Carrie, It's Not That Serious

What if losing everything turned out to be the greatest freedom you could ever experience? In this episode of “Carrie, It’s Not That Serious”, Renee Devore shares how walking away from her successful career, moving to Mexico, and even surviving a literal wildfire became turning points that led her to discover her truest self. Carrie Hunter and Renee Devore dive deep into the costs of following the rules, the challenges high-achieving women face, and how embracing radical change and setting boundaries are the real keys to living authentically. You’ll hear honest stories of reinvention, confronting the “boxes” society tries to keep us in, and finding genuine empowerment by leading from within. Plus, discover how Renee Devore is helping other women break free from expectations and build bold new lives.Episode Overview00:00 - Starting over: Selling everything and moving to Mexico00:56 - Why Renee Devore gave her career one last shot03:32 - Breaking rules: Redefining life and success on your own terms05:16 - The real price of change and chasing freedom08:24 - Midlife tunnels, boxes, and new beginnings10:01 - How surviving a wildfire and losing everything shifted her mindset13:33 - The power and necessity of setting boundaries16:32 - Reinvention: Empowering midlife women and community building21:21 - The surprising challenges of entrepreneurship and constant self-discovery24:24 - What it truly means to be a woman in power25:47 - Key takeaways: Just go for it!Connect with Renee Devore:Website: www.reneedevore.comCampfire Convos on Sunday evenings for midlife women looking for community and connection: https://soul-growth.kit.com/915f34b76aInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/renee__devore/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachreneedevore/

What if your "dream job" was quietly making you miserable—and your real freedom began when you walked away from everything you’d built? In this inspiring episode of “Carrie, It’s Not That Serious”, Renee Devore shares how she rose to the top of her field as an education leader, only to realize decades later that success by outside standards didn’t align with her true self. You’ll hear the incredible story of how Renee Devore sold everything, moved to Mexico with two suitcases and her dog, and started a journey of self-discovery, ultimately redefining what it means to live authentically. From honest struggles with burnout and identity to a powerful moment when a stranger’s gratitude changed her view of her own impact, this episode is a candid look at what happens when you choose yourself over expectations—and what real transformation looks like.Timestamped Overview00:00 - Meet Renee Devore: unexpected journey from successful principal to transformation seeker02:00 - Early life and the importance of making people feel seen04:12 - The high school story that shaped Renee Devore's calling05:23 - The moment career “success” started to unravel08:10 - Burnout, “golden handcuffs”, and warning signs11:01 - Selling everything and moving to Mexico for a year12:32 - The struggle with identity and freedom away from titles14:13 - Failed return to education, panic attack, and final exit16:26 - Why “the principal” label never fit—and what came next17:36 - How choosing Mexico became a turning point21:22 - Lessons learned: identity, authenticity, and becoming “just me”22:17 - Closing and preview of part twoConnect with Renee Devore:Website: www.reneedevore.comCampfire Convos on Sunday evenings for midlife women looking for community and connection: https://soul-growth.kit.com/915f34b76aInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/renee__devore/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachreneedevore/

What if the secret to landing your dream job—or finding your dream candidate—has almost nothing to do with a resume? In this power-packed Part 2 interview, Lisa Decker (a top accounting and finance headhunter) joins Carrie Hunter to shatter the myths around career growth, hiring, and thriving in today's competitive job market. Discover what really matters beyond bullet points: introspection, the strength to pivot or own past mistakes, and how to shine even if you don’t check every box.From resume advice that will help you actually outsmart the AI bots to candid talk about ageism and bias in hiring—and actionable strategies to burst through those hidden barriers—this episode is loaded with gold. Lisa Decker shares her no-nonsense wisdom on preparing candidates, unique approaches to building winning teams, and what "women in power" really means. Plus, she models unstoppable drive, revealing what motivates her to compete in grueling triathlons and marathons (even when facing injury) and how perseverance is always a habit, not a one-time act.Whether you’re in a career transition, hiring for your team, or just need a reminder of your own strength, this conversation will fire you up and send you out with practical tools and a whole lot of inspiration.Connect to Lisa DeckerLinkedInInstagramFacebookWIP - Demotion to Destiny and the Power of Believing in MyselfEpisode Overview:[00:00:00] Introduction and how to see what matters beyond the resume[00:01:05] How to spot internal strength and honesty in candidates[00:02:26] The importance of setting expectations and matching roles with real-life needs[00:04:46] Real-world examples: when a "great company" isn’t a great fit[00:06:23] Startup vs. established company environments[00:08:21] Making your resume stand out in the AI age[00:10:25] What to include (and leave out) on your resume at any career stage[00:13:24] The power of accomplishments and context over titles[00:15:08] Job seeker traps, networking tips, and leveraging LinkedIn[00:21:01] Dealing with rejection and bias in hiring[00:21:41] How to present and advocate for overlooked talent[00:25:08] Lisa Decker’s unique role at Korn Ferry & how to connect[00:28:48] Motivation, drive, and never giving up—stories from triathlons to boardrooms[00:35:16] What "Women in Power" means now[00:36:41] Wrap-up and encouragement for the journey ahead

What if your greatest personal and professional growth came not from success but from being demoted or having your life take a totally unexpected turn?This episode of "Carrie, It's Not That Serious" reveals how setbacks—like a career demotion or suddenly realizing your kids' lives will follow a different path than you ever imagined—can become the very foundation for lifelong resilience, empathy, and authentic leadership.In part one of this conversation, Carrie Hunter welcomes Lisa Decker, principal at Korn Ferry, who built her 25+ year career not just on finding great finance and accounting leaders, but by seeing the people behind the titles. Lisa shares heartfelt stories about her family’s legacy of choosing inclusion, raising LGBTQ+ children, and how her mother’s radical kindness shaped her entire worldview. She dives deep into her most pivotal career setback—a painful demotion—and how it forced her to re-examine her leadership style, priorities, and ultimately led her to a more rewarding, purpose-driven career.Throughout the episode, Lisa reminds us that nobody's life is a straight line to success, and that embracing our unexpected reroutes can unleash our greatest impact—even if it begins with a detour we never wanted. This episode will make you question what you call failure and see the ripple effect of real empathy at home and at work.Connect to Lisa DeckerLinkedInInstagramFacebookWIP - Demotion to Destiny and the Power of Believing in MyselfTimestamps Overview00:00 Introduction to Lisa Decker and her legacy of meaningful impact01:35 Lisa’s childhood: princess dresses, tomboy days, and early leadership03:23 How Lisa’s family history shaped her perspective on seeing humanity in others04:46 Stories of inclusion: Lisa’s mother, Down syndrome advocacy, and ripple effects07:00 Parenting surprises: raising high-achieving LGBTQ+ kids and the lessons learned09:31 Lisa’s darkest career moment—her demotion and what it taught her12:18 How setbacks foster the most profound personal and professional growth14:44 Shifting life’s trajectory: embracing surprise and the gift of seeing your children fully17:10 The power of staying “green” (open to growth) through every unexpected turn20:22 Why Lisa genuinely loves recruiting as her life’s work22:15 The long-term impact of authentic relationships in business25:00 Choosing happiness daily, balancing high performance with real life30:20 Wrap-up and reminder: it’s not that serious—join for Part 2!

What if welding could be the next big thing to break cultural stereotypes and launch a movement as powerful as women’s sports? In Part 2 of Carrie's conversation with Demi Knight Clark, she reveals how trades like welding can inspire a new generation—if only we put them in the spotlight. Discover why Metallica champions the trades, how allyship changes the game, and the surprising parallels between running marathons and transforming industry mindsets. Demi shares her vision for integrating welding into music festivals, sports, and even space, plus practical ways listeners can join the movement and empower future generations.Connect with Demi:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramTikTokMake sure to check out Demi Clark’s WIP story: Six Sparks of Change – It's Not That SeriousEpisode Overview00:00 Introductions & breaking down boxes in STEM00:44 Why the trades need a cultural movement like women's sports01:45 Changing the narrative on welding and social media exposure02:24 The importance of mixed environments for women in trades03:06 Demi’s dream: Welding in the lexicon, from Taylor Swift to the NFL04:18 Allyship and sponsorship—the Flavor Flav example05:26 The critical need for industry investment and better exposure06:23 Letting kids “play” and explore trades before committing07:50 NIL programs for welders & visioning a welder in space09:26 Demi’s energy, legacy, and drive—where it comes from13:33 Marathons vs. industry mindset shifts—what’s harder?16:05 Advocacy, speaking, and where to find Demi Clark18:30 Handheld laser welding, the “new trades,” and camp expansion21:41 What “women in power” means to Demi today23:00 Closing thoughts and next-gen possibilities in the tradesMake sure to check out Demi Clark’s WIP story: Six Sparks of Change – It's Not That Serious

What if everything you thought about welding—and blue collar trades—was completely wrong? In this episode, we meet Demi Knight Clark, a workforce futurist and founder of Spark Building Group, who's on a mission to shatter stereotypes and usher in a new generation of skilled, curious explorers in the trades and STEM. Discover how handheld laser welding could take us to the moon and Mars, why the old blue collar vs. white collar debate is quickly becoming irrelevant, and why Gen Alpha might be the workforce revolutionaries we've been waiting for.From stories of Demi's badass grandmother—one of the first female marines in WWII—to why exposing kids to hands-on skills early truly matters, this conversation is packed with energy, inspiration, and practical advice for parents, educators, and anyone passionate about building a future-ready workforce.Connect with Demi:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramTikTokMake sure to check out Demi Knight Clark’s WIP story: Six Sparks of Change – It's Not That SeriousTimestamped Overview:00:00 – Introduction and bio of Demi Clark01:09 – Demi’s adrenaline-driven hobbies and connection to welders01:28 – Demi’s ethos: thriving on curiosity and new frontiers like handheld laser welding02:17 – Reflecting on her upbringing, family legacy, and early exposure to trades04:08 – Navigating trades in youth and societal stigma around career choices05:13 – Passing curiosity and gender-agnostic exploration to her daughters07:18 – Breaking into construction, pivotal mentors, and “be the got it girl”10:00 – Why Gen Alpha’s curiosity and “break then build” mindset matters12:42 – The importance of early exposure to trades and STEM for kids14:13 – Launching camps like Reimagined Rosies to cultivate hands-on skills16:26 – Rethinking and redefining blue collar vs. white collar work for the next generation20:11 – Welding as STEM and the urgent need to blend technology with hands-on expertise21:56 – The reality versus myth of “missing welders” and the evolving nature of trades23:13 – Embracing dialogue, breaking down fear, and leaning into the future with optimism25:08 – Closing remarks and what’s next in part two

Discover how golf isn’t just a sport, but a transformative tool for women in business, breaking down invisible barriers and fostering genuine connections outside the confines of crowded networking events. Lindsey unveils her innovative Fairway Advantage program, an empowering initiative designed to guide women of all experience levels into the game confidently, while offering actionable advice on equipment, etiquette, and strategy. You’ll learn how vulnerability, empathy, and practical instruction pave the way for lasting empowerment and success—both on and off the green.Highlights:Lindsey’s introvert secrets and anxiety in networking settingsWhy golf is the perfect space for meaningful, long-term relationship buildingFairway Advantage: How Lindsey leverages her unique corporate and golf background to teach women, from absolute beginners to advanced playersPractical tips: Navigating golf courses, equipment selection, and etiquetteThe mindset shift from scarcity to abundance in women’s leadershipBuilding empowerment and vulnerability through sport and communityConnect with Lindsey TursiWebsiteLinkedInInstagram - Lindsey Tursi HomesInstagram - Fairway AdvantageFacebookTimestamped Overview00:00 Intro & Lindsey’s surprising introversion00:18 Golf as a bridge for introverts01:17 Long-term relationships vs transactional networking05:22 Anxiety in large groups; golf as an antidote06:19 Introducing Fairway Advantage & its origin08:40 Program levels and beginner support14:13 Equipment, club fitting, and practical advice20:13 Skill-building, business lessons, course management24:14 Advanced level: strategy and playing lessons27:28 Flexibility and scheduling in Fairway Advantage30:52 How to join Fairway Advantage31:47 Lindsey’s personal connection to golf & nature34:23 Encouragement for women invited to golf35:35 Vulnerability, empowerment, and women in power40:05 Closing thoughts & hopes for future impact

What if the best business deals and the most authentic relationships aren’t forged in boardrooms, but on the golf course? In this episode, discover how Lindsey Tursi, former LPGA professional and founder of Fairway Advantage, is redefining the way women step onto the course—not just as golfers, but as confident business leaders. Forget perfection; Lindsey reveals why authenticity, awareness, and connection matter far more than skill. From her own reluctant beginnings as a basketball-loving kid in Colorado to building a thriving program focused on breaking down barriers for women, Lindsey shares the surprising parallels between golf, business, and personal growth.Key highlights include:The unique value of golf in business relationship-buildingWhy golf etiquette outshines rules for new playersInsights on perfectionism, intimidation, and practical advice for women entering golfThe crossover lessons between how people play and how they show up in life and workConnect with Lindsey TursiWebsiteLinkedInInstagram - Lindsey TursiHomesInstagram - Fairway AdvantageFacebookTimestamped Overview:00:00 Introduction to Lindsey Tursi and Fairway Advantage02:06 Lindsey’s childhood and first encounter with golf05:19 How golf became a tool for business and relationships07:18 Why the golf course is so powerful for building connections10:26 Personality and vulnerability revealed through golf11:27 Why women feel they need to be perfect before trying golf14:41 Biggest barriers women face stepping onto the course17:38 Parallels between golf etiquette and business21:06 Etiquette, feedback, and character on the course24:09 Why etiquette matters more than rules for relationship-building golf28:24 Advice on pacing, beginner-friendly courses, and accessibility31:04 Closing remarks and preview of part two

What if the secret to leadership in male-dominated industries is the audacity to ask more questions? In Part 2 of Carrie continues herconversation with Lisa Kelly —construction tech leader, executive director of the U.S. Women's Rugby Foundation, and creative force behind films and stand-up comedy. Together, they unravel how women can harness curiosity, unapologetic confidence, and teamwork learned from sports to transform not only their careers, but entire industries.Key highlights include:Lisa Kelly’s candid stories navigating credibility in construction techThe game-changing value of curiosity for personal growth and leadershipHow supporting women and girls in rugby builds future leaders with resilience and creativityInsights on bringing authenticity from creative pursuits into businessThe true meaning of power and inclusion for women in leadership todayGet inspired to challenge norms, adopt winning mindsets, and discover actionable ways to support women in sport and business.Connect with Lisa Kelly:⁠Website⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Instagram⁠Lisa Kelly’s WIP story: ⁠⁠My Authentic Self Gets the Best Results – It's Not That Serious⁠Episode Overview:[00:00:05] Welcome & setting up the discussion on women in construction tech[00:00:53] Lisa Kelly shares her early challenges in male-dominated industries[00:05:41] The importance of curiosity for leadership and growth[00:09:46] Introduction to US Women’s Rugby Foundation and its impact[00:17:14] Ways to support women’s rugby and creative partnership ideas[00:22:41] Creative side: lessons from film and comedy applied to business[00:29:09] What “Woman in Power” means to Lisa Kelly[00:33:27] Authentic leadership, inclusion, and closing thoughts[00:34:52] Episode wrap-up and calls to action

What if the secret to unstoppable business growth (and genuine leadership) wasn’t hustle, pedigree, or even the power suit—but radical authenticity? In this episode, you’ll meet Lisa Kelly: business strategist, growth leader, and unapologetic community builder who has shattered glass ceilings in construction technology, steered teams with heart, and now leads as Executive Director of the U.S. Women’s Rugby Foundation.Join Carrie Hunter and Lisa Kelly as they dig into how being boldly yourself can drive the best results—even when the world expects you to fit in. Hear jaw-dropping stories from the trenches of construction tech, from combating gender bias and harassment, to the sometimes hilarious ways authenticity rewrites the rules in business. Lisa Kelly reveals why the best companies don’t try to serve everyone, how niche focus drives outsized success, and what it really means to integrate values like inclusion and equity into every business decision.If you’re ready for smart strategies, real talk about women uplifting women (over competition), and permission to leave the “fitting in” behind—this conversation is for you.Connect with Lisa Kelly:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramLisa Kelly’s WIP story: ⁠My Authentic Self Gets the Best Results – It's Not That SeriousEpisode timestamped overview:[00:00:05] Lisa Kelly’s multifaceted journey: From construction tech exec to executive director and consultant[00:02:39] Childhood roots: How Lisa’s nerdy, organized younger self shaped her leadership style[00:06:11] Breaking into construction: Early challenges, selling innovation, and falling in love with the industry[00:10:43] Authenticity at work: Embracing individuality, even at Ivy League events[00:15:18] Why moral values (and calling out bias) matter in business—especially in male-dominated industries[00:23:02] Building inclusive teams and overcoming judgments[00:25:37] Coaching others past self-doubt and breaking through limiting beliefs[00:28:38] The power of niche markets and clear ideal client profiles for major business success[00:32:48] Outro and invitation to part 2

What if the secret to high performance isn’t in the big, bold leaps but in humble blue plastic bags and perfectly imperfect starts? In Part 2 of Carrie Hunter's conversation with Bernadette McClelland, they uncover the real patterns behind lasting momentum, daring reinventions, and the true mark of influential leadership.Get ready to hear how Bernadette McClelland overcame fear and self-doubt, launched a solo podcast, wrote a book, and walked the Camino pilgrimage alone—proving that resourcefulness often outweighs resilience. Discover why “the power is in here,” how true influence goes far beyond charisma, and what the world’s top performers quietly know about staying kind, decisive, and authentic under pressure. Plus, ziplining across Zambia to Zimbabwe? Yep, she did that, too.You’ll leave this episode rethinking how you manage resistance, lean into uncertainty, tap your intuition, and lead others—while embracing imperfection every step of the way.Notes from the Interview: The two books Bernadette mentioned during this episode were: 1) ⁠Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder⁠ (Incerto) by Nassim Nicholas Taleb 2) ⁠The Hero's Journey⁠: Joseph Campbell on His Life and Work.The movie Bernadette mentioned during the episode was: 1) ⁠The Way ⁠a 2010 drama film directed, produced and written by Emilio Estevez, who stars alongside his father Martin Sheen.Connect with Bernadette McClelland⁠Sales Leader of Influence Website⁠⁠Bernadette's Website⁠⁠Instagram⁠Check out ⁠⁠Bernadette's WIP Story⁠Episode Overview00:00 Welcome and picking up from Part 100:22 Bernadette McClelland on business transitions, resisting and launching her podcast01:53 Redefining momentum—vertical, not timeline-based02:26 The power of jumping into action despite fear03:19 The “rubber band” effect of growth and returning to old patterns05:31 Patterns of top performers: standards, kindness, and true influence07:53 Introducing Bernadette McClelland’s new book and leadership framework09:38 The 5 layers of influential leadership (think Russian dolls!)14:10 Walking the Camino solo—resilience, resourcefulness, and epic rain22:26 Ziplining from Zambia to Zimbabwe and the power of just going25:15 Lessons in the journey vs. the destination25:49 What Bernadette McClelland wishes she knew earlier: self-trust and intuition27:20 What it means to be a Woman in Power (WIP)28:54 Wrap up and ways to connectTune in for inspiration, tangible takeaways, and proof that your next big thing is just one imperfect action—and maybe a blue plastic bag—away.

What if bankruptcy, being bedridden, and losing everything were actually the best things that ever happened to you? In this kickoff episode of Season 1, host Carrie Hunter sits down with global keynote speaker, best-selling author, and leadership expert Bernadette McClelland to reveal the surprising truth about resilience, reinvention, and what it really takes to lead under pressure.You'll hear Bernadette's candid story of rebuilding from rock bottom, why she champions "antifragility" over just bouncing back, and the lessons learned from walking the Camino solo and ziplining in Africa. Together, they dive into what most leaders get wrong under stress, how curiosity and asking “why” fuel true growth, and the hidden power of decision-led leadership in sales and beyond.Key highlights include: embracing life’s hardest moments, how humor can help us through adversity, breaking free from the trap of external validation, and practical strategies for stepping off the relentless timeline and leading with self-trust.Notes from the Interview: The two books Bernadette mentioned during this episode were: 1) Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder (Incerto) by Nassim Nicholas Taleb 2) The Hero's Journey: Joseph Campbell on His Life and Work.The movie Bernadette mentioned during the episode was: 1) The Way a 2010 drama film directed, produced and written by Emilio Estevez, who stars alongside his father Martin Sheen.Connect with Bernadette McClellandSales Leader of Influence WebsiteBernadette's WebsiteInstagramCheck out ⁠Bernadette's WIP StoryTimestamped episode overview:00:00: Bernadette’s introduction and unexpected teaser for the episode02:00: The younger Bernadette—curiosity, validation, and lessons from childhood07:14: The “blessings of bankruptcy”—resilience, antifragility, and starting over13:31: Leadership under pressure—reactive behavior, decision-making, and pausing19:57: What does “decision-led revenue” really mean? Everyday examples and leadership24:07: Why leaders second-guess themselves—bringing our younger selves into the boardroom27:05: Living too much on the timeline—how to find the gap and step off the pressure31:21: Wrap-up, parting advice, and preview of part 2Check out Bernadette's WIP Story

Who are you becoming?In this reflective episode, Carrie explores identity evolution, releasing old versions of yourself, and growing into the next level of leadership and alignment. This is about expansion without self-abandonment — and trusting the stretch between who you were and who you’re becoming.Follow and subscribe for real conversations about power, purpose, growth, and becoming.Explore more at: www.itsnotthatserious.comJoin the newsletter. Support the movement. Wear the reminder.

Before expanding into interviews and new topics, Carrie defines the vision for this space.This episode outlines the pillars of the podcast — leadership, reinvention, women’s health, financial confidence, travel, mindset — and explains the lens through which every conversation will unfold: growth without burnout.Follow and subscribe for real conversations about power, purpose, growth, and becoming.Explore more at: www.itsnotthatserious.comJoin the newsletter. Support the movement. Wear the reminder.

Why does storytelling change women?In this episode, Carrie shares the foundation of Women in Power and why amplifying real stories — not just polished outcomes — creates confidence, connection, and momentum. This conversation sets the stage for future interviews and explores the power of representation and permission.Follow and subscribe for real conversations about power, purpose, growth, and becoming.Explore more at: www.itsnotthatserious.comJoin the newsletter. Support the movement. Wear the reminder.

After more than a decade helping build a company from the ground up, Carrie made the decision to walk away.This episode explores burnout, identity, health, motherhood, and the moment alignment became non-negotiable. It’s about releasing prestige in order to reclaim peace — and recognizing when one chapter has ended.Follow and subscribe for real conversations about power, purpose, growth, and becoming.Explore more at: www.itsnotthatserious.comJoin the newsletter. Support the movement. Wear the reminder.

Confidence and fear often coexist.In this episode, Carrie talks about hesitation, reinvention in midlife, and the quiet resistance that keeps women from starting what they know they’re meant to build. This is about moving forward before you feel fully ready — and choosing courage over delay.Follow and subscribe for real conversations about power, purpose, growth, and becoming.Explore more at: www.itsnotthatserious.comJoin the newsletter. Support the movement. Wear the reminder.

What happens when success starts costing you your peace?In this opening episode, Carrie shares the origin of It’s Not That Serious — from executive leadership and burnout to the decision to build something truly aligned. This is the story behind the movement, the name, and the shift that changed everything.If you’ve ever questioned who you are beyond your title, this conversation is for you.Follow and subscribe for real conversations about power, purpose, growth, and becoming.Explore more at: www.itsnotthatserious.comJoin the newsletter. Support the movement. Wear the reminder.

Welcome to Carrie, It's Not That Serious. This podcast is an extension of Its Not That Serious - a women's lifestyle brand built on storytelling, community, mentorship, travel and joy-driven content, designed to uplift, connect and inspire. Here, we're having real conversations with real women. We'll talk about growth, leadership, business, life pivots and the moments that shape who we become - without the pressure of having it all figured out. If you're looking for honest stories, meaningful connection and content that actually helps you move the needle in your own life, you're in the right place. New episodes coming soon.