared it publicly because he knew it would give someone else permission to do the same Perfect If You’re: Someone carrying a heavy family legacy and trying to figure out how to honor it without being crushed by it A storyteller, filmmaker, or broadcaster who believes in the power of narrative to create change Ready to stop being a prisoner of moments and start becoming a product of the process Someone who’s had a hard year and keeps saying “I’m fine” — when you’re actually not Yogi’s Philosophy: “Your only job is to heal the world and put those stories out into it.” “Man or woman are made to move — and we move through things.” “Worry is the biggest misuse of your imagination.” “The only goal in life is to give everything away.” “Without any clouds there’s no silver lining — and we have to decide what we see in the sky.” “Control decisions. Let go of outcomes.” ABOUT YOGI ROTH: Broadcaster | Filmmaker | Author | TEDx Speaker | Former Football Coach | Seeking and uncovering humanity through sport, story, and the courage to keep moving forward CONNECT WITH YOGI: LinkedIn:   / yogiroth   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

Episode 50 of Winning Wednesday lands right where it should — in a conversation about mental health, with someone who has dedicated her career to helping people work through theirs. Jill Jonas, licensed social worker and private practice therapist, joins longtime friend Katrina for Mental Health Awareness Month to reframe what mental health actually means — because it’s not just about illness. It’s about the routines, the habits, the self-talk, and the grace we give ourselves every single day. In a world still finding its footing post-pandemic, Jill’s grounded, compassionate wisdom is exactly the mid-week reset we all need. What You’ll Learn: Why mental health is not just the absence of illness — and what a healthy mental health routine actually looks like How the pandemic created layers of anxiety we’re still unpacking — including the fear of returning to normal Why social anxiety actually made some people thrive in lockdown — and why re-entry is harder for them than anyone How childhood messages we never consciously received still shape the stories we tell ourselves today Why 95% of the things we worry about never actually happen — and what to do with that statistic Key Focus Areas: Mental Health vs. Mental Illness – Why the stigma is lifting — and why reframing mental health as a daily practice changes everything The Re-Entry Challenge – Why coming back to the world after COVID isn’t equally easy for everyone — and how to ease in at your own pace Limiting Beliefs from Childhood – How a well-meaning parent’s push for an A-plus can become a lifelong story of “I’m stupid” — and how therapy helps untangle it Self-Sabotage Patterns – Why people who grew up in chaos sometimes create it when things get too good — and how to recognize that cycle in yourself Progress Not Perfection – Why comparison is the thief of progress — and why finishing is always the achievement, regardless of where you place Jill’s Approach: Licensed clinical social worker in private practice — focused on making a real difference in every client’s life while accepting she can’t control every outcome Worked with companies large and small on workplace mental health — long before the pandemic made it mainstream Believes the stigma around mental health has genuinely lifted — in part because COVID sent everyone running to therapy at once Advocates for small, consistent routines as the foundation of mental health maintenance — not grand overhauls Reminds clients that most of what we worry about never happens — and even when it does, it rarely happens the way we imagined Perfect If You’re: Someone who confuses mental health with mental illness — and needs a gentler, broader framework Struggling with comparison, social anxiety, or the re-entry back into post-pandemic life A chronic worrier who needs a data point to interrupt the spiral Someone ready to trade perfection for progress — in therapy, in goals, or just in daily life Jill’s Philosophy: “Mental health is not just what’s going on that’s negative — it can be positive as well.” “People are so worried about the what-ifs that might never even happen — we don’t know minute to minute what’s going to happen.” “Ease into it at your own pace — don’t rush just because somebody else is.” “If everyone can just come to a little bit of acceptance — this world would be a better place.” “Progress not perfection — live life with no judgment, through the lens of unconditional love.” ABOUT JILL JONAS: Licensed Clinical Social Worker | Private Practice Therapist | Mental Health Advocate | Helping individuals, families, and companies build the routines, resilience, and self-awareness needed to thrive — one session at a time CONNECT WITH JILL: LinkedIn:   / jilljonas10at10ease   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What if the biggest mistake the most driven people make is forcing it? Sven Erlandson, counselor to C-suite executives and author of multiple books including his first — the original book on the spiritual but not religious movement — has spent 30 years helping people who have either lost their mojo find it again, or who have reached the pinnacle of success and realized it still feels empty. A TikTok phenomenon who amassed 200,000 followers in five weeks, a survivor of a decade of suicidal ideation, and one of the most disarmingly honest voices you’ll find anywhere — Sven doesn’t do surface level. He goes deep, fast, and believes transformation can be immediate if you go deep enough. What You’ll Learn: Why behaviors are just symptoms — and why changing them without going deeper never works long term How Sven identifies incongruence in clients — and why it almost always comes back to fear Why the soul is more powerful than the will — and what happens when driven people stop forcing it How Sven’s own decade of suicidal ideation became the most pivotal source of wisdom he now shares with others Why quitting quickly when something is off is a sign of genius — not weakness Key Focus Areas: Behaviors Are Symptoms – Why Sven ignores behavior entirely and digs for the core beliefs driving it — because that’s where real change happens The Soul vs. The Will – Why even the most successful people eventually hit a wall when they’re running on willpower alone — and what’s waiting on the other side Transformation Can Be Immediate – Why deep, fast, aggressive work produces results that years of surface-level therapy can’t — and why Sven’s sessions run three to six hours Do Less – Why forcing success is the biggest mistake driven people make — and why creating room for the universe to work is where the magic actually happens Quit as Often as Possible – Why the people who rise highest are the ones who abort quickly when something isn’t them — and why finishing what you don’t love is never a virtue Sven’s Approach: Counselor with a private practice in Manhattan and Fairfield County Connecticut — 70% of clientele are C-suite executives and business owners Spent 30 years helping people reconnect with their own authentic voice — because that’s where the genius is Requires clients to write a full autobiography before their first session — and runs sessions of three to six hours Survived a decade of suicidal ideation and a suicide attempt at the Berkeley Pier — and credits that as the most pivotal day of his life Went viral on TikTok in five weeks with 200,000 followers by saying something substantive on complex topics in 59 seconds Perfect If You’re: A high achiever who has hit every external milestone and still feels empty inside — and finally ready to figure out why Someone who has tried therapy, coaching, or religion and walked away feeling like it didn’t go deep enough A driven person who suspects they’ve been forcing life on willpower for too long — and is starting to feel it Someone sitting in something that isn’t working — a career, a relationship, a path — and needing permission to quit Sven’s Philosophy: “The soul is more powerful than the will — and eventually, no matter how much success you have, you get tired of forcing it.” “Transformation can be immediate — if you go deep enough.” “Do less — you’re probably forcing your success, and that’s where the magic stops.” “Quit as often as possible — there is no value in finishing what you don’t love.” “That was the most pivotal day of my life — the old Sven died, and what came after was everything.” ABOUT SVEN ERLANDSON: Counselor | Author | Speaker | TikTok’s Unlikely Therapist | Helping driven, successful people stop forcing life and start living it — by going deep, fast, and all the way to the soul CONNECT WITH SVEN: LinkedIn:   / sven-erlandson-aka-badass-counseling-8350b35   Website: https://www.badasscounseling.com/ CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What if the reason your outreach isn’t converting isn’t your message — it’s your medium? Ashok MJ, Sales Manager at Hippo Video, makes a compelling case for why video is the most powerful tool available to sales and marketing professionals right now — and why most people still aren’t using it. In a world drowning in text, bombarded by emails, and suffering from Zoom fatigue, a personalized video cuts through everything. Ashok brings practical wisdom on content consistency, engaging other people’s posts as a business development strategy, and the three-word mantra that keeps him grounded through every challenging season: watch your thoughts. What You’ll Learn: What Hippo Video is — and how businesses are using it for sales, onboarding, training, and customer support Why transactional communication kills deals — and how video adds the human layer that changes everything Why engaging on other people’s LinkedIn posts can bring your future customers directly to you How consistency compounds — and why tracking day one to day 100 reveals what daily effort hides Why watching your thoughts is the most important habit you can build — in business and in life Key Focus Areas: Video as the Human Layer – Why personalized video breaks transactional communication and creates real connection in the sales process Zoom Fatigue vs. Video Strategy – The difference between passive video calls and intentional async video as a sales and communication tool Engaging vs. Posting – Why commenting on other people’s posts is just as powerful as creating your own content — and how it brings customers to you Consistency Compounds – Why daily effort doesn’t look like much until you track it — and why that’s exactly the point Watch Your Thoughts – The chain from thought to word to action to habit to character to destiny — and why it starts with awareness Ashok’s Approach: Sales Manager at Hippo Video — a B2B video platform helping organizations communicate through video internally and externally Believes buying behavior has fundamentally shifted — customers research independently and only need a salesperson when they need expertise or conviction Sees LinkedIn engagement as a trail that future customers follow back to you — and treats every comment as a business development touchpoint Advocates for modeling your communication style around how people actually consume information — which is increasingly video Lives by the principle that thoughts become words, words become actions, actions become habits, habits become character, and character becomes destiny Perfect If You’re: A sales or marketing professional whose outreach is getting lost in crowded inboxes and wants to stand out Someone building a personal brand on LinkedIn who focuses only on posting and underestimates the power of engaging A business leader evaluating video as a communication tool for your team — internally or externally Anyone who needs a reminder that the mental game is always the foundation Ashok’s Philosophy: “Videos have the ability to break transactional communication and bring a human layer to the selling process.” “Consistency compounds — it may not be evident every day but track day one to day 100 and you’ll see it.” “Your future customers can pick up your trail from your comments and reach out to you.” “Watch your thoughts — thoughts become words, words become actions, actions become habits, habits become character, and character becomes your destiny.” ABOUT ASHOK MJ: Sales Manager, Hippo Video | B2B Video Sales Strategist | LinkedIn Content Advocate | Helping sales and marketing teams add a human layer to every communication — one personalized video at a time CONNECT WITH ASHOK: LinkedIn:   / ashokmj   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What does it look like to graduate college right into a pandemic — and still land on your feet? Elana Little, a Management Information Systems graduate who entered the workforce during COVID-19, brings a refreshingly grounded Gen Z perspective on networking, intentional relationship building, and why virtual life actually opened more doors than it closed. In a conversation full of practical wisdom well beyond her years, Elana makes the case that how you show up in a role you don’t love matters just as much as the role you’re working toward. What You’ll Learn: Why Management Information Systems — the technical side of business — positioned Elana perfectly for a COVID-era job market How showing up fully in a role you don’t love can unlock opportunities more aligned with where you want to go Why virtual networking actually created more access — not less — to people who matter How to build a peer support structure at work using people at your level and people a few steps ahead Why intentional connection is the best use of time Elana has found so far Key Focus Areas: MIS as the Future of Business – Why Elana chose the technical side of business and how it paid off entering a COVID-era workforce Show Up Anyway – Why giving your all in a role you don’t love is exactly how you get noticed for the one you do The Virtual Silver Lining – Why pandemic-era accessibility opened doors that geography and formality used to keep closed Peer + Mentor Structure – Why finding people at your level and a few steps ahead creates the ideal professional development ecosystem Intentional Connection – How Elana shifted from accidental networking to deliberate relationship building — and why that distinction matters Elana’s Approach: Management Information Systems graduate who entered the workforce during COVID-19 — and secured employment by staying ready Believes a business degree is most powerful when you take it and make it something useful — not wait for someone to define it for you Embraced virtual networking early and found more access to meaningful connections than she expected Advocates for building peer cohorts alongside mentor relationships — both matter, and neither replaces the other Sees intentional connection as a long-term strategy, not just a pandemic workaround Perfect If You’re: A recent grad or early-career professional trying to figure out how to build relationships without an office or in-person events Someone stuck in a role that isn’t the right fit — but wondering whether to coast or commit while you look for what’s next A Gen Z professional whose perspective on technology, connection, and career is ahead of where most organizations are Elana’s Philosophy: “Everything’s more accessible now — there are so many more open doors to connect with people I wasn’t even looking for before.” “If you’re giving your all even in an environment you don’t love, someone may notice that spark and offer an opportunity more aligned with your goals.” “Building new relationships and maintaining existing ones is the best use of time I’ve found so far.” “Find people at your same level going through it together — and people a couple steps ahead who can take you where you want to go.” ABOUT ELANA LITTLE: MIS Graduate | Gen Z Workforce Entrant | Intentional Connector | Helping peers navigate the virtual-first professional world with clarity, purpose, and a whole lot of showing up CONNECT WITH ELANA: LinkedIn:   / elanalittle   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What does Women’s History Month look like when it’s a family affair — with a dad in Amsterdam, two daughters ages 7 and 11, and a mom behind the camera? This episode is one of the most heartwarming in the Winning Wednesday catalog. Mithun Hariharan, PMP and Verizon Benelux leader, joins with daughters Isha and Varsha to share their family’s contribution to NEGU — the children’s charity founded by 11-year-old Jessie Rees, who was battling cancer and asked her parents not what she needed, but what they could do for other kids who couldn’t go home. Together the family contributed 280 care cards toward Verizon’s 10,000-card goal with Equinix — and sparked a conversation about female leadership, global citizenship, and what it means to raise children who create impact for others. What You’ll Learn: The extraordinary story of Jessie Rees — the 11-year-old who founded NEGU while battling cancer because she wanted to help kids who couldn’t go home Why Mithun credits women leaders at Verizon for his own career growth — and what transformational female leadership actually looks like How raising globally minded, socially responsible children starts with the examples we set at home Why male allyship means not noticing the differences — and not asking women to change to fit a norm that was never built for them The power of “forward together” as a family mantra — and what it looks like in practice Key Focus Areas: NEGU — Never Ever Give Up – The story of Jessie Rees, the joy jars, care cards, and a family in Amsterdam who showed up for kids they’ll never meet Female Leadership Through a Male Ally’s Eyes – How Mithun’s career has been shaped by women leaders — from Anne Frank to Malala to the women of Verizon Benelux Raising Global Citizens – Why Mithun wants his daughters to be socially responsible, globally aware, and equipped to make other people’s lives better Representation Without Pressure – Why pointing out differences can send the wrong message — and why showing up as you are is always enough Forward Together – A family mantra that captures everything: collaboration, inclusion, and moving as one Mithun’s Approach: PMP-certified technology leader at Verizon based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands — covering the Benelux region (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) Hired by a woman leader at Verizon — and credits female leadership throughout his career as transformational, results-oriented, and deeply people-focused Draws inspiration from legendary women leaders including Anne Frank, Mother Teresa, and Malala Yousafzai when thinking about what to teach his daughters Believes equal opportunity is already here in many parts of the world — and that the goal is to extend that reality globally Partnered with his family to create 280 care cards for NEGU as part of Verizon’s volunteer initiative — making impact a household value Perfect If You’re: A parent looking for ways to teach your children empathy, global citizenship, and the power of showing up for strangers A male ally who wants a model for how to support women in leadership without making gender the centerpiece of every conversation Someone moved by stories of children creating extraordinary impact — Jessie Rees is one of those stories The Family’s Philosophy: “Forward together.” — Mithun “Words do matter — but it’s how you feel in the moment, and how you feel at the end of the day.” — Isha “I want them to be socially responsible and global citizens who can create an impact on other people’s lives.” “We all have different values and skills we can bring to the table — just as we are.” “There’s no better time to grow up as a woman right now.” ABOUT MITHUN HARIHARAN: PMP | Technology Leader, Verizon Benelux | Male Ally | Global Citizen | Based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands | Raising the next generation of socially responsible women — one care card at a time CONNECT WITH MITHUN: LinkedIn:   / mithunh   LEARN MORE ABOUT NEGU: www.negu.org CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What does it feel like to be the only woman in a tech department — and how do you go from feeling like you shouldn’t be there to becoming someone who actively creates space for others? Jacqueline Poncedeleon, tech startup business analyst and daughter of a Colombian immigrant, brings a warm and grounded perspective on Women’s History Month, the evolution of female leadership in tech, and the personal mantra that has carried her through every hard season: no feeling is final. What You’ll Learn: Why startup culture lets you feel your impact faster — and why that matters early in your career What it’s like to be the only woman in the room — and how that experience shapes you Why representation in leadership doesn’t just inspire women — it rewrites what’s possible for everyone Why you should always apply for the job — even when you don’t feel ready The mantra “no feeling is final” — and why it applies to career, life, and everything in between Key Focus Areas: Startup vs. Corporate – Why all-hands-on-deck startup culture creates faster visibility, broader ownership, and deeper sense of impact The Only Woman in the Room – What being an anomaly in a tech department actually feels like — and the subtle ways it can make you doubt yourself Representation as Permission – Why seeing women in positions of power — in the White House, in boardrooms, in tech — rewrites what younger generations believe is possible Always Apply – The best advice Jacqueline ever received — and why your perspective might be exactly what they’re looking for No Feeling Is Final – Why emotions are indicators, not dictators — and how that reframe changes everything Jacqueline’s Approach: Tech startup business analyst focused on mortgage industry innovation — recently relocated from Michigan to Philadelphia Daughter of a Colombian immigrant who grew up in a household where aiming for VP or president wasn’t part of the conversation — until it was Started her career as the only woman in her department at an automotive tech company — and has watched the culture shift dramatically since Believes diverse panels and more women’s voices in tech make for better outcomes for everyone Lives by the philosophy that things will pass — and that pivoting is a skill the pandemic forced all of us to develop Perfect If You’re: A woman early in your tech career wondering if you belong in the room — you do Someone considering a move from a large company to a startup and wanting to know what that shift actually feels like A first-generation American or child of immigrants navigating spaces that weren’t originally built with you in mind Holding back from applying for a job because you don’t check every box — this episode is your sign Jacqueline’s Philosophy: “No feeling is final.” “Always apply for the job — what is the worst thing that can happen?” “The more diverse these panels become, the better the future for all of us.” “Sometimes a different perspective is exactly the thing that sets you apart.” “You don’t need to be in the background — you can be the main character.” ABOUT JACQUELINE PONCEDELEON: Tech Startup Business Analyst | Women in Tech Advocate | Mortgage Industry Innovator | Daughter of a Colombian Immigrant | Helping build more inclusive, innovative, and diverse tech environments — one seat at the table at a time CONNECT WITH JACQUELINE: LinkedIn:   / jpdl   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen

What if the most powerful team-building and self-discovery tool in your office isn’t a workshop, a whiteboard, or a personality assessment — it’s a box of LEGOs? Yvonne Wen, design thinking facilitator and LEGO Serious Play certified practitioner, brings one of the most unique and genuinely fun conversations in the Winning Wednesday catalog. Starting with six bricks and a simple challenge — build a duck — she reveals how this science-backed methodology unlocks unconscious thinking, levels the playing field for every voice in the room, and surfaces perspectives that traditional brainstorming almost always misses. And when Katrina’s frustrated duck ends up stuck on a corporate ladder with someone blocking her path? The metaphor writes itself. What You’ll Learn: What LEGO Serious Play actually is — and why it’s grounded in cognitive science, not just play Why giving everyone the same six bricks produces completely different results — and what that tells you How building with your hands accesses the unconscious mind in ways that talking never can Why LEGO Serious Play ensures every voice in the room gets heard — not just the loudest ones How a frustrated duck on a corporate ladder became a metaphor for fixed mindset, fear, and the courage to go around Key Focus Areas: LEGO Serious Play Explained – How physical model-building unlocks deeper thinking than traditional brainstorming Same Bricks, Different Ducks – Why identical resources produce wildly different outcomes — and what that reveals about perspective The Unconscious Mind as Creative Resource – How flow state, metaphor, and hands-on building surface what talking keeps hidden Every Voice at the Table – Why LEGO Serious Play democratizes participation in ways design thinking alone can’t The Frustrated Duck – How Katrina’s spontaneous build became a real-time metaphor for corporate gatekeeping, fixed mindset, and finding another way up Yvonne’s Approach: Design thinking facilitator and LEGO Serious Play certified practitioner based in Hong Kong Discovered LEGO Serious Play after years of facilitation work — drawn in by its scientific grounding in cognitive flow theory Believes the model-building process accesses parts of the mind that conversation and conventional ideation leave untouched Uses LEGO not just as a prototype tool but as a storytelling and meaning-making device Sees every build as a window into how individuals and teams actually perceive challenges — with no right or wrong answers Perfect If You’re: A team leader or facilitator looking for a fresh, science-backed approach to brainstorming and ideation Someone who’s sat in workshops where only a few voices dominate and wondered how to change that dynamic Curious about design thinking and how physical prototyping can accelerate creative problem-solving A professional who’s ever felt blocked on a corporate ladder — by someone, something, or a system — and needed a new frame for it Yvonne’s Philosophy: “With LEGO Serious Play, all participants build a model — so all of them have the opportunity to talk about their stories.” “Same bricks, different results — that’s different perspectives on the table, and none of them are wrong.” “It’s not only about facilitation — it actually helps bring messages out of the unconscious mind.” “There’s no good or bad — it’s all different perspectives.” Katrina’s Duck: “There’s no room for fear — only room for collaboration, empowerment, and sharing ideas.” “You are a multi-faceted human being — you’re not just your job, you can bring different facets to business and to life.” “To let someone tell you not to be your whole self is very limiting — but it’s more a reflection on them than on you.” ABOUT YVONNE WEN: Design Thinking Facilitator | LEGO Serious Play Certified Practitioner | Innovation Coach | Helping teams unlock unconscious thinking, surface diverse perspectives, and solve problems by building with their hands — one brick at a time CONNECT WITH YVONNE: LinkedIn:   / yvonnewen   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What happens when you’re sitting in your dream job — Chief Human Resources Officer — and you’re still not happy? For Aleta Maxwell, the answer led to one of the most meaningful pivots of her career. A published author, leadership coach, and former HR executive, Aleta discovered that the parts of her role she truly loved were the one-on-ones, the coaching conversations, and the soft skills no one was teaching. Her book Uplifting Leaders was born from a 13-year-old’s bad grade and a teacher who said “just email me” — and it’s been helping emerging managers have difficult conversations ever since. What You’ll Learn: Why so many professionals feel they can’t be authentic about their struggles at work — and what to do about it How a teacher’s email-instead-of-talk response to a student inspired a leadership development book Why hard skill training dominates company budgets while soft skills quietly sink managers How gratitude practice is the fastest way out of a negativity spiral — even on the hardest days What it actually looks like to pivot from a dream role that isn’t making you happy Key Focus Areas: The Dream Role That Wasn’t – How Aleta used coaching to discover she loved the work inside her job — not the job itself Difficult Conversations as a Learnable Skill – Why emerging leaders aren’t having hard conversations and what technology has to do with it Uplifting Leaders – The book born from a son’s school project, a teacher’s cop-out, and years of watching soft skills go undeveloped Safe Spaces at Work – Why people fear vulnerability at work — and how coaching creates the confidential space to actually work through it Gratitude as a Reset – Why focusing on even the smallest thing you’re grateful for is the fastest path out of a negativity wormhole Aleta’s Approach: Former Chief Human Resources Officer turned leadership coach and published author Built and ran best-in-class training programs — and still couldn’t get soft skill development prioritized over operational training Wrote Uplifting Leaders during the pandemic — inspired by watching emerging managers struggle with conversations no one had ever taught them to have Creates confidential coaching environments where clients can be vulnerable without fear of it being used against them Believes gratitude — even for the smallest things — is a daily non-negotiable for mental resilience Perfect If You’re: A new or emerging manager who’s never been formally taught how to have a difficult conversation An HR or L&D professional frustrated that soft skills keep getting bumped by operational priorities Someone in a dream role who’s quietly unhappy and trying to figure out what that means A leader who wants to create more psychological safety and authenticity in your team culture Anyone who needs a practical, grounded reminder that gratitude is a skill — and a strategy Aleta’s Philosophy: “So many feel they don’t have an outlet at work to be super authentic to the challenges they’re facing.” “Through no fault of their own, emerging leaders aren’t given the opportunities for trial and error anymore — because of technology.” “If I can help one person more confidently approach a difficult conversation, I’ll feel very happy about writing this book.” “The quickest way to pull us out of a wormhole of negativity is to focus on gratitude.” “I need to pivot toward the things I truly loved — and leave behind the things I didn’t.” ABOUT ALETA MAXWELL: Leadership Coach | Published Author | Former CHRO | Founder of Uplifting Leaders | Helping emerging managers and professionals develop the soft skills, courageous conversations, and self-awareness needed to lead with confidence and authenticity CONNECT WITH ALETA: LinkedIn:   / aleta-maxwell   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What if the conflict you’re having with a colleague isn’t personal — it’s just personality? Joe Arrigo, Myers-Briggs enthusiast and INTJ-in-recovery from going-it-alone, breaks down how understanding your cognitive function stack can transform the way you lead, collaborate, and relate to virtually everyone in your life. Add an ENTJ host to the mix and you’ve got two high-achieving, action-oriented types coming at leadership from slightly different angles — and a conversation that starts with a personality quiz and ends with a completely different way of seeing yourself and every team you’ve ever been on. What You’ll Learn: What MBTI actually is — and why it’s more than a fun internet quiz How to move from the “meme” of your type to genuinely actionable self-knowledge Why ENTJs are the best at getting things done — and the worst at harmony How personality types should be shaping your remote team structure right now Why introverts may actually thrive in a remote work world — if you have the right leader above them Key Focus Areas: MBTI Foundations – Carl Jung to Myers-Briggs to 16Personalities.com — how we got here and why it matters Cognitive Function Stacks – How to go deeper than your four-letter type and discover where you’re genuinely strong and weak Harmony as a Tool – How Joe learned to see relationship-building not as weakness but as a strategic necessity Personality and Remote Work – Why introverted types like INTJs may actually thrive working from home — and why team composition matters more than ever Building Better Teams – Why you don’t want a room full of ENFPs — and what happens when you pair the right types together Joe’s Approach: Self-identified INTJ who spent years operating in hyper-independent mode — until corporate life forced a reckoning with collaboration Discovered Myers-Briggs through 16personalities.com and kept taking it every few years until the data became too useful to ignore Believes personality type knowledge is one of the most actionable professional development tools available — if you go deeper than the surface Applies MBTI not just to self-understanding but to team design, leadership identification, and conflict navigation Sees harmony as a learned skill — not a natural gift — and credits that reframe for transforming his professional relationships Perfect If You’re: Someone who’s taken the Myers-Briggs test and never known what to do with the results A leader trying to build high-functioning remote or hybrid teams with very different personality types An INTJ or ENTJ — or anyone who leads with strategy and independent thinking but struggles with the harmony side of leadership Curious about how personality psychology applies to real workplace dynamics — not just self-help Anyone who’s ever wondered why a team conflict feels so personal when it might just be a cognitive function mismatch Joe’s Philosophy: “There would be no better type than an ENTJ for just action — but part of being effective is realizing you have to involve other people.” “You can learn the meme of your type — but the real value is in the cognitive function stack.” “Harmony is tough for me as a type — but I realize the use of it, so it becomes a tool.” “All of our attention should be on personality — it’s just as critical as any other business skill.” “Now more than ever, we need people who can keep everyone in line and still deliver.” ABOUT JOE ARRIGO: Myers-Briggs Enthusiast | INTJ | Team Dynamics Strategist | Helping professionals and leaders use personality type knowledge to work better together — especially when collaboration doesn’t come naturally CONNECT WITH JOE: LinkedIn:   / joe-arrigo   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What does it take to walk across a street in a thunderstorm, dodge lightning bolts, and show up to a symposium where you don’t yet know who you are — only that you need to be there? That’s exactly what Jae Washburn did. In one of the most courageous and tender conversations in the Winning Wednesday catalog, Jae shares her journey of discovering gender identity, learning what pronouns even mean, and arriving at the profound realization that clothes don’t define the person — you’re just a coat rack. Whatever gets put on you doesn’t change who you are. What You’ll Learn: What it actually feels like to navigate introductions and pronouns in professional spaces as a transgender person Why the gender spectrum doesn’t erase binary identities — and why both can coexist with dignity How a name tag at a symposium cracked open an entirely new understanding of self Why gender expression and gender identity are two different things — and why that matters What “run your race as you” really means when you’ve spent years living someone else’s expectations Key Focus Areas: Safety in Professional Spaces – What transgender professionals navigate internally before every introduction on every call The Spectrum and the Binary – Why Jae strongly believes in both — and why neither erases the other Clothes Don’t Define You – The coat rack realization that changed everything about how Jae moves through the world Community as Guide – How one connection, one invitation, and one symposium became a turning point Run Your Race – Why refusing to live up to other people’s expectations is the most important decision you’ll ever make Jae’s Approach: Transgender professional navigating identity, authenticity, and belonging in corporate and community spaces Found her footing through community — a trans woman who befriended her online and invited her to a life-changing symposium Believes in the dignity of every point on the gender spectrum — including the binaries that give people a base to run from Came to the liberating understanding that gender expression doesn’t determine identity — you are who you are regardless of what you wear Lives by the principle: you only get one life, so start living it as who you’re meant to be Perfect If You’re: A transgender or non-binary professional figuring out how to show up authentically in work spaces Someone who knows someone on a gender journey and wants to better understand what that experience is like A leader or colleague who wants to create safer, more inclusive environments — starting with something as simple as a name tag Anyone who has been living someone else’s version of their life and is ready to run their own race Curious about the nuance and humanity behind conversations about gender identity that often get reduced to politics Jae’s Philosophy: “I’m merely a coat rack — whatever gets put on me doesn’t change who I am.” “It’s okay to be anywhere on the spectrum — and maybe you’re here one day and somewhere else tomorrow.” “Run your race until the finish line — but run that race as you.” “I’m not going to get another life — this is what I get, so I need to start living it.” “Never stop living your life — don’t assume the path has already been preordained.” ABOUT JEREMY “JAE” WASHBURN: Transgender Professional | Community Advocate | Speaker | Sharing her journey of identity, authenticity, and self-discovery to create more compassionate and inclusive spaces for everyone Note: Jae used they/them pronouns at the time of this recording. She now uses she/her. CONNECT WITH JAE: LinkedIn:   / jaewashburn   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What if the entrepreneurship narrative that’s been fed to your generation is actually doing more harm than good? Jake Bjorseth — young entrepreneur, brand strategist, and self-proclaimed cheapskate driving a 2004 Nissan Xterra — is here to rewrite it. In this refreshingly honest conversation, Jake challenges the glorification of hustle culture, the influencer economy, and the idea that being your own boss is the only worthy ambition. His take is nuanced, grounded, and backed by real experience working with brands and influencers on both sides of the equation. What You’ll Learn: Why entrepreneurship is overrated — and why that’s actually a healthy thing to say out loud The only thing Jake will ever spend money on — and why it’s not coffee or avocado toast Why investing in career development beats chasing income in your twenties What large corporations can learn from 19-year-olds with a decent camera and a following Why entitlement — not low barriers to entry — is the real threat to young entrepreneurs Key Focus Areas: Entrepreneurship Demystified – Why the grass-is-greener fantasy around being your own boss needs to be rewritten Spend Money on Time – Jake’s one rule for spending — if it doesn’t save him time, it doesn’t happen Career Development as ROI – Why spending three fewer hours working and three more hours learning is the highest-return investment you can make The Influencer vs. Corporation Problem – Why brands with billions are being outplayed by teenagers with cameras Entitlement as the Real Enemy – Why low barriers to entry aren’t the problem — your attitude about them is Jake’s Approach: Young entrepreneur and brand strategist working with both brands and influencers Drives a 2004 Nissan Xterra he bought with lawn mowing money at 16 — and has zero plans to upgrade Costco shopper, anti-avocado toast, deeply allergic to unnecessary spending Believes personal and career development is the highest ROI investment any young professional can make Refreshingly honest about the realities of entrepreneurship — including how daunting and unglamorous it actually is Perfect If You’re: A young professional wondering whether entrepreneurship is really the right path for you Someone who’s been sold the hustle culture dream and is starting to question it A brand or marketer trying to understand why influencers are eating your lunch Thinking about how to allocate your time and money more intentionally in your twenties Ready to hear someone your age say out loud that a great career in a company is just as valid as building your own Jake’s Philosophy: “Entrepreneurship is glorified — and rightly so — but it’s not for everyone, and it’s quite daunting.” “The only time I’ll spend money on something is if it saves me time.” “No amount of money I can make in the next 10 years beats what I’d gain from spending that same time on career development.” “Entitlement will be the reason you ultimately lose — regardless of how low the barrier to entry is.” “The grass is always greener — and that’s toxic among younger generations.” ABOUT JAKE BJORSETH: Entrepreneur | Brand Strategist | Influencer Marketing Expert | Helping brands and young founders cut through the noise with honest strategy, intentional growth, and a healthy skepticism of the hype CONNECT WITH JAKE: LinkedIn:   / trndsttr   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What’s your excuse for not networking? Tom Broxham drowned at age three, had near-drowning experiences at eight and thirteen, another one just last year — and he still gets back in the water every time. When he started using that story to help job seekers overcome the fear of networking, something clicked: it’s hard to say you can’t talk to a stranger when the person in front of you has survived drowning four times. Tom, a community connector and advocate for the Brockton Network, reframes everything you think you know about networking — starting with the fact that you’re probably already doing it and just don’t recognize it yet. What You’ll Learn: Why the fear of networking and the fear of water are the same fear — and how to face both Why networking isn’t the big event with 300 people — and where it actually happens How one cup of coffee becomes roots, then branches, then an entire network Why collecting 100 business cards at an event is the least effective networking you can do Why engaging on LinkedIn posts is more powerful than posting your own content Key Focus Areas: Drowning as Metaphor – How Tom’s near-drowning experiences became the most disarming networking story you’ll ever hear Networking Is Already Happening – Why hiking, hiking, a LinkedIn comment, and a one-on-one conversation all count — and why most people don’t recognize them as networking Roots and Branches – How one coffee meeting becomes the seed of an entire network if you tend it properly Quality Over Quantity – Why 100 cards from a big event is nothing compared to five real relationships built over time Start in the Shallow End – Tom’s framework for tackling any fear — break it down, breathe, go slow, and build from there Tom’s Approach: Community connector and advocate for the Brockton Network — focused on helping job seekers overcome the fear of networking Drowned at age three and had near-drowning experiences at eight, thirteen, and again as an adult — and learned to swim in his thirties anyway Uses his personal story to disarm the people who think their networking fear is too big to overcome Believes networking is organic, casual, and already happening in your life — the formal event is just one small version of it Advocates for meaningful LinkedIn engagement over passive posting — adding real value to conversations rather than collecting connections Perfect If You’re: Someone who avoids networking events because they feel overwhelming, transactional, or just not you A job seeker who’s been connecting on LinkedIn and asking for favors before building any relationship Someone facing a fear — professional or personal — that feels too big to start tackling A connector who wants a framework for turning one good conversation into a growing network Tom’s Philosophy: “It’s hard to say you can’t go talk to a stranger when someone’s overcome drowning.” “Networking for me is getting to know people — this right here is networking.” “From that one cup of coffee, all of a sudden you’ve got roots — and it just keeps expanding.” “It doesn’t matter how big your network is — it’s how close and tight the network that you have.” “Start in the shallow end — take your time, breathe, and tackle it one thing at a time.” ABOUT TOM BROXHAM: Community Connector | Brockton Network Advocate | Fear of Networking Coach | Helping job seekers and professionals build real, meaningful networks — one conversation at a time CONNECT WITH TOM: LinkedIn:   / tombroxham   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What does it take to build a strategic alliance when you’re not working with one partner — but twenty? Subhashish Acharya has spent decades navigating exactly that world, from Oracle to PTC, and now as the founder of Project Starfish — a social startup that creates jobs exclusively for blind professionals. In this conversation, Sub breaks down why strategic alliances in the age of Industry 4.0 are fundamentally different from anything that came before, why trying to maximize yourself in a complex ecosystem guarantees a loser, and why the word “alliance” gets a billion Google searches but almost no published wisdom. What You’ll Learn: Why Industry 4.0 is the most complex strategic alliance environment ever created How maximizing your own value in a multi-partner ecosystem can actually guarantee failure Why digital transformation without physical transformation is only half the equation What the billion Google searches on “alliance” reveal about a massive gap in business literature How Project Starfish is proving that meaningful employment for blind professionals is not only possible — it’s a model Key Focus Areas: Strategic Alliances in Industry 4.0 – Managing 20 partners instead of one and why complexity multiplies everything Collaboration Over Competition – Why even competitors must find synergies to create solutions customers actually need Yin and Yang of Digital Transformation – Why physical and digital transformation must happen together or not at all The Tribal Knowledge Problem – Why alliance strategy is one of the most searched but least documented fields in business Project Starfish – A social startup where everyone except the founder is blind — and everyone has a job and an income Subhashish’s Approach: Decades of enterprise sales and strategy experience at Oracle and PTC Deep expertise in IoT, strategic alliances, and ecosystem development Founder of Project Starfish — a social startup creating income-generating employment for blind professionals Began writing about strategic alliances not to build a brand but to document tribal knowledge no one else was capturing Believes perspective is everything — and that the same problem looks fundamentally different through a different pair of eyes Perfect If You’re: A business development or partnerships professional trying to navigate complex multi-party alliances A technology leader thinking about what digital transformation actually requires to succeed An entrepreneur or nonprofit founder looking for an unconventional model for social impact Someone who’s been searching for resources on alliance strategy and finding nothing useful Ready to rethink what collaboration with competitors can actually unlock for your customers Subhashish’s Philosophy: “It’s not about being the best at everything by yourself — that really won’t get you anywhere.” “Where everybody tries to maximize their own value, there’s ultimately going to be a loser.” “The physical and digital transformation both need to happen — you can’t have one without the other.” “Perspective is seeing the same thing from a different pair of eyes.” “Let’s all do business together — let other people share their perspective.” ABOUT SUBHASHISH ACHARYA: Enterprise Sales & Strategy Leader | IoT & Industry 4.0 Expert | Founder of Project Starfish | Helping organizations build strategic alliances, navigate complex ecosystems, and create meaningful impact — in business and beyond CONNECT WITH SUBHASHISH: LinkedIn:   / sacharya   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What does the next generation of sales actually look like — and who gets to be in it? Max Altschuler, founder of Sales Hacker, built one of the most influential sales communities in the world by asking exactly that question. In this conversation, Max breaks down why sales is the ultimate level playing field, why diversity isn’t just a moral imperative but a business one, and why every salesperson — no matter how junior — has something worth sharing. If you’re in sales or thinking about it, this one is required listening. What You’ll Learn: Why sales is one of the few careers where you don’t need an Ivy League degree or family connections to win How Sales Hacker evolved from one person hacking his own sales process to a community of 500+ contributors Why building a personal brand matters even at the very beginning of your career The resources Max recommends for both new and veteran sales professionals looking to level up How Sales Hacker is actively working to surface more women speakers so event organizers have no excuses Key Focus Areas: Sales as the Ultimate Level Playing Field – Why anyone can get in, succeed, and earn directly correlated to their effort Diversity in Sales – Why the next generation of sales must be diverse across race, gender, and orientation Personal Brand from Day One – Why even junior salespeople have something worth publishing — and should Community as Catharsis – Why online sales communities aren’t just about learning — they’re about sanity checks and peer support Do More With Less – How Sales Hacker started with technology and outsourcing to compete without big budgets Max’s Approach: Founder of Sales Hacker — one of the most influential sales media and community platforms globally Started Sales Hacker to solve his own problem: how to compete as a startup with fewer resources than enterprise competitors Grew the platform from solo blog posts to 500+ contributors, a full editorial team, and multiple community channels Actively works to surface female sales speakers and leaders — not to take credit, but to create a more equitable industry Believes the best sales content comes from sharing your own experience — even if it feels basic Perfect If You’re: Early in your sales career and wondering whether you have anything worth sharing — you do A sales leader looking to modernize your team’s approach with technology and community Someone who’s been avoiding building a personal brand and needs a push to start Interested in what a truly diverse and inclusive sales community looks like in practice A woman in sales looking for spaces and resources that actually see and spotlight you Max’s Philosophy: “Sales is the ultimate level playing field — you’re the CEO of your own territory.” “Even if one person gets value out of it, it was worth sharing.” “You always want to be building a personal brand — even at the beginning of your career.” “The next generation of sales should be diverse — from race to gender to sexual orientation.” “People want to learn, but they also want something cathartic — a place to get a sanity check.” ABOUT MAX ALTSCHULER: Founder of Sales Hacker | Sales Community Builder | Author | Helping the next generation of sales professionals learn, connect, and build careers through technology, community, and authentic personal branding CONNECT WITH MAX: LinkedIn:   / maxaltschuler   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What happens when you take a SaaS product into a brand new market, in a different currency, with partners who may also work with your competitors? Claire Gunter, CMAA has navigated exactly that — and built a career at the intersection of revenue operations, partner sales, and global go-to-market strategy. A Dallas native who speaks five languages and once planned to pursue a PhD in 19th century Spanish decorative arts, Claire brings a fascinatingly nuanced perspective on what it takes to scale across borders, balance transparency with confidentiality, and get your own sales team to trust the partner model. What You’ll Learn: The difference between sell-with, sell-through, co-sell, and pass-through — and when to use each Why AEs who were initially resistant to resellers became their biggest advocates How to thread the needle between transparency and confidentiality in partner relationships What currency, CRM, and operational complexity actually look like when you go global Why something as simple as local currency can make or break a deal on closing day Key Focus Areas: Partner Sales Fundamentals – How to manage three audiences simultaneously — your AEs, your partners, and your clients Transparency as Strategy – Why being open about what’s in it for everyone is the fastest path to partner trust Latin America Go-To-Market – What Claire learned taking Zendesk into LATAM and why operational details matter from day one Revenue Operations Mindset – Why efficiency in the sales process matters as much as the revenue it generates Something vs. Nothing – The simple but powerful reframe that turned resistant AEs into partner champions Claire’s Approach: SaaS revenue operations and partner sales leader with experience scaling global go-to-market at Zendesk Speaks five languages — Spanish, English, Portuguese, Catalan, and French — with German on the horizon Majored in art history and planned to pursue a PhD before pivoting into a career in SaaS sales Believes operational efficiency and transparency are the twin pillars of any successful partner program Thinks through every deal with positive intent — and builds legal and confidentiality frameworks accordingly Perfect If You’re: A sales or partnerships professional expanding into new markets and navigating local complexity An AE who’s been asked to work with resellers and isn’t sure it’s worth the commission haircut A revenue operations leader trying to make the sales process less painful and more efficient Someone curious about what global go-to-market actually looks like in practice — not in theory Building a partner program and trying to figure out how much of your roadmap to share Claire’s Philosophy: “If there’s transparency, you can work through the pros and cons — and people will see what’s in it for them.” “I’m offering you x percent of something — the alternative is 100 percent of nothing.” “I always want to assume that people are doing things with positive intent.” “The risk of not being transparent might be higher than the risk of sharing.” “When you go into a new market, operationally there are changes that need to happen.” ABOUT CLAIRE GUNTER: SaaS Revenue Operations & Partner Sales Leader | Global Go-To-Market Strategist | Five-Language Speaker | Helping technology companies scale efficiently across new markets through smart partner programs and operational clarity CONNECT WITH CLAIRE: LinkedIn:   / cgunter   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Kala Garner goes deeper — into the weight that Black people carry every single day in America, the racial reckoning of 2020, and the very real risk that allies who woke up briefly simply went back to sleep. With honesty, grace, and the kind of courage it takes to say the hard things on camera, Kala challenges all of us to do more than order a book — and to keep doing the work long after the news cycle moves on. What You’ll Learn: Why vulnerability in the workplace looks different for Black professionals — and the cultural cost of it How the foundation of slavery shapes every systemic inequality we see today What it actually means to be an anti-racist — and why ordering a book isn’t enough How to keep your allies aware and accountable beyond a moment of awareness What corporate leadership that truly shows up for racial equity actually looks like Key Focus Areas: The Weight of the Everyday – What it means to carry the Black experience as a constant lived reality in America Anti-Racism as Active Work – Why waking up briefly and going back to sleep makes you part of the problem Systemic Roots – Understanding how centuries of structural inequality connect to what we see today Vulnerability at Work – Why Black employees stay silent and what organizations must do to change that Corporate Accountability – What it looks like when leadership actually tries — and why trying visibly matters Kala’s Approach: Black woman, empath, and community advocate speaking her full truth on race in America Witnessed leaders of color at Verizon break down on camera sharing generational burdens — and let it change her Believes creating psychological safety isn’t optional — it requires intentional effort from non-Black colleagues Proud of companies that lead with vulnerability, try progressive approaches, and hold themselves accountable Committed to keeping allies engaged, aware, and accountable beyond moments of heightened awareness Perfect If You’re: A non-Black professional who wants to be a genuine ally — not just in the moment but long-term Someone in a leadership role wondering what real psychological safety for employees of color looks like A person of color who has never felt safe enough to share their full experience at work Anyone who ordered a book in 2020 and hasn’t opened it yet Ready to understand systemic racism not as a political talking point but as a human story Kala’s Philosophy: “This is a very serious everyday life that we as Black people live.” “It is work to be an anti-racist — it is work to learn about things you may have never even thought about.” “People woke up somewhat — and then went back to sleep.” “If you don’t dig up that seed and do the work, you’re still part of the problem.” “I’m trying to keep my allies aware and accountable.” ABOUT KALA GARNER: Engineer | Racial Equity Advocate | Community Builder | Using her platform to hold space for honest conversations about the Black experience, allyship, and what real change requires from all of us CONNECT WITH KALA: LinkedIn:   / kala-garner   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

As 2020 came to a close — a year that brought more anomalies than anyone could have predicted — Kala Garner sat down to share something we all needed to hear: slow down, dig your feet into the sand of reality, and get intentional about where you’re headed next. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Kala brings her engineer’s mind and deeply human heart to the art of the life audit — and why journaling, community, and radical honesty with yourself are the most powerful tools for any reset. What You’ll Learn: Why it’s so easy to live in an alternate reality in your head — and how to gently come back to truth The simple but powerful practice of a life audit through journaling Why community is non-negotiable — especially in times of collective trauma How giving to others during hard seasons fills you up just as much as it fills them What it means to truly reset, restore, and manifest before stepping into a new chapter Key Focus Areas: The Life Audit – Writing in your journal for a week straight, then reading it back to yourself Digging Into Reality – Moving out of self-protective alternate thinking and into honest self-assessment Journaling Without Judgment – Just you and the paper — no audience, no filters, no shame Community as Survival – Why isolation is the enemy and connection is the antidote Giving as Healing – How being a blessing to others during hard times transforms your own mindset Kala’s Approach: Engineer by training with a deeply reflective, emotionally intelligent approach to personal growth Passionate advocate for intentional living, honest self-reflection, and community building Believes in slowing down to speed up — resetting in December to show up fully in January Practices what she preaches: journaling, manifesting, and carving out space for stillness Philosophy: “Love fast, live slow” — be present with people and enjoy life at a pace that lets you breathe Perfect If You’re: Wrapping up a hard year and not sure how to process everything you’ve been through Feeling disconnected from yourself and craving a simple, judgment-free way back Someone who’s never journaled before but is curious about starting Ready to stop protecting yourself from reality and start honestly building toward what’s next Looking for permission to slow down before you sprint into a new season Kala’s Philosophy: “Love fast, live slow.” “Dig your feet into the sand of reality.” “It’s just you and that piece of paper — no judgment.” “Don’t isolate yourself — make sure you’re connected in some way.” “When you give, especially in hard seasons, I guarantee you it will feel amazing.” ABOUT KALA GARNER: Engineer | Life Audit Advocate | Community Builder | Helping people reset, restore, and show up intentionally through honest self-reflection and the power of human connection CONNECT WITH KALA: LinkedIn:   / kala-garner   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen  

What if chasing LinkedIn Top Voice status is actually the wrong goal? Sarah Johnston built a thriving career coaching business not by chasing accolades but by showing up consistently, staying in her lane, and always starting with a story. A former recruiter turned entrepreneur, Sarah made the leap to self-employment as a trailing spouse navigating FMLA timelines and family moves — and turned those constraints into her greatest career catalyst. If you want more clients, more opportunities, and more impact on LinkedIn, Sarah’s advice is simple: just write. What You’ll Learn: Why being a LinkedIn Top Voice hasn’t directly gotten Sarah a single client — and what actually does The simple iPhone notes habit that fuels four posts a week, every week, for over three years How to use client stories without ever compromising privacy or trust Why defining your purpose and audience first makes content creation dramatically easier What it means to “look within with outside of yourself” — and why that’s where real happiness lives Key Focus Areas: Story-First Content – Why leading with a relatable story always outperforms leading with advice Stay in Your Lane – How radical content focus builds the audience that actually hires you Entrepreneurship as a Trailing Spouse – The real constraints that pushed Sarah toward owning her career Consistency Over Virality – Four posts a week for three and a half years — that’s the strategy Purpose-Driven Content – Defining who you’re writing for before you write a single word Sarah’s Approach: Former recruiter turned career coach and resume expert Launched her business after relocating repeatedly as a trailing spouse — needing flexibility that corporate couldn’t offer LinkedIn Top Voice who is refreshingly honest that the badge doesn’t bring clients — the content does Posts four days a week consistently for 3.5+ years — always starting with a story, always staying in her lane Believes the secret to happiness — and business — is found in what you give, not what you get Perfect If You’re: Job searching and wondering why your applications aren’t converting to interviews A content creator posting consistently but not seeing it translate into real business A working parent who needs flexibility that a traditional career ladder can’t offer Someone chasing vanity metrics on LinkedIn when what you really want is clients and connection Ready to stop posting for the sake of posting and start writing with genuine purpose Sarah’s Philosophy: “People like to learn from people they relate to — and the best way to connect is through stories.” “Being a Top Voice hasn’t gotten me clients. People hire me because of what I write.” “Define your purpose and your audience — it’s a lot easier to create content.” “We find our true happiness not in what we get but in what we give.” “Write. Just write.” ABOUT SARAH JOHNSTON: Career Coach | Resume Expert | LinkedIn Top Voice | Helping job seekers land roles they love through strategic positioning, authentic storytelling, and a deep understanding of what recruiters actually want CONNECT WITH SARAH: LinkedIn:   / sarahdjohnston   CONNECT WITH KATRINA: LinkedIn:   / connectorqueen