Brilliantly Resilient

"Habituelle is rooted in the belief that leadership isn't a title—it's how we show up, again and again." ~ Jessi Sheridan, Founder of Habituelle   When you think of habits, what comes to mind? Often, when we think of a habit, it's in a critical way--as in a bad habit we want to break. But Habituelle founder Jessi Sheridan believes that making something a habit is a positive way to create powerful, lasting change.  In this episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast, Jessi Sheridan shares how her approach to leadership grew from the belief that leadership is a habit--one that can be cultivated with small, intentional practices that reflect who women truly are—rather than conforming to systems designed by someone else. To begin her practice, Jessi asks the question, "What is the impact I want to have?" which serves as a daily reset for leaders seeking purpose and alignment in both their personal and professional lives. Jessi's approach also aligns with the Brilliantly Resilient practice of taking imperfect action while not being married to outcomes. She didn't start with a fully formed plan; instead, she moved forward with curiosity, reflection, and imperfect action. Much like resilience itself, Jessi's path evolved step by step, grounded in consistent habits and guided by values. Her reminder that women are often "climbing a ladder built by and for someone else" challenges us to redefine success and build our own structure for growth. Here at Brilliantly Resilient, we know the power of imperfect action, especially when it aligns with our values. By staying grounded in values, we are able to, in Jessi's words, "take up more space" releasing perfectionism and embracing the art of being present. In this way, we design our own habits of leadership, providing a personal path for growth. Learn more about Jessi and Habituelle here, and listen to this week's Brilliantly Resilient podcast for more of Jessi's wisdom. Be sure to listen for these additional bits of Billiance:   "Leadership is a habit—something we practice daily through small, intentional choices." "I always ask myself, 'What is the impact I want to have?' That question keeps me grounded and focused." "So many women find themselves climbing a ladder that was built by and for someone else." "We need to take up more space—not just physically, but in our voices, our ideas, and the way we lead." "Habituelle is rooted in the belief that leadership isn't a title—it's how we show up, again and again." "I didn't come to this work with a fully formed plan. It evolved slowly, with each imperfect step." "Perfection isn't the goal—consistency is. Leadership and growth happen through repetition and reflection." "Resilience isn't about avoiding failure—it's about learning, adjusting, and trying again with intention." "When we lead from authenticity instead of expectation, we make space for brilliance to emerge naturally."   Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together! XO, Mary Fran

"We have to reshape how we talk about neurodivergence in the workplace--shift from it being a disability that needs to be accomodated to a form of cognitive diversity we can cultivate and harness to drive success." Rita Ramakrishnan ~ Founder and CEO of Iksana Consulting   What if the very things you've seen as challenges are actually your greatest strengths?  Rita Ramakrishnan was diagnosed as neurodivergent and autistic as a young adult, but she always knew she was different. Getting her diagnosis proved to be the proverbial light bulb, explaining much of what made Rita wonder about how she functioned in the world. But labels like neurodivergence and autism can be scary--at least at first. The idea of a brain that operates differently can be difficult to understand by those who are neurodivergent as well as others, who may see different as a liability, especially in the workplace. As founder of Iksana Consulting, Rita works with neurodivergent leaders as well as corporations and shares her powerful perspective that neurodivergence is not a flaw but a different operating system—one that often brings extraordinary gifts like creativity, rapid problem-solving, and unique pattern recognition. She reminds us that resilience isn't about bouncing back, but about "bouncing forward" by experimenting, adapting, and embracing flexibility--a message relevant to us all. (In Sanskrit, "Iksana" means thoughtful observation, including a mindful and attentive presence to truly see and understand the needs and potential of a person or situation.)  Here at Brilliantly Resilient, we know that Brilliance and Resilience come in all shapes and sizes--and there's room for everyone. Rita reminds us that brilliance doesn't come from sameness—it comes from authenticity, diversity, and the courage to rise in your own way. As we recognize differences and treat them with openness and respect, we become open to sharing the knowledge and wisdom of others, expanding our tribes, and our power to solve problems and build a better world, opening the door to grace and possibility rather than shame. Find out more about Rita's important work at Iksana Consulting here, and tune into this week's episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast to hear more of Rita's wisdom. Be sure to listen for these additional bits of Brilliance: "For a lot of neurodivergent folks, you spend a lot of your life feeling like a square peg in a round hole… and getting a diagnosis or some understanding is really helpful to put that into context." "I like to think of most neurodivergence as an operating system that processes inputs differently, and therefore the outputs look different too." "I want us to stop labeling these things as different. Let's have a holistic view about how you process information." "Resilience for a neurodivergent person isn't just about bouncing back—it's about bouncing forward." "To me, the resilient aspect of neurodivergence is acknowledging that you're not broken. We are brilliant in our own respect. I love my brain." "My clients have gifts that are going to be transformative for their organizations… this isn't something to be tolerated, it's something to be harnessed." "Neurodivergent brains often see patterns much faster, process information more quickly, and generate creative alternative solutions." "Half the time, all people want is to be understood… simply saying, 'Tell me more,' creates room for brilliance to emerge." "The best definition of happiness I've seen is the intersection of peacefulness and productivity. Imagine if workplaces valued both equally." Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together! XO, Mary Fran P.S. I just LOVED this episode! Thank you, Rita!!!

"Every disagreement is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reset before we respond." Ursula Taylor ~ Founder, Conflict Reimagined   The legal profession is basically founded on conflict. One side tries to prove the other wrong in order to "win." A former commercial litigator with 17 years of experience, Ursula Taylor has seen her share of conflict, and she's committed to changing the idea of conflict as a battle to be won into an opportunity to clarify values, adjust perspective and focus on solutions instead of blame. By working with corporations and individuals through Conflict Reimagined, Ursula helps resolve conflicts with holistic strategies not found within traditional dispute resolution. In this episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast, Ursula Taylor invites us to reframe the way we view conflict, redefining it as an opportunity uncover what truly matters. Conflict, when met with resilience, then becomes a tool for clarity rather than battle and chaos. When we focus less on blame and more on solutions, we can lean into our strengths, involving our supportive tribe, and taking even small, imperfect steps toward understanding other points of view. We can turn disagreements into pathways for growth where conflict becomes less about winning and losing, and more about building momentum, connection, and deeper resilience. Echoing the Brilliliantly Resilient method, Ursula urges us to release outcomes and expectations while we lead with heart, allowing space for unexpected solutions and stronger relationships. She notes that conflict doesn't just shape outcomes—it shapes us. By embracing that truth, we don't just survive difficult conversations, we rise stronger and shine brighter. Learn more about Ursula at Conflict Resolution For more of Ursula's wisdom, tune into this week's episode of the Billiantly Resilient podcast and be sure listen for these additional bits of Brilliance:    "Conflict doesn't have to be destructive; it can be the spark that helps us see what really matters." "When we reset our perspective, we begin to see conflict not as chaos, but as a chance to clarify values." "Every disagreement is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reset before we respond." "Rising through conflict means focusing on solutions, not blame—and leaning into the strengths we bring to the table." "We build resilience in conflict when we take imperfect steps toward understanding instead of waiting for the perfect answer." "When you involve your tribe in resolution, you find support, perspective, and the courage to keep going." "The brilliance in conflict is revealed when we allow it to shape us—teaching flexibility, empathy, and new ways forward." "Letting go of rigid outcomes in conflict opens space for unexpected, brilliant solutions to emerge." "Conflict handled with heart and purpose doesn't just solve problems—it strengthens relationships and resilience." Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together! XO, Mary Fran

"The very thing you're afraid to say is often what will inspire someone else to keep going." ~ Sara Connell, Best-selling Author and Founder of Thought Leader Academy   Have you ever thought about writing a book but believe you have nothing to say? For those of us living "ordinary" lives, it's easy to feel our stories have little meaning beyond our own lives. Yet Sara Connell holds the opposite to be true.  As founder of the Thought Leader Academy and a 5x Bestselling author, Sara knows that even everyday stories can have profound impact. In fact, the experiences that test us but which we often overlook as meaningless to others can be the very ones that inspire people to uncover their own resilience and reclaim their power.  Sharing our stories enables us to give voice to our own truth, find meaning, and heal as we rise from challenges. Each time we share our journey--the messy parts--the vulnerable parts, we strengthen our own resilience and provide a roadmap for someone else to rise. Ultimately, Sara notes that Brilliance is not about a perfect story, but about sharing authenticity. Our stories, no matter their scope, hold the potential to heal, connect, and inspire, becoming catalysts for resilience, transformation, and brilliance that ripple outward into the world. Learn more about Sara and the Thought Leader Academy where she helps coaches, experts and entrepreneurs scale impact + create 6-7 figures by becoming bestselling authors and in demand/TEDx speakers. Tune in for more of her wisdom on this week's Brilliantly Resilient podcast and be sure to listen for these additional bits of Brilliance and check out Sara's FREE GIFTS BELOW:   "Stories are the bridges that connect us—we heal ourselves and others every time we tell them." "You don't need a blockbuster story to make an impact. Your everyday story can be the light someone else needs." "When we give voice to our story, we reclaim our power." "Your story isn't what happened to you—it's the meaning you choose to create from it." "Stories are proof that we survived, and they become roadmaps for others to rise too." "The very thing you're afraid to say is often what will inspire someone else to keep going." "Sharing your story doesn't just free you—it gives others permission to share theirs." "Every time you tell your story, you expand the possibility of what's available—for yourself and for others." "Brilliance isn't about perfection—it's about showing up in your truth, story and all." Check out these FREE GIFTS from Sara! 7 Steps to Write a Revenue Generating Bestselling Book (in as little as 2 months even if you've never written before) PLUS: Sara's bonus templates and worksheets that have generated hundreds of bestsellers: https://www.saraconnell.com/7-steps-to-write-a-revenue-generating-bestselling-book 6-Step Pitch Power Training: In this training, Sara shows you her 6-Step Pitch- which has resulted in thousands of podcasts, conferences, virtual events, and media appearances: https://saraconnellcoaching.lpages.co/pitch-process/ Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together! XO, Mary Fran

"We get addicted to achievement because it's how we prove we matter." ~ Dr. Toni Warner, Certified Trauma Therapist and Author of The Reset, A High Achiever's Guide to Freedom and Fulfillment: Your Step-By-Step  Roadmap for Getting Unstuck   Achievement. Do more. Be more. Check off more boxes.  UGH. Most women feel the need to achieve, which is not a bad thing in itself. But when that need keeps us spinning, working, accomplishing, but still feeling drained, and unfulfilled, somethin' ain't working. Dr. Toni Warner's has walked the walk, achieving by all of society's standards but feeling something missing. Her work centers on redefining success for high-achieving women as she lifts the veil on what it feels like to "do all the things" and still feel unfulfilled—a reality that resonates deeply with many listeners who wear their productivity as proof of worth. Her story of outward success masking an inward mess is the starting point for a Reset—a call to pause, check in, and create space to feel, not just function. With a clear yet compassionate voice, Dr. Toni invites women to Rise not by doing more, but by being more present. She challenges the myth that ambition must come with constant burnout and shows how tiny, intentional practices—like asking how you want to be today—can shift the trajectory of your day and life. Through the use of simple tools like her "intentional scheduler," she offers a framework for integrating flow into structure, showing that ambition and alignment are not mutually exclusive. Ultimately, her message is an invitation to Reveal Your Brilliance by letting go of rigid identities and reconnecting to core values. Whether you're a mother, a leader, a healer—or all three—Dr. Warner reminds us that fulfillment is not found in a title or to-do list, but in how we show up for ourselves and others. Her wisdom isn't just motivational—it's actionable and deeply needed for a generation of women ready to thrive without sacrificing themselves in the process. At times, the best way we can navigate our Reset, Rise and Reveal of our Brilliance is by doing less, and being highly intentional about what we choose to do--keeping an ear tuned to how we feel and what we truly want.   Find Dr. Warner's book here, and download her free Intentional Scheduler Template-  https://courses.boldandbalancedcoaching.com/intentionalscheduler, and be sure to check out her upcoming RESET Group Experience for professional women navigating parenting, intimate partnership and purpose as they seek continued success growth: http://courses.boldandbalancedcoaching.com/workingwomenreset, starting in September.  Tune into this week's episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast for more of Dr. Warner's wisdom and be sure to listen for these additional bits of Brilliance:  "Outward success, inward mess—that was my reality." "I looked strong, but I didn't always feel strong. That disconnect wore me down." "When you've done all the things and still don't feel fulfilled—that's your signal to reset." "You cannot live for only action. It completely takes away from who we are." "We get addicted to achievement because it's how we prove we matter." "Start small. And acknowledge that small is enough." "Your core values aren't just what you love—they're how you want to be." "Structure allows for flow, not rigidity." "Burnout doesn't always look like collapse. Sometimes it's completing every task and still feeling empty." "Grace creates space for adaptation, which is the heart of resilience." Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together! XO, Mary Fran

"The happiest people in retirement are the ones who stay curious." Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons ~ Retirement Transition Expert, Former Attorney and Author of Encore, a High Achievers Guide to Thriving in Retirement.    When you began your work life, do you remember thinking about retirement?  For many decades, retirement was the 65-year-old's goal: the end of the "job" and the entry into leisure and relaxation until...um...the end??? Too often, though, the relaxation didn't materialize--at least not in the way it was intended, especially for those who not only enjoyed working, but whose work life seemed to define them. Too many retirements seemed less than satisfying, maybe downright boring. Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons challenges the traditional narrative of retirement. Using a Brilliantly Resilient mindset and adjusting perspective, Elizabeth advises viewing retirement as a "graduation" instead of a final chapter. She reframes retirement as a vibrant reset—a time to step into freedom, creativity, and self-defined purpose. With warmth and humor, she reminds us that "nobody really wants 365 Saturdays," because lasting fulfillment comes from living with intention, not just endless leisure. By encouraging curosity, Elizabeth offers those in retirement the opportunity to explore passions they may have set aside during their working years, and see retirement as a season for growth rather than retreat. Whether that growth comes from volunteering, traveling, starting a new venture, or learning a skill just for fun, she proves that energy and excitement aren't bound by age or career stage. Here at Brilliantly Resilient, we know that our Brilliance is always available to us. As Elizabeth notes, it doesn't "retire when we do." Our knowledge, experiences and passions can be transferred into this life phase, creating excitement and repurposing our lives with possibilty, resilience and joy.  Get your copy of Encore, a High Achievers Guide to Thriving in Retirement. here, and tune into this week's episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast to hear more of Elizabeth's wisdom. Be sure to listen for these additional bits of Brilliance (note the relationship of the quotes to the Brilliantly Resilient method):   Retirement isn't the end of your story—it's the start of a whole new chapter you get to write." Reset: See it as a fresh beginning, not a closing door. "If you wait for life to slow down before you start living, you'll wait forever." Rise: Take action toward the life you want now. "The goal isn't to stop working—it's to start living with more freedom and joy." Reveal: Redefine what work and purpose mean to you. "Your identity isn't your job title. Who you are goes far deeper." Reset: Separate self-worth from professional labels. "You can bring your brilliance into retirement—it doesn't retire with you." Rise: Use your skills and wisdom in new, meaningful ways. "The happiest people in retirement are the ones who stay curious." Reveal: Curiosity keeps you engaged, joyful, and resilient. "It's not about filling your time, it's about fulfilling your soul." Reset: Align your days with your core values. "Retirement is your opportunity to finally create without constraint." Rise: Give yourself permission to explore bold new ideas. "Every transition is an invitation to grow—even the ones we think should be all rest and relaxation." Reveal: Brilliance evolves through every life stage. "Nobody really wants 365 Saturdays in a row." Reset: True happiness blends leisure with purpose.   Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together! XO, Mary Fran

"Please don't assume you'll just talk yourself out of dark places. Help is there—and there's a reason for it." ~ Mary Fran Bontempo: Brilliantly Resilient podcast host and author of "From Broken to Brilliant: How to Live a Brilliantly Resilient Life"   This week on the Brilliantly Resilient Podcast, I'm getting personal. I recorded a solo episode about something we all face—but rarely talk about: knowing when it's time to ask for help. Lately, I've felt overwhelmed, anxious, and just plain out of juice. So I did something both difficult and powerful—I went back to therapy. In this episode, I talk about how I knew it was time, why vulnerability doesn't make us weak, and how admitting you're not okay is actually one of the most resilient things you can do. Living a Brilliantly Resilient life is a process--one that I repeat over and over. No one becomes Brilliantly Resilient and stays there; life's challenges don't allow it.  Putting up your hand to ask for help, along with building your tribe of support, are two of the most important pillars of the Brilliantly Resilient process. But when we're in a good place and breezing along, asking for help and support are rarely uppermost in anyone's mind. Further, asking for help makes us feel vulernable, and I'd rather run a marathon than feel vulnerable. (P.S. I hate running.) But when the cost is too high, as when anxiety takes hold, it's essential to embrace humility, recognize our own humanity, and ask for help when we need it. If you're carrying more than you were built to hold right now, I hope this episode gives you permission to reset—and reminds you that help is not only available, it's brilliantly necessary. Be sure to tune in to this week's episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast and listen for these additional bits of Brilliance (if I do say so myself!). (Please note how each of these quotes relates to the Brilliantly Resilient process. Full disclosure, AI provided the quotes' relationship to the process--and I'll take it!)   "There are times when you just have to put up your hand and say, 'I need some extra help.'" → Reset: Acknowledging the need for support is strength, not weakness. "You learn how to not only feel when anxiety is coming on, but also recognize when it's becoming too much for the tools you already have." → Rise: Recognize when your resilience needs reinforcement. "I needed someone to hear me. I needed to acknowledge that I was being someone I didn't want to be." → Reveal: Brilliance comes from radical honesty with yourself. "You don't always get what you need from those closest to you—and that's okay. Sometimes you need a neutral, kind, third party." → Reset: Your support system can extend beyond family. "My anxiety didn't disappear, but I was reminded of tools I already had and ways I could make things better—not perfect, just better." → Rise: Resilience is about better, not perfection. "I hate feeling vulnerable. But looking at hard things is the only way to grow." → Reveal: Brilliance lives on the other side of discomfort. "It's okay to let the 'little black dog' follow you around. But don't let it sit in your lap." → Reset: Live with awareness, not control by your emotions. "I needed to get back to someone who didn't judge me and had no expectations of who I should be." → Rise: Safe spaces are essential to becoming your best self. "You don't have to know everything. You just need to be willing to say, 'I'm out of juice right now.'" → Reveal: Admitting you're depleted is an act of courage. "Please don't assume you'll just talk yourself out of dark places. Help is there—and there's a reason for it." → Reset and Rise: Don't go it alone when there's a lifeline available. Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together! With love and resilience, Mary Fran

"I was standing there in front of this half-eaten birthday cake realizing like... what am I doing? This is not success." No Half Cakes Founder and Podcast Host Jim Sabellico   How do you define success? Most of us are or were under the impression that success means money, status, and stuff--all obtained through a brutal amount of work and time. Jim Sabellico thought so too. At least until the night his wife had to relight the candles on his six-year-old son's half-eaten birthday cake so he could sing Happy Birthday to his boy. Jim missed the family moment because he was "busy working." Men have generally been tasked with being "successful" to provide for their families. Unfortunately, the definition of success has too often focused on money and materialism while leaving out family, relationships, presence and purpose. Jim's wake-up moment changed that for him. He began to reset by owning his situation clarifying his values (family, honor and integrity), and taking action to rise and rebuild his definition of success. Jim's commitment to reshaping his life served as a model for not only himself, but his children and others, particularly men who have sacrificed their relationships and sense of self to "success." That's when the No Half Cakes podcast was born. Since then, Jim has made it his mission to share his strategies for genuine personal and professional success through the No Half Cakes podcast and his HeartCore Program. Here at Brilliantly Resilient, we recognize the power of perspective and taking the time to know and be true to your values to live a Brilliantly Resilient life. Learn more about Jim's work here, and be sure to listen to the No Half Cakes podcast. Tune into this episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast to hear more of Jim's wisdom and listen for these additional bits of Brilliance:   "I had no relationship with my kids, no relationship with my wife... and by every other metric, I was a total failure." "After I made the promise to myself, I started the hard part—recognizing that it's not everyone else's fault. I had to stop placing blame." "If you don't know where you are, no instructions will get you where you're going. You need to know your starting point." "You can't be good for other people if you're not good for yourself first." "Your kids need to see you struggle. They need to understand that mom and dad are not perfect—and how we handle that matters." "Children cannot be what they cannot see... you have to model the life you want them to emulate." "I now live like there's a documentary crew following me—I act with honor and integrity so there's nothing to hide." "Start journaling, talking, or even just voicing your feelings to yourself. That's how you find the real you underneath it all." "This isn't an on/off switch. It's a 0.2% shift every day. I'm a totally different person than I was five years ago—and that's the goal." Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together! XO, Mary Fran

"The 20s are not the best days of your life. It is a myth that needs to be busted." ~ Kate Berski, Author: 30 Phobia: Why Your 20s Suck and How to Get Unstuck Ah, to be 20 again, right? After all, the 20s are supposed to be the best time of our lives, right? Not so fast.  Kate Berski, author of 30 Phobia: Why Your 20s Suck and How to Get Unstuck notes that despite the myth, the 20's are a "tumultuous decade" full of self-doubt, unhealthy comparisons and societal pressure.  Saddled with a demanding timeline that prescribes benchmarks that "should" be achieved, Kate recognizes that the To-do list for 20-somethings is not one-size-fits-all. She advises young people to take the time to reflect on what fits them, choosing to reset old standards with intention to fit their own values, skills and wants.  With small, purposeful steps, 20-somethings can Rise to create a life that fits not predetermined milestones--get the corporate job, get married, buy the house, have the kids--but individual ones that evolve with a changing mindset and changing goals. The 20's can be a starting line fo discovery, provided we support young people who choose to forge a path that fits them. Here at Brilliantly Resilient, we're firm believers in ditching what "should be" to make room for what "could be." In this case, a fulfilling life that allows individual Brilliance and Resilience to shine, without comparisons. Be sure to pick up a copy of 30 Phobia and tune in to hear more of Kate's brilliance on this week's episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast. Listen for these additional bits of brilliance: "I started to question the internal societal timeline I had internalized to the point of panic." "Uncertainty is just a flag for opportunity." "You don't have to wedge yourself into a particular life path at 18." "Stop looking out. Start looking in." "You're not failing. You're not stuck. You're just on someone else's timeline." "There are no deadlines on dreams." The 20's can be a time rife with opportunity--as long as young people have the courage to set their own goals and timeline. Let's support our young adults, and... Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together! XO, Mary Fran     

"Great leadership starts by leading with a mindset that's scalable—being willing to see things bigger. What would this look like if...?" ~ Ivy Slater, CEO of Slater Success and Author of Best of the Best: Lead Boldly, Scale Rapidly, Create Your Legacy What does the word "scalable" mean to you? If you are an entrepreneur, or work with an organization seeking to build (aren't we all?), the word "scalable" should motivate and inspire. Yet, "scalable" also holds some weight, and can be intimidating. Slater Success CEO and author Ivy Slater reminds us that all businesses are scalable. And if the word intimidates, Ivy says, "Scaling is intimidating to you? Throw the word out. Just say: I'm going to grow." Grow. Yes; that we can do. Ivy reminds us that growth takes intention, flexibility, the willingness to pause, reevaluate and accept that scaling often comes not in giant leaps but in grounded, thoughtful steps.  One of the most basic steps is intentional alignment with values-driven leadership, thus providing a strong foundation for present and future growth. Followed by imperfect but intentional action, scaling becomes a manageable process that also begins to create a legacy for a sustainable, growth-oriented organization. Ivy also reminds us to build relationships--one former client returned to her years later with a new project based upon their past relationship. Values, tribe, imperfect intentional action--all foundations of the Brilliantly Resilient method, useful in business and in life. Be sure to pick up your copy of Best of the Best: Lead Boldly, Scale Rapidly, Create Your Legacy. Tune into this week's episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast to hear more of Ivy's wisdom and be sure to listen for these additional bits of Brilliance:  "When you're faced with an obstacle and you're just looking at the obstacle, it doesn't disappear." "It is not easy. When you're dealing with things that are spinning… what we want to do is ground it. And you ground it by stepping away, shifting your perspective, and asking: what is actually possible right now?" "Stop and take a breath. Walk away from your desk. Shift your environment, because when we stay in the same environment, we are a horse in a horse race running with blinders." "If you're scaling a company and you don't know your values, it reflects in your hiring. It reflects in your clients. There has to be alignment or there's no opportunity to scale." "Great leadership starts with leading with a mindset that's scalable—being willing to see things bigger. What would this look like if...?" "When you respond with an emotional reaction, you're doing a disservice to yourself. You don't get to look as brilliant as you truly are." "Your best resources show up with an open mind and an open heart to see things from an unbiased opportunity." Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together! XO, Mary Fran

"My work directly acknowledges that anxiety (around AI) and talks about what actions we can take to take care of ourselves, our families, our communities, during a time that's high opportunity but also really high volatility." ~Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek AI Expert and Author of: Your AI Roadmap: Actions to Expand Your Career, Money and Joy" Are you afraid of AI?  Artificial Intelligence has long been the stuff of science fiction, with the "artificial" becoming real and taking over the world. Yikes. But AI is here to stay, and according to AI expert, Dr. Joan Palmiter Bajorek, there ways to both utilize this amazing tool to work and live more efficiently and effectively, as well as to prepare for the changes, particularly in our work lives, that are to come. In her book, Your AI Roadmap: Actions to Expand Your Career, Monay and Joy, Dr. Bajorek speaks directly to the fear and uncertainty that many professionals feel as AI transforms the job landscape. Yes, it can be scary, but AI also offers tremendous opportunities. Her first tip: get curious about AI. Acknowledge what's happening and play.  Play? Yes. Simply opening Chat GPT or trying AI with a friend can not only decrease anxiety, but shift the mindset from fear to learning and intention.  Further, it's essential to elevate your own profile or brand to become well known for your skill set--and AI can help to create a powerful online profile. It's also important to recognize that human relationships are still a major part of finding opportunities. Dr. Bajorek cites that 70% of post-COVID job seekers landed their next role through personal introductions—not job boards. Take control of your own narrative and actively engage with relationship building while utilizing AI as a tool. And AI is a tool, not a replacement. Humans still bring the creativity, strategy and discernment behind the machine.  Here at Brilliantly Resilient, we recognize the value of imperfect action--the playing in this scenario--to learn and build confidence. Play, and use AI as a tool to grow, enhancing your value and impact as we all move forward in this strange new world. Tune into this episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast for more of Dr. Bajorek's wisdom and listen for these additional bits of Brilliance: "We don't have to be alone… Maybe you do it with a friend. Honestly, just having community around it—we don't have to be alone." "The number one thing I get is, 'How do I get a job in AI?' … In my book, the first part is about actually personal brand—being known for the work you've already done and being known for it online." "Your network—how do people know you? … That's the main route [to the next opportunity, not the side route." "Even if you are in a supposedly stable career… take on some side projects, take on mentoring, because you never know when that kind of thing is going to lead to something else." "Document your prompts in a Word doc. Keep those things—next time you do this task, here it is. You can do the next job more efficiently and well." "I think the way I really see it...is that people who aren't using these tools may be the ones first impacted by layoffs versus the ones that are working to augment, upskill, etc." Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together! XO, Mary Fran  

"The hardest thing you've ever done is the hardest thing you've ever done. And it is no easier or harder than the hardest thing I've ever done.... Hard is hard." ~ Ash Beckham, Everyday Leadership Coach, Inclusion Activist, TEDx Speaker and Author of Step Up: How to Live with Courage and Become an Everyday Leader   Ash Beckham believes that the hardest thing you've ever done is valid simply because it was hard for you. Her approach encourages people to strip away comparison around struggle and instead recognize the commonality of the human experience--we all struggle. When we remember that whatever we are doing in relation to others, we are interacting with another human first, we create common ground, without judgement, allowing for greater communication, conversation, and progress in our work and personal lives. By immediately establishing empathy and recognizing the human experience as one we all share, we also create opportunities to lead, whether in a professional or personal capacity. Rooted in eight specific pillars (empathy, responsibility courage, grace, individuality, humor, patience, and authenticity), Ash's straigtforward leadership model focuses on understanding the humans we encounter, building leadership that isn't about controlling, but rather elevating collective strength. It's a reminder of the importance of the Brilliantly Resilient focus on building a tribe, which is much simpler and effective when we begin by recognizing the commonality of who we all are.  Here at Brilliantly Resilient, we believe everyone has their own Brilliance, just as Ash believes that anyone who shows up with compassion and courage has the potential to lead. By substituting curiosity for judgement, we not only reveal our own Brilliance, but also create space for others to shine.  Be sure to check out Step Up: How to Live with Courage and Become an Everyday Leader. Tune into this week's episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast to hear more of Ash's wisdom and be sure to listen for these additional bits of Brilliance:   Anybody from the Fortune 50 CEO to the bench warmer on the 7th grade basketball team has the power to lead in the way they show up every day. They just have to realize that they have that power. We don't necessarily pick where we become leaders. Leadership is a mindset. It's not a job title. Just because you're good at something doesn't mean you can lead. When we connect, you can collaborate. When you collaborate, you can move forward... it becomes more of a 'you and I are doing this together' than 'I am telling you what to do.' React to the other human and consider where they're coming from as well as where you're coming from. You can't want diversity and not support it or you're not going to get the benefits of having diverse perspectives. Every interaction you have with another human, you come out the other side changed—and so do they.   Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together! XO, Mary Fran

"Lasting resilience begins with acceptance. For me, acceptance is an every day prayer."  ~ Jay Armstrong Author of A Good Calamity: Useful Essays and Poems on Living with a Disability   Are you struggling to accept something hard in your life? Are you even thinking about acceptance, or are you still fighting the hard truth? Jay Armstrong was diagnosed with ataxia (a degenerative disease of the brain and nervous system) in 2013, shortly after the birth of his youngest son. The disease affects Jay's movement, balance and speech, among other things. Jay notes that accepting his disease has been a challenge, but one that has helped him build lasting resilience. "You have to own your struggles," Jay says. "I no longer put my handicapped devices in the closet. I keep them out and say, 'This is who I am.'" (Jay has also named his walking cane Clark Able. Hahahaha!) As we often say in Brilliantly Resilient, owning our struggles not only builds resilience, but allows us to let go of what "should be," to make room for what "could be." In Jay's case, he "should not have been" stricken with ataxia, but it is his reality. Once we accept our reality, we're better able to determine what "could be" possible and take small, incremental steps to rebuild. Jay's new book A Good Calamity: Useful Essays and Poems on Living with a Disability, is the fourth book in his journey on living with his disease and its effect on his life and that of his family. It's funny, moving, and a testament to hard won resilience and wisdom.  Tune in to hear more of Jay's wisdom on this week's episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast, and be sure to listen for these additional bits of Brilliance:   Hard won wisdom doesn't come easy, but it comes honest. A Good Calamity: Useful Essays and Poems on Living with a Disability This is the first time I owned the word "disability" by putting it on the cover of the book. I was owning it. I have to own everything. Part of my acceptance was littering my life with visual reminders. You have to own your struggles. I no longer put my handicapped devices in the closet. I keep them out and say, 'This is who I am.'  My son asked me if I could go into the ocean and throw him into the water like another father was doing. And I had to say, 'No; I can't do that.' And that hurt...for a long time. Eventually, I realized that what I could do was be present. Presence matters. I can be there. And that's what my children will remember. That I was there. You eventually realize that no one is going to save you. Holding out hope for a cure becomes futile. What I tell other people and I tell myself is to accept this in little minute increments. Do little things to help yourself. Resilience is built one brick, one action at a time. Those dark times will come, but you're better able to muscle through them. Humor is an underrated survival skill. A big part of my survival is making my kids laugh. Take your humor seriously. Accepting is allowing others to see the hard truth of my life.... Now when someone asks if they can help me, I can be vulnerable with them.... When they ask if they can help, it's because they love me. I used to see it as pity; now I see it as love.  Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together! XO, Mary Fran

"It doesn't mean all the snacks in the break room are the greatest. It means that you work in a place that recognizes the dignity of you as a person, recognizes the value of your contributions, and recognizes that you're a human being with things to do." ~ Meg Gluth, Owner & CEO, Catalynt Solutions, Inc.    Meg Gluth knows about the "critical importance of compassion, empathy, and resilience" in leadership. Growing up in poverty in rural Iowa, Meg's challenges eventually drove her to turn to alcohol as an "inappropriate coping mechanism" as she navigated the turbulent waters of young adulthood. Despite her alcohol addiction, Meg finished college after 7 years (she was kicked out of her first college), and was admitted to law school--with no way to pay for it. A remarkable act of kindness and faith changed Meg's outlook on life when the father of a friend co-signed Meg's loans and allowed her to pursue her goal. Still a functional alcoholic and despite more devastating hardships, Meg got sober in 2011, and began working for the company she would one day own and become CEO. Meg now leads Catalynt Solutions, Inc., one of the largest certified women-owned chemical suppliers in North America. Meg's experiences taught her that "Life is a full contact sport," but she still believes there is room in leadership for kindness and empathy--along with the necessary accountability. Meg believes that holding her employees accountable while respecting their humanity encourages everyone to not only own their mistakes, but grow into being part of the solution to challenges.  Here at Brilliantly Resilient, we know the importance of accepting responsibility and being accountable for our mistakes, as well claiming our wins. Growth and evolution happen when we realize that as humans, we will always have seasons of success and failure, but we can live and lead with kindness and grace through both.  Check out Meg's website  for more and tune into this week's episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast to hear more of Meg's wisdom. Be sure to listen for these additional bits of brilliance: Life is a full contact sport and our acceptance of that is sort of one of the key defining moments. I accept the full contact nature of the sport and I accept the discomfort. We look at people suffering and we don't want them to suffer. But the very suffering, the, the intensity of the suffering is what somebody like me needs in order to get out. Because change and resilience and healing and recovery is an inside job first. The start of resilience in a business is to say, OK, I see that you messed this up. I also know that you hold within you and this opportunity holds within it the seeds of some success to come from this failure. And I'm going to ask you to lead us out of it. That is the core of resilience. I'm not asking you to be perfect, but I'm asking to be a person that grabs for the rebound after you missed the shot. You can be compassionate. You can be kind and hold someone accountable. Accountability is the structure and the discipline and the knowledge for an employee, for a child, for a spouse. This is what it takes. These are my boundaries. This is what it takes to be successful. When people know where the bar is and they know where the line is, they feel more comfortable.somehow we've lost the narrative. We've lost the discussion around accountability, being loving. You are capable of being up here. You're performing down here? My job is to say to you I'm going to push you. I'm going to stretch you. I'm going to grow you to your capacity because I know when you're standing on the top of that line how good you're going to feel about yourself. And by the way, when you feel good about yourself and you're at your capacity, it turns into real. In this business, in life in general, I think it's OK to say I call myself a human centered capitalist because I I am. I don't make any secret of the fact that I want a for profit company that makes money. That's sort of the point. We can also be mindful in that that there is dignity and working hard and going home at the end of the day saying I earned this pay check. Where you are is the perfect place to start. Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together!  (And click here to buy your copy of From Broken to Brilliant: How to Live a Brilliantly Resilient Life, by me!!) XO, Mary Fran

"Be involved in both your business and personal finances. 80% of women will die single. At some point in your life you are going to have to manage your finances. A man is not a financial plan." ~ Audrey Faust: Author of She Grows Rich; Expert CFO and Money Mindset Authority Are you in financial survival mode? Many women are. It's a mindset trap that many women, especially female entrepreneurs, can fall into. But it's possible to make the shift from survival mode to lasting wealth. Audrey Faust is the best-selling author of She Grows Rich. Audrey notes that "money is emotionally charged for women," often keeping them from approaching finances strategically, or ignoring finances all together.  With simple, achievable, step-by-step strategies, Audrey helps women create confidence and empowerment around personal and business finances. She guides women on creating a financial blueprint, which she notes is different than a budget, as it lets women decide where their money goes and where they want to see it grow. By encouraging women to take charge of their finances and invest in themselves and their businesses, Audrey uses "reverse engineering" to help clarify action steps towards financial security and success. She also reminds entrepreneurs to charge what they're worth! (And why is that so hard????) Here at Brilliantly Resilient, we know that education and action are essential to creating successful, fulfilling professional and personal lives. Further, in order to establish financial security and confidence, women need to take responsibility for themselves and their futures.  To help you start on your journey to financial empowerment, Audrey is offering a free download titled 12 Secrets from and Expert CFO. Get your copy here, and order your copy of She Grows Rich here. Tune into this week's episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast to hear more of Audrey's wisdom and be sure to listen for these additional bits of Brilliance: Mindset and financial strategies are the best combination for women and money. Women are givers and nurturers by nature, which can make it harder to focus on financial strategies. Women weren't even allowed to have a credit card in their own name until 1974.  You need to financially invest in something to see results. Make sure your profit is what it would be if you were working in the marketplace. If you are closing 100% of your prospects, your prices are too low. Aim for a 50 to 80% closing rate. Take the judgement out of handling your finances. If you don't make a profit in your business within 3 years, the IRS can classify your business as a hobby, which means you cannot deduct expenses, there are no tax breaks and there is tax on any income. Be involved in both your business and personal finances. 80% of women will die single. At some pint in your life you are going to have to manage your finances. A man is not a financial plan. Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together! (And click here to buy your copy of From Broken to Brilliant: How to Live a Brilliantly Resilient Life, by me!!) XO, Mary Fran