Thriving Changes

What does it really take to build a life of success, meaning, and lasting impact?In this episode of Thriving Changes, Roddy Galbraith shares powerful insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the journey from achieving success to creating true significance.Through his experiences of navigating challenges, questioning old beliefs, and embracing change, Roddy explores the unseen influences that shape our choices, the stories we carry, and the way we define what is possible for our lives.If you’ve ever wondered why achieving more doesn’t always feel like enough, why change can feel so difficult, or whether there is another way forward, this conversation will challenge you to look deeper.To learn more about Roddy's work, visit his website.

Stepping into a leadership role is one thing. Succeeding in it when the stakes are high is something else entirely.In this episode of Thriving Changes, internationally recognized executive coach and bestselling author Navid Nazemian shares insights from years of guiding C-suite leaders through some of the most critical transitions of their careers. Whether you're stepping into a bigger role, navigating change in your career, or supporting leaders through transition, this episode offers valuable perspectives on what it really takes to lead under pressure.To learn more about Navid's work, visit his website.

What happens after survival?In this episode of Thriving Changes, Reena Suri sits down with veteran advocate, executive coach, and former Air Force Reserve Command leader Ericka Kelly for a powerful conversation about leadership, healing, identity, and purpose.From navigating leadership in high-pressure environments to rebuilding purpose after military service, Ericka shares honest insights about resilience, self-worth, personal growth, and the lessons that transformed the way she leads others and herself.To learn more about Ericka's work, visit her website.

Moving beyond a painful past isn’t just about time, it’s about the choices you make and the direction you take.In this episode of Thriving Changes, Ericka Kelly shares a journey shaped by adversity, resilience, and intentional change. With decades of experience across the military and law enforcement, she offers a perspective on trauma, identity, and personal growth that goes beyond theory and into lived experience.If you’re navigating your own challenges or rethinking your path, this episode offers a grounded look at what it really takes to break patterns, make different choices, and emerge with a renewed sense of self.To learn more about Ericka and her work, visit her website.

What does it really take to lead change… when the strategy looks clear but the people aren’t aligned?In this episode of Thriving Changes, President & Founder of SZH Consulting, Salima Hemani shares powerful insights on leading transformation in complex, real-world environments. From navigating resistance to understanding why strategy alone isn’t enough, this conversation challenges how leaders approach change, culture, and alignment.If you're a leader, executive, or part of an organization going through transformation, this episode will make you rethink what it means to create sustainable change.To learn more about Salima's work, visit her website.

What if the things you loved as a child were pointing you toward something bigger?In this episode of Thriving Changes, two-time Emmy® nominated writer/producer/director Steven Fischer shares a deeply reflective conversation on creativity, identity, and the unseen forces that shape the direction of our lives. From early passions to the tension between authenticity and societal expectations, this episode invites you to question what it really means to stay true to yourself.If you’ve ever felt pulled in different directions or wondered whether you’re on the “right” path, this conversation will challenge how you see your journey.To learn more about Steven and his work, visit his website.

Is staying in one career lane the only path to success?In this episode of Thriving Changes, leadership advisor Ian Ziskin reflects on the decisions, transitions, and unexpected pivots that shaped his professional journey. His client base and corporate work span more than 25 industries and includes Fortune 1000, entrepreneurial, publicly traded, and privately held businesses, Ian brings a thoughtful perspective on growth, leadership and a successful career.If you’ve ever wondered how leaders navigate career transitions, grow through difficult experiences, and find meaning in life’s turning points, this conversation offers thoughtful perspective and practical wisdom.To learn more about Ian's Work, follow him on his socials.

What happens when doing your duty and doing what’s right don’t feel the same?In this episode of Thriving Changes, Capt. David Iglesias, a retired U.S. Navy JAG Captain, former U.S. Attorney, and educator, reflects on leadership in high-pressure environments where decisions carry lasting consequences.If you’ve ever wrestled with expectations, authority, or the cost of standing firm in your values — this conversation is one you’ll want to stay with.To learn more about Capt. Iglesias and his work, follow his socials.

What if the key to your next level of growth isn’t something you need to learn but something you need to uncover?In this episode of Thriving Changes, Tom Rosenak invites us into a conversation about leadership that begins from the inside out. Drawing from his philosophy of “inner diamonds,” Tom talks about the hidden drivers behind growth, performance, and the way we measure success.If you’re navigating uncertainty in leadership, transition or growth, this conversation creates space to pause, reflect, and reconsider what meaningful progress really requires.To learn more about Tom's work, visit his website.

What if leadership doesn’t begin with confidence, credentials, or certainty but with belief borrowed from others before we learn to hold it ourselves?In this episode of Thriving Changes, Gina Watts returns for a deeply reflective conversation on leadership, responsibility, and becoming. Whether you’re navigating a career transition, stepping into greater responsibility, or re-examining how you lead, this conversation offers space to think differently about growth, calling, and impact.To learn more about Gina and her work, click here.

In this conversation, Gina Watts shares her transformative journey from being a teen mom to becoming a leader and advocate for young people. She discusses the challenges she overcame and the values that shaped her life. Her insights offer valuable lessons for aspiring leaders. To learn more about Gina and her work, click here.

What happens when your body starts changing… but your dreams refuse to shrink?In this episode of Thriving Changes, educator and lifelong learner Sunitha Ramanathan shares how an unexpected life transition became the catalyst for something far bigger than she ever imagined. What began as questions about health and identity quietly evolved into a bold decision—one that would test her physically, mentally, and emotionally.From quiet moments of doubt to standing alongside strangers chasing their own limits, Sunitha’s journey reveals what it really feels like to commit to something that’s scary yet challenging and stay with it when it gets hard. This isn’t just a story about mountains or midlife. It’s about what shifts when you stop seeing change as an ending and start treating it as an invitation.If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible on the other side of discomfort, this conversation is for you.Learn more about Sunitha here.

What happens when life changes in ways you never imagined? In this deeply personal conversation, Telese Hampton, business coach, author of Expedition to Success, and host of Conversations with Telese, opens up about losing four of her closest family members in just a few years. She shares how therapy, faith, and the compassion of a supportive work culture helped her rebuild her sense of self and rediscover happiness.Through her story, Telese reminds us that healing takes time and courage—but life can feel good again.To learn more about Telese and her work, follow her on social media.

What if the key to healing isn’t doing more — but finally learning to be with yourself?In this powerful episode of Thriving Changes, Chrissie Steyn shares how a life-altering cancer diagnosis became the turning point that taught her to befriend her nervous system instead of battling it. She reveals why many of us live in survival mode without realizing it — constantly chasing calm, yet fighting our own bodies in the process.Discover how true peace begins when you stop escaping, listen within, and let your body lead the way.Download the Steyn Resource Guide here.To learn more about Chrissie and her work, visit their website.

What if your body already knows how to heal—if only you learned to listen?In this episode of Thriving Changes, Chrissie Steyn, a trauma-informed therapist and founder of Steyn Integrative Counseling, shares how her cancer journey transformed her understanding of healing and taught her the power of listening to the body. Chrissie reminds us that healing isn’t just about the mind—it’s about creating safety, compassion, and curiosity in the body. From navigating fear and fertility challenges to embracing support and community, this conversation offers a heartfelt roadmap to healing through self-awareness and embodiment.To learn more about Chrissie's work, visit their website.

What does it really take to make love last when life feels overwhelming? In this episode, Mike Pintaric — tech innovator, educator, and mentor — shares his personal journey of facing past trauma, navigating mental health challenges, and learning how to show up fully in marriage and family life.Mike’s story is a raw and hopeful reminder that healing is not selfish. From seeking counseling, to doing the uncomfortable inner work, to choosing growth over avoidance — he opens up about the values and practices that helped him and his wife, Ashley, build a marriage that thrives beyond the hard parts.If you’ve ever felt the weight of marriage struggles or wondered how to keep your family strong in hard times, this conversation will speak to you.To learn more about Mike and his work, visit his page.

What does it mean to succeed when the world tells you to hustle harder, push further, and never stop?In this episode, marketing entrepreneur Ashley Pintaric opens up about her journey from corporate perfectionism to complete burnout. On the outside, she was thriving; on the inside, she was unraveling. Ashley shares the moment everything came to a halt — and how she began to rewire her beliefs about success, leadership, and self-worth.This conversation is for anyone who has ever pushed through on empty, felt the weight of unrealistic expectations, or wondered if there’s a different way to thrive.To learn more about Ashley's work, visit her website.

Scott Zimmerman, a 35+ year business veteran, seasoned investor, and member of the Million Dollar Round Table, opens up about one of the hardest seasons of his career—the dissolution of a business partnership. In this heartfelt conversation, he shares the leadership lessons he learned, how he managed the emotional complexity, and why staying grounded in values matters most when parting ways.This episode is for anyone navigating change, business transitions, or leadership challenges—and seeking a path to move forward with integrity and resilience.Since the time of recording this episode, Scott Zimmerman has launched a new venture offering Comprehensive Insurance & Financial Planning. Do check out his website - thescottzimmerman.com.

If you’ve been searching for how to deal with change in life, this episode of Thriving Changes offers both comfort and clarity. In conversation with Blanche Roberts, we explore what it really takes to handle major life transitions when everything feels uncertain. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by change, struggling to accept a new reality, or just trying to stay grounded in the chaos, Blanche shares a powerful framework for navigating the emotional and psychological side of transition.If you’ve ever wondered why change is so hard and how to accept it with more grace, this episode is a must-listen.To learn more about Blanche's work, follow her on social media.

What if the biggest results in life don’t come from giant leaps, but from the daily, intentional steps we take?In this episode of Thriving Changes, host Reena Suri sits down with Ray Yenkana—real estate veteran, certified coach, and leadership strategist—to explore how long-term success is built through the compound effect of purpose, people, and perspective.Ray shares lessons from his 30+ year residential and commercial real estate career, his journey mentoring entrepreneurs, and his deep commitment to personal growth. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or seeking your next breakthrough, this conversation is for you.To learn more about Ray's work, visit his website.

In this inspiring episode of the Thriving Changes Podcast, we sit down with Udo Graf, Strategic Advisor to medical device companies and former executive leader at Mentor, a Johnson & Johnson company. With nearly three decades of global leadership experience in R&D, marketing, and education, Udo shares powerful insights on what it takes to lead with purpose, build high-performing teams, and cultivate mentorship at every level.Whether you’re a new manager, seasoned executive, or leadership coach, this conversation is packed with wisdom on how to lead with meaning, clarity, and impact.

Navigating Loss and Grief is a heartfelt conversation with Licensed Clinical Social Worker Rachael Stewart, who shares her personal story of losing her mother and navigating a difficult separation. In this episode, we explore the emotional terrain of grief—not just as something to "get through," but as a transformative process that reshapes us.Rachael offers deeply personal insights on how grief impacts our identity, the importance of community during pain, and why allowing ourselves to receive support is an act of strength.This episode is for anyone navigating loss—whether it's the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or any life transition that leaves you forever changed.To learn more about Rachael's work, visit her website.

When your largest client no longer aligns with your values, do you hold on—or let go? Kristin Golliher chose the latter. In this episode, she walks us through the defining moment she stepped away from a major account to protect her team, integrity, and long-term vision.Kristin shares what it takes to build a business from the ground up, why profitability means nothing without alignment, and how clarity comes through reflection, not just hustle. From setting up strong systems to making space for strategic thinking, her insights are a must-listen for anyone navigating growth and change in business.To learn more about Kristin's work, visit her website.

In this inspiring episode of Thriving Changes, we sit down with Pauline Victoria—One Leg Up Productions' founder & courage coach born without arms and legs—to explore what it truly means to live a life of victory. Pauline shares how four powerful words—“Thy Will Be Done”—became the spiritual foundation of her life and how surrendering to something greater shifted her from survival to significance. Through profound insights on self-awareness, discomfort, courage, and faith, Pauline invites us to step beyond our circumstances and into our own personal power.If you’ve ever struggled with self-worth, uncertainty, or feeling stuck in your story, this conversation will remind you that pain can become purpose—and that we are all more than what we’ve been through.To learn more about Pauline's work and story, visit her website.

What does it really take to build something meaningful from scratch? For Josh Hatter, it started with getting honest about where he was—and clear about where he wanted to go.In this episode, Josh shares his journey from survival mode to success, and the hard-earned lessons he’s learned along the way. We talk about the importance of having a clear vision, why failure is part of the process, and how building the right team can change everything.To learn more about Josh, visit his website.

Josh Hatter didn’t have an easy start in life. A tough childhood, survival-mode living, and deep-seated struggles could have defined his future—but he refused to let them. Through self-reflection, therapy, and surrounding himself with the right people, he transformed his life and built a thriving business.If you’ve ever felt stuck in your past, this episode is for you. Josh’s story is proof that transformation is possible—and it starts with the courage to believe in something better.For more of Josh's work, visit his website.

What makes a great leader? According to Avani Desai, it’s not about having all the answers—it’s about building trust, embracing change, and leading with authenticity. As the CEO of Schellman, the world's largest niche cybersecurity assessment firm, Avani knows firsthand that leadership isn’t about control—it’s about empowering teams, fostering confidence, and creating a culture of trust.This episode will challenge how you think about leadership, failure, and growth. To learn more about Avani's work, visit their website.

What if you could rewire your brain to navigate pain and trauma more effectively? In this powerful episode of Thriving Changes, we welcome Dr. Justin James Kennedy, TED speaker and behavioral neuroscience coach to explore the intersection of neuroscience and emotional well-being.To learn more about Dr. JJ's work, visit his website.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Susan Clarine, Master Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach and founder of The Ei Coach, to uncover the profound impact of emotions on leadership, relationships, and personal success.Susan shares her decades of experience in organizational development, offering actionable insights and proven methods to help leaders navigate emotions, build stronger connections, and thrive under pressure.To learn more about Susan's work, visit her website.

** Trigger warning: sexual abuse, child abuse, domestic violence ** In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Tina Kadolph, co-founder and President of Love Missions Global, a nonprofit dedicated to abolishing modern-day slavery. Tina shares her incredible journey of transforming personal pain into a mission to protect vulnerable individuals, prevent human trafficking, and ensure others never endure what she has overcome.To learn more about Tina's mission and join the fight against human trafficking, visit www.lovemissions.net.If you know of anyone who need help, please reach out to:National Domestic Violence HotlinePhone: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)Text: Text "START" to 88788www.thehotline.orgHuman TraffickingNational Human Trafficking HotlinePhone: 1-888-373-7888Text: Text "HELP" or "INFO" to 233733 (BEFREE)humantraffickinghotline.orgChild AbuseChildhelp National Child Abuse HotlinePhone: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)www.childhelp.org

Career transitions can be daunting and full of uncertainty. In this episode, we sit down with Paul Hawkinson, who made the leap from a successful career as an Investment Banker on Wall Street to becoming an Associate Professor at North Park University. He’s also the Executive Director of Transform Capital, a nonprofit providing low-cost mortgage and business loans to families referred by community partners.Join us as Paul shares his journey, the challenges he faced, and how he navigated such a significant career shift. His insights will inspire you to think about your own path and what it takes to pursue a fulfilling life that aligns with your values and passions.To know more about Paul and his work, visit tccommunity.org.

In this episode, we sit down with Jean LaVallie, Founder and President of the Women Entrepreneurs' Secrets of Success (WESOS) network. Jean shares her journey of creating a thriving community for women entrepreneurs rooted in collaboration and authentic connections.We dive into her insights on leadership, finding balance, and giving women the tools to be empowered and to succeed both in business and life. Jean’s wisdom reminds us that true growth comes from supporting one another and choosing peace and collaboration over competition. Tune in to this episode for an inspiring conversation on the power of community and the impact of building a value-driven organization!For more information on Jean and the WESOS network, visit wesosnetwork.com

In this episode, we’re joined by Marianna Lead, a Master Certified Coach (MCC) and Founder of Goal Imagery® Coaching Academy, a leading global provider of ICF-Accredited Holistic Life, Career, and Executive Coach Training Programs. With over two decades of experience, Marianna has dedicated her life to identifying the key elements of masterful coaching. Twice-elected president of the ICF-NYC Chapter, she currently serves on ICF's Global MCC Assessors Committee Taskforce and co-authored the self-coaching guide "Me, My Brand and Why".In this insightful conversation, Marianna shares the deep wisdom she’s gained from her personal and professional journey. She discusses the importance of investing in yourself, learning from your experiences, and following through with your purpose. Whether it’s understanding the role of a personal brand or embracing the evolution of life one step at a time, Marianna's reflections offer valuable lessons on self-trust, entrepreneurship, and staying grounded in your "why."For more information on their coach training services and programs, visit goalimagery.com.

Bianca Cotton is an author, a podcast host, and an entrepreneurial leader with extensive nonprofit experience. She is passionate about intentionally creating positive social change in underrepresented populations and communities of need while demonstrating sensitivity and compassion for all stakeholders. In this podcast, she shares with us her growth journey. She talks about the experiences that shaped her personality, her fears about writing, and how she overcame the challenges and her career transition journey. It’s a profound conversation full of wisdom, authenticity, and vulnerability.For more information on Bianca's work, connect with her on Instagram @biancacotton and visit behindtheconfidentsmile.com.