The UNBLOCK Yourself Podcast: Finding Clarity in Career Paths and Career Pivots

Just when you thought our book series was wrapped… we drop ONE more 😄Greg goes solo for the very first time to break down Try Hard: Creative Work in Progress by Max Kerman. For anyone living under a rock (HA!), Max is the frontman of Arkells… and this book is such a cool mix of real stories, creative thinking, and what it actually takes to build something meaningful over time.This episode is really about creating something that’s actually yours…Even when it feels uncomfortableEven when you’re not sure you’re readyEven when that voice in your head is telling you to play it safeThe book itself is part behind-the-scenes look at Arkells, part creative philosophy, and part kick in the ass (in the best way).In this episode, Greg keeps it simple and pulls out three ideas (because yes… he loves a good top three):Finding your people – why things change when you stop trying to do it all alone.Imposter syndrome – what it feels like and Max’s PERFECT advice for how to overcome it.The Power of Intention – how intentional focus gives each one of us the power to move mountains. There’s also something kind of perfect about this one…A solo episode about a book that’s literally about having the courage to put your work out into the world.Whether you’re an Arkells fan or not, you’ll get something out of this one. It’s a wicked reminder to stop overthinking, start creating, and just….. TRY HARD. We hope you enjoy this (first ever) solo episode! And if you don’t…well…’tuna salad’...EPISODE LINKS & REFERENCESBUY Try Hard by Max KermanArkells Some of our Favourite Arkells Songs:What’s on your mind? (Madison’s new favourite)All Roads (our wedding entrance song)Pullin’ PunchesBook ClubReckoningMakin’ DueWe’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterUNBLOCK Yourself™ ProgramCorporate ProgrammingWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn On this podcast, we explore what it means to get UNBLOCKED.You’ll hear stories about finding clarity, navigating career pivots, and choosing to live with intention. Sometimes that’s through conversations with guests who made bold moves and changed direction. Other times it’s just the two of us unpacking the books, ideas, and lessons shaping our own journey.We’re not experts looking down from a stage. We’re in it too. Building, questioning, adjusting, and trying to create lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional.

We’re wrapping up our Books That Shaped Us series with a special one… Why Are We Here by Jennifer Moss — someone we know, respect, and have actually had on the podcast before (you’ll find that episode linked below).This book is a big one. Not in size, but in depth. It’s packed with research, real-world examples, and a ton of insight into what’s actually going on in today’s workplace. And more importantly… why so many people feel disconnected, burned out, or just off.In this episode, we keep it simple and focus on three ideas that really stuck with us:Freedom – what it actually means at work today (and why it’s not just about working from home)Compassion – especially in a world where AI, change, and uncertainty are making people question their placeCommunity – and why it’s quietly disappearing… even though we need it more than everWe also talk about our own experiences stepping away from corporate life, what it would take (if anything) to go back, and how leaders can think differently about creating environments where people actually want to show up.At its core, this book is a reminder that work isn’t just about output. It’s about people.And if we get that part right… a lot of the other stuff tends to follow.If you’re leading a team, building something of your own, or just trying to make sense of work right now… this one’s worth a listen.We hope you enjoy this episode!EPISODE LINKS & REFERENCESBook Featured in This EpisodeWhy Are We Here by Jennifer MossJennifer Moss on the UNBLOCK Yourself PodcastWe’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterUNBLOCK Yourself™ ProgramCorporate ProgrammingWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn On this podcast, we explore what it means to get UNBLOCKED.You’ll hear stories about finding clarity, navigating career pivots, and choosing to live with intention. Sometimes that’s through conversations with guests who made bold moves and changed direction. Other times it’s just the two of us unpacking the books, ideas, and lessons shaping our own journey.We’re not experts looking down from a stage. We’re in it too. Building, questioning, adjusting, and trying to create lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional.

We’re on episode 4 of 5 in our book series, and this week we’re diving into Essentialism by Greg McKeown.This book is all about cutting through the noise and getting clear on what’s actually ESSENTIAL and worth your time and energy.In this episode, we talk through the books three core parts and how they actually show up in real life:ExploreFiguring out what you should actually be spending your time on. When everything feels important, nothing is and it’s hard to know what to prioritize. We talk about how hard that is when you’re in it, and why stepping away can help you see it more clearly.EliminateSaying no, cutting things out, and resisting the instinct to just keep adding more. We talk about the idea that better doesn’t come from adding, it comes from subtracting, and how learning to do that well can completely change how you work and live.ExecuteEven when you know where you want to spend your time, it’s easy to fall back into old patterns. This part is about actually protecting your time and energy so the right things get done. We get into the idea of building in buffer and not packing your schedule so tightly that everything feels rushed or reactive.We also talk about how to say no (and why people often respect you more for it), and how success can create more noise and busyness instead of more clarity and meaningful progress.We love anything that helps people live more intentionally, and this book ABSOLUTELY delivers on that.Enjoy this conversation on Essentialism.EPISODE LINKS & REFERENCESBook Featured in This EpisodeEssentialism by Greg McKeown We’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterUNBLOCK Yourself™ ProgramCorporate ProgrammingWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn On this podcast, we explore what it means to get UNBLOCKED.You’ll hear stories about finding clarity, navigating career pivots, and choosing to live with intention. Sometimes that’s through conversations with guests who made bold moves and changed direction. Other times it’s just the two of us unpacking the books, ideas, and lessons shaping our own journey.We’re not experts looking down from a stage. We’re in it too. Building, questioning, adjusting, and trying to create lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional.

We’re on book 3 of 5 in our book series. This week we cover Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit by Brené Brown.At the heart of this book is a simple idea:You can’t build something strong on a broken foundation.In this conversation, we unpack what it actually means to build that foundation. Not just in leadership, but in life too.We get into the idea of grounded confidence. Not as something you either have or don’t, but something you build over time through discipline, accountability, and practice. It shows up in the small things, like doing what you don’t feel like doing, and in the bigger things, like learning how to actually trust yourself.We also spend time unpacking one of the biggest themes from the book, that leadership is about paradox. It’s not about choosing one path, but learning how to hold two things at once. Profit and purpose. Optimism and realism. Strategy and execution. Or as Brené puts it, leadership is both plumbing and poetry.Another idea we talk about is “pocket presence.” It’s the ability to stay grounded and make decisions under pressure, even when you don’t have all the information. It’s less about how you look as a leader, and more about how you show up when it actually matters.We also get into:why preparation matters more than natural abilityhow connection and trust drive performanceand how the work you do behind the scenes is what actually shows up when it countsThere’s a lot in this one. Some of it challenges you, some of it reinforces things you already know but maybe haven’t been doing.We hope you enjoy this conversation on Strong Ground.EPISODE LINKS & REFERENCESBook Featured in This EpisodeStrong Ground by Brené BrownWe’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterUNBLOCK Yourself™ ProgramCorporate ProgrammingWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn On this podcast, we explore what it means to get UNBLOCKED.You’ll hear stories about finding clarity, navigating career pivots, and choosing to live with intention. Sometimes that’s through conversations with guests who made bold moves and changed direction. Other times it’s just the two of us unpacking the books, ideas, and lessons shaping our own journey.We’re not experts looking down from a stage. We’re in it too. Building, questioning, adjusting, and trying to create lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional.

Our book series continues with The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday.The book draws from the ancient philosophy of Stoicism and centers on a simple idea. The obstacles we face in life are not just things to get around. Often, they’re the path forward.In this episode, we break down the core ideas from the book. We talk about why the way we perceive obstacles matters more than the obstacle itself, when persistence is useful, and when resistance might actually be a signal to change direction.Greg also shares how this book impacted him personally during one of the hardest seasons of his life and why the ideas around perspective and perseverance have stayed with him for nearly a decade.If you’ve ever faced something difficult and wondered whether to keep pushing forward or pivot entirely, this conversation (and this book) offers a helpful lens to think about obstacles.Because sometimes the thing standing in your way is actually pointing the way forward.What We Talked About• The Stoic philosophy behind The Obstacle Is the Way• The three disciplines Ryan Holiday highlights: perception, action, and will• Why the way we interpret obstacles shapes how we experience them• The tension between perseverance and recognizing when it may be time to pivot• Why action creates momentum when you're facing resistance• Historical examples from leaders like Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln• A real example from our own UNBLOCK Yourself program about pushing through discomfort and eventually finding the right laneWe hope you enjoy this episode!EPISODE LINKS & REFERENCESBook Featured in This EpisodeThe Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan HolidayThe Painted Porch Bookshop (Ryan’s bookstore in Texas) We’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterUNBLOCK Yourself™ ProgramCorporate ProgrammingWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn On this podcast, we explore what it means to get UNBLOCKED.You’ll hear stories about finding clarity, navigating career pivots, and choosing to live with intention. Sometimes that’s through conversations with guests who made bold moves and changed direction. Other times it’s just the two of us unpacking the books, ideas, and lessons shaping our own journey.We’re not experts looking down from a stage. We’re in it too. Building, questioning, adjusting, and trying to create lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional.

Welcome to Season 2 of the UNBLOCK Yourself podcast.To kick things off this season, we’re trying something new. We’re diving into a handful of books that shaped our thinking this past year and pulling out the ideas that actually stuck with us.Think of it as the conversation after you finish a great book. The big takeaways. The ideas we kept circling back to days later.If you’ve ever had a growing stack of books on your nightstand and zero time to read them, this series is for you. We’ll read them, wrestle with them, challenge them, and share what’s worth carrying forward. And if something sparks for you, you can always go deeper.The first book in the series is The Third Door by Alex Banayan.At twenty years old, Banayan set out to crack the code of success by interviewing icons like Maya Angelou, Quincy Jones, Bill Gates, Lady Gaga, and Tim Ferriss. With no money and no connections, he found unconventional ways into rooms most people never get near, including hacking The Price Is Right to fund his mission.In this episode, Greg breaks down the core ideas from the book while Whitney reacts in real time, asks the questions you might be thinking, and connects the dots to our own work and life.We unpack what it really means to look for the “third door,” why easy might actually be a red flag, and how having a clear mission tends to attract the right people into your orbit.If you’ve ever felt like everyone else got the VIP pass and you’re stuck waiting in line, this one will challenge you to look for the alley door instead.What We Talked About• What Alex means by “The Third Door” and why it matters • How Alex funded his dream by winning on The Price Is Right • Why easy can be a bad signal • The difference between a linear life and an exponential life • The notion of “Adventure Happens to the Adventurous” • How to ask bold questions and reach out to people you admire • Why storytelling is a leadership skill • When you find your mission and you’ll find your peopleWe hope you enjoy this episode!EPISODE LINKS & REFERENCESBook Featured in This EpisodeThe Third Door by Alex BanayanReferenced People & StoriesMaya AngelouQuincy JonesBill GatesLady GagaTim FerrissWarren BuffettThe Price Is RightWe’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterUNBLOCK Yourself™ ProgramCorporate ProgrammingWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn On this podcast, we explore what it means to get UNBLOCKED.You’ll hear stories about finding clarity, navigating career pivots, and choosing to live with intention. Sometimes that’s through conversations with guests who made bold moves and changed direction. Other times it’s just the two of us unpacking the books, ideas, and lessons shaping our own journey.We’re not experts looking down from a stage. We’re in it too. Building, questioning, adjusting, and trying to create lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional.

This is our last episode of season one. Instead of an interview, it is just the two of us reflecting on our first year building Vienna Waits and looking back on the moments from 2025 that really stood out.Since we are clearly very cool parents, we are jumping on the Six Seven trend and sharing six or seven moments from the year. We each came with our own list and did not compare notes ahead of time, so part of the fun was seeing where we overlapped and where we surprised each other.This conversation is reflective, honest, and very much us. It is a chance to slow down, look back, and close out the season before we turn the page.We will be taking a short break through the holidays and will be back in early 2026 with season two and some new ideas for the podcast.Thank you for being part of season one. We’re really grateful you’re here.Episode Links: Free Year End Reflection GuideApply for our UNBLOCK Yourself ProgramWe’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn Every other Thursday, we talk to people who got UNBLOCKED. You'll hear stories about finding clarity, career paths, career pivots and living with intention. Our guests tell us how they realized something had to change, made bold moves, and built lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional. We’ll share some of our own stories too, because we’re right here, figuring it out like everyone else. 

We met Jon on a dock in Northern Ontario this past summer. He was here on holiday with his family from Sweden… and it turns out Jon is a big deal in Sweden (although we learned that from a mutual friend… Jon is much too humble to admit that). He runs the biggest supporter podcast for Malmö FF, has regular appearances on TV and YouTube, and has a deep marketing background that makes him one of those quietly brilliant people you want to learn from.Jon is passionate, authentic and the kind of person who built a whole creative career by following what actually gave him energy instead of what looked good on paper. This conversation goes everywhere in the best way. Football, chasing creative joy, burnout, ADHD, entrepreneurship, authenticity, AI tools, marketing do’s and don’ts, and why he’d happily eat canned tuna every day if it meant he could keep doing what he loves.Here are some highlights from our chat: • How a simple walk with a friend turned into the biggest supporter podcast for Malmö FF • The surreal moment Spotify reached out • Why he refuses to give up creative independence • The highs and lows of having thousands of passionate fans emailing you weekly • How ADHD and burnout pushed him to finally leave corporate life • The marketing advice he gave us that applies to literally every business • The AI tools he swears by and why SEO is shifting fast • His advice for anyone who feels stuck or scared to start something newEnjoy this conversation with Jon Nordström.Episode Links & Resources: Radio 1910 Podcast (Jon’s podcast for Malmö FF)The Artist’s Way by Julia CameronThe Heart of Buddha’s Teachings by Thich Nhat HanhLovable Dev (AI website creator Jon loves)We’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn Every other Thursday, we talk to people who got UNBLOCKED. You'll hear stories about finding clarity, career paths, career pivots and living with intention. Our guests tell us how they realized something had to change, made bold moves, and built lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional. We’ll share some of our own stories too, because we’re right here, figuring it out like everyone else. 

David Priemer is the Founder and Chief Sales Scientist of Cerebral Selling and is often called the “Sales Professor” for his unique blend of science, empathy, and storytelling. His approaches to sales and leadership have been featured in the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Inc.. He is also the author of two bestselling books, Sell the Way You Buy and The Sales Leader They Need, and a keynote speaker who has inspired audiences around the world.In this episode, David shares how his path from scientist to sales leader shaped his belief that selling is not about pressure, it is about connection. We talk about his experience preparing for his TED Talk, his cancer diagnosis and the perspective it gave him, and how writing became one of the most powerful ways to clarify his thinking and crystallize ideas.He also reminds us that we often overestimate the risk of change, and that doing hard things for their own sake can reshape how we lead and live.🎧 Tune in to hear us talk about:How a scientist found his calling in sales and leadershipThe power of empathy and belief-driven sellingOverestimating risk and learning to take bold stepsWriting as a tool for clarity and convictionLessons from cancer and what it taught him about trust and gratitudeThe connection between science, storytelling, and salesWhy hard things often become the things that matter mostEnjoy this conversation with David Priemer. Episode Links & Resources: Cerebral Selling WebsiteDavid Priemer on LinkedIn Cerebral Selling on YouTubeBook: Sell The Way You BuyBook: The Sales Leader They Need Book: The One ThingWe’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn Every other Thursday, we talk to people who got UNBLOCKED. You'll hear stories about finding clarity, career paths, career pivots and living with intention. Our guests tell us how they realized something had to change, made bold moves, and built lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional. We’ll share some of our own stories too, because we’re right here, figuring it out like everyone else. 

Alex Mustakas built one of Canada’s most successful theatre companies from a single small-town stage in Drayton, Ontario. He’s an actor, theatre director, and the Founder and CEO of Drayton Entertainment which is a not-for-profit that’s now home to seven theatres, hundreds of artists and staff, and some of the absolute best live performances in the country.In this episode, Alex shares his journey from immigrating to Canada from Cyprus to finding his place in the arts and building a legacy that blends creativity, business, and heart. We talk about how community, connection, and a whole lot of persistence shaped his path.In this episode we covered:Growing up as an immigrant kid and chasing big dreams in a new countryThe friendship and “that’ll never work” moments with The Wealthy Barber author David ChiltonBuilding Drayton Entertainment from one tiny playhouse to a seven-theatre powerhouseRunning a world-class theatre company with zero government fundingCreating the Drayton Youth Academy and teaching life skills through the artsThe little things (like flowers in the theatre washrooms) that end up being the big thingsHow Alex is shaping his legacy and passing the torchAlex was such a pleasure to chat with. He’s living proof that when you mix heart with hustle, the standing ovation eventually comes.We hope you enjoy this conversation with Alex MustakasLINKS & RESOURCES: Drayton Entertainment WebsiteDrayton Entertainment on InstagramDrayton Youth Academy on InstagramThe Wealthy Barber by David ChiltonIf It Ain’t Broke… Break It! by Robert KriegelWe’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn Every other Thursday, we talk to people who got UNBLOCKED. You'll hear stories about finding clarity, career paths, career pivots and living with intention. Our guests tell us how they realized something had to change, made bold moves, and built lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional. We’ll share some of our own stories too, because we’re right here, figuring it out like everyone else. 

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Yarborough (former Chief Growth Officer, partnerships and GTM leader, podcast host, and co-founder of Arcadia) for a conversation about courage, harmony and building something meaningful with the person you love.After years in the SaaS world leading partnership strategy within the Salesforce ecosystem, Sam had what many would call a dream career (big title, big impact, big paycheck) but she felt disconnected from herself. When her husband Jason looked at her and said, “Your spark is gone,” it became the wake-up call she needed.Together, Sam and Jason took a leap and built Arcadia, a leadership community and retreat series helping revenue and partnership professionals reconnect with purpose and create more harmony between work and life. As a fellow husband and wife duo building a business, we could relate to their story on every level.We talk about:Walking away from “success” on paper to rediscover your sparkHow Arcadia began as an idea and became a movement for intentional leadershipBuilding a business with your partner (and learning to stay in your lanes)The power of relationships and authenticity in work and lifeWhy perfectionism kills progress (and why action is the antidote)Creating harmony over hustle in your career and home lifeHow clarity comes from taking the first step, not waiting for the plan to be perfectThis is a conversation about courage, reinvention, and redefining success on your own terms (with a little bit of Montana magic mixed in).Enjoy this conversation with Sam Yarborough.Episode Links: Arcadia ConstellationArcadia Leadership Experience (ALX)Subscribe to ‘The Friend Zone’ NewsletterFriends with Benefits Podcast Sam on LinkedInWe’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn Every other Thursday, we talk to people who got UNBLOCKED. You'll hear stories about finding clarity, career paths, career pivots and living with intention. Our guests tell us how they realized something had to change, made bold moves, and built lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional. We’ll share some of our own stories too, because we’re right here, figuring it out like everyone else. 

In this episode, we dive into another one of the core values that shapes Vienna Waits: gratitude.Fresh off hosting our first-ever Waypoint Retreat, we reflect on the experience, the lessons we learned, and the deep sense of appreciation that continues to ripple from it. We talk about how gratitude shows up as both a feeling and a practice, how it connects to our Pause, Prioritize, and Pursue framework, and why slowing down can actually be the fastest way to move forward.We explore:What it means to live with gratitude beyond the buzzwordThe three proven benefits of practicing gratitudeThe connection between gratitude, generosity, and presenceWhy creating space to pause can spark deeper connection and clarityOur simple GLOW Framework to help you build your gratitude practiceWe also share personal stories from the Waypoint Retreat, our daily reflection habits, and even a few funny moments (like the banana incident) that show how gratitude can shift everything from your mood to your mindset.Episode Links: Waypoint 2026 Waitlist The GLOW Framework (Ground, Linger, Observe, Write) — Try it for your own gratitude practiceTED Talk: “Want to Be Happy? Be Grateful” by David Steindl-RastThe Vienna Five Newsletter — where we share more reflections on gratitude, intentional living, and life off autopilot. Subscribe at vienna-waits.com/newsletterWe’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn Every other Thursday, we talk to people who got UNBLOCKED. You'll hear stories about finding clarity, career paths, career pivots and living with intention. Our guests tell us how they realized something had to change, made bold moves, and built lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional. We’ll share some of our own stories too, because we’re right here, figuring it out like everyone else. 

In this episode, we sit down with award-winning photographer, storyteller, and community builder Hilary Gauld for a conversation about creativity, advocacy, patience, and the power of images to change how we see ourselves and each other.Hilary’s journey didn’t begin with a lifelong dream to become a photographer. After a corporate career and raising young kids, a series of circumstances nudged her toward picking up a camera. What started as a few family shoots quickly grew into a thriving business that has now spanned nearly two decades, with her work featured in People Magazine, CBC, Breakfast Television, and even displayed on a billboard in Times Square.But photography for Hilary has never just been about taking pictures. It’s about memory-making, storytelling, and using images to shift narratives. From her long-standing work with the Down Syndrome community to powerful campaigns for women’s shelters and breast cancer awareness, Hilary shows how portraits can create conversation, representation, and lasting change.We talk about how curiosity and connection drive her work, what it means to be a “super connector,” and why patience is essential in both business and life. Hilary shares what it means to treat a career like raising a baby—nurturing it, sticking with it, and letting it grow at its own pace. She also opens up about channeling her creativity into art therapy programs, mentorship for young women, and a new chapter of impact.Here are just a few of the themes we explore with Hilary:How circumstances (not a grand plan) sparked her career in photographyThe difference between being a “picture taker” and a “memory maker”The power of portraits to change narratives for underrepresented communitiesBehind the scenes of the 31 Faces, 31 Days Down Syndrome Awareness campaignWhy representation in media matters and how advocacy through art creates changeWhy patience and consistency are key to building meaningful work that lastsWhat she’s building next: art therapy programs for kids and mentorship for womenHer advice for anyone feeling stuck or ready to step into something newThis is a conversation about storytelling, connection, and the patience to build something meaningful from wherever you are.Enjoy this conversation with Hilary Gauld.Episode Links:ONE FOR THE WALLHilary Gauld (Commercial)Hilary on Instagram31 Faces, 31 DaysShe Is Your Neighbour CampaignWaterloo Wellington Down Syndrome SocietyWho Moved My Cheese by Spencer JohnsonWe’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn Every other Thursday, we talk to people who got UNBLOCKED. You'll hear stories about finding clarity, career paths, career pivots and living with intention. Our guests tell us how they realized something had to change, made bold moves, and built lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional. We’ll share some of our own stories too, because we’re right here, figuring it out like everyone else. 

Today we are sitting down with Glenn Pascoe, founder of One4Another, a Canadian charity that provides life changing surgeries for children in Uganda. What began with helping six kids has grown into a hospital that has facilitated over 3500 surgeries since 2012 with 573 in 2024 alone.But Glenn’s story is not about swooping in to save children. It is about how his own struggles including divorce, depression, and searching for purpose pulled him back to Africa, where he discovered that healing can be reciprocal. The kids and families he serves have given him just as much as he has given them.In this conversation Glenn shares the realities of starting a grassroots organization with no resources, the importance of trusted local partners, and the challenges of sustaining hope through obstacles like COVID, economic downturns, and skepticism. He also talks about the timing of life events, the pull of purpose, and the advice he would give anyone feeling stuck.This is a story about resilience, empathy, and the power of answering a call you cannot ignore. If Glenn’s journey does not stir something in you, you were not paying close enough attention.Here are just a few of the themes we explore with Glenn:How six surgeries grew into a hospital serving thousands of children in UgandaThe life changing impact of affordable surgeries and access to healthcareGlenn’s journey through divorce and depression and how it led him back to AfricaThe power of reciprocity in charity work and building One4Another on trust and local leadershipHis advice for anyone feeling stuck and pulled toward something biggerWe hope this conversation leaves you as humbled and inspired as it left us and that Glenn’s story sparks reflection on what it means to find purpose, to give, and to receive. Episode Links: One4Another WebsiteOne4Another Instagram#1 Draft Pick Sponsor a Surgery We’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn Every other Thursday, we talk to people who got UNBLOCKED. You'll hear stories about finding clarity, career paths, career pivots and living with intention. Our guests tell us how they realized something had to change, made bold moves, and built lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional. We’ll share some of our own stories too, because we’re right here, figuring it out like everyone else. 

It is just us again, Whitney and Greg, back with another “What We’re Built On” conversation where we dive into the values that sit at the core of Vienna Waits. This time, we are talking about adventure.Adventure is one of those words that can mean a lot of things: booking a retreat before you have ever even been to one, hopping on a plane to somewhere new, or simply saying yes to the unknown. For us, it is fueled by mountain bike races, half marathons, backcountry camping trips, and travels with our kids. It also shows up in smaller ways like trying something different for dinner or starting a conversation that scares you a little.In this episode we explore the upside of adventure including building grit, resilience, stronger bonds, and a deeper sense of meaning. We also talk about the harder side, like how a restless spirit can sometimes create tension or make stability feel impossible. We share personal stories, research backed benefits, and examples from our community of people who are saying yes to bold, scary, or simply new experiences.Whether adventure for you means moving across the world, picking up a new hobby, or just stepping off autopilot, this episode is about leaning into the unknown and seeing what it has to teach you.Episode links:Our Core ValuesMan’s Search For Meaning by Viktor FranklWe’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterUNBLOCK Yourself ProgramWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn Every other Thursday, we talk to people who got UNBLOCKED. You'll hear stories about finding clarity, career paths, career pivots and living with intention. Our guests tell us how they realized something had to change, made bold moves, and built lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional. We’ll share some of our own stories too, because we’re right here, figuring it out like everyone else. 

In this episode, we chat with award winning author, speaker, and workplace culture expert Jennifer Moss for a conversation about burnout, resilience, hope, and the realities of building a career and a life on your own terms.From her early days in journalism and PR to founding a tech company with her husband Jim Moss, Jen shares the winding path that led her to become a globally recognized voice on workplace happiness and well being. Along the way, she opens up about the personal burnout that forced her to stop, reset, and rebuild with a renewed focus on values, boundaries, and rest without guilt.We explore what it takes to avoid burnout in both traditional workplaces and entrepreneurial life, how to apply research backed strategies like Snyder’s Hope Theory, and why even the most accomplished people still wrestle with impostor syndrome.Here are just a few of the themes we dig into with Jen:Jen’s experience in Riyadh and witnessing rapid cultural shifts in women’s empowerment and the future of workThe six root causes of burnout and how they show up for entrepreneurs and solopreneursWhy “rest without guilt” is essential for true recoveryHow to apply a “deathbed regret” filter when making business and life decisionsWhat impostor syndrome looks like at the top levels of leadership (and how to reframe your inner dialogue)Using hope as a strategy: setting micro goals, creating multiple pathways, and celebrating winsWhy fiction is one of the most powerful tools for building empathyThe role of values alignment in sustainable successThis is a conversation that blends research, real life lessons, and candid storytelling about the highs and lows of chasing meaningful work. Whether you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or just in need of a perspective shift, Jen offers tools, strategies, and a whole lot of honesty to help you find your way forward.Enjoy this conversation with Jennifer Moss.Episode Links: Jennifer Moss: Website Why Are We Here by Jennifer MossThe Burnout Epidemic by Jennifer MossUnlocking Happiness at Work by Jennifer MossLinkedIn Learning Courses by Jennifer MossCreating a Happier Workplace is Possible—and Worth It - HBR Article A Little Life by Hanya YanagiharaCloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony DoerrThe Smile CEO: Jim MossWe’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn Every other Thursday, we talk to people who got UNBLOCKED. You'll hear stories about finding clarity, career paths, career pivots and living with intention. Our guests tell us how they realized something had to change, made bold moves, and built lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional. We’ll share some of our own stories too, because we’re right here, figuring it out like everyone else. 

In this episode, Greg sits down with Australian singer, songwriter, and musician Bobby Alu for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, movement, rest, and what it really takes to stay in flow. From touring the world to trusting his gut and going solo, Bobby shares how he’s built a life around rhythm—onstage and off.Bobby's music is known for capturing the feeling of your favorite drink at sunset. But behind that breezy vibe is someone who has taken big creative risks, followed unlikely threads, and chosen a path that prioritizes joy, intuition, and people over convention.Together, Greg and Bobby talk about what it really means to live and create in flow. They dig into the unexpected moments that shape us, and what it looks like to build a life and career around rest, movement, and community.Every other Thursday, we talk to people who got UNBLOCKED. You'll hear stories about finding clarity, career paths, career pivots and living with intention. Our guests tell us how they realized something had to change, made bold moves, and built lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional. We’ll share some of our own stories too, because we’re right here, figuring it out like everyone else. Here are just a few of the themes they explore in the episode:The power of rest and Bobby’s philosophy on naps and rechargingWhat he calls his “Rhythm Quest” to Ghana and how it helped him reconnect with presence and passionThe importance of movement and why any step countsHow we often glorify the leap of faith when the real challenge is surviving the free fallWhy people and connection are the real compass in both life and businessLetting go of control and allowing spontaneity to shape the creative processCreating space on purpose to invite magic and possibilityWhat it means to keep things in perspective and “Keep It Tropical” even when life feels uncertainThere’s a lot packed into this one—travel stories, rhythm quests, real talk about creativity, and how to move through the stuck moments without overthinking them. It’s one of those conversations you’ll want to revisit. And if you’re looking to add something new to your bookshelf, listen to the end for Bobby’s go-to book recommendation.Enjoy this conversation with Bobby Alu.Episode Links: Bobby Alu’s WebsiteJoin Bobby Alu’s Mailing List Bobby Alu on InstagramBobby Alu on YouTubeBobby Alu on TikTokBig Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert We’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Subscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn 

If you want a real-life example of post-traumatic growth, Ben Fanelli’s story is it. Greg has been on a mission to crack the code on how people turn the worst moments into the best chapters, and Ben might just be the blueprint. We’re talking about a hockey player who went through trauma you wouldn’t wish on anyone, and somehow turned it into something bigger, better, and more meaningful than the “top of the mountain” he was chasing in the first place.Ben is now a registered psychotherapist, podcast host, motivational speaker and founder of a mental health platform, all rooted in the idea that everyone has the ability to be the hero of their own story. He joins us to spill the (sometimes messy, always honest) truth about his comeback after a life-changing injury, why the support of family, friends, and even the odd free Tim Hortons coffee can change everything, and how he’s working to make mental health support more normal and less clinical.We get into why elite athletes definitely do feel anxiety, why chasing perfection is a trap, and what actually happens when you let yourself lean on your people. There’s lots of laughs, a little philosophy, and a reminder that the people who look “unbreakable” are often just really good at asking for help. Ben’s journey proves you can build something even better after everything falls apart.Every other Thursday, we talk to people who got UNBLOCKED. You'll hear stories about finding clarity, career paths, career pivots and living with intention. Our guests tell us how they realized something had to change, made bold moves, and built lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional. We’ll share some of our own stories too, because we’re right here, figuring it out like everyone else. Links & ResourcesHeroic MindsHeroic Minds PodcastBen Fanelli on LinkedInBen Fanelli on Instagram4,000 Weeks BookGreg’s Mak(hani) & Cheese RecipeWe’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Subscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn 

It’s just us this week—Whitney and Greg—pulling back the curtain and kicking off a new kind of episode you’ll hear from time to time on the podcast. In between our guest conversations, we’ll be dropping these “core value” episodes where we dive into one of the six values at the heart of Vienna Waits.This time, we’re talking about resilience. We share what resilience really means to us, why it’s so important, and how building Vienna Waits has tested and grown ours (sometimes in pretty ridiculous ways). We also share some entrepreneurial bloopers and ways that we have tripped up along our journey to build our business. Every one of these mistakes has taught us something and helped us bounce back stronger.We break down why we believe resilience isn’t something you’re born with, but something you learn by getting up after a fall. Greg also shares our POSSE model we work through in our UNBLOCK Yourself program for resilience and how you can figure out where you might need a little boost.You’ll hear more of these core value episodes here and there, sprinkled in with our usual interviews. If you ever feel like you’re the only one stumbling your way through something new, you’re definitely not alone. Come for the stories, stay for the laughs, and maybe leave feeling a little more courage to try your own thing. Every other Thursday, we talk to people who got UNBLOCKED. You'll hear stories about finding clarity, career paths, career pivots and living with intention. Our guests tell us how they realized something had to change, made bold moves, and built lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional. We’ll share some of our own stories too, because we’re right here, figuring it out like everyone else.We’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Subscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn 

What happens when the person who is supposed to hold it all together is quietly falling apart?In this episode, Greg and Whitney talk with John Neufeld, Executive Director at House of Friendship, about what it means to lead through heartbreak, show up for others in hard times, and stay grounded in purpose when life feels anything but stable.John shares how his early experience as an immigrant — feeling like an outsider, like he didn’t belong — shaped everything that came next. It's what led him to a life of service and to building spaces where others feel seen, valued, and supported.He opens up about the emotional toll of leadership during times of crisis, the weight we all carry, and the buffers that make resilience possible. Along the way, he shares the metaphors and mindsets that helped him find strength — like the idea of the backpack we all carry and how to keep moving forward even when it feels impossibly heavy.In this conversation, John shares:How the “backpack” metaphor helped him carry loss without letting it weigh him downWhy some people bounce back from adversity and others don’t — and the role that buffers playWhat it really means to belong and why it’s central to the work he doesThe 3 S’s that guide his leadership: Story, Strengths, and SpiritWhy feeding your soul is not a luxury but a leadership essentialThis one’s for anyone who’s been carrying something heavy, who’s felt alone in their grief, or who just needs to hear that they’re not the only one figuring it out as they go.Every other Thursday, we talk to people who got UNBLOCKED. You'll hear stories about finding clarity, career paths, career pivots and living with intention. Our guests tell us how they realized something had to change, made bold moves, and built lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional. We’ll share some of our own stories too, because we’re right here, figuring it out like everyone else.Links and ResourcesHouse of FriendshipHoF - Donate Today John’s LinkedInFarnam Street BlogSeth Godin’s BlogChip & Dan HeathWe’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Subscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn 

In this deeply personal and powerful episode, we sit down with our long-time friend and leadership coach, Natalie Dumond. Natalie is a certified Dare to Lead facilitator, speaker, and the creator of The Worthy Project, a transformational coaching program for women.Natalie shares how she walked away from a successful HR career to follow a calling she couldn’t ignore. A calling filled with courage, vulnerability, and a whole lot of uncertainty. We talk about what it really takes to leave the "safe" path, how to overcome the voice in your head that keeps you stuck, and why naming your shame is the first step in reclaiming your worth.In this conversation, Natalie shares:What was behind her leap from corporate to coaching (and how a glowing door helped her decide)How she got quoted in Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead and what it taught herWhat the “itty bitty shitty committee” is and how to stop it from running your lifeThe role of self-talk, action, and intuition in getting unblockedA reminder that your personal story has the power to heal others BUT only if you show up and share itThis one’s for anyone who’s staring down a big decision, battling inner doubt, or ready to take the leap toward something that actually lights them up.Every other Thursday, we talk to people who got UNBLOCKED. You'll hear stories about finding clarity, career paths, career pivots and living with intention. Our guests tell us how they realized something had to change, made bold moves, and built lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional. We’ll share some of our own stories, too, because we’re right here, figuring it out like everyone else.Connect with NatalieNatalie Dumond's WebsiteThe Worthy ProjectDare to Lead by Brené BrownNatalie Dumond on LinkedInWe’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Subscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn 

Every other Thursday, we talk to people who got UNBLOCKED. You'll hear stories about finding clarity, career paths, career pivots and living with intention. Our guests tell us how they realized something had to change, made bold moves, and built lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional. We’ll share some of our own stories, too, because we’re right here, figuring it out like everyone else.In our very first guest episode of the UNBLOCK Yourself Podcast, we sit down with Bob Mathers. He is a keynote speaker, customer success coach, podcast host, and (self-proclaimed) part-time rock god. Bob knows firsthand what it feels like to be blocked. He spent years living on autopilot, chasing success, and still feeling disconnected from what actually mattered.It took a series of wake-up calls, from personal loss to getting sober to a terrifying health scare with his son, to shake him into living intentionally.In this conversation, Bob shares:How "success" can sometimes hide deep disconnectionThe truth about sobriety, the good, the hard, and the surprisingWhy creativity and curiosity are critical tools for living with purposeHow a personal crisis can become a catalyst for transformationOne piece of advice we have not been able to stop thinking aboutThis is a real and raw conversation about what it takes to stop letting life happen to you and start living with intention, creativity, and heart.If this conversation resonates, we'd love it if you'd subscribe, share with a friend, or leave a review to help more people get UNBLOCKED and start living and working with intention.Links & ResourcesThe Growth Mixtape PodcastBob Mathers on LinkedInMorning Pages Rick Rubin: The Creative ActDavid Goggins: The Cookie Jar We’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Subscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn 

In this episode of the UNBLOCK Yourself Podcast, we continue sharing the stories behind your hosts, Greg and Whitney.Today, Greg shares his journey — from building a life that looked perfect on the outside, to navigating unimaginable loss, and ultimately stepping fully into a life of intention and purpose.Through the highs of career success and the depths of personal tragedy, Greg found himself faced with a choice: stay in survival mode, or intentionally create a new chapter.This conversation is about resilience, realignment, and choosing to live fully — not just when life forces your hand, but because you decide to.In this conversation, Greg shares:Growing up with strong family roots and high expectationsBuilding a career and family on autopilot without questioning the costNavigating the loss of his wife during the COVID-19 pandemicLearning how to rebuild life with intention, clarity, and heartWhy you do not have to wait for tragedy to live the life you wantGreg’s story is at the heart of why we’re doing this work today.We are so grateful you are here.We’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn Every other Thursday, we talk to people who got UNBLOCKED. You'll hear stories about finding clarity, career paths, career pivots and living with intention. Our guests tell us how they realized something had to change, made bold moves, and built lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional. We’ll share some of our own stories too, because we’re right here, figuring it out like everyone else.

Welcome to the very first episode of the UNBLOCK Yourself Podcast.We are kicking things off by sharing a little more about who we are, where we have been, and why we care so much about helping people live and work with more intention.In this episode, Greg interviews Whitney about her journey — growing up with a lot of change and challenge, building a career as a young single mom, and spending years chasing success. We talk about survival mode, work, identity, and the hard (but good) decision to stop living on autopilot and start making choices that feel real and meaningful.We believe you can get UNBLOCKED. We believe you can create a life and career that actually feels like yours.And it starts by getting honest about where you are, and what you really want.In this conversation, Whitney shares:Growing up fast and learning to surviveBuilding a career without a real sense of "why"The cost of being valued for the wrong thingsWhat it takes to step out of autopilot and into something realThis is Whitney's story. Thanks for being here for it. We’d love to connect with you. Here’s where to find us: Vienna Waits WebsiteSubscribe to Vienna Five NewsletterWaypoint RetreatVienna Waits on InstagramGreg’s LinkedIn Whitney’s LinkedIn Every other Thursday, we talk to people who got UNBLOCKED. You'll hear stories about finding clarity, career paths, career pivots and living with intention. Our guests tell us how they realized something had to change, made bold moves, and built lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional. We’ll share some of our own stories too, because we’re right here, figuring it out like everyone else. 

We are Greg and Whitney Boyd, creators of the UNBLOCK Yourself program and podcast, and the Waypoint Intentional Living Retreat. We’re also former corporate world hustlers who believe life is way too short to live on autopilot.We think it is wild that people are not sprinting toward work and lives that actually light them up. But we get it. We’ve been there too. Most people are stuck or at least feel that way. That’s where this podcast comes in.Every other Thursday, we talk to people who got UNBLOCKED. You'll hear stories about finding clarity, career paths, career pivots and living with intention. Our guests tell us how they realized something had to change, made bold moves, and built lives that feel more aligned, more alive, and more intentional. We’ll share some of our own stories too, because we’re right here, figuring it out like everyone else. Some guests you’ll recognize. Others you will meet for the first time. But all of them will help you take the next right step toward a life that feels authentically yours. One that is off autopilot and intentionally lived.