Reinvent Yourself

In the final episode of Reinvent Yourself, Lesley Jane Seymour sits down with Brooke Dougherty and Evelyn Sprigg—two inspiring women who reinvented their lives and careers through a shared love of beauty and skincare. Brooke, a former creative executive, became a formulator at 68, while Evelyn, a longtime beauty marketer, found renewed purpose after leaving a high-pressure role. Together, they launched Just Us Skincare, a brand focused on the often-overlooked needs of aging and hormonal skin. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, reinvention, and creating community through meaningful, effective skincare. About the Speakers: Brook Dougherty is the author of the memoir, Nothing To Write Home About, and a longtime supporter of domestic violence victims. Brook became a formulator at the age of 68 and is Founder and Chief Alchemist at JustUs Skincare alongside Evelyn Sprigg.  Evelyn Sprigg, a veteran of the NYC advertising and PR industry working for some of the world's largest beauty brands, is now CEO and Co-founder of JustUs Skincare.    Connect with Brook and Evelyn: Website Evelyn on LinkedIn Brook on LinkedIn   Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!    

In this episode of Reinvent Yourself, Lesley Jane Seymour sits down with Marni Batista, a transformational coach and life strategist, who shares her incredible journey of reinvention. From her early aspirations of becoming a teacher and a news reporter to finding her true calling in coaching, Batista has navigated various career paths before discovering her passion for helping women live authentically. Together, they explore the common fears and societal pressures that hold women back from pursuing their dreams, as well as the importance of self-love and personal growth. Batista offers practical advice on how to break free from the notion that "work will love you back" and encourages listeners to embrace their own reinvention journeys with courage and intention.   About the Speaker: Marni Battista is a life strategist, transformational coach, podcast host and author. Her straightforward approach helps successful women find the courage to stop letting life live them, so that they can start LIVING life on THEIR terms. Connect with Marni: Website Decoding Your Destiny Quiz LinkedIn      Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

n this episode of Reinvent Yourself, Lesley Jane Seymour talks with executive recruiter and author Al Poulson about how to stand out in today’s digital hiring landscape. With over 25 years in corporate America, Al shares practical tips on tailoring your resume, connecting with hiring managers, and communicating your value—especially for women and older candidates facing age-related bias. Whether you're pivoting careers or reentering the job market, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to help you land the role you deserve.   About the Guest: Al Polson is a former Fortune 500 executive with over 25 years of corporate leadership experience and founder of The Colonial Group, a top executive recruiting firm serving the manufacturing industry across the U.S. and abroad. Guided by “The Golden Rule,” Al built a business known for integrity and respect, helping thousands of jobseekers find meaningful careers. He also taught management and supply chain courses as an adjunct professor at the University of Virginia and holds both a Bachelor’s and MBA from the University of Richmond. Now retired, Al enjoys writing, painting, traveling, golf, and fishing. Connect with Al: Website LinkedIn      Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

In this episode of Reinvent Yourself, Lesley Jane Seymour engages in an inspiring conversation with Dr. Priyanka Venugoipal, a board-certified OBGYN turned stress and health coach for professional working moms. After years of fulfilling her role in medicine, Venugoipal realized it was time to pivot towards life coaching, a transformative journey that not only helped her lose weight but also redefined her purpose. She shares her personal struggles with weight gain during her medical career and the pivotal moment that led her to discover the power of coaching. Listeners will learn about the intricate connection between stress, hormones, and weight management, along with practical strategies for overcoming the challenges of perfectionism and self-criticism.    About the Guest: Priyanka Venugopal is a board certified ObGyn physician turned Stress and Health coach for professional working moms. Priyanka is the host of The Burn Stress, Lose Weight Podcast and founder of The Unstoppable Mom Group, an intimate small group coaching program, where she has cultivated a holistic experience for professional working moms who want to experience a change from the inside out.  Connect: Website Instagram   Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

“Living with intention and having something that you’re working towards is crucial,” says Palak Dave, founder of In the Room (formerly Emberia), a sanctuary for women seeking to elevate their lives through meaningful connections. With a background in marketing and extensive experience hosting over 300 curated events, she emphasizes the importance of community and the health benefits of coming together, especially in a post-pandemic world. In this conversation with CoveyClub founder Lesley Jane Seymour, Dave shares her journey from corporate marketing to creating spaces that foster genuine connections among women, urging listeners to prioritize real-life experiences over digital distractions. Discover how to navigate the challenges of building community, the power of intentional living, and the significance of investing in oneself.    About the Guest: Formerly an award-winning marketer with senior-level positions at companies including the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Indigo Books and Music Inc., Palak embarked on a new journey in 2017, founding Embiria, a sanctuary for women who want to elevate their life. Through Embiria, she inspires a shift away from digital distractions toward embracing the beauty of the present moment. With having hosted over 300 curated events, Palak champions intentional living, urging us to prioritize real-life experiences and connection over digital noise.  Connect: Website Instagram   Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

"I learned about who my mother is by tracking down the plastic surgeon who killed [her]." In this episode, Lesley Jane Seymour talks with Susan Lieu, Vietnamese American author and performer, about her journey from corporate life to the creative stage. After losing her mother young, Lieu pursued success in academia and international development—until she found her calling in storytelling. Through her memoir The Manicurist’s Daughterand solo show 140lbs: How Beauty Killed My Mother, she explores identity, intergenerational trauma, and healing. With warmth and humor, Lieu shares how to reinvent yourself with reflection, community, and bold action. About the Guest: Susan Lieu is a Vietnamese-American author, playwright, and performer who tells stories that refuse to be forgotten. Her solo show "140 LBS: How Beauty Killed My Mother” evolved into her memoir, The Manicurist’s Daughter (Celadon), which has been featured in The New York Times, NPR Books, Elle Magazine, LA Times, and The Washington Post.    Connect: Website Instagram   Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!  

"Menopause is a tunnel, not a cave. There’s goodness on the other side." So says Rachel Lancaster, author of "Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause and Beyond." She joins Lesley Jane Seymour to discuss the often-overlooked journey of menopause and midlife reinvention. Lankester shares her personal story of navigating early menopause and the societal misconceptions surrounding it, transforming her experience into a mission to empower women. From her humorous Mutton Club magazine to her insightful podcast, Lankester emphasizes the importance of reframing menopause as a time of opportunity rather than an end. Listeners will discover the significance of self-care, the impact of lifestyle choices, and the value of community support during this transformative phase.  About the Guest: Rachel Lankester is the author of Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause and Beyond, recommended in the New York Times, host of the Magnificent Midlife podcast and editor of The Mutton Club magazine. She helps women create magnificent next chapters. Connect: Website Instagram   Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

“You don’t have to wait for a rock bottom,” says Ruby Williams, a certified alcohol freedom coach from Northern California; “You can just decide that you want to feel better.” Williams shares her transformative journey from the wine industry to sobriety. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the wine business, Ruby faced the challenges of alcohol use disorder, which she ultimately overcame after years of struggle. In this episode, Ruby discusses the pivotal moments that led her to recognize her unhealthy relationship with alcohol, the signs that indicated she needed to change, and the empowering steps she took to reclaim her life. Listeners will gain insight into Ruby's unique coaching approach, which emphasizes compassion, community, and personal growth. She highlights the importance of rewiring one's mindset regarding alcohol and shares tips for those looking to break free from their own cycles of dependency. Ruby's story serves as a beacon of hope for anyone seeking to reinvent their relationship with alcohol and embrace a healthier, more fulfilling life.   About the Guest: Ruby Williams, based in Northern California, transformed her life by overcoming alcohol use disorder and now serves as a certified alcohol freedom coach, helping women achieve healthier, more fulfilling lives. With over five years of sobriety, she offers group programs and private coaching based on science, curiosity, and compassion.    Connect: Website Instagram   Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

Lesley Jane Seymour sits down with Sarah Dale, the visionary behind Project 1490, to discuss her inspiring journey from a successful career in advertising to creating a unique community for women seeking empowerment through outdoor experiences. After spending years in leadership roles at prestigious companies, Sarah realized the transformative power of nature and skill-building, leading her to develop a program that combines outdoor adventures with personal and professional growth. Listeners will discover how Project 1490 offers women the chance to step outside their comfort zones, forge genuine connections, and build confidence through activities like archery and wood chopping. Sarah shares insights on the importance of community, the challenges women face in the corporate world, and how her initiative addresses these issues head-on.   About the Guest: After a 30-year career in advertising, Sarah Dale created Project 1490 through combining her years in leadership with her experiences living in Montana. She’s been fortunate to work at great brands like The Wall Street Journal, Fortune and Nativo where she led big teams and drove hundreds of millions in revenue. She’s been awarded a Cannes Lions, two D&AD Pencils, Folio’s Top Women in Media and the Stevies’ Gold Maverick Award, et al. While she’s had an impressive career, Sarah’s love of nature and experiences in the wilds of Montana are what started her wish to get other corporate women to build their own badassery and confidence by learning outdoor skills. Project 1490 now provides the opportunity not only for women to have unique, outdoor experiences that help them go beyond who they think they are, they build their corporate networks and confidence and have a ton of fun in the process. Connect: Website   Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!  

Lesley Jane Seymour dives into the world of fashion in the digital age with national style and image consultant Allison Bruhn. Together, they explore the challenges of finding personal style in a landscape dominated by social media and shifting norms. With insights from her journey as a stylist, Bruhn shares how she empowers women to redefine their wardrobes and embrace their individuality. Listeners will gain valuable tips on navigating the evolving fashion landscape, the importance of dressing for confidence, and how to blend comfort with style as we transition back to in-person engagements. From the impact of COVID-19 on our clothing choices to the resurgence of power dressing, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to reignite their fashion sense. About the Guest: Alison is a national style and image consultant with clients across the country. She studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, and holds a Color certification from the Image Resource Center of New York.   The purpose of her work is to empower women through creating a visual brand and transforming their style to ignite a new path of confidence and independence. She works with both private clients and groups. She has a decade of experience as a stylist and has access to an extensive network of connections inside the fashion industry. Alison started her personal styling business at 50, and later started The Style That Binds Us with her daughter!  Connect: Website Instagram   Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

"There’s a real beauty in the individuality and the story that we carry with us that is not part of our medical system," says Andrea Nakayama, the founder of Functional Nutrition Alliance and host of the 15 Minute Matrix podcast. "When we can show up as the partner who knows about ourselves, that's where we're the best partner in our health and medical care." Nakayama shares her inspiring journey from personal tragedy to becoming a leader in functional medicine and nutrition. Driven by her own experiences with chronic illness and the healthcare system, she emphasizes the importance of understanding the root causes of health issues rather than merely treating symptoms. Listeners will gain insights on how this holistic approach empowers individuals to reclaim ownership of their health and navigate their wellness journeys with confidence.  About the Guest: As the host of the 15-Minute Matrix Podcast and the founder of Functional Nutrition Alliance, Andrea is leading thousands of students and practitioners around the globe in a revolution to offer better solutions to the growing chronic illness epidemic. By highlighting the importance of systems biology, root cause methodology, and therapeutic partnerships, she helps historically underserved individuals reclaim ownership of their health.   Connect: Website Instagram   Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!  

“It is our responsibility to reach back behind us and make sure that we are coaching and mentoring whoever else is behind us,” says Audra Agen, a corporate veteran with over 25 years of experience, to explore her remarkable journey from finance to empowering women through her platform, Women in the Arena. Agen shares her insights on the unique challenges women face in male-dominated industries and the importance of recognizing and celebrating each other's contributions. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the power of community, the significance of mentorship, and the need to challenge the competitive narratives often perpetuated among women.  About the Guest: As a corporate veteran, Audra has 25 years’ experience of being one of the few women in the room, and in many cases, the only oneWhile the women may have been outnumbered, they were all uniquely exceptional. She became fascinated learning more about them and their experiences. It became increasingly clear that these women were contributing significant value to their organizations, families and careers. Their contributions were either being taken for granted or overlooked, sometimes even by themselves. Audra aspired to change that; from that, Women in the Arena was created. It’s a platform unlike any other- it’s a celebration. Connect: Website LinkedIn   Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!  

Lesley Jane Seymour talks with award-winning renal dietitian Jen Hernandez, founder of Plant-Powered Kidney Inc., about the life-changing power of understanding your kidneys before it’s too late. Hernandez shares her journey from clinical dietitian to social media trailblazer, challenging outdated food restrictions and empowering people with chronic kidney disease to take back control of their health. Listeners will learn the early warning signs of kidney issues, what they wish they’d known a decade ago, and how simple, plant-powered changes can support kidney health and prevent disease progression. About Jen Hernandez: An award-winning renal dietitian with experience across all areas of chronic kidney disease, from prevention to early stages and dialysis, Jen has set the standard for renal dietitian experience.  Jen has become a pillar in the renal community with her social media presence and testimonials from both private clients and course students.  With Plant-Powered Kidney Inc., Jen continues to break barriers and challenge outdated "food rules" when it comes to all the foods that people with chronic kidney disease can eat. Connect: Website Instagram   Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!  

"When we can take charge over the elements of our life that we can control, we feel better,” says public health expert and author Jenny Albertini, whose new book, "Decluttered: Mindful Organizing for Health, Home and Beyond," offers a fresh perspective on the impact of clutter on our well-being. With years of experience in professional organizing, Albertini shares her journey from a career in public health to helping individuals reclaim control over their spaces. Listeners will discover how the act of decluttering can serve as a powerful tool for managing anxiety and stress, especially during uncertain times.This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to simplify their surroundings and enhance their mental clarity. About the Guest:  Public health expert Jenny Albertini, MPH, author of the new book, Decluttered: Mindful Organizing for Health, Home, and Beyond. While putting in thousands of hours of professional organizing Jenny has been featured on PBS, NBC, in the Washington Post, Apartment Therapy and many other media outlets.  Connect: Website Instagram   Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

Lesley Jane Seymour welcomes Judy Pearson, a bestselling author and accomplished presenter, to discuss her remarkable journey of reinvention and resilience. Pearson shares her inspiring story, from being a high school French teacher and basketball coach to becoming a celebrated writer after overcoming breast cancer. Her latest book, Crusade to Heal America: The Remarkable Life of Mary Lasker, explores the life of a pioneering figure in cancer research and advocacy, highlighting the importance of courage and collaboration among women. Listeners will gain insight into Pearson’s personal trials and triumphs, the transformative power of storytelling, and the vital role women play in shaping history and health care. This episode is a testament to the strength found in adversity and the endless possibilities of reinvention. About the Guest:  Judy Pearson is a best-selling author, an accomplished presenter, and a graduate of Michigan State University. Judy’s first two biographies told the stories of ordinary Americans who had been extraordinarily courageous during World War II. A diagnosis of breast cancer interrupted Judy’s career, but believing there is always treasure in life’s wreckage, she created an anthology of the articles and blogs called It’s Just Hair: 20 Essential Life Lessons. Crusade to Heal America: The Remarkable Life of Mary Lasker, was selected as the 2023 Florida Book Award Bronze Medal winner. Judy was named one of Chicago’s Most Inspirational Women, was selected as a finalist for the Arizona Healthcare Leadership Awards and named a Phoenix Healthcare Hero the same year. She and her husband, David, live in Nokomis, FL.    Connect: Website Amazon   Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!  

Tiffany Knighten, creatorpreneur and host of Main Character Energy​, believes in choosing self-worth over burnout and rewriting the script on success. After climbing the corporate media ladder and facing constant microaggressions and exhaustion, Knighten made a bold decision to quit her job—and her viral ‘QuitTok’ became a rallying cry for the Great Resignation. She shares how that leap led her to build an agency amplifying the voices of BIPOC creatives and women of color, and how embracing anti-hustle culture helped her reclaim her mental health, confidence, and purpose. About Tiffany Knighten: Tiffany's journey began by quitting her 9-to-5 to prioritize her mental health and starting a business that amplified the voices of BIPOC creatives and women of color. Today, she helps her network build their brand, confidence, and community effortlessly. As the host of Main Character Energy with Tiff Knighten, Tiffany delves into the journeys of entrepreneurs and creatives who have successfully navigated rewriting their scripts and channeling audacious self-belief. Connect: Linkedin Instagram   Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!  

Lesley Jane Seymour talks with award-winning renal dietitian Jen Hernandez, founder of Plant-Powered Kidney Inc., about the life-changing power of understanding your kidneys before it’s too late. Hernandez shares her journey from clinical dietitian to social media trailblazer, challenging outdated food restrictions and empowering people with chronic kidney disease to take back control of their health. Listeners will learn the early warning signs of kidney issues, what they wish they’d known a decade ago, and how simple, plant-powered changes can support kidney health and prevent disease progression. About Jen Hernandez: An award-winning renal dietitian with experience across all areas of chronic kidney disease, from prevention to early stages and dialysis, Jen has set the standard for renal dietitian experience.  Jen has become a pillar in the renal community with her social media presence and testimonials from both private clients and course students.  With Plant-Powered Kidney Inc., Jen continues to break barriers and challenge outdated "food rules" when it comes to all the foods that people with chronic kidney disease can eat. Connect: Website Instagram   Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!  

Tiffany Knighten, creatorpreneur and host of Main Character Energy​, believes in choosing self-worth over burnout and rewriting the script on success. After climbing the corporate media ladder and facing constant microaggressions and exhaustion, Knighten made a bold decision to quit her job—and her viral ‘QuitTok’ became a rallying cry for the Great Resignation. She shares how that leap led her to build an agency amplifying the voices of BIPOC creatives and women of color, and how embracing anti-hustle culture helped her reclaim her mental health, confidence, and purpose. About Tiffany Knighten: Tiffany's journey began by quitting her 9-to-5 to prioritize her mental health and starting a business that amplified the voices of BIPOC creatives and women of color. Today, she helps her network build their brand, confidence, and community effortlessly. As the host of Main Character Energy with Tiff Knighten, Tiffany delves into the journeys of entrepreneurs and creatives who have successfully navigated rewriting their scripts and channeling audacious self-belief. Connect: Linkedin Instagram   Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

In this inspiring episode, Lesley Jane Seymour sits down with Patrick Buchanan, Senior Vice President at Lulu’s and one of Brand Innovators’ “Top 40 Marketers,” to talk about reinvention through the lens of creativity, leadership, and personal identity. Patrick shares how his career in the fast-paced world of entertainment and fashion marketing has required constant evolution—and how his most powerful reinvention came in embracing his identity as a gay man. With candor and heart, he reflects on the inner work of becoming who you truly are, the role of manifestation in shaping his path, and the importance of showing up authentically to lead with purpose and vision. About Patrick Buchanan: With over 15 years of experience, Marketing executive Patrick Buchanan has collaborated with big names in the music and entertainment industry, crafting culture-defining campaigns and leading high-performing teams. Patrick was named one of Brand Innovator’s “Top 40 Marketers”. He also earned a spot on the “Future 50” list by Nice Kicks, which honors fifty influential creatives shaping the industry's future.  He is currently the Senior Vice President of Lulu’s. Connect: Instagram LinkedIn   Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

In this inspiring episode, Lesley Jane Seymour sits down with Patrick Buchanan, Senior Vice President at Lulu’s and one of Brand Innovators’ “Top 40 Marketers,” to talk about reinvention through the lens of creativity, leadership, and personal identity. Patrick shares how his career in the fast-paced world of entertainment and fashion marketing has required constant evolution—and how his most powerful reinvention came in embracing his identity as a gay man. With candor and heart, he reflects on the inner work of becoming who you truly are, the role of manifestation in shaping his path, and the importance of showing up authentically to lead with purpose and vision. About Patrick Buchanan: With over 15 years of experience, Marketing executive Patrick Buchanan has collaborated with big names in the music and entertainment industry, crafting culture-defining campaigns and leading high-performing teams. Patrick was named one of Brand Innovator’s “Top 40 Marketers”. He also earned a spot on the “Future 50” list by Nice Kicks, which honors fifty influential creatives shaping the industry's future.  He is currently the Senior Vice President of Lulu’s. Connect: Instagram LinkedIn   Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour: Website Instagram LinkedIn Substack If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!