Can We Move This Up?

In this episode, lucky #10, Sam Reeb-Wilson shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Queens to building a successful career in marketing, and how personal experiences shaped his resilience and outlook on life. Discover valuable lessons on community, adaptability, and pursuing fulfillment beyond career success. In this episode, Sam Reeb-Wilson shares her inspiring journey from corporate life to small-town living, her passion for community building, and her unique role as the 'chicken doctor.' Discover how embracing change, community involvement, and following intuition can lead to the most fulfilling life!

In this episode, Ally shares her inspiring journey from postgrad uncertainty to a fulfilling career in mental health, highlighting the importance of authenticity, resilience, and embracing career pivots. Discover how serendipity and personal values shaped her path and learn practical insights for navigating career challenges. In this episode, Ally and Katie explore the nuances of professional growth, handling conflict, burnout, gratitude, and the importance of asking for what you need, especially when becoming a new mom.This episode is full of authenticity & giggles; we can't wait for you to check it out!

Burnout looks different when you’re the person everyone relies on to keep the work moving. In this episode, Shelly Ragland shares how she built a career in agency operations by trusting transferable skills, staying brutally honest, and learning when to bend without breaking.Katie McAndrews and Shelly talk through her path from social work to advertising, the early days of scheduling ads and managing production by hand, and the moment she realized she was built for project management. Shelly also opens up about the values that shaped her, the role lifelong friendships played in her growth, and why she believes stability, self-awareness, and showing up matter more than having the “perfect” plan.They also get into burnout, boundaries, and what it really takes to thrive in fast-moving agency life without losing yourself in the process.

Amanda Ware’s career shift is a masterclass in knowing when to quit, when to pivot, and how to build something better on the other side. From leaving a cushy corporate job with nothing lined up to leading women entrepreneurs at the University of Texas, she shares the scrappy, deeply honest path that turned burnout into purpose.Katie McAndrews sits down with Amanda Ware, who is an Assistant Director at the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at UT Austin, where she supports the next generation of women building businesses. But this conversation goes far beyond titles. Amanda opens up about walking away from a role that was draining her, rebuilding her confidence, and discovering that the skills she’d been using her whole life - hype-girling, networking, advocating, and following through - were actually the foundation of her career.You’ll discover:Why Amanda gave up hard caffeine and what it changed about her energy, sleep, and mindsetHow she went from “personality hire” to trusted leader and mentorThe real difference between hustle and unhealthy pressureWhat it took to quit a stable job during a mortgage, wedding planning, and major life changeHow she helps women pitch themselves, negotiate, and speak with confidenceWhy “work-life harmony” resonates more than balanceThe small boundaries that protect her energy, including no Slack on her phone and an 8:21 p.m. phone-off alarmAmanda also shares the childhood ambition, work ethic, and big dreaming that still shape how she leads today. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overextended, or unsure whether your next move is too risky, this episode is a reminder that progress is rarely linear and timing is rarely perfect.Perfect for anyone navigating burnout, career pivots, leadership growth, or the messy middle of building a life and career that actually fit.

Your career is not supposed to be linear. Brynn proves it with a path that runs from copywriting and production to agency shakeups, a 10-year California detour, and the kind of “Swiss Army knife” mindset that keeps you useful when everything changes.In this episode, I get the chance to sit down with Brynn Jeffries for a candid, funny, and deeply relatable conversation about resilience, reinvention, and what it actually means to build a meaningful career while raising a family, serving your community, and trying not to burn out.Brynn shares how a brutal creative critique pushed her out of copywriting, why being the person who says “what do you need?” became her superpower, and how unexpected turns - from showing up to locked agency doors to losing an entire department after an acquisition - taught her to reset fast, recover, and keep moving.You'll hear about:The “Swiss Army knife” approach to work and why versatility matters more than title-pullingThe day her agency locked its doors and what came nextHow a move to California turned into a decade of perspective, healing, and reinventionWhy working with pharma clients became some of the most meaningful work of her careerThe daily rituals, meditation habits, and “helium hands” instinct that keep her saying yes to everyoneWe also get personal about motherhood, mentorship, community service, foster dogs, burnout, and the hard-won realization that success is not about status, shoes, or getting everything right. It is about doing the best you can with what you have, protecting what matters, and knowing when to change lanes.Essential listening if you’re in a pivot, recovering from a setback, or quietly wondering what’s next. Brynn’s story is a reminder that sometimes the most valuable career move is simply staying in motion.

What if being truly yourself is the secret to overcoming burnout and unlocking your leadership potential? In this candid episode, Brian Lamsback reveals how authenticity transformed his career, and how it can do the same for you.Imagine navigating your career without the weight of imposter syndrome, feeling confident in your voice and the courage to lead authentically. Brian, a former staffing executive turned leadership coach, shares his inspiring journey from a shy, health-struggling kid to a confident advocate of genuine communication. His story is packed with eye-opening insights about overcoming burnout, embracing vulnerability, and the power of staying true to yourself—even when external expectations scream otherwise.You'll discover:How Brian's childhood insecurities and health struggles fueled his passion for authentic leadership.Concrete tactics for fighting burnout: daily routines, mental checklists, and the importance of feeding your own side of the street.Why corporate speak often masks true confidence - and how embracing your real voice can elevate your career.The vital role of intentionality in your personal and professional life, even in chaos.How a simple text message on a plane launched Brian's new mission—and why taking bold, authentic action is often the key to breakthrough moments.This episode underscores a vital truth: your greatest power lies in your authenticity. Ignore the imposter syndrome, and you'll unlock resilience, fulfillment, and genuine connection - values that sustain you through every career twist and burnout scare. Whether you're stepping into a leadership role, rethinking your career, or fighting to find your voice, Brian's story offers a blueprint for thriving as your true self.Perfect for leaders, entrepreneurs, or anyone feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of burnout and striving for real connection. Tune in to hear how embracing your unique voice not only saves your mental health but also propels your career forward—because the best version of you is already inside, waiting to be unleashed.Follow Brian’s journey of authenticity, resilience, and breakthroughs. This is your invitation to start now—because your talent, your voice, and your happiness matter more than ever.

The moment most entrepreneurs wait for a sign to leap is a myth - Ben Sobiack proves it. Ben built a thriving portfolio career in publishing, invention, and unexpected collaborations, all without waiting for a perfect moment. Instead, he trusted the small nudges and lucky breaks - and now, he’s featured in Glamour magazine, creating a product that help those with medical conditions. If you’ve ever felt stuck waiting for “the right time” to start, this episode reveals why the biggest breakthroughs come from moving before you’re perfectly ready.In this candid conversation, Ben shares how a late-night idea turned into a viral hit, and why his side project - as unconventional as a full glove for cold, writer's hands - became a source of pride and purpose. You’ll discover how luck plays a role in success, the importance of trusting your instincts, and the real challenges of balancing a creative, entrepreneurial life with health and family. Ben dives into the nonlinear path of building multiple income streams, balancing burnout, and how healing and mental health are essential components for sustained growth.You'll learn practical insights on how to identify your true audience, how to turn side projects into meaningful ventures, and why “just doing it” isn’t always enough without understanding your personal limits. Ben emphasizes that the key isn’t waiting for signs, it’s about crafting opportunities, managing anxiety, and valuing yourself enough to make the leap. Whether you're building a side hustle, pivoting careers, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode offers honest, actionable guidance to start moving today.Perfect for creators, side hustlers, and anyone feeling the weight of the “what if” - Ben’s story reminds you that success favors those who take that first courageous step, even when the sign isn’t blinking. Don’t wait for perfect! Trust your small nudges and start, because your breakthrough could be just one leap away.Tune in and find out how small moves create the biggest shifts. Your next step is waiting.

Most professionals never talk openly about burnout, especially those juggling big roles with big families. Heidi's story reveals how she navigated high-pressure creative operations while staying true to her values—and her sanity. If you're exhausted by relentless deadlines, craving genuine balance, or simply looking for inspiration from someone who's built resilience at every career stage, this episode is your must-listen.Heidi, a seasoned leader at a global healthcare firm, shares how her childhood in a creative household shaped her approach to work and life. From her early years drawing and playing instruments to her journey through ad design and agency life, she highlights the importance of preserving the human side of work and maintaining boundaries in a demanding environment.You’ll discover how her early experiences with her architect father and musician mother instilled core values of hard work, creativity, and humility - lessons she now passes on to her team and family.You’ll break down:The subtle signs of burnout Heidi early on missed and how she now guards her mental health with simple, effective rituals.Practical strategies for managing chaos: from delegating confidently to setting boundaries that keep work from bleeding into personal life.Why creative outlets - like making homemade pizza or taking baths - are vital for mental clarity and recharging.How embracing new technology like AI can actually enhance productivity without burnout, if approached with the right mindset.The importance of team loyalty and hiring trusted collaborators to build a resilient, energized work environment.Why does this episode matter? Because burnout is a silent pandemic in creative and leadership roles, often compounded by family life and the pace of change. Heidi’s insights remind us that success isn’t just about pushing harder but about working smarter, setting boundaries, and investing in self-care. Her story offers a blueprint for leaders and creative professionals seeking fulfillment without sacrificing mental health or personal time.This episode is perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed, balancing ambitious careers with family, or eager to rethink what productivity really means in today’s fast-moving world. Heidi’s candid reflections and practical tips will inspire you to redefine success—and find joy in the process.

Most creative careers are a wild ride - full of twists, burnout, and breakthroughs. But what if the key to long-term fulfillment isn’t just hustle, but setting boundaries and understanding your true needs? In this episode of Can We Move This Up?, host Katie McAndrews sits down with Cali Zumdahl, a seasoned Creative Director who’s built her leadership on the foundation of mental health and sustainable success. Cali shares her inspiring journey from a passion for design to leading in-house brand teams, revealing how she overcame burnout by trusting her instincts, asking for help, and shifting her mindset about work and life.You’ll discover:​Practical ways to identify and manage burnout before it takes over​The importance of clear communication and boundaries in creative leadership​Why measuring success today looks totally different than it did in your 20s​Simple daily routines for staying inspired without sacrificing sanity​How to navigate feelings of jealousy, comparison, and perfectionism—without burning out​The underrated power of compassion and humanity in workplaces and relationshipsThis episode is perfect for creatives, managers, and professionals of any industry feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or just searching for a way to stay grounded. Cali's candid insights help you recognize burnout as a feeling you can manage, rather than a barrier to success. Her approach emphasizes that success isn’t about endless hustle, it’s about peace, purpose, and pacing yourself long-term. If you're ready to transform your approach to work, craft a sustainable career, and restore your mental health, this conversation is an essential listen. Get inspired to redefine what work-life harmony means - and start living it today.Cali Zumdahl is a Creative Director and in-house team leader with over a decade of experience, known for her thoughtful approach to preventing burnout and fostering growth with compassion.Remember: It's not about doing everything perfectly, but about showing up for yourself in a way that keeps you creatively alive and emotionally well. Tune in now and take the first step toward sustainable success.

Most people believe their careers should follow a straight line. Ryan Peña’s story shatters that myth - a challenging childhood, unexpected pivots, and ultimately, a life-saving mission. He reveals how resilience, authentic connections, and embracing change can turn personal adversity into extraordinary purpose.In this deeply honest episode, Ryan shares the heartbreak of a difficult upbringing and the perseverance that fueled his journey from chaos to clarity. You'll discover how a childhood shadowed by hardship became the foundation for his impactful role at NMDP where he champions hope for blood cancer patients worldwide.This episode is for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or skeptical about the possibility of change. Ryan’s candid insights will challenge you to reconsider your narrative - showing how embracing your story’s complexity unlocks growth, purpose, and genuine impact. Whether you’re at a career crossroads or battling personal obstacles, you’ll walk away with actionable steps to foster resilience and authentic connection in your journey.Whether you’re commuting, working out, or just seeking a dose of authenticity, this episode will remind you: your story isn’t over - and your greatest growth often begins where chaos once resided.Please be sure to visit nmdp.org to find out ways you can donate to this live-saving organization, or become a donor.

Join us Friday, 7/3 for the premiere!