Amina Change Your Life

Amber Rae, an internationally acclaimed author, illustrator, and speaker, is a force in the world of self-discovery and empowerment. With her bestselling books like "Choose Wonder Over Worry" and "The Answers Are Within You," she has touched the lives of millions across nearly 200 countries. Amber's work, filled with emotional depth and wisdom, has not only resonated with audiences globally but has also empowered individuals to embrace their authentic selves. Through her advocacy for journaling and her transformative workshops for global brands, she has become a beacon of inspiration for those seeking the courage to choose self-honoring paths. Amber's latest book, "Loveable," reflects her commitment to guiding others to rediscover their worthiness, making her a sought-after mentor for those on a journey of self-trust and authenticity.   The key moments in this episode are:  00:02:04 - Embracing Imperfection and Honesty  00:10:57 - Embracing Flickers of Awareness  00:15:12 - Reevaluating Ambition  00:25:00 - The 51% Rule  00:29:00 - Choosing Self as a Radical Act    Connect with Amber Rae Website: amberrae.com Instagram: @heyamberrae Book: amberrae.com/loveable   Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin:   linkedin/in/aminaaltai  Book: aminaaltai.com/book

Amina shares personal and professional updates, giving insights into her recent book tour, the reception of her work, and upcoming changes to the podcast format. She emphasizes the importance of embracing cyclical growth, rest, and renewal in leadership, reflecting on her past struggles, heartbreak, and ego-reconciliation.   The key moments in this episode are:  00:01:00 - Book Tour Highlights  00:03:06 - Impact of Purposeful Ambition  00:04:48 - Surrender and Success  00:07:18 - Podcast Update and Future Plans   Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin:   linkedin/in/aminaaltai  Book: aminaaltai.com/book  

Nicole Kalil, a renowned speaker, coach, and author of "Validation is for Parking" brings a refreshing and candid approach to building confidence. With a dynamic career journey from a Fortune 100 finance firm to hosting the globally acclaimed podcast "This is Women's Work" Nicole's insights are rooted in real-world experience. Her genuine passion for empowering individuals and eliminating gender biases in the workplace shines through in her relatable and humorous style. As she juggles her roles as a wife, mom, and self-proclaimed cheese enthusiast, Nicole's down-to-earth nature makes her an approachable and inspiring guide on the journey to authentic self-discovery and confidence-building. The key moments in this episode are:  00:02:33 - Trial and Error in Career  00:08:50 - The Confidence Journey  00:13:52 - Perfectionism and Authenticity  00:16:03 - Seeking Validation Internally  00:21:52 - Redefining Work Culture  00:25:35 - Power Skills 00:29:07 - Recognizing Underwhelm    Connect with Arundhathi Subramaniam Website: nicolekalil.com Instagram: @nicolemkalil LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nicolekalil   Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin:   linkedin/in/aminaaltai Book: aminaaltai.com/book

Arundhathi Subramaniam, an accomplished poet and author, has garnered acclaim for her 15 comprehensive works encompassing poetry and prose, solidifying her position as one of India's leading literary figures. Her latest publication, "Women Who Wear Only Themselves," intricately explores the lives of contemporary women on sacred journeys, offering a unique perspective on spirituality and personal growth. Notably, Arundhathi's role as the editor of "Wild," a seminal anthology of Indian female mystic poetry, and her accolades, including the Sahitya Academy Award for poetry in 2020, underscore her remarkable contributions to literature. Beyond her literary achievements, she has made significant strides as a curator, editor, and critic, shaping compelling conversations on poetry and spirituality. Arundhathi's work serves as a vital resource for individuals seeking genuine, spiritually aligned creative expression, making her a revered figure in the literary and spiritual realms.   The key moments in this episode are:  00:02:06 - Arundhati's Spiritual Awakening  00:10:42 - Writing "Women who Wear Only Themselves"  00:15:19 - The Journey of Self-Realization  00:27:04 - Embracing the Sacred in Everyday Life  00:30:50 - The Absurdity of Creativity    Connect with Arundhathi Subramaniam Website: arundhathisubramaniam.com Instagram: @arundhathisubramaniam Facebook: facebook.com/arundhathi.subramaniam Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai  Book: aminaaltai.com/book  

Claire Wasserman is a speaker, author, and founder of Ladies Get Paid, a newsletter, podcast, and coaching practice dedicated to helping women embrace their worth and activate their potential. With a Master's Certificate in Financial Psychology, Claire has traveled the country teaching thousands of women how to negotiate millions of dollars in raises, start businesses, and advocate for themselves in the workplace. Claire was chosen as Entrepreneur Magazine's 100 Most Powerful Women, and has spoken at places such as Harvard Business School, Facebook, NASA, and the United Nations, and has appeared on Good Morning America and in the New York Times, among others.   The key moments in this episode are:  00:02:25 - The Origin of Ladies Get Paid  00:08:29 - Challenges and Unlocks Around Money  00:12:43 - Overcoming Systemic Obstacles  00:16:53 - Surrender and Feelings  00:22:43 - Embracing Aliveness in Suffering  00:26:19 - Finding Meaning in Every Experience    Connect with Claire Wasserman Website: coachmeclaire.com/ Instagram: @clairegetspaid LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/clairewasserman Podcast: Ladies Get Paid   Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai Book: aminaaltai.com/book

Frenchie Ferenczi is a seasoned small business strategist, fractional leader to startups, and advisor to founders. With a remarkable career journey that includes scaling $100 million businesses like The Wing, managing teams of over 50 people, and mentoring a thousand plus entrepreneurs, Frenchie brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Her mission to help more people build financial freedom through independent revenue streams is truly inspiring, and her insights on achieving sustainable revenue growth and stability are invaluable. Featured in Forbes and Fast Company, Frenchie's extensive background and practical approach make her the perfect guest to share strategies for predictable revenue in business.  The key moments in this episode are:  00:01:27 - Frenchie's Career Journey  00:10:30 - Scaling Your Business  00:14:56 - Challenges in Audience Growth  00:20:26 - Predictable Revenue in Unpredictable Times  00:23:19 - Understanding Market Changes and Consumer Behavior  00:25:32 - Strategies for Predictable Revenue  00:31:00 - Gut as the Intersection of Feeling and Data  Connect with Frenchie Ferenczi Instagram: @frenchie.ferenczi LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/frenchieferenczi   Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai  Book: aminaaltai.com/book

Megan Hellerer, the Founder and CEO of Coaching for Under Fulfilled Overachievers, is an accomplished career coach and author of "Directional Living," a comprehensive framework for career fulfillment in the 21st century. With a strong professional background, including eight years at Google and features in esteemed publications such as New York Magazine and Vogue Australia, Megan has garnered recognition for her expertise in personal and professional development. With her own body of work on aligned ambition, she is the perfect conversation partner to go deeper around The Ambition Trap.  The key moments in this episode are: 00:04:06 - Unpacking Ambition and Core Wounds  00:09:57 - The Drive to Be Seen  00:14:21 - Lessons from Pain  00:19:22 - Ambition in 2020  00:25:56 - Sharing Family History in the Book  00:35:13 - Understanding Wounds and Masks Connect with Megan Hellerer Website: meganhellerer.com Instagram: @meganhellerer   Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai  Book: aminaaltai.com/book

Brittany Martin, a seasoned business strategist and author, offers a unique approach to redefining the way we perceive work. With her extensive experience in scaling businesses and guiding teams through rapid growth, Brittany emphasizes the significance of prioritizing alignment over burnout.  The key moments in this episode are:  00:04:31 - Collective Empathy and Amplifying Voices  00:09:34 - Purposeful vs. Painful Ambition Framework  00:11:29 - Navigating Ambition Within Societal Structures  00:18:26 - Shifting Ambition Collectively  00:24:13 - Embracing Individuality and Unique Traits    Connect with Brittany Martin Website: helloseven.co Instagram: @brittalynnmartin Instagram: @hello7co   Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai  Book: aminaaltai.com/book

Nina Rodríguez-Marty serves as the Executive Editor at Penguin Life and Maria Shriver's, The Open Field imprints of Penguin Random House. Her specialization lies in acquiring prescriptive and idea-driven nonfiction across a spectrum of categories, including Self Help, Personal Development, Psychology, Wellness, Health, Productivity, and Peak Performance. Noteworthy authors under her guidance include Dr. Ramani, Dr. Jennifer Reid, Dr. Rahul Jandial, Meghan Rabbitt, and Kara Loewentheil. The key moments in this episode are: 00:02:11 - Cultivating Relationships in Publishing  00:11:51 - Creating Collaborative Relationships with Authors  00:20:40 - Vulnerability in Editing  00:27:19 - Community Effort in Book Publishing   Connect with Nina Rodríguez-Marty Instagram: @ninazrodriguez   Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai  Book: aminaaltai.com/book

Nitika Chopra, the founder and CEO of Chronicon and the Chronicon foundation, is a dedicated advocate for empowering individuals with chronic illness. Having faced her own journey marked by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis since childhood, Nitika's entrepreneurial spirit led her to host her own TV show, Naturally Beautiful, and organize over a hundred transformative events. Her influence extends to major partnerships with brands like Google, Microsoft, and Bristol Myers Squibb, where she passionately advocates for the chronic illness community. Nitika's personal experiences and unwavering commitment make her an invaluable voice for those navigating chronic illness. Her unique perspective and entrepreneurial drive have positioned her as a trusted leader in the field, making her insights invaluable for anyone seeking to understand and work through the challenges of chronic illness.   The key moments in this episode are: 00:02:48 - The Book Launch and Journey  00:07:02 - Writing as a Spiritual Practice  00:11:59 - The Power of Community Effort  00:19:08 - Trusting the Timing of Life  00:24:22 - Facing the Fear of Being Average   Connect with Nitika Chopra Website: NitikaChopra.com Website: Chronicon.co Instagram: @NitkaChopra Instagram: @ChroniconOfficial   Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai  Book: aminaaltai.com/book  

Lia Avellino, a relational and somatic psychotherapist, is also the CEO of Spokescircles. Her expertise in modern love and women's wellness, coupled with her role as a sought-after facilitator and media commentator, has seen her work featured in Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Men's Health, and The Tamron Hall Show. With a focus on helping individuals embrace their full, unapologetic selves, Lia brings a wealth of insight to the conversation on transitioning from painful to purposeful ambition while writing a book.   The key moments in this episode are:   00:02:16 - Good Enoughness and Ambition 00:08:03 - Spiritual Experience of Ambition 00:13:19 - Dealing with Resistance 00:19:26 - Overcoming Fear of Failure 00:25:20 - The When-Then Trap   Connect with Lia Avelino Website: spokecircles.com Instagram: @lialoveavellino Instagram: @spokecircles   Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai  Book: aminaaltai.com/book

Amina's forthcoming book, The Ambition Trap, is now out in the world, but it took three long years of writing and a lifetime of lessons for this book to come to be. Amina sold the book to Penguin Random House's imprint Open Field from Maria Shriver in September of 2022. Along the way, Amina had support from loving friends, peers, and colleagues, and we're getting a chance for them to interview her on what it was like building this invaluable resource in this six part series. This episode's special guest is Stacey Lindsay, a broadcast and print journalist and writer who has extensively covered women's issues, gender equity, work, civics, health, and culture. With experience as an editorial director and consulting senior editor for digital publications, including Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper, Stacey has interviewed numerous public figures, from governors to scientists to actors, such as Lisa Ling, Phil Stutts, Savannah Guthrie, Nedra Tawab, Reese Witherspoon, Debbie Gibson, Sharon Raganoff, and Jay Shetty. As a longtime editor at goop and a former evening TV news anchor and reporter, Stacey's insights and storytelling delve into the exploration of women, societal expectations, and the challenges of navigating our 40's.   The key moments in this episode are:  00:03:29 - Overcoming Postponement and Finding Joy  00:08:44 - The Glass Child Phenomenon  00:12:11 - The Art of Receiving  00:18:48 - Embracing Creativity through Writing  00:24:31 - Democratizing Genius  00:34:27 - Unwinding Painful Ambition    Connect with Stacey Lindsay Website: staceyannlindsay.com Instagram: @staceylindsay   Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai  Book: aminaaltai.com/book  

Dr. Beth Kaplan, author of the new book Braving the Workplace, is a recognized authority in the fields of belonging and leadership development. With a career spanning over two decades in executive roles, Dr. Kaplan has leveraged her expertise in human connection, learning, and leadership to make significant contributions to fostering workplace belonging. Her collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania to develop a pioneering belonging tool underscores her commitment to advancing the measurement and prediction of thriving within organizational contexts. Dr. Kaplan's impressive client portfolio encompasses renowned institutions such as Salesforce, the University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown University, and the Carnegie Foundation, reflecting the widespread impact of her work.    The key moments in this episode are:  00:03:34 - Defining Belonging  00:13:23 - The Four Types of Belonging  00:22:06 - The Role of Belonging in DEI Initiatives  00:26:14 - Practical Steps for Fostering Belonging Connect with Dr. Beth Kaplan Website: drbethkaplan.com Instagram: @drbethkaplan LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/beth-kaplan X: @drbethkaplan Facebook: @drbethkaplan Book: drbethkaplan.com/braving-the-workplace   Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin:   linkedin/in/aminaaltai  Book: aminaaltai.com/book

Robert Hartwell is recognized as a storytelling expert, HGTV and Own TV Host, Inc. 5000 Entrepreneur, Broadway performing artist, and award-winning director. Passionate about empowering the next generation of performers, artists, and entrepreneurs, Hartwell's Broadway Collective has an outstanding 97% success rate in guiding students into top musical theater college programs. His impressive Broadway career, along with his commitment to storytelling and education, continues to inspire and shape the arts and entrepreneurship communities worldwide. With his journey of creating Breaking New Ground, a series chronicling his renovation of a historic 1820s home, Hartwell exemplifies resilience and purpose in entrepreneurship, making him an inspiration to us all. The key moments in this episode are:  00:03:12 - Origin Story and Family Influence  00:05:54 - Resilience and Spiritual Assignment  00:15:19 - Embracing Divine Signs 00:19:46 - Finding Purpose and Love  00:24:27 - Intentional Living and Gratitude Practice 00:30:58 - The Importance of Work Besties   Connect with Robert Hartwell Website: bwaycollective.com/hb Instagram: @sirroberttakespics Show: Breaking New Ground on MAX   Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai  Book: aminaaltai.com/book

Ruchika Malhotra, the best selling author of Inclusion on Purpose, An Intersectional Approach to Creating a Culture of Belonging at Work, brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation around DEI and how to navigate the current climate. As the founder of Candor, an inclusion strategy practice, and a recognized media expert on inclusive leadership and workplace culture, Ruchika's work has been featured in The New York Times and Harvard Business Review. With her deeply rooted understanding of the challenges surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion, Ruchika's expertise shines through as she shares her valuable perspectives on navigating DEI backlash and intentional actions. The key moments in this episode are:  00:02:33 - Ruchika's Career Journey  00:05:55 - Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion  00:13:55 - The Importance of Genuine DEI Efforts  00:20:59 - Pushing Forward in the Face of Adversity  00:25:24 - Solidarity and Strength in Numbers  00:32:49 - Embracing Commonalities and Diverse Perspectives  Connect with Ruchika T. Malhotra Website: ruchika.co LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ruchikatm Instagram: @rtulshyan Book: uncompetebook.com   Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin:   linkedin/in/aminaaltai  Book: aminaaltai.com/book

Bringing a wealth of experience as a licensed solution-focused therapist and flow researcher, Dr. Julia Colangelo has dedicated over 14 years to understanding the intricacies of flow and mindfulness. Her expertise extends to her role as the founder of hello Flow and the Flow Brain, where she imparts behavioral flow strategies and mindfulness skills to support social, emotional, and relationship growth. Educated at NYU, Columbia, and UPenn, Dr. Julia's journey from personal burnout to advocating for sustainable, mindful practices in helper professions adds depth and authenticity to the podcast conversation, making her insights invaluable for individuals seeking to achieve flow states. The key moments in this episode are:  00:02:08 - Dr. Julia Colangelo's Career Journey  00:05:29 - Definition of Flow  00:10:13 - Micro vs. Macro Flow States  00:15:22 - Finding Microflow Moments  00:18:17 - Resilience and Recovery    Connect with Dr. Julia Colangelo Website: drjuliacolangelo.com Instagram: @theflowbrain Instagram: @drjuliacolangelo Instagram: @blueflowlife Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai

Today, I'm joined by Israa Nasir, a New York City based psychotherapist, writer, and the founder of Well Guide, a digital community for mental health awareness. With a specific focus on mental health, identity formation, and healing for the AAPI first and second generation immigrant community, Israa has been featured in Time, Forbes, Harvard Business Review, NBC, Vox, HuffPost, Teen Vogue, Vogue India, and other major publications. She brings a wealth of expertise and experience to our conversation, drawing from her work with corporations and institutions such as Google, Pepsi, Ernst and Young, Meta, and Yale University. The key moments in this episode are:  00:03:19 - Exploring Toxic Productivity Mindset  00:11:25 - Embracing Nuance and Balance  00:15:32 - Intersection of Identity and Toxic Productivity  00:19:53 - Decoupling Productivity and Self-Worth  00:25:28 - Reimagining Productivity    Connect with Israa Nasir Website: israanasir.com Instagram: @well.guide LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/israanasir   Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai   

Chloé Nwangwu, known as the brand scientist, serves as the director of NobiWorks, a brand visibility consultancy. With a background in international conflict resolution and mediation, Chloé's journey into understanding under recognition began during her involvement in peace negotiations. Her work led to the identification of the phenomenon of under recognition and the formulation of the term "invisibility tax," which highlights the additional resources under recognized individuals must expend to attain visibility. Through her expertise, Chloé has developed scientifically formulated visibility strategies and systems designed to neutralize biases and enhance brand visibility in a competitive marketplace. Her insights are particularly relevant for professionals seeking to elevate their visibility and influence within their professional domains. The key moments in this episode are:  00:02:03 - Chloe's Career Trajectory  00:05:26 - The Invisibility Tax and Its Facets  00:07:55 - Impact of the Ambition Penalty  00:14:11 - Racial Attention Deficit and Intersectionality  00:17:52 - Five Stages of Visibility  00:25:51 - Overcoming Invisibility and Bias    Connect with Chloé Nwangwu LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nwangwu LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/nobiworks Instagram: @nobiworks Resources mentioned in this episode   Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai 

Anne Marie Anderson, a three-time Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and keynote speaker, boasts over three decades in the sports television industry, covering prestigious events including six Olympic Games, heavyweight title fights, NBA and MLB playoffs, and the Super Bowl. Renowned as one of the most experienced female play-by-play announcers in the country, Anne Marie's upcoming book, "Cultivating Dismantle, Doubt, and Let Yourself Win," is set to be released in January, offering readers invaluable insights into overcoming barriers to living boldly and confidently. With her powerful and entertaining keynotes, including her signature talk, "Building an Audacious Mindset," Anne Marie brings a wealth of expertise, making her an exceptional guest for today's discussion on cultivating audacity for career and personal success. The key moments in this episode are:  00:03:26 - Overcoming Fear and Making Audacious Choices  00:12:11 - Audacious Moves and Ikigai Exercise  00:14:24 - Front Row and Community  00:24:54 - Anne Marie's Seminal Moment of Audacity  00:29:11 - Embracing Rejection  Connect with Anne Marie Anderson Website: annemarieanderson.com Instagram: @Anneandersontv Book: annemarieanderson.com/book   Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin:   linkedin/in/aminaaltai

Henna Pryor, a former top leader at a $2 billion executive search firm, possesses over 14 years of extensive experience in career transitions and leadership. As a highly sought-after global keynote speaker and 18 time award winning author, Henna's insights have been prominently featured in publications such as Inc. Magazine, Forbes, NBC, Washington Post, business.com, HuffPost, and Fast Company. Recognized as a Success Magazine Woman of Influence, she has established strong partnerships with leading organizations including Google, Workday, Johnson and Johnson, and JP Morgan Chase. With two TEDx speaking engagements and her book, "Good Awkward," endorsed by NFL quarterback Russell Wilson and former HBR editor Karen Dillon, Henna's professional journey and expertise in navigating career transitions position her as a credible and influential figure for professionals seeking guidance and inspiration. The key moments in this episode are:  00:02:28 - Building Relationships Through Deposits and Withdrawals  00:13:34 - Compassionate Networking 00:24:21 - The Importance of Consistency in Personal Branding  00:27:00 - Building Resilience  00:28:38 - Fear of Not Meeting Imagined Potential  00:33:59 - Externalizing Self-Talk and Embracing Feedback    Connect with Henna Pryor Website: pryoritygroup.com Instagram: @Hennapryor LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hennapryor Book: pryoritygroup.com/book   Connect with Amina AlTai Website: aminaaltai.com Instagram: @aminaaltai TikTok: @theaminaaltai Linkedin:   linkedin/in/aminaaltai