Success Your Own Way

In this insightful and candid episode of "Success Your Own Way," hosts Tina and Yifat are joined by Dr. Tyler Bletsch, Associate Professor of the Practice at Duke University and mentor to budding engineers and roboticists.Tyler shares his unconventional journey from an uncertain college student to a passionate educator and industry professional. With humor and depth, Tyler explores intentionality and the impact of small forces over time in building a meaningful legacyHe discusses lessons learned from philosophy, the value of volunteering, and the necessity of balancing ego with humility. Listeners will hear practical advice on career pivots, the benefits of mentorship, and how to redefine success beyond societal expectations.Whether you're early in your career or contemplating a big change, Tyler’s story offers relatable wisdom and actionable tips for anyone seeking to create their own path to fulfillment.

In this candid episode of Success Your Own Way, Tina and Yifat dive into the often-overlooked dilemma of leaving something that’s objectively good. They explore the subtle feelings of discontent that can arise even when life looks great on paper—a stable job, a supportive environment, and all the trappings of success. Together, they share personal stories and client experiences about recognizing when it’s time to move on from comfort to growth, overcoming societal and internal voices, and discerning between contentment, complacency, and ambition. Listeners will discover practical ways to tune into their inner voice, embrace choice, and intentionally shape their next steps—whether that means staying put or venturing into something new.

In this episode of Success Your Own Way, hosts Tina and Yifat welcome William C. Tracy. William’s journey is anything but linear: after 17 years designing and operating heavy machinery, he pivoted to follow his passion for writing and publishing, founding Space Wizard Science Fantasy in 2021. With over 15 books authored, 60+ published titles, and even a role-playing game to his name, William shares his story of evolving success, creativity, and entrepreneurship.Listen in as William discusses the unexpected path from engineering to indie publishing as well as how he defines success today—moving from financial security to uplifting underrepresented voices in fiction.  William shares the courage and calculations behind leaving a stable corporate job for creative entrepreneurship and the power of community and mentorship in indie publishing and beyond.  He discusses the ongoing challenge of balancing growth with doing meaningful work you love and why bringing your whole self (and your outside passions) to work can inspire others.William also shares practical advice for those dreaming of a career pivot, building a business, or just wanting to inject more joy into their current roles. Whether you’re an aspiring author, entrepreneur, or anyone on a journey to define success on your own terms, this conversation will leave you inspired to take the next step—no matter how unconventional.Find out more about William and his work at spacewizardsciencefantasy.com, and follow his journey for updates on upcoming books, campaigns, and creative adventures.Tune in, get inspired, and start forging your own path to success—your own way!

Join hosts Tina and Yifat for an inspiring episode of "Success Your Own Way" as they sit down with Amy Joseph, a high-impact product management executive with over 18 years of experience leading at the crossroads of AI, healthcare, and finance. Amy shares her personal journey from teaching and searching for meaning to becoming a transformative leader known for building user-centered innovation and simplifying complex digital ecosystems.In this candid conversation, Amy opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her mission-driven career—including the personal impact of her grandmother’s health struggles and the mentors who encouraged her to stretch beyond her comfort zone. Listen as she discusses balancing ambitious career goals with family life, the importance of community and support systems, and her passion for making technology work for people, not the other way around.Whether you’re early in your career, navigating a midlife pivot, or redefining success on your own terms, Amy's story and practical advice offer both empathy and inspiration. Discover how she defines success today, the frameworks she uses to maintain balance, and why she believes we’re always evolving into our best selves. Plus, get Amy’s tips for thriving in product management and leading with impact.Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, gratitude, and actionable insights to help you achieve success—your own way.

In this insightful episode of Success Your Own Way, Matan Lushkov draws from his own journey as the son of a Paralympian and his extensive work in sports psychology and organizational behavior. He shares how aligning daily actions with personal values and non-negotiables can redefine our understanding of success. Through personal stories—including pivotal moments of loss and growth—Matan illustrates the importance of authenticity, mindfulness, and human connection on the path to fulfillment. Listeners will discover practical strategies for identifying their own core values, building habits that support what truly matters, and letting go of societal “shoulds” that may not serve them. Matan also offers actionable tips to help you stay aligned and present, both professionally and personally. If you’re ready to rethink what success means for you and learn how to live more intentionally, this episode is not to be missed. Tune in, reflect on your own journey, and start defining success—your own way.  Key Takeaways: Why redefining success is essential for long-term fulfillment The impact of values-driven decision making The power of authenticity and vulnerability in high performance Actionable exercises to identify and honor your personal non-negotiables  About Matan Lushkov Matan has over a decade of experience working in performance psychology, applied and academic leadership. He works with his clients to live in alignment with their values and non-negotiables, using techniques rooted in sport psychology and organizational behavior. During his career, he's impacted the lives of entrepreneurs, corporate executives, healthcare professionals, top performers in tech and finance, and high-performing athletes—each on their own quest to be the best in their respective fields. His passion for performance stems from his own athletic successes and failures, as well as from witnessing the role high performance plays in the lives of individuals navigating life-altering events.  Today, he channels his knowledge and passion into his coaching and consulting practices while also remaining actively engaged in several start-ups.  To connect with Matan: www.groundswelladvisory.com linkedin.com 

In this inspiring episode of "Success Your Own Way," hosts Tina and Yifat sit down with Tamanna Ramesh, a food scientist turned business strategist and career coach, whose journey spans continents, industries, and roles. Tamanna shares her experiences navigating the U.S. as an international student from India, building an impactful career at global giants like Coca-Cola and Kraft Heinz, and founding Spark Careers to empower women and minorities. The conversation explores the evolving definitions of success, the challenges of impostor syndrome, the power of mentorship and sponsorship, and the realities of career setbacks, such as layoffs. Tamanna’s story is a testament to courage, adaptability, and the importance of defining success on your own terms. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, building a side hustle, or facing your own moments of doubt, this episode offers wisdom, authenticity, and actionable advice to help you chart your unique path to fulfillment.

This season finale of Success Your Own Way explores the fluid nature of achievement and how the definition of success evolves throughout different life stages. The hosts reflect on insights shared throughout the season, highlighting a collective shift from external markers, like job titles and financial gains, toward internal fulfillment and personal well-being.The Evolution of Success: Many individuals begin their careers defining success through promotions and levels but eventually find more excitement in team achievements and the success of those around them.The Power of Agency: A key theme is the transition from "autopilot" to intentional choice. Success is increasingly defined as having the agency to make decisions that align with one's personal values and beliefs.Life Events as Catalysts: Cultural backgrounds, family responsibilities, and significant health events often force a re-evaluation of priorities, shifting focus toward connection and presence.Closing the Year: The episode offers practical advice for the transition into 2026, emphasizing the importance of writing down goals, maintaining authenticity while "reading the room," and performing a self-audit to remove the "shoulds" from one’s life.

Sourcing career at General Mills to purpose-driven entrepreneurship rooted in permaculture. After a spiritual awakening in 2022 shifted his trajectory, he left corporate life and founded PermaCulture Party in February 2024. Shortly after, he met his fiancé, Chanel, and together—they transform landscapes into foodscapes, host plant & dance parties, gift trees, plants and food forests to children through Neighborhood Forest, and cultivate eco-conscious-tourism through Airbnb experiences. Alex discusses how his definition of success evolved—from career milestones to heart-led impact, gratitude, and alignment with the natural world. Mentorship played a key role, from family and colleagues to permaculture guides and business coaches. He explains permaculture as a framework for living in harmony with Earth, guided by three ethics: People Care, Earth Care, and Fair Share. His proudest moments include proposing to Chanel and hosting a PermaCulture Party at Earth Vibe Festival, where his vision of planting a food forest while dancing and playing at a conscious festival came to life.Alex encourages listeners to: 🔥 Discover their soul’s purpose 🧘‍♂️ Use meditation to tune into intuition 💡 Plan wisely before making career shifts 🌱 Explore permaculture through books, videos, or design courses His story is a powerful reminder to live intentionally, embrace abundance, and trust the journey.  Want to learn more about Alex and his regenerative endeavors?PermaCulture Party Story & Services DeckPermaCulture Party Website Neighborhood Forest WebsiteEden Energy Solutions Website

Welcome to our Thanksgiving episode! As we gather for this special time of year, we’re taking a heartfelt journey into the power of gratitude—what it truly means, why it matters, and how it can transform our lives.In this episode, we reflect on the joys and challenges of the past year, sharing personal stories and moments of thankfulness—from everyday experiences like taking a child to the movies, to life-changing journeys toward parenthood. We revisit some of our favorite guest moments from the season, highlighting what our guests are most grateful for: family, friends, mentors, resilience through hardship, and the opportunity to give back.We’ll explore the science behind gratitude and its many benefits, from boosting happiness and resilience to strengthening relationships and fostering personal growth. Our guests open up about navigating adversity, practicing self-advocacy, and the importance of both receiving and giving support. Along the way, we offer practical tips to help you weave gratitude into your daily life—whether it’s through journaling, mindful reflection, or simple acts of kindness.As the holiday season begins, join us in celebrating the ordinary and extraordinary moments that make life meaningful. We’re deeply grateful for our guests, our listeners, and the community we’ve built together. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will leave you feeling connected, uplifted, and ready to find gratitude in every day.Happy Thanksgiving!

Executive coach and leadership advisor Sadie Wackett shares her journey of redefining success. With 20+ years in global HR leadership, a former CHRO, and as co-founder of Life Intended, Sadie empowers women through self-leadership and intentional living. She reflects on her career, personal challenges—including body dysmorphia, infertility, and resilience—and how these shaped her values and purpose. Sadie now defines success through agency, connection, and alignment between inner truth and outer life. She shares pivotal choices like moving to the U.S., continuing fertility treatment, and starting a women’s circle during COVID, which sparked her current work. Common themes that have emerged from Women across her circles include feeling stuck despite “having it all,” the need for recognition, and guilt around trying to find some sense of balance. Sadie offers practical advice: pause autopilot, make conscious choices, filter what you consume, and lead from within. Her story is a powerful reminder to live with intention and redefine success on your own terms.Life IntendedSadie Wackett Co.Sadie Wackett | LinkedInInstagram

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Christine Nowakowski—Corporate Fellow at Cargill and one of General Mills’ most prolific female inventors—shares her unconventional journey through science, leadership, and mentorship. With over 25 years in food science and more than 100 patents and publications, Christine’s work has shaped household staples like Fiber One and Nature Valley. But her path wasn’t linear—it was guided by curiosity, resilience, and a deep love for interdisciplinary learning.From being a first-generation college student inspired by Star Trek to navigating 12 years without a promotion, Christine redefined success on her own terms. She embraced teaching, mentoring veterans, and bridging industry with academia. Her leap from General Mills to Cargill—terrifying but transformative—led to her earning the prestigious title of Corporate Fellow.Christine dives into the power of mentorship, sharing stories of lifelong guides like Dr. Rich Hartel and her brother Steve, while also highlighting how mentees often become unexpected teachers. She opens up about overcoming fear, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to conform—especially as a woman in male-dominated spaces.Listeners will gain practical insights from her work with veterans, including tools like Beyond the Military and StrengthsFinder, and learn the value of simple gestures like saying “thank you.” Christine’s story is a masterclass in reinvention, technical leadership, and the courage to speak up. Tune in for a conversation that will challenge your definition of success and leave you reflecting on your own journey—with gratitude, boldness, and a renewed sense of purpose.

In this powerful episode of “Success, Your Own Way,” Maychee Mua—2025 Bush Fellow, systems change leader, and first-generation Hmong-Chinese American—shares her transformative journey of identity, advocacy, and redefining success.From navigating cultural duality and discovering her neurodivergence to pioneering autism policy in Minnesota and raising neurodivergent children, Maychee's story is one of resilience, authenticity, and community empowerment. She reflects on proud moments, the impact of mentorship, and the importance of ancestral strength, offering heartfelt advice for those seeking their voice and purpose.Her message encourages listeners to embrace nontraditional paths, take courageous risks, and lead with empathy and vision for future generations. To learn more about the Maychee and the Bush Fellowship, visit: https://www.bushfoundation.org/fellows/maychee-mua/

In this episode of Success Your Own Way, Yifat shares her journey from growing up in Israel to becoming a food scientist, corporate leader, and now a consultant. A study abroad experience at NC State sparked her passion for food engineering, leading to a master’s and PhD. Though she once aimed to be a professor, she pivoted to a 12-year career at General Mills before launching her own consulting business.Yifat reflects on the pivotal decisions  to studying abroad and prioritizing her health, which led to a 70-pound weight loss and renewed vitality. Her scientific background helped her make informed choices around nutrition, focusing on long-term health metrics over quick fixes.She credits mentors for shaping her path and encourages others to challenge career “shoulds,” reflect on what truly matters, and trust the process. Her story is a powerful reminder that success is personal, nonlinear, and worth pursuing with intention.yanivconsulting.comLinkedIn

In this episode of Success Your Own Way, we sit down with Jess Kaskov, who shares her remarkable journey from a 15-year engineering career at General Mills to becoming an author, coach, and speaker. Jess opens up about the pivotal career moment that pushed her to reflect on what truly mattered, discovering that her real impact wasn’t in equipment or processes, but in people. She talks about taking a “dimmer switch” approach to career change moving step by step through part-time work, a sabbatical, and coaching certification before fully stepping into entrepreneurship. Jess also reveals how health challenges forced her to rethink what success really means, shifting from external praise and job titles to fulfillment, joy, and impact. We also dive into her bestselling book Soul Salary, where she introduces the idea of giving yourself “raises” and “promotions” in joy and fulfillment, and she shares the exciting details of her upcoming women’s retreat in Sedona. If you’ve ever felt the weight of burnout, questioned society’s default definition of success, or wondered how to take brave but manageable steps toward a more fulfilling life, this conversation will resonate deeply. Learn more about the Retreat: www.jesskaskov.com/retreatCheck out Soul Salary: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9SF6JVK/Free quiz – Discover your Soul Salary: www.jesskaskov.com/soulsalary

Tina’s journey is a powerful narrative of reinvention, resilience, and redefining success on her own terms. From her roots in northern Wisconsin and a career that began in chemical engineering, she evolved through entrepreneurship, leadership roles at Microsoft and UnitedHealth Group, and ultimately found her calling in coaching. Her story is marked by bold decisions, taking on a variety of roles and challenges —like crawling under machinery in a sweltering factory—and shaped by mentors who offered wisdom from all directions. Tina reflects candidly on misconceptions about loyalty in corporate life and the importance of self-advocacy, especially for women. Today, she embraces a life of flexibility, purpose, and deep gratitude, encouraging others to align their work with their values and to never underestimate the power of asking for help. Her message is clear: authentic success is built through courage, connection, and staying true to yourself. 

In this episode of Success Your Own Way, we sit down with Mark Weiler, a man whose career journey reads like a novel. From student manager and entrepreneur to DJ, day trader, and now wine tasting room manager, Mark’s path is anything but conventional. Tina and Yifat explore the twists and turns of his professional life, uncovering powerful insights on success, authenticity, and the courage to start over.Mark shares how early dreams of fame and fortune gave way to a deeper understanding of what success truly means. His reflections are humorous, honest, and refreshingly grounded. From leaving corporate advertising to embracing uncertainty, Mark reveals how a strong sense of mortality and purpose drove his decisions. He reminds us that bravery means acting despite fear, and that fulfillment often lies outside the comfort zone.Mark’s story illustrates the importance of breaking free from limiting roles to pursue meaningful work. Mark offers practical advice:Start with mindset by identify your motivations.Act from empowerment, not fear.Be willing to start at the bottom and work your way up.Mark now manages LeVigne Winery in Los Angeles, bringing authentic wine experiences to an unexpected industrial district. Learn more at levignewinery.com.

In this episode of Success Your Own Way, we sit down with Damon, a former Microsoft sales executive who made a dramatic career pivot leaving big tech behind to teach middle school social studies. Damon shares why he made the shift, what he learned from his students, and how his definition of success has evolved over time. From authenticity and leadership to personal fulfillment and redefining ambition, Damon’s story is honest, inspiring, and full of life lessons (with a few laughs along the way). Whether you're considering a big life change or just want to hear what it’s like to go from selling tech to wrangling 8th graders, this one's for you.

In this episode of Success Your Own Way, Mindy Deardurff shares how her roots in a small town created the foundation upon which she built a remarkable career across higher education and corporate settings, driven by a deep desire to empower students and those early in their careers without support systems. Her personal experience fuels her commitment to mentorship, guidance, and purposeful leadership. Mindy’s definition of success once meant hustle and proving herself, and now is centered on leading with respect and empathy, maintaining balance and wellness, and modeling healthy boundaries for her family. Her story is a masterclass in authenticity, reinvention, and leadership. It’s a call to reject limiting environments, trust your instincts, and honor your evolving definition of success. 

In this episode of Success Your Own Way, co-host Yifat Rogers steps into the spotlight. She shares her journey from food scientist to fractional consultant and framework creator. Yifat talks about leaving corporate life, building the Eureka Framework, and redefining what success looks like. From managing perfectionism to prioritizing what really matters, this episode is filled with insights for anyone navigating change, especially those forging their own path after corporate.Yaniv Consulting

This episode of "Success Your Own Way" features Paul Boehnke, a speaker, author, and life coach helping solopreneurs align their business for greater impact. A former classical musician, Paul transitioned into coaching, focusing on personal growth and mindset transformation. His book, Thoughts on Demand, teaches individuals to turn negative self-talk into confidence, while his coaching emphasizes curiosity and abundance over rigid goals. Key insights from Paul: Success evolves from embracing the journey with curiosity. Letting go of fixed outcomes leads to unexpected opportunities, like his invitation to speak in Iceland. Addressing the inner critic is crucial for transformation—negative thoughts don’t define us. Shifting mindset from scarcity to abundance opens up growth. Curiosity reduces self-doubt, fostering a more fulfilling experience.  Listeners are encouraged to redefine success, question limiting beliefs, and embrace curiosity-driven growth.  ResourcesWebsite: paulboehnke.comBook: thoughtsondemand.orgYouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@innercriticcoach

In this episode, Tina Schuricht explores 5 essential characteristics of strong leadership: Emotional Intelligence, Executive Presence, Strategic Thinking, Delegation, and Building Trust. Tina shares how her definition of success evolved over time, from career-driven milestones to a balance of personal connections, flexibility, and time spent on what truly matters. This episode emphasizes that leadership is a journey, where personal growth and authentic leadership strategies unlock the potential of both leaders and their teams. Tune in to reflect on these traits and discover actionable insights for cultivating your leadership style and how coaching can help!McGinty Coaching

On this episode of Success Your Own Way, Ethan Johnson recounts his career journey, starting with formative experiences like carpentry and washing dishes, which instilled a strong work ethic and creativity. Transitioning to the tech industry, he gained valuable experience in finance and project management as well as explored diverse roles in payments, marketing, and sales, fostering curiosity and expanding his skill set. Most recently, Ethan pursued entrepreneurial ventures, focusing on advisory roles in startups, gaming studios, SaaS providers, and Athlea (athlea) - a sports tech company combining AI and physical fitness. Over the past five years, Ethan’s concept of success evolved from career titles and promotions to empowering teams, fostering collaboration, and creating impactful environments. Drawing on his experience as a rowing coach, he emphasizes understanding individual motivations and tailoring leadership approaches to inspire growth. Ethan advocates for mid-career self-assessment, aligning work with personal values, and prioritizing family dynamics. Ethan highlights the importance of helping others succeed and navigating life transitions with mentorship and coaching. Through deliberate reconnections and holistic exploration, Ethan embraces adaptability, curiosity, and continuous learning as keys to fulfillment.

In this episode of Success Your Own Way, Angie Kalaytowicz reflects on her career journey, initially steering away from IT despite their parents' influence. She studied Medical Microbiology but pivoted to IT when job market challenges arose, starting with a role at Epic, where her scientific background proved valuable. Angie discusses her intense focus on career growth in her 20s, but over time, Angie’s perspective on success evolved. She began valuing personal roles and community over career achievements.  Angie emphasizes authenticity in professional interactions, learning to balance work and life while adapting to various environments and embracing challenges. Transitioning between industries, such as moving from IT operations at a large corporation to a smaller company, taught her the importance of curiosity, humility, and collaboration. She advocates for taking risks, seeking help, and learning on the job. Angie's advice includes choosing unfamiliar paths for growth, staying authentic, balancing financial stability, and embracing adaptability as keys to success. Angie’s journey highlights continuous learning, resilience, and personal authenticity as pathways to fulfillment. 

In this episode of Success Your Own Way, hosts Tina Schuricht and Yifat Rogers sit down with Angela Dodd, founder of Females in Food. Angela shares her journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, including the personal challenges that led her to build a platform dedicated to empowering women in the food and beverage industry.They discuss:How toxic work environments can spark major life changes.The evolving definition of success over different career stages.Lessons learned from founding Females in Food, including the importance of building a support system and accepting vulnerability.Key strategies for career and personal growth, such as setting boundaries, building confidence, and taking action before feeling "ready."The power of writing down goals and speaking them out loud for accountability.Angela also offers practical advice for anyone looking to redefine success on their own terms and reminds listeners that success looks different for everyone.Connect with Angela on LinkedIn and at Females In Food 

Andy Nelson is an ICF-certified executive coach (PCC) and principal at Nelson Executive Coaching (www.NelsonExecutiveCoaching.com) with decades of corporate leadership experience at four Fortune 150 companies, and coaching and leadership development experience across industries as diverse as agribusiness, healthcare, retail, technology, manufacturing, education, & financial services. He coaches to build more authentic, resilient, and confident leaders, at the largest Fortune 500s as well as in smaller companies. His unique mix of technical acumen, emotional intelligence, and leadership development skills makes him a sought-after executive coach, consultant, and featured speaker by leaders at all levels. Fortified by his experience as a stage 4 cancer survivor/thriver, Andy is dynamic, bold, and caring as a coach, to bring forth deep awareness, truth, and action for leaders and their teams. In this episode of Success Your Own Way, Andy shares his transformative journey of personal growth, focusing on authenticity, resilience, and pursuing meaningful work. His path involved shedding societal expectations, embracing his true self, and prioritizing values over external ambitions. A stage 4 cancer diagnosis served as a pivotal moment, clarifying life's priorities and fueling his dedication to executive coaching, leadership development, and public speaking. Faith, self-awareness, and daily alignment with his values guide Andy’s actions, as he aims to inspire others by sharing his story. Rejecting traditional career paths like corporate promotions or advanced degrees that didn't align with his essence, Andy pursued coaching with clarity and courage, even leaving corporate America to work independently. He attributes his resilience to supportive relationships, physical self-care, and adaptability, while emphasizing that confidence develops through practice and reflection on personal growth. Andy’s current projects include a book, "Survivor's Gratitude," and a retreat initiative, "Begin Again," in collaboration with his wife, Michael, highlighting their mutual commitment to fostering human connection. Andy’s journey underscores the importance of self-awareness, courage, and intentional living, encouraging others to define success authentically and pursue lives of purpose andThe Gifts of CancerThe Practice of Being Human