Conscious Conversations with Amy Woodall and the Collective

When you've done everything "right," the title, the success, the status, but still feel off course, what comes next? In this raw and revealing kickoff to the Not Sorry series on Conscious Conversations, Amy welcomes her new thought partner, Dr. Ashley Butler, for a soul-deep conversation about identity, permission, and shedding the expectations that no longer serve us. Ashley shares her courageous journey from the operating room to entrepreneurship, to a necessary pause and radical reinvention. She opens up about walking away from a high-powered medical career, shutting down a mission-driven business, and facing the uncomfortable silence of not knowing what's next. What emerges is a powerful message about reclaiming agency over your life, not out of apology, but from radical honesty. With her signature mix of vulnerability and clarity, Ashley unpacks the three pillars that now guide her path: Permission, Power, and Purpose. This episode isn't about quitting, it's about choosing again, and doing it for the right reasons. If you've ever asked yourself, "Whose life am I really living?" this one's for you. And it's only the beginning.   Additional Resources: Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn Subscribe to Ashley's Substack Newsletter! Subscribe to Conscious Habit on YouTube! Join the "Conscious Conversations" Community! Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: True healing starts by pausing, not pushing forward. Titles don't define worth or future direction. Living for others leads to quiet self-abandonment. Purpose evolves, let it grow with you. Permission is the first step to realignment.  

What happens when life forces you to disconnect from the identity you've built, and discover something more authentic underneath? Amy is joined by award-winning author and life strategist Martine Cohen. Martine shares the powerful story of how a traumatic brain injury disrupted her high-achieving life as a corporate attorney and cracked open the layers of identity, fear, and perfectionism she had unknowingly worn for years. Through deep personal insight and practical frameworks from her book "No More Layers", Martine helps us navigate the noise of modern life by learning to lead ourselves from within. From the "inner boardroom" to the art of intentional awareness, this conversation is a masterclass in reclaiming your identity, trusting your inner voice, and navigating change with courage, not fear. If you've ever felt stuck, depleted, or like you're chasing something that doesn't quite fit… this one will change the way you see yourself.   Additional Resources: Connect with Martine on LinkedIn Get Martine's book - "No More Layers" Subscribe to Conscious Habit on YouTube! Join the "Conscious Conversations" Community! Sign Up for the Conscious Habit Newsletter Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: You are not your brain, you're so much more. Perfectionism is a protective layer, not your truth. Curiosity is your brain's greatest antidote to fear. Awareness creates space to choose, not react. Lead from alignment, not external expectation.  

What if fear wasn't a stop sign, but a starting line? Amy flips the script on fear. Drawing from her personal evolution and inner work, Amy shares a compelling new way to understand fear, not as a warning to back off, but as a signal that growth is near. With gentle yet transformative insight, she explores how fear is the body's natural response to newness, and how we can learn to sit with it, question it, and even thank it. Amy walks listeners through a powerful reframing: fear doesn't mean you're not ready, it means you're human. From practical tools to calm the nervous system to thought-provoking questions that activate your logical brain, this episode invites you to pull up a seat for fear, breathe with it, and move forward with courage. Whether you're stepping into something new or navigating self-doubt, this conversation will help you make fear a companion, not an enemy, on your growth journey.   Additional Resources: Subscribe to Conscious Habit on YouTube! Join the "Conscious Conversations" Community! Sign Up for the Conscious Habit Newsletter Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Fear is a normal response to the new Breathe and observe before fear becomes a story Question fear-driven thoughts logically and calmly Faith and fear both believe unseen outcomes Growth lives just beyond fear's doorstep  

What if being in a funk was exactly where you're meant to be? Amy steps into a conversation not from her usual centered space, but from a place of emotional heaviness, and invites you to join her there. Lauri Stern, founder of Custom Designed Wellness, is a yoga instructor, reiki healer, and chakra expert who offers both grounding presence and practical guidance for navigating stuck energy. Together, they explore the unseen forces that weigh us down and how to transmute that heaviness into healing and power. From the realness of emotional overwhelm to the science and soul of the chakra system, this episode gives permission to pause, feel, and reset. Whether you're an empath absorbing the world's chaos or just trying to get through a hard day, this conversation is a breath of truth. Come for the healing, stay for the energetic shift. 🧘‍♀️   Additional Resources: Connect with Lauri on LinkedIn Listen to The Real and the Woo Subscribe to Conscious Habit on YouTube! Join the "Conscious Conversations" Community! Sign Up for the Conscious Habit Newsletter Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Empaths often absorb energy that's not their own Each chakra holds emotional, physical, and energetic clues Heaviness signals change and energetic rebalancing Emotional release requires breath, movement, and permission You matter, exactly as you are today  

What if the guidance you've been searching for was already inside you? Amy takes us on a deeply personal exploration of discernment, intuition, and reconnecting with the wisdom of our bodies. Sparked by a touching conversation with her son Braxton, Amy dives into what it means to truly lead yourself in a world full of outside noise. She challenges the cultural norm of seeking answers from influencers, gurus, and trends and instead offers practical tools for tapping into our inner truth. Through powerful personal stories and reflection prompts, Amy invites you to question where you may have outsourced your decisions, and how to come home to your own knowing. This is more than mindset. It's a call to remember that your body, your values, and your instincts are already equipped to guide you.   Additional Resources: Subscribe to Conscious Habit on YouTube! Join the "Conscious Conversations" Community! Sign Up for the Conscious Habit Newsletter Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Discernment starts by trusting your inner voice Your body holds wisdom your mind may override Outside advice isn't always right for you Clarity comes from knowing your true values You are your own compass and guide  

What if the power to unlock your best self was already in your body? 🌟 Deseri Garcia and Amy Woodall sit down with the radiant Dr. Sue Morter, an energy healing expert whose mission is to help us tap into our inner brilliance through breathwork, body awareness, and grounded presence. Dr. Sue shares how deep belly breathing and energetic alignment can do more than just calm the mind. They can spark creativity, elevate confidence, and transform how you experience everyday life. 💫 From grounding techniques to mindset shifts, she walks us through how the body holds the key to wisdom, innovation, and joy. Whether you're looking to reduce stress or amplify your leadership presence, this conversation is your permission slip to pause, breathe, and lead with purpose. Get ready to see energy as your greatest asset, and yourself as the source.   Additional Resources: Subscribe to Conscious Habit on YouTube! Join the "Conscious Conversations" Community! Sign Up for the Conscious Habit Newsletter Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Monthly healing sessions and courses for growth Belly breathing sparks creativity and transformation Grounding taps into ancient earth wisdom Consciousness and energy shape our reality Anchor energy to overcome blocks and thrive  

Straight from the High Vibe Tribe retreat in Costa Rica, this transformative meditation invites you to unlock the wisdom of your future self 🧘‍♀️ Amy guides you through a powerful visualization to meet three versions of you: one living beyond limits, another navigating your biggest current challenge with grace, and one walking your exact path, but with more peace, trust, and presence. Whether you need clarity, confidence, or just a moment of grounding, this journey reminds you that everything you need is already within. Let go, tune in, and receive 💛   Additional Resources: Subscribe to Conscious Habit on YouTube! Join the "Conscious Conversations" Community! Sign Up for the Conscious Habit Newsletter Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: You hold the answers you're looking for within. Imagining no limits unlocks new possibilities. Your future self has valuable wisdom to share. Inner guidance can overcome current challenges with ease. Presence and intention transform everyday experiences.  

Think storytelling is just for marketers or bedtime? Think again… your team's trust, retention, and belief might depend on it. 📖 Amy is joined by Danielle Krischik, Chief Strategy Officer at Night Agency, host of The Story Effect podcast, and author of the new book by the same name. Together, they dive into why storytelling isn't just a leadership bonus, it's a connection essential. Danielle breaks down the four types of connection every workplace needs and shares her Captivate, Relate, Motivate framework that makes authentic communication practical and impactful. You'll walk away seeing story not as ego, but as a leadership act of service, and a bridge to trust, belief, and culture that sticks.   Additional Resources: Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn Subscribe to Conscious Habit on YouTube! Join the "Conscious Conversations" Community! Sign Up for the Conscious Habit Newsletter Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Storytelling strengthens trust, retention, and engagement. Connection starts within, then expands outward. Leaders must share scars, not open wounds. Captivate, relate, and motivate, storytelling made simple. Stories humanize data and deepen belief.  

What actually happens when you spend three days in total silence? 🤐 Amy shares what surfaced during a three-day silent retreat with no phone, no talking, just stillness. From confronting her own habit energy to rediscovering the quiet power of presence, she unpacks the real impact of stepping away from constant stimulation. You'll hear reflections on how silence can clarify what truly matters, why boredom might be exactly what we need, and how nature became one of her greatest teachers. It's not about escaping life, but finally getting quiet enough to meet yourself in it. If you're feeling stretched thin or stuck in autopilot, this one's worth a listen.   Additional Resources: Join the "Conscious Conversations" Community! Sign Up for the Conscious Habit Newsletter Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Stillness reveals truths distraction conceals. Habit energy drives unconscious daily behavior. Silence creates space for deeper self-awareness. Nature teaches presence through quiet observation. True wisdom comes from intentional slowness.  

Ever feel like life's chaos has you running on autopilot? What if the secret to freedom isn't doing more, but learning to pause? Amy sits down with Karen Bartholomew, creator of The Pause Method, to uncover how pressing "pause" can actually move you forward. Together, they dig into how slowing down helps us break free from old stories, calm the chaos within, and reclaim our peace. From rewiring fear into possibility to learning how to show up safe, worthy, and whole every day, Karen brings powerful insight and humor to the art of living consciously. If you've been craving clarity, calm, and a little soul realignment, this one's your permission slip to hit pause 🧘‍♀️💫   Additional Resources: Connect with Karen on LinkedIn Join the "Conscious Conversations" Community! Sign Up for the Conscious Habit Newsletter Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Awareness is the first step toward change. Old stories shape present reactions and beliefs. Fear often masks unhealed parts of ourselves. Stillness creates space for truth and peace. Growth happens in the pause between triggers.  

What if the heaviness you're carrying isn't even yours? 🌍 Amy dives into the idea of collective consciousness and how the energy we each bring impacts the world around us. From the role ego plays in fueling division to the fascinating science of the Schumann Resonance (the earth's measurable "heartbeat"), Amy invites us to see how deeply connected we all really are. More importantly, she challenges us to transform fear into compassion, anger into love, and heaviness into lightness. This isn't about ignoring the world's struggles, it's about showing up as conscious leaders who act from love rather than reaction. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that will inspire you to shift your energy and, in turn, impact the collective for good. 🤝   Additional Resources: Join the "Conscious Conversations" Community! Sign Up for the Conscious Habit Newsletter Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Labels and ego drive division. Heavy emotions can be shifted into lightness. Act from love, not reaction to hate. Conscious leadership blends inner work with aligned action.  

What if the biggest workplace challenge isn't strategy, skills, or systems, but simply understanding each other? 👀 Amy sits down with Lindsay Boccardo, speaker, coach, and generational expert who makes the complex topic of age gaps feel surprisingly fun. Together they explore why we label each other, how parenting trends shape the leaders we become, and why "kids these days…" has been said for centuries. Lindsay challenges us to swap judgment for curiosity, reminding us that progress doesn't come from repeating past struggles, but from breaking cycles and building bridges. Whether you're a leader trying to connect with Gen Z, a millennial caught between two worlds, or a boomer navigating change, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about generations… and about yourself. 💡   Additional Resources: Connect with Lindsay on LinkedIn Join the "Conscious Conversations" Community! Sign Up for the Conscious Habit Newsletter Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Generational labels are broad strokes, not personal definitions. Biases like "kids don't want to work" repeat across history. Parenting trends shape workplace expectations. Progress means breaking cycles of trauma, not repeating them. Curiosity bridges gaps better than judgment.  

Ever find yourself wide awake at 3 AM, replaying every what if your brain can dream up? 💭 Amy dives into the science of why we worry and shows how worry, while natural, often hijacks our peace and energy. Instead of letting rumination run the show, Amy offers a simple four-step practice (Pause, Ask, Shift, Redirect) to get unstuck and back to calm. Through real-life insights, reframing questions, and a grounding visualization, this episode is your reminder that worry doesn't have to be the enemy. It can actually be the cue to pause, breathe, and choose a better thought. So the next time those 3 AM worries come knocking, you'll be ready to send them floating away and step into peace.   Additional Resources: Join the "Conscious Conversations" Community! Sign Up for the Conscious Habit Newsletter Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Worry is our brain's attempt to control the uncontrollable. Use the four steps: Pause, Ask, Shift, Redirect. Movement and breath break the worry cycle. Reframe with empowering questions like "What's the best that could happen?" Visualization and presence practices restore calm.

Can you build a successful business, lead with heart and ditch the burnout badge of honor? Charlie Saffro says yes, and she's got the stories to prove it. In this special episode, recorded live in the Conscious Habit community, Amy reconnects with Charlie Saffro—founder of CS Recruiting and unapologetic champion of conscious leadership—for a candid, no-fluff convo about leading with purpose in a world obsessed with hustle. Charlie pulls back the curtain on what it really means to ditch performative grind culture and embrace human-first leadership. They get real about what happens when companies skip the small stuff (like remembering work anniversaries), why your team deserves more than a plaque, and how Charlie turned a moment of personal leadership failure into company-wide policy change. This episode is full of mic-drop moments, practical takeaways, and a refreshing reminder that leadership gets better when you stop trying to be everything to everyone—and just get real. 🎧✨   Additional Resources: Connect with Charlie on LinkedIn Join the "Conscious Conversations" Community! Sign Up for the Conscious Habit Newsletter Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network    Key Takeaways: Authenticity beats hustle every time. Small acknowledgments make a big impact. People-first leadership needs real policies, not performative perks. You can lead with empathy and make tough business decisions. Mindful habits fuel sustainable leadership.

Ready to vibe higher with your finances? 💸✨ Amy gets real about money, not just the dollars and cents, but the energy behind it. From penny-counting childhood memories to shifting fear into abundance, she opens up about healing her money story and redefining what it means to be truly wealthy. 💖 This isn't your typical money talk. We're flipping the script on old beliefs, blessing bills (yes, really 🙏), and embracing the truth that money isn't power or success—it's just energy. If you've ever felt dread swiping your card or guilt when receiving, this episode invites you to shift your mindset, open your heart, and welcome a healthier, more conscious relationship with money. Let's get that good karma flowing! 💫💳   Additional Resources: Join the "Conscious Conversations" Community! Sign Up for the Conscious Habit Newsletter Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network    Key Takeaways: Money mirrors our self-worth and inner beliefs. It's just energy… how we feel about it shapes how it flows. Shift fear to gratitude when spending. Worthiness influences how we attract and keep money. Money amplifies who we already are.

What if the key to better leadership, less stress, and deeper connection wasn't about doing more—but unlearning what's holding you back? Amy and Dr. Laura Gallaher as they dive into what it really means to lead from the inside out 💖. They unpack radical self-acceptance, sneaky defense mechanisms, and how stress is more about your stories than your circumstances. With laughs, real talk, and powerful insights, this convo will help you quiet your inner critic and lead with more love, intention, and authenticity 🌱.   Additional Resources: Take the Self Acceptance Quiz! Connect with Dr. Laura on LinkedIn Learn more about Gallaher Edge Join the "Conscious Conversations" Community! Sign Up for the Conscious Habit Newsletter Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network    Key Takeaways: Conscious leadership starts with heightened self-awareness and reducing autopilot behaviors. Defense mechanisms—like blame, sarcasm, and being overly nice—signal deeper self-acceptance gaps. Radical self-acceptance and continuous self-improvement are not opposites; they can coexist harmoniously. Stress isn't caused by external events—it's a reaction to the meaning we assign them. A judgment-free internal environment leads to healthier external relationships.

In this episode, Amy shares lessons from 22+ years of marriage 🎙️❤️. From marrying her total opposite to realizing that love is a practice, not a possession, she dives into the messy, beautiful work of building conscious relationships. Expect real talk, and a few truth bombs that might just shift how you see your partner…and yourself. 💝   Additional Resources: Sign Up for the Conscious Habit Newsletter Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network    Key Takeaways: Relationships serve as mirrors, reflecting our internal struggles. Expecting more from others than we're willing to give is a recipe for resentment. A single person cannot and should not fulfill all emotional and social needs. Love is an active practice, not a static possession. Understanding your partner's wiring is crucial—love languages, communication styles, and all.

In this powerful episode, Amy sits down with Ify Walker, Founder & CEO of Offor, to explore the disorienting phenomenon she calls the "Work Twisties" 🌀—those moments when grief, burnout, or loss leave you feeling completely unmoored. Ify shares her deeply personal journey of losing her father and how it shook the foundation of her leadership, identity, and self-trust. But she didn't abandon her path—she rebuilt it with vulnerability, courage, and intention 💪🏾. From trusting her team like never before to learning how to talk to herself with compassion, Ify offers heartfelt wisdom for leaders navigating uncertainty. Whether you're in the thick of the twisties or supporting someone who is, this episode is a must-listen 💡.   Additional Resources: Connect with Ify on LinkedIn Sign Up for the Conscious Habit Newsletter Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network    Key Takeaways: "The Work Twisties" describe a loss of direction and certainty in professional life, often triggered by personal loss. Grief can destabilize a founder's or leader's identity and leadership approach. There's a difference between burnout (abandoning inner knowing) and the twisties (a complete loss of knowing). Small, consistent actions and self-talk rebuild self-trust.  

Parenting doesn't come with a manual—but it does come with lessons (usually the hard way). In this episode, Amy shares the journey of raising her two boys and what conscious parenting has taught her along the way. From learning to say "I'm sorry" to mastering the art of nervous system regulation, she reflects on how parenting shifts—from leading in front, to walking beside, to cheering from behind. It's all about raising confident, emotionally healthy adults—not just obedient kids. Whether you're in the toddler trenches or parenting young adults, this episode offers support, laughter, and maybe a few aha moments 💛🎧   Additional Resources: Sign Up for the Conscious Habit Newsletter Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network    Key Takeaways: Parenting styles should evolve: lead from the front, walk beside, then support from behind. Apologizing to children teaches humility and builds trust. Parents must regulate their own nervous systems to model emotional intelligence. Emotions aren't bad; showing children how to process them is a critical lesson. Keep the end goal in mind: raising healthy, happy adults—not simply obedient kids.

What if the real reason you're stuck isn't mindset—but a memory your body hasn't let go of? In this powerful episode, Amy chats with Laurel Wiers, founder of Optimal Outcome, about how unresolved trauma (even the "small stuff") shows up in our work, relationships, and leadership. Laurel shares how high achievers unknowingly carry emotional weight that holds them back—and how healing doesn't have to take years. From anxiety and burnout to breakthrough and peace... this one's a game-changer.   Additional Resources: Connect with Laurel on LinkedIn Learn more about Laurel's work Sign Up for the Conscious Habit Newsletter Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network    Key Takeaways: Trauma isn't always "big"—seemingly small experiences can deeply affect our behavior and identity. Traditional talk therapy may not fully resolve trauma stored in the body; modalities like ART and EMDR help reprocess memories more effectively. High achievers often mask unresolved pain with performance, leading to burnout and emotional disconnection. Reprocessing traumatic memories can shift core beliefs and allow leaders to operate from a place of wholeness.