Taking Back Monday

This is not a rebrand. It is a reset.Alyssa Nolte is changing the direction of Taking Back Monday. What started as conversations about entrepreneurship, leadership, and people strategy is becoming something more raw. Less theory. More action. This next phase pulls you into the messy middle of building a business in real time.If you are tired of polished advice and want to see what it actually looks like to build, pivot, and figure things out as you go, this episode is for you. This is about doing the work, not just talking about it.Alyssa shares why she stepped back, what she realized after clearing her interview backlog, and why now is the time to move from post corporate therapy to real execution. She is still hosting interviews on The Growth Signal, but Taking Back Monday is becoming a behind the scenes look at entrepreneurship in motion.3 Key Takeaways:Clarity comes when you pause. Clearing the backlog created space to rethink the future of the podcast.Talking about change is not the same as making change. This next chapter is about action, not theory.The messy middle matters. Growth does not happen in highlight reels. It happens in the uncertain in between.If you want to build something meaningful, lead better, and truly take back your Monday, follow along.Resources and Links:alyssanolte.substack.com linkedin.com/in/alyssanoltehttps://rss.com/podcasts/thegrowthsignal/

In this episode, Alyssa Nolte talks with Tim Townsend about leadership, motivation, and what actually drives people at work. They dig into why KPIs often fail, how fear shows up inside big organizations, and what gets lost when work becomes impersonal.Why You Should Listen This conversation cuts through corporate theory and gets real about human behavior at work. If you lead teams, work inside large organizations, or feel frustrated by politics and misaligned incentives, this episode gives language and perspective for what you are seeing every day and how to think about it differently.3 Key TakeawaysKPIs can backfire when they reward the wrong behavior and disconnect people from the bigger goal.As teams grow, individual accountability often shrinks unless leaders actively reinforce shared purpose.Personal connection and belief in the work drive better outcomes than measurement alone.People and Resources MentionedSimon SinekKevin McLeodGrand Designs

This episode looks at how teams actually build things together... and why so many groups still protect their own turf. Alyssa and Beau talk about architecture, construction, leadership, and how shared risk can transform the way people work. Beau explains why craft, coordination, and empathy matter more than ever, especially as AI begins reshaping technical work.This conversation is worth a listen if you work on any team where silos slow things down. Beau breaks down the real reasons teams clash and offers practical ways to build trust and make collaboration easier.Key takeaways:Better buildings start with better teamwork. You can’t improve outcomes without understanding each person’s risks.Craft matters. When quality drops, trust erodes and silos harden. When craft rises, collaboration gets easier.AI will reshape the profession. Teams that work with shared values and strong coordination will have a major advantage.People and resources mentioned: Norman Foster The Toyota Way The Innovator’s DilemmaShare your thoughts - send us a textIt's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.Connect with AlyssaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPodFollow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

This episode goes deep into what it takes to grow as a leader. Alyssa talks with Aslak de Silva about how lessons from martial arts can shape the way we lead, recover, and build trust with our teams. Aslak shares how he went from world champion fighter to CEO and why the habits he built in the dojo still drive his success today.This is a great listen if you want to lead with intention, handle pressure with more control, and build instincts that help you show up better for your team.3 takeaways » Leadership instincts come from repetition and feedback, not theory. » Recovery is part of performance. You can’t lead well if you never reset. » Owning your mistakes is the fastest way to rebuild trust and grow your influence.Mentioned Josh Kosnik The Black Belt in Leadership (book) The Black Belt in Leadership podcastShare your thoughts - send us a textIt's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.Connect with AlyssaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPodFollow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

Alyssa and Rachel Burr talk about what real transformation looks like, far beyond the feel good quotes online. Rachel shares the story behind her book Butterfly Goo and explains why change often starts the moment you admit you are on the wrong path. This episode is worth a listen if you feel stuck, half committed, or unsure how to take the first step toward something new.Key takeawaysTransformation is messy, but the mess is part of the process.You can leave any path, even if you have invested years into it.You build your path by knowing your values, not by waiting for perfect timing.MentionedButterfly Goo by Rachel BurrFilms to Be Buried With (podcast)Brett Goldstein / Ted LassoSesame Street / Muppetsbutterflygoobook.netShare your thoughts - send us a textIt's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.Connect with AlyssaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPodFollow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

When Mireia became a mother, everything changed. What started as a struggle to balance work and family became the spark for an entirely new path—one built around authenticity, courage, and redefining what “having it all” really means.In this conversation, Alyssa and Mireia talk about the moment when life forces you to pause and ask, is this really what I want? They share honest stories about identity, motherhood, and how to rebuild a life that fits the person you’ve become—not the one you used to be.Why listen: If you’ve ever felt stuck between who you were and who you’re becoming, this episode will remind you that change isn’t failure—it’s growth.Key takeaways: → “Having it all” only matters if you define what “all” means for you. → Sometimes clarity starts by asking what you don’t want anymore. → Courageous authenticity makes life and leadership lighter, not harder.People and resources mentioned: Stephen Bartlett – Diary of a CEO podcast Bare and Brave – Mireia’s coaching companyShare your thoughts - send us a textIt's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.Connect with AlyssaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPodFollow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

What happens when the thing you’ve been chasing suddenly doesn’t feel worth it anymore?In this conversation, Alyssa Nolte and Eric Nehrlich unpack the pressure to achieve constantly and the freedom that comes from saying no. Eric shares the story of how working 100-hour weeks at Google led to a total collapse and a life-changing realization: success means nothing if it costs your health, joy, and relationships. Alyssa reflects on her own “mirror moment,” realizing she’d been modeling the same burnout cycle for her kids.This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever asked yourself, is it worth it? or felt trapped by the pace of your own ambition.Key takeaways: Saying no is a skill and it’s one that can change your life. Energy audits help you find what fuels you and what drains you. The best leaders set clear expectations and model the balance they want for their teams.Mentioned in this episode: TooManyTrees.com (Eric’s coaching site) LinkedIn – Eric Nehrlich Google, Apple (referenced in Eric’s story)Share your thoughts - send us a textIt's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.Connect with AlyssaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPodFollow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

When Alyssa sat down with Dr. Munira Zahabi, known as The Niche Navigator, the conversation quickly turned to one of the hardest lessons for any entrepreneur - you can’t be everything to everyone.Munira shares how her own career twists led her to help others uncover their unique “nucleus” - the core of who they are and what they’re meant to do. Together, Alyssa and Munira unpack how knowing your niche doesn’t limit you; it sets you free to grow stronger roots and stand taller in your lane.Why listen: If you’ve ever struggled to define what you want to be known for (or felt pulled in too many directions) this episode will help you focus, simplify, and rediscover what makes you different.Key takeaways: Finding your niche starts with curiosity, pay attention to what energizes you most. Your story is your superpower, learning to tell it clearly builds connection and credibility. Growth happens when you stay in your lane long enough to be recognized for it.Share your thoughts - send us a textIt's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.Connect with AlyssaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPodFollow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode, Alyssa sits down with Dr. Dee Trudeau Poskas to talk about how understanding your triggers can change the way you lead. They explore what happens in your brain when you’re under stress, how language shapes influence, and why self-awareness is the secret to better communication at work.It’s a conversation about the science behind calm, confident leadership and how small language shifts can transform your team culture.Why you should listen: If you’ve ever walked away from a meeting thinking “I wish I’d handled that better,” this episode will help you understand why. Dr. Dee breaks down how to rewire your reactions, build trust through communication, and lead with presence instead of pressure.3 Key Takeaways: » Triggers aren’t bad - they’re clues that help you understand yourself and lead others with empathy. » Changing your words changes your brain. Language can calm tension, build trust, and create influence. » Great leaders don’t avoid emotion - they learn to use awareness and compassion to drive better results.Share your thoughts - send us a textIt's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.Connect with AlyssaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPodFollow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

When Alan Lazaros says passion isn’t enough, he means it. In this conversation, Alyssa and Alan dive deep into what it really takes to live a meaningful life, not just a busy or successful one. From near-death experiences to redefining what work should look like, Alan shares how he turned pain into purpose and why the key to fulfillment isn’t chasing what you love... it’s building a life around meaning.If you’ve ever wondered how to chase big goals without losing yourself, this episode will hit home. Alyssa and Alan get real about what success actually costs and how to make sure it’s worth it.Listen for: Why “follow your passion” can set you up for failure How to find meaning in your work even when it’s hard The truth about health, wealth, and love—and why balance isn’t the goalAlan also mentions The Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware, a book that changed his life and inspired his mission to help others reach their potential.Share your thoughts - send us a textIt's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.Connect with AlyssaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPodFollow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode, Alyssa sits down with Angie Callen, a self-described “recovering engineer who loves people,” to talk about the pressure we all feel to define ourselves by what we do instead of who we are. Angie shares how she walked away from a traditional career path to build a life and business that align with her real values. Together, they unpack what authenticity actually means and why it’s okay to admit that your priorities don’t always fit society’s version of success.This conversation is equal parts inspiring and grounding...a reminder that fulfillment isn’t found in a job title, it’s found in knowing yourself.Why listen: If you’ve ever felt stuck in a career that doesn’t fit or wondered who you are outside of work, this one will hit home. Alyssa and Angie explore how to design a career (and a life) that feels true to you.3 Key Takeaways:You are not your title - identity comes from who you are, not what you do.Core values are your roadmap for building a more authentic life.Change starts with one small action… you don’t have to stay stuck.Share your thoughts - send us a textIt's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.Connect with AlyssaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPodFollow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

What if leadership isn’t something you’re born with? In this episode, Alyssa sits down with Jen Silva Boucher to explore why leadership is a skill you can learn, practice, and grow.Jen shares her own origin story of moving from individual contributor to people leader, the struggles of being a first-time manager, and how she built For the Middle Academy to support others in the same place. Alyssa and Jen talk openly about the mindset shifts, the importance of communication, and why middle managers are often the most overlooked but most important leaders inside a company.This conversation will challenge how you think about leadership and leave you with practical ideas you can use right away.3 key takeaways:Leadership is not a personality trait — it’s a set of skills that can be developed.Middle managers need resources and support just as much as executives and individual contributors.Great leaders adapt to their teams instead of expecting teams to adapt to them.Share your thoughts - send us a textIt's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.Connect with AlyssaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPodFollow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

What happens when the dream career you built turns into the very thing that drains your joy? In this episode, Alyssa talks with Renee Murphy about leaving behind a successful career in fashion to find peace, purpose, and a new passion in science and sustainability.This is a powerful conversation about knowing when it’s time to let go, how to tell the difference between excitement and peace, and why creativity doesn’t disappear just because you change industries.Why listen: If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to follow your passion (or struggled with giving up something others see as “success”) this conversation will give you clarity and courage.Key TakeawaysPassion that brings peace is different from passion that only excites—peace is lasting.Success without joy isn’t real success—it’s okay to walk away when it no longer serves you.Creativity follows you into any field—you don’t lose it when you pivot, you just apply it differently.Share your thoughts - send us a textIt's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.Connect with AlyssaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPodFollow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa sits down with Lori Baker to talk about language, belonging, and the hidden barriers people face at work. Lori went from engineer to English teacher for international professionals, and her story shows how much language shapes confidence and inclusion.This conversation is a reminder that work isn’t just about skills on paper. It’s about how we communicate, connect, and make space for people to bring their full selves into the workplace.Why listen: If you’ve ever worked across cultures, led a team, or wanted to create a more welcoming workplace, this episode gives you practical insight into why language matters and how empathy changes everything.3 key takeaways:» Language shapes how people are seen at work… and it doesn’t always match their true expertise.» Belonging requires more than translation… it’s about cultural awareness and empathy.» Success looks different for everyone… the American dream is personal, not one-size-fits-all.Share your thoughts - send us a textIt's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.Connect with AlyssaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPodFollow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

Alyssa sits down with Dr. Apollo Emeka for a powerful conversation about the choices that shape our lives. Apollo shares his journey from high school dropout to Green Beret, FBI agent, entrepreneur, and coach. Together, they explore why big decisions (not habits) are the true turning points. This episode will challenge how you think about discipline, shortcuts, and creating the life you want.Why listen? If you’ve ever felt stuck chasing habits or grinding through routines that don’t get you closer to your goals, this conversation will give you a new lens. Alyssa and Apollo show how changing your decisions and your environment can shift everything.Key Takeaways Big decisions change your trajectory...habits only optimize it. You can create environments that make discipline easier, instead of forcing willpower. A clear decision gives you criteria to avoid distractions and stay focused on what really matters.Share your thoughts - send us a textIt's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.Connect with AlyssaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPodFollow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa sits down with Dr. Erin Wilson, co-author of Strategic Rest in Leadership. Together they dive into why rest isn’t a luxury...it’s a leadership strategy. From Erin’s own story of burnout to her framework for “strategic rest,” this conversation challenges the way you think about hustle culture, success, and what it means to truly show up as your best self.If you’ve ever felt the pressure to do more, be more, and stay “busy” just to keep up, this episode will help you reframe. It’s not about working harder, it’s about working smarter and resting better.Why Listen This episode gives you permission to pause, rethink what “busy” really means, and see how rest can fuel your ambition instead of slowing it down. Alyssa and Erin share real stories, practical tips, and a refreshing take on leadership in today’s world.3 Key TakeawaysBooked, not busy: Why great leaders don’t glorify hustle—they value outcomes and balance.Rest is strategy: Pauses and rest days aren’t wasted time, they are fuel for long-term success.Small steps matter: Start with micro-pauses and one protected boundary to build a healthier rhythm.Share your thoughts - send us a textIt's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.Connect with AlyssaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPodFollow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, host Alyssa Nolte sits down with Dr. Kimberly Harden to explore a hard truth: too many leaders build for their own comfort instead of building real connection. Kimberly shares her experiences in corporate America, the moments that pushed her to write Cultural Intelligence: A Blueprint for 21st Century Leadership, and why servant leadership is more important than ever. Together, Alyssa and Kimberly dig into what it takes to create workplaces where everyone can thrive...not just survive.If you’ve ever questioned why leadership often feels out of touch, or wondered how to lead with courage and care, this conversation will give you the insight (and push) you need.3 Key Takeaways→ Leadership built for comfort protects the status quo, not people.→ Servant leadership means seeing your team’s success as your own.→ Real leaders create psychological safety by admitting what they don’t know.Share your thoughts - send us a textIt's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.Connect with AlyssaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPodFollow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Kirstin Carey to explore what happens when your strength becomes your biggest obstacle. From growing up in a “walk it off” culture to burning out while helping others heal, Kirstin shares how her identity as a high performer masked deeper patterns of overgiving, undercharging, and self-sacrifice.Alyssa and Kirstin talk about what it means to lead, price, and live with integrity - especially for women who were raised to prove their worth by carrying more than their share.If you’ve ever felt like your hustle was hurting more than helping, this one’s for you.Key Takeaways→ Being a martyr at work isn’t noble...it’s exhausting, and it sends the wrong message to your team→ Undercharging doesn’t help your clients - it keeps them disengaged and keeps you depleted→ Your childhood patterns don’t have to dictate your business model or your worthShare your thoughts - send us a textIt's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.Connect with AlyssaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPodFollow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, host Alyssa Nolte sits down with Christelle Biiga - speaker, coach, and founder of Exposure Maven - to explore the unexpected power of visibility and the journey that led her to podcasting as a path to purpose.Christelle shares her unbelievable origin story, from arriving in the U.S. without speaking English to being wrongly detained for nine months, and how that experience shaped her mission to help others find their voice. Together, Alyssa and Christelle unpack why visibility isn’t about ego...it’s about impact.If you’ve ever felt like you weren’t “qualified enough” to share your story, this one’s for you.→ Your story can change lives, even if you think it’s not “big enough” → Visibility builds trust faster than a polished website ever could → The first step isn’t finding your why—it’s making sure it’s yoursShare your thoughts - send us a textIt's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.Connect with AlyssaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPodFollow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Johanna Sanchez to talk about what it really means to build a business—and a life—on your own terms.From working 70-hour weeks in child protection to building a six-figure business and still burning out, Johanna shares the pivotal moment that forced her to rethink everything. Together, Alyssa and Johanna explore how to set real boundaries, reject hustle culture, and redefine what success looks like.If you've ever felt like rest had to be earned, this episode will challenge that mindset. It's a reminder that you don’t need to do more to be enough—and that taking care of yourself is good for business.Key takeaways:→ You don’t need to earn rest—rest is the standard, not a reward → Boundaries work better when they’re tied to your real values → Burnout isn’t the cost of ambition, it’s a sign to realignListen in for a conversation that’s honest, human, and a little bit rebellious—in all the right ways.Share your thoughts - send us a textIt's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.Connect with AlyssaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPodFollow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod