Today’s guest is Michelle Hensley — founder of Nifty Package Co., creator of the gig app FeteTango, mother of three, grandmother of nine, and a woman who rebuilt her entire life after losing her husband to metastatic melanoma.At 51, Michelle found herself navigating profound grief, financial uncertainty, and a complete identity shift. What began as a small spark — “Could I work when I want instead of when I have to?” — evolved into a thriving mobile gift wrapping business serving everyday families, luxury brands, celebrities, and even a presidential administration.This is a story of resilience, reinvention, and the courage to begin again — with creativity leading the way.Together, Yo and Michelle explore:🎁 How Michelle rebuilt her life after lossFrom pastor’s wife and nonprofit founder to entrepreneur learning cost of goods, pricing, networking, and profit — one brave step at a time.🎀 Why gift wrapping is a timeless artAnd how a 3:45 a.m. idea and an underused van sparked a whole new business model.🚐 The rise of the mobile gift wrapping movementIncluding the early client who hated wrapping gifts, the celebrity referrals, and the moment Michelle realized she was truly a business owner.✨ Creating income opportunities for women 50+Why Michelle believes flexible, creative work is a powerful path to financial dignity and freedom.📊 Business lessons Michelle learned the hard wayPricing for profit, investing in quality, and vetting team members — with honesty and humor.📱 Introducing FeteTangoMichelle’s new gig app for creatives offering services like wrapping, decorating, porch pumpkins, cookie baking, and more — all with lower fees so women keep more of what they earn.🕯️ Her message to widows and women starting overGrief has no timeline. Identity must be rebuilt slowly. And new beginnings are possible — even when you have no idea what comes next.💬 Her advice to her 20-something selfFind a mentor. Listen to people who’ve lived more life. Be less judgmental. And soften your words, especially toward yourself.🧭 Memorable Quotes“Sometimes you don’t know your idea is good — you just take the next step and it leads you somewhere new.” – Michelle“Women are incredibly resourceful. What scares us most is not that we can’t do it — but that we don’t know it yet.” – Michelle“I’ve been in the wilderness so many times I can give tours. Mistakes are part of the process.” – Michelle“You don’t have to care what everyone thinks — listen to yourself and take the next step.” – Yo & Michelle✨ Connect with Michelle HensleyWebsite & Coaching: michellemhensley.comFree Book & Downloadables: available on her siteGift Wrapping Business: Nifty Package Co.Facebook Group: Unwrapping Your Life and BusinessYouTube: Mobile Gift Wrapping CoachGig App for Creatives: FeteTango.comMasterclass: michellemhensley.com/masterclass-registrationEmail: Michelle@niftypackage.co💌 Connect with Yo & Girl, Take the Lead!Listen on YouTube & SpotifyJoin the GTTL Facebook GroupExplore the Heartfelt Card & Gift ShopFind Yo on LinkedIn & InstagramBecause reinvention doesn’t ask whether you’re ready — it invites you to trust yourself, take the next step, and begin wrapping a new life with courage and creativity. 💖
Today’s guest is a dear friend of the show, Andrea Mein DeWitt — Professional Certified Coach (PCC), author, and creator of the transformational Name, Claim & Reframe® methodology. Her bestselling book, Name, Claim & Reframe: Your Path to a Well-Lived Life, was featured on NBC’s TODAY Show as the Best Motivational Read of 2023, and is now available as an audiobook, complete with a powerful PDF companion. Congrats to Andrea!! Andrea works with high-achieving leaders navigating challenging relationships, identity shifts, and life transitions — especially the roles we often inherit inside our families. In this deeply moving conversation, she and Yo explore the complicated terrain between daughters and aging mothers, including grief, identity, boundaries, and the “good daughter” narrative many of us have carried for decades. If you’ve ever felt unseen, responsible, guilty, or stuck in old roles with your mother — especially during moments of caregiving or family gatherings — this episode offers both companionship and real tools for the messy middle. Timing for this episode is perfect with the holidays which adds extra pressure around the good daughter/bad daughter trap! Together, they explore:💔 The cultural and generational expectations🧭 Integrity as the anchor🌪 Understanding the emotional hurricane🌗 Grieving the mother we thought we had🧱 Compassionate boundaries 💡 Using Name, Claim & Reframe® in real time• Name the emotional trigger• Claim the belief or value that helps you stay in integrity• Reframe the moment so you don’t internalize guilt, shame, or projection 🎧 Andrea’s new audiobook as a companion for healingTransformation doesn’t happen in one big moment — but in the pauses: the walk, the drive, the breath you take between conversations. Her audiobook was created for those moments. 🧭 Memorable Quotes “You cannot have grace without grit. The grit lets you pause and choose who you want to be.” – Andrea Mein DeWitt “When you respond instead of react, you’re back in your power.” – Andrea Mein DeWitt“Not everyone deserves unlimited access to your energy.” – Andrea Mein DeWitt“Maybe what we’re grieving isn’t just our mother — it’s the story we carried about who she was.” – Yo & Andrea 🌺 Key Takeaways Integrity — not approval — is your compass when navigating difficult family roles.You can be kind and clear at the same time — clarity is kindness.Grieving the mother you thought you had is real grief, and allowing yourself to feel it is deeply healing. Other episodes to check out on the topicEp 248 When Pleasing Hurts: Healing the Mother-Daughter Dynamic with Katherine FabrizioEp 48 A Discussion with Andrea Mein Dewitt About Her Book: Name, Claim Reframe, Your Path to a Well-Lived LifeEp 72 Andrea Mein Dewitt, Name Claim & Reframe (NCR) Author, Returns and Relates NCR to Female BullyingEp 153 & 154 Be Confident. Be Resourceful. Be Graceful. Name Claim and Reframe Workbook. ✨ Connect with Andrea Mein DeWitt🌐 Website: andreadewittadvisors.com🎧 New Audiobook on Audible (released December 2, 2025) — includes a PDF companionhttps://www.audible.com/pd/B0G2F5448HLeadership Quiz: https://www.andreadewittadvisors.com/leadership-quizYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AndreaMeinDeWittBook links:Name, Claim & Reframe: https://www.amazon.com/dp/157826958XWorkbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1578269962 🧰 NCR Toolkit: https://www.andreadewittadvisors.com/ncr-toolkit💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-mein-dewitt-98694068/Be sure to check out her Beyond the Reframe Articles📸 Instagram: @andreadewittcoaching 💌 Connect with Yo & Girl, Take the Lead!🎧 Listen on YouTube & Spotify💬 Join the Girl, Take the Lead! Facebook Group🛍 Explore the Heartfelt Card & Gift Shop🔗 Connect on LinkedIn | Instagram Because leadership — and healing — begin when we have the courage to see ourselves clearly and choose integrity over old family roles. 💖
This holiday season, we’re inviting you to pause, breathe, and check in with yourself — because as this week’s guest reminds us, you are your greatest asset.In this uplifting and practical conversation, Nancy Griffin, founder of Women, Worth & Wellness®, joins Yo to explore the powerful connection between women’s health, wealth, and self-worth — especially during a time of year when stress, overspending, and over-giving tend to take over.Nancy has spent more than 30 years supporting women in building stronger financial foundations and stronger personal foundations. Her holistic approach to net worth, self-worth, philanthropy, and wellness gives us a fresh, timely reminder:Your life is a privilege. Take care of yourself first — so you can take care of everything else with joy.💛 In This EpisodeWe cover:The hidden connection between women’s health and women’s wealthWhy women need to think about health-related planning (and what great advisors look for)How generosity — not just financial, but emotional — strengthens self-worthNancy’s powerful 5-minute morning holiday check-in ritualThe danger of perfectionism and the wisdom of the 80% ApproachWhy you should consider repurposing old life insurance as a philanthropic legacyThe importance of recognizing yourself as your number one assetNancy’s inspiring message to her 20-something selfHer signature mantra: “Stay vertical and keep smiling.”🎄 Why This Episode Is Perfect for the HolidaysThis time of year can pull us in a hundred different directions. Nancy offers simple, grounded ways to:-center your own well-being-manage holiday overwhelm-reset spending expectations-rediscover joy in small, spontaneous moments of generosity-choose what really matters as you head into a new yearIt’s the perfect episode to send to a friend who needs a gentle reminder to take five minutes for herself.👑 About Our Guest: Nancy Griffin (Boomer)Nancy is a connector and influencer. She attributes her success to personal courage, determination, and joy, especially when focusing on women’s health and wellness, which led her to create Women, Worth & Wellness®. Nancy enjoys every opportunity to inspire and inform women about their personal health and wealth, net worth and self-worth, philanthropy and legacy—so that women feel fabulous, generous, joyful, confident, and on top of their game every day.Nancy Griffin established Women, Worth & Wellness in 1994 as a Private Client Wealth Advisor for her female clients and their families. She continues to promote and inspire Daring & Caring Leaders, encouraging them to step up and lead in the world, following in the footsteps of many powerful women leaders before her. Her overall purpose is to connect and influence for positive impact every chance she gets.Connect with Nancy:📧 nancy@womenworthwellness.com🌐 WomenWorthWellness.com (brand updates coming soon!)📱 Social: @womenworthwellness across platforms✨ Key TakeawaysYou cannot enjoy your wealth without your health — and both require intentional care.Women’s financial planning must include health-related what-ifs.Generosity strengthens self-worth — and it doesn’t have to cost money.A simple five-minute morning check-in can change the tone of your entire day.Don’t wait for perfect: aim for 80% and take action.You are worthy, unique, and capable — and your life is a privilege.💌 Connect with Yo & Girl, Take the Lead!🎧 Listen on YouTube & Spotify💬 Join the Girl, Take the Lead! Facebook Group🛍 Explore the Heartfelt Card & Gift Shop🔗 Follow on LinkedIn & InstagramBecause leadership — and connection — begin when we dare to understand ourselves and each other more deeply. 💖
Today’s guest is Derek, an educator at heart whose life journey—rooted in autism, ADHD, and dyslexia—has been shaped by a lifelong quest to transform confusion into clarity. Diagnosed at age 50, he finally gained the language, belonging, and understanding that helped him make sense of decades of feeling “different.” That clarity became his calling.Professionally, Derek’s path spans the trades, automotive manufacturing, entrepreneurship, process engineering, and ultimately talent development—where he became the architect behind Amazon’s highest-rated employee training program, earning an extraordinary 92 NPS and 4.92/5 rating.Today, he is the visionary behind Human-First AI, including his book, Human First AI, which lays out a powerful and accessible blueprint for building AI systems that augment humanity rather than replace it. His company, Practical AI, builds tools like Pocket Mentor, offering voice-based, just-in-time support so no one ever feels stuck, judged, or alone again.This episode explores what it really means to unlock neurodiverse brilliance—and how empathy and human-centered AI can change the way we learn, collaborate, and lead.📚 Featured Resource Recommended by Derek✨ Dr. Nancy Doyle’s “What Is Neurodiversity” framework, including the plus-10/minus-10 graph that helps explain ALL human skill variation.🧭 Memorable Quotes“My whole life was trying to turn confusion into clarity — and that became the foundation of everything I build.” – Derek“Empathy unlocks neurodiverse brilliance.” – Derek“Judge people for what they do well, not for what they don’t.” – Derek“AI should make humans irreplaceable — not replace them.” – Derek“Just-in-time knowledge reduces cognitive load and restores confidence.” – Derek“We’re all different. The more we understand each other, the better we all become.” – Yo Canny🌺 Key Takeaways1. Neurodiversity is the human condition.Dr. Nancy Doyle’s work reframes neurodiversity as a continuum of strengths and challenges that all humans share.2. Diagnosis can bring healing—not limits.For Derek, learning he was autistic at 50 unlocked understanding and belonging.3. Empathy-based leadership allows brilliance to shine.His Amazon success was made possible by a leader who supported his strengths and covered his gaps.4. Human-First AI supports—not replaces—humans.Just-in-time learning tools like Pocket Mentor can reduce anxiety, boost confidence, and preserve institutional knowledge.✨ Connect with DerekSupport is rooted in celebrating strengths and releasing judgment.📘 Hero Book – Human First AIRead the first chapter free: https://www.humanfirstai.net🌐 Practical AI (organization & nonprofit community)https://www.practicalai.app👥 Communityhttps://www.practicalai.app/community💼 LinkedInSearch “Derek” + “Human First AI”💌 Connect with Yo & Girl, Take the Lead!🎧 Listen on YouTube & Spotify💬 Join the Girl, Take the Lead! Facebook Group🛍 Explore the Heartfelt Card & Gift Shop🔗 Follow on LinkedIn & InstagramBecause leadership — and connection — begin when we dare to understand ourselves and each other more deeply. 💖
In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, we meet Lori Pappas, one of the first female computer sales reps in the world, an award-winning entrepreneur, and founder of the Global Team for Local Initiatives, where she spent over a decade in Africa helping more than 100,000 people.After years of chasing success, Lori discovered that the true magic of life comes from saying yes—yes to forgiveness, boundaries, curiosity, and self-discovery. Her journey inspired the D.R.E.A.M. Framework, a practical guide for transforming challenges into wisdom.In this episode, Lori and Yo talk about reinventing yourself at every stage of life, the myths that hold women back from self-advocacy, and how forgiveness and reflection unlock our deepest wisdom.💡 Key Takeaways✨ The Power of ChoiceAt 17, Lori learned one of her life’s defining lessons: she had choice. That insight—realizing we don’t have to “swallow” what life hands us—became the foundation for how she navigated every transformation that followed.💖 Turning Struggles into WisdomHer years in Africa illuminated that our challenges are not obstacles but teachers. When we take time to reflect, our struggles become our superpower.🌿 Boundaries as Self-CareDrawing from her work, Lori shares common myths that keep us from setting boundaries—like believing others’ needs are more important than our own—and how self-advocacy is an act of self-worth.💬 Favorite Quotes from Lori“Our struggles and challenges really are the keys to finding our wisdom.”“Boundaries are the bedrock of self-care.”“Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting—it means dropping the hundred pounds of stones we carry on our back.”“Fear can become your rocket fuel.”“Wisdom is information minus the noise, over time.”“Let’s just clean the closet of the noise.”“Let’s really work on that noise. Let’s just get rid of that crap. If I had done that earlier, I could have traveled farther and touched more people.”📚 Resources & Links🌐 Website: loripappas.com💌 Free Resource: Download a free D.R.E.A.M. framework of your choice → loripappas.com/dream📘 Book: The Magic of Yes: Embrace the Wise Woman Within💬 Email: lori@loripappas.com💕 Join: Wise Woman Sisterhood Facebook Group⏰ Episode Chapters00:00 — Lori’s story: from rebellion to resilience03:00 — The moment in the Sahara that changed everything06:00 — Saying yes to life and boundaries09:00 — The myths that keep us from self-care16:00 — Learning to self-advocate18:00 — Forgiveness and flipping the script21:00 — Lori’s formula for wisdom25:00 — The D.R.E.A.M. framework revealed29:00 — Turning fear into rocket fuel35:00 — Curiosity as nourishment for the mind37:30 — Advice to her 20-something self💖 Connect with Girl, Take the Lead!🎧 Listen on YouTube & Spotify💌 Join the Girl, Take the Lead! Facebook Group🛍 Explore the Heartfelt Card & Gift Shop💬 Connect with Yo Canny on LinkedIn
Today’s guest is Michelle Jeovanny — a renowned spiritual life coach, mentor, channel, and successful entrepreneur who helps individuals create wealth on all levels: spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically, energetically, and financially.Michelle’s work blends ancient wisdom with modern consciousness — guiding her clients through ancestral healing, somatic freedom, ceremony, and spiritual power to unlock their truest potential. Her mission? To help people live in freedom, fulfillment, and flow.In this episode, Michelle and Yo dive deep into the alchemy of turning wounds into power — exploring how the stories passed through our lineage shape our beliefs about wealth, worth, and identity. You’ll hear Michelle’s extraordinary story of awakening, from her childhood connection to Spirit, to a near-death moment at sea that became a divine calling to step fully into her spiritual gifts.Together, they explore:🌿 What ancestral wealth really means — and how to awaken it within🔥 The process of transforming pain and grief into creative power💎 How our body is the first bank account — and what true wealth feels like🕊 Practices for stillness, surrender, and rewriting family patterns💫 Why money is the byproduct of who we becomeWhether you’re navigating your own healing, exploring spirituality, or simply curious about the unseen threads that shape your story, this episode invites you to see your wounds not as weaknesses — but as doorways to power.🧭 Memorable Quotes“Our body is the first bank account. It is our altar of wealth and abundance.” – Michelle Jeovanny“Beyond the wounds is a creative intelligence — the gold within the onion.” – Michelle Jeovanny“I was running toward success, but the more I ran, the further I felt from myself.” – Yo Canny🌺 Key TakeawaysTrue wealth begins with self-honoring — when you’re wealthy on all levels, money follows as an energetic reflection.Ancestral healing allows us to see and release patterns we’ve inherited, transforming unconscious loyalty into conscious freedom.Stillness and surrender aren’t weakness — they’re the portals to divine guidance and co-creation.Writing down your desires and releasing limiting beliefs through ceremony can open you to a higher frequency of abundance.✨ Connect with Michelle Jeovanny🌐 Magik Mystery School — monthly channelings, programs, and resources📸 @michellejeovanny💌 Mention “Girl, Take the Lead!” for Michelle’s free PDF: How to Create with AI — with Soul💌 Connect with Yo & Girl, Take the Lead!🎧 Listen on YouTube & Spotify💬 Join the Girl, Take the Lead! Facebook Group🛍 Explore the Heartfelt Card & Gift Shop🔗 LinkedIn | InstagramBecause leadership — and healing — begin when we have the courage to see ourselves clearly. 💖
Today’s guest is Hillary Spiritos (Millennial) — a pathfinding coach and founder of Bat Outta Hell, where she helps young adults find the courage, creativity, and resilience to build lives that feel authentic, invigorating, and meaningful.A former university advisor at Duke, NYU, and Northeastern, Hillary has guided countless students and early professionals through crossroads moments — from choosing a major to choosing themselves. Her work now focuses on helping Millennials and Gen Zers define success on their own terms, navigate anxiety about the future, and trust that their unique paths can lead to purpose.In this conversation, Yo and Hillary explore how social media, uncertainty, and shifting definitions of success are shaping a new generation — and why trusting yourself might just be the most radical act of all.✨ In this episode, we cover:The challenges today’s young adults face — from cynicism to social media overloadHow to redefine success based on your values, not your title or salaryHow social media can inspire and overwhelm — and how to use it intentionallyThe difference between satisfaction and successWhy authenticity is the new currency of connection⏱️ Episode Highlights00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Hillary Spiritos00:33 – The mission behind Bat Outta Hell01:59 – From college advising to pathfinding: how it began03:55 – Empowering Millennials and Gen Z to create change07:55 – What makes this generation’s challenges unique09:51 – The role of anxiety and cynicism in today’s world15:26 – Redefining success through your own values21:11 – Is social media friend or foe?27:15 – Why authenticity beats perfection online30:09 – Navigating a tough job market with resilience35:27 – Facing fear, failure, and the courage to try💡 Key TakeawaysYou define success — not your title, salary, or feed.Awareness turns social media from a trap into a tool.Courage grows through action, not perfection.You don’t have to follow the rules — you can write your own.The world needs your authentic voice.📚 About Hillary SpiritosHillary Spiritos, M.A., C.L.C. is a pathfinding coach and founder of Bat Outta Hell, where she helps young adults and early-career professionals overcome fear and self-doubt to create meaningful, sustainable lives. She holds degrees from Duke University and NYU, has lived abroad, and led workshops on resilience, leadership, and thriving through rejection and change.🌐 batoutahell.net📸 Instagram & TikTok: @bat.outa_hell💌 Store HighlightHillary’s favorite from our Girl, Take the Lead! Card & Gift Shop is “Celebrate — Life’s Too Short to Act Normal.”It’s a joyful reminder to embrace your quirks, follow your own rules, and celebrate the life you’re creating — one bold step at a time.Explore guest-inspired cards at girltaketheleadpod.com/shop.📬 Connect with Yo, Your Host🌐 Website: girltaketheleadpod.com📸 Instagram: @yocanny💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yocanny📘 Facebook: facebook.com/yolanda.canny
Welcome back to Girl, Take the Lead! — the podcast where we share real, raw, and remarkable stories of people breaking cycles, finding freedom, and leading with courage.Today’s guest is Sue Hincenbergs (Boomer) — a former television producer turned #1 bestselling author whose debut novel, The Retirement Plan, has taken Canada by storm. Now translated into 20 languages and headed for the big screen, this darkly funny thriller proves that it’s never too late to follow your dreams — or plot a little creative mayhem along the way.After three decades producing award-winning TV programs, Sue decided at 59 to finally keep a promise she made to herself (and Bruce Springsteen!) at 20: to write a novel. The result? A hit book, a movie deal, and a wildly inspiring story of reinvention.In this conversation, we explore the humor, humility, and heart behind her success — and why midlife might just be the perfect time to unleash your creative spark.✨ Other Topics Covered:How Sue turned a lifelong dream into a #1 Canadian bestsellerThe 40-year promise inspired by Bruce SpringsteenLessons from her TV career that made her a tighter, funnier writerWhat makes a great storyteller — and why tension mattersThe courage to start something new at any ageWhat she’d tell her 20-something self about patience, humility, and timingWhy “If not now, when?” became her personal mantra⏱️ Episode Highlights00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Sue Hincenbergs00:57 – “If not now, when?”: deciding to write at 5902:20 – The Retirement Plan — murder, marriage, and midlife reinvention04:58 – The Bruce Springsteen concert that sparked a lifelong promise07:45 – From television producer to novelist: learning on the fly09:39 – How tension and clarity make a great story13:53 – Editing, rewriting, and the art of brevity15:43 – Her advice to younger writers and her 20-something self17:09 – Sue’s card pick: Celebrate — Life’s Too Short to Act Normal18:35 – “Why not me?”: believing it’s never too late💡 Key TakeawaysDreams don’t expire — they evolve when you do.If you don’t try, nothing can happen.Good storytelling blends honesty, tension, and heart.Courage grows with age (and a sense of humor helps).It’s never too late to take your creative leap.📚 About Sue HincenbergsSue Hincenbergs is a former television producer who’s worked on multiple award-winning programs. She lives in Toronto with her (very much alive) husband, her scruffy, middle-aged rescue dog, Kramer, and the rooms full of stuff her three sons left behind. The Retirement Plan is her debut novel.🌐 suehincenbergs.com💌 Store HighlightSue’s favorite from our Girl, Take the Lead! Card & Gift Shop is “Celebrate — Life’s Too Short to Act Normal.”Featuring a circle of dancing women, it’s a reminder that joy, laughter, and a touch of mischief keep us young at heart.Explore guest-inspired cards at girltaketheleadpod.com/shop.📬 Connect with Yo, Your Host🌐 Website: girltaketheleadpod.com📸 Instagram: @yocanny💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yocanny📘 Facebook: facebook.com/yolanda.canny
Welcome back to Girl, Take the Lead! — the podcast where we explore real, raw, and remarkable stories that inspire us to lead with courage and heart.Today’s guest is Salvatore Manzi (Gen X) — a leadership communication coach, speaker, and author who helps mission-driven leaders transform their insight into influence. With two decades of experience coaching executives from Silicon Valley to the United Nations, Salvatore believes your leadership goes beyond how you show up and communicate your truth.In this episode, Salvatore and Yo dive into the art and science of communication — exploring how content, delivery, and presence shape our impact. They discuss how introverts can command the room, why communication training often fails analytical thinkers, and how reframing fear into excitement can help you speak with confidence.✨ In this episode, we cover:How to own the spotlight no matter your comfort level with public speakingThe three pillars of communication: content, delivery, and presenceHow to “reframe the rush” from fear to excitementWhy asynchronous communication (emails, texts) often misfiresThe importance of intention and feedback in becoming a better communicatorHow to adapt your communication style without losing authenticityTaking up space — physically and emotionally — when you’ve been conditioned not toWhat Salvatore would tell his 20-something self about voice and courage⏱️ Episode Highlights00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Salvatore Manzi01:00 – The missing link in communication training for introverts04:40 – The three pillars: content, delivery, and presence06:55 – Why presence matters most in today’s world09:35 – Dialogue, not download — and why metaphors move minds11:02 – “You may be on mute, but your body isn’t”13:18 – Expanding what feels authentic15:31 – Reframing the rush: fear into excitement18:23 – How to add warmth to asynchronous communication22:17 – Setting intention before you speak23:42 – Why feedback fuels growth26:35 – Communication as context: knowing your audience29:15 – Taking up space and overcoming conditioning32:24 – Body and mind hacks to restore presence36:33 – “Speak before it feels comfortable” — Salvatore’s 20-something-self advice💡 Key TakeawaysPresence is built through self-awareness, not performance.Communication is both art and science — it can be learned.Fear and excitement feel the same in the body; label them wisely.Every voice deserves space; every story deserves to be heard.✨ Connect with Salvatore Manzi 🌐 Website & Free Resources: salvatoremanzi.com/ccpb📸 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/salvatorejmanzi📘 Facebook: facebook.com/CommsCoachSalvatore📧 Email: salvatore@salvatoremanzi.com💌 Store HighlightSalvatore’s favorite from our Girl, Take the Lead! Card & Gift Shop is the “You Got This” card — a reminder to trust your worth, wisdom, and voice. Explore this and other guest-inspired cards at girltaketheleadpod.com/shop📬 Connect with Yo, Your Host🌐 Website: girltaketheleadpod.com📸 Instagram: @yocanny💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yocanny📘 Facebook: facebook.com/yolanda.canny
Welcome back to Girl, Take the Lead! — the podcast where we share real, raw, and remarkable stories that inspire us to lead with courage and heart.Today’s guest is Sarah M. Eden (Millennial) — a USA Today best-selling author, screenwriter, and creative powerhouse whose witty, award-winning historical romances have sold over a million copies worldwide.Known for blending her obsession with history and affinity for tender, hopeful love stories, Sarah has written more than eighty-five novels and is now expanding her storytelling into film. Her upcoming movie, Seeking Persephone, reimagines the myth of Hades and Persephone as a Regency-era romance — and her latest novel, The Tides of Time, explores how love, guilt, and hope transcend centuries.In this episode, Sarah and Yo explore the heart of storytelling itself — why stories matter, how creativity lifts us through life’s oppositions, and why romance will always promise hope.⏱️ Episode HighlightsHow writers “train” their minds to see stories everywhereThe spark behind The Tides of Time and its time-travel premiseWhat adapting her own novel taught Sarah about letting goHow romance fiction empowers women and offers hopeWhy joy is essential to creative longevityHow resistance and opposition help us rise — in life and in artSarah’s gentle message to her 20-something selfTimestamps:00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Sarah M. Eden01:29 – How a dare launched her writing career02:25 – The story behind The Tides of Time — time travel meets the French Revolution04:20 – What makes a good storyteller — and how it can be learned07:42 – Letting go: when your story belongs to the world09:59 – Adapting Seeking Persephone for film and what changed in the process13:39 – Finding joy in creativity, even when it’s “work”14:38 – Sarah’s advice for aspiring writers: love the stage you’re in19:27 – Why romance fiction endures — and what hope it offers24:34 – The Finding Joy card story and how opposition gives us lift💡 Key TakeawaysStorytelling is an act of hope — a way to connect across time and emotion.Opposition builds strength; resistance helps us rise higher.Romance fiction celebrates women’s agency and resilience.Creativity is joy — and joy sustains the creative life.Every stage of your journey has meaning; don’t rush past it.✨ Connect with Sarah M. Eden 🌐 Website & Newsletter: sarahmeden.com📸 Instagram: @sarah_m_eden📘 Facebook: facebook.com/SarahMEden🎬 Coming Soon:Mercury Raine (Books 1 & 2) — releasing October 2025Seeking Persephone — film premiere expected late 2025💌 Store HighlightSarah’s favorite from our Girl, Take the Lead! Card & Gift Shop is “Finding Joy” — featuring a hummingbird and flowers.She shared how her love of physics and birds reminds her that:“What allows birds to fly is opposition. As they flap down, they’re lifted up. Strength is found in opposition.”Explore this and other guest-inspired cards at: girltaketheleadpod.com/shop📬 Connect with Yo, Your Host🌐 Website: girltaketheleadpod.com📸 Instagram: @yocanny💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yocanny📘 Facebook: facebook.com/yolanda.canny
Welcome back to Girl, Take the Lead! — the podcast where we share real, raw, and remarkable stories that inspire us to lead with courage and heart.Today’s guest is Dr. Arisbe Mendoza (Gen X), Director of Global Impact, Advocacy, and Partnerships atFairtrade International in Bonn, Germany. A proud Mexican woman and passionate advocate for women’s leadership, Arisbe believes that leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about impact.In this inspiring conversation, we explore how Fairtrade transforms global trade into a force for equity, how women’s leadership creates ripples of change, and why joy, empathy, and authenticity are essential to leading with heart.✨ In this episode, we cover:The powerful origin story of the Fairtrade movement — and its deep roots in MexicoHow Fairtrade works with more than 1.9 million farmers and workers across 67 countriesWhy true leadership is grounded in empathy, authenticity, and purposeThe Fairtrade Women’s School of Leadership and its impact on confidence and equalityHow young people are driving awareness through the Fairtrade Ambassador ProgramWhat sustainable livelihoods really mean — and how fair pricing changes livesHow global collaboration and trust build resilience across supply chainsArisbe’s reflections on capitalism, resistance, and the ongoing relevance of FairtradeHer message to her 20-something self about trusting her voice and being boldThe leadership lesson behind her favorite phrase: “Joy in the everyday”⏱️ Episode Highlights00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Dr. Arisbe Mendoza (Gen X)00:30 – Leadership as impact, not title — how Fairtrade reflects that mission01:49 – The Fairtrade story: from Mexican coffee farmers to a global movement04:42 – Why producers stay committed — and the challenges they face today06:45 – Connecting farmers to fair markets and meaningful partnerships09:29 – Empowering women through the Fairtrade Women’s School of Leadership11:24 – Youth advocacy and the Fairtrade Ambassador Program12:18 – Arisbe’s personal journey from Mexico to global leadership15:28 – The strategic vision for Fairtrade’s next decade17:18 – Sustainable livelihoods and the shared responsibility of supply chains20:36 – How listeners can support Fairtrade and ethical consumption24:00 – Why Arisbe remains hopeful amid global economic shifts27:07 – Her message to her 20-something self: trust your voice, even when it shakes28:34 – Her favorite pick from the GTTL shop — “Joy in the Everyday”30:03 – Final reflections and celebration of Fairtrade Month💡 Key Takeaways🌍 Fairtrade began as a movement for justice — and continues to support millions through dignity and fair pay.💫 Leadership thrives on empathy, purpose, and impact — not position or title.🌱 Sustainable livelihoods depend on shared responsibility across the entire supply chain.👩🌾 When women lead, entire communities rise.💛 Joy and purpose often live in the everyday moments that connect us.🗣️ Trust your voice, even when it shakes — that’s where leadership begins.✨ Connect with Dr. Arisbe Mendoza & Fairtrade International📧 Email: info@fairtrade.net🌐 Website: fairtrade.net📘 Facebook: facebook.com/fairtrade📸 Instagram: @fairtradeofficial💌 Store HighlightArisbe’s favorite from our Girl, Take the Lead! Card & Gift Shop was our “Joy in the Everyday” card — a gentle reminder that true leadership often lives in small, intentional moments. She also loved our You Bundle (“You Got This,” “You’re Amazing,” “You Rock!”) — the perfect way to lift others up with kindness and gratitude.Explore these and more guest-inspired designs at girltaketheleadpod.com/shop📬 Connect with Yo, Your Host🌐 Website: girltaketheleadpod.com📸 Instagram: @yocanny💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yocanny📘 Facebook: facebook.com/yolanda.canny
Welcome back to Girl, Take the Lead! — the podcast where we share real, raw, and remarkable stories that inspire us to lead with courage and heart.Today’s guest is Uma Thana Balasingam (Gen X) — a powerhouse global tech executive turned founder, movement builder, and podcast host. Uma grew up in Malaysia, put herself through university, and rose from engineer to Vice President of Sales for global tech companies, leading more than 800 people across 48 markets and managing over $1 billion in revenue.Now, Uma is building her second career by launching companies and movements at the intersection of leadership, reinvention, and media. As founder of The ELEVATE Group, she’s architecting a future where five million women rise with her. Her hit podcast, RAW with UMA, amplifies raw, real voices across Asia Pacific — bridging strategy and soul, and inspiring women everywhere to rethink what’s possible.In this openhearted conversation, Uma shares what it’s like to experience what she calls a “careerquake” — that seismic professional shift that shakes your identity and calls you to reinvent. Together, we explore how grief and growth coexist, how sponsorship accelerates careers, and how to find belonging again when everything changes.✨ In this episode, we cover:What a careerquake really means — and how it can spark reinvention instead of regretThe emotional journey of leaving a beloved role: love, grief, and belongingHow to reframe career breaks as growth chapters, not gapsWhy workplace politics aren’t a dirty word — and how to play with integrityThe two currencies that drive careers: performance and relationshipsHow sponsorship (not just mentorship) accelerates opportunityThe leadership lessons from an inclusive boss who amplified women’s voicesThe story behind RAW with UMA — and why she’s tackling the “hard things”Uma’s powerful message to her 20-something self about colorism, courage, and challenging norms⏱️ Episode Highlights00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Uma Thana Balasingam00:59 – Defining the “careerquake” and how it reshaped her sense of identity02:28 – From love to grief: what leaving behind success really feels like05:39 – Why workplace politics aren’t a dirty word — and how power truly flows09:28 – The inclusive boss who modeled how to amplify women’s voices11:22 – How to confidently reframe career breaks in interviews17:01 – The origin of Lean In Singapore and Uma’s Walk the Talk sponsorship platform23:11 – The backstory of RAW with UMA — turning eulogies into empowerment28:44 – Uma’s message to her 20-something self: challenge everything30:42 – Her favorite pick from the GTTL shop — and the birth of the “Careerquake” card💡 Key TakeawaysCareerquakes are breakthroughs, not breakdowns. Every shake-up reveals who you truly are.Where there is love, there is grief. Transitions are emotional because they matter.Belonging fuels leadership. Losing it can invite you to rediscover it within.Workplace politics are simply the unwritten rules of power — learn them, don’t fear them.Career breaks build resilience and perspective; own your story with confidence.Sponsorship is the hidden accelerator for women’s advancement.Challenge everything. Growth begins with asking bold questions, not having all the answers.✨ Connect with Uma Thana Balasingam 🌐 Website & Courses: linktr.ee/elevateasia 📧 Email: uma@elevateasia.org🎙️ Podcast: RAW with UMA (on YouTube and all major platforms)💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/umathana📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uma__raw/📘 Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564066752294💌 Store HighlightUma inspired a new "Careerquake" card for our Girl, Take the Lead! Card & Gift Shop. Explore this and more guest-inspired cards here: girltaketheleadpod.com/shop📬 Connect with Yo, Your Host🌐 Website: girltaketheleadpod.com📸 Instagram: @yocanny💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yocanny📘 Facebook: facebook.com/yolanda.canny
Welcome back to Girl, Take the Lead! — the podcast where we share real, raw, and remarkable stories that inspire us to lead with courage and heart.Today’s guest is Irma Neal — seasoned executive, entrepreneur, and author of Leading in Chaos: Insights to Lead Through the Storms. From her early years growing up poor as the oldest of eight, to leadership roles in government, Fortune 500 companies, and entrepreneurship, Irma brings hard-won wisdom about resilience, courage, and staying true to values even when storms rage.In this candid conversation, Irma shares what it means to lead in the midst of chaos and how every challenge can make us stronger.✨ In this episode, we cover:Why her father’s mantra “there’s no such word as can’t” shaped her entire careerThe leadership lessons of asking for help, documenting facts, and not dumbing down your intelligenceHow resilience is like muscle memory: the more chaos you face, the stronger you getLight bulb moments that reveal when it’s time for changeFacing bullying, politics, and even extreme hate — and choosing courage and clarityWhy celebrating victories, big and small, fuels momentum and resilienceThis episode is a masterclass in courage under fire — and a reminder that storms don’t define us, but how we lead through them does.⏱️ Episode Timestamps00:00 – Welcome & intro to Irma Neal00:31 – From humble beginnings to Fortune 500 VP01:26 – The lessons her parents instilled: “no such word as can’t” and “get an understanding”03:43 – Leading in Washington, D.C. amid chaos, overdoses, and politics06:05 – Leadership insights: documenting facts and asking for help08:21 – When problems resurface again and again09:46 – Light bulb moments: knowing when it’s time to move on12:40 – Building resilience through chaos15:28 – Staying true to values when the noise swirls15:56 – Not dumbing down your intelligence to fit in19:20 – Facing hate head-on: working for a KKK leader in Indiana21:49 – Learning to discern what’s racial and what’s ignorance25:32 – Bullying in the workplace: lessons and failures30:25 – Remembering we only know a slice of people’s lives31:51 – Irma’s advice to her 20-something self: “Go be great.”32:21 – Her favorite card pick: Celebrations💡 Key TakeawaysResilience builds like muscle memory: every storm makes you stronger.Good documentation is better than a character witness — facts matter.Asking for help is a leadership strength, not a weakness.Don’t dumb down your intelligence to fit in. Own your voice.Celebrate small wins — they fuel confidence and resilience.✨ Connect with Irma Neal🌐 Website: onyx2rise.com💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/onyx2rise📘 Facebook: facebook.com/onyx2rise📸 Instagram: @onyx2rise📝 Free Resource: Money Mindset Quiz💌 Store HighlightIrma’s favorite from our card and gift shop is the Celebrations card — because she believes victories, big or small, are worth celebrating. Explore it and more guest-inspired cards here: girltaketheleadpod.com/shop📬 Connect with Yo, Your Host🌐 Website: girltaketheleadpod.com📸 Instagram: @yocanny💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yocanny📘 Facebook: facebook.com/yolanda.canny
Welcome back to Girl, Take the Lead! — the podcast where we explore the real, raw, and remarkable stories of people breaking cycles, finding freedom, and leading with courage.Today’s episode features Rita Lussier, Boomer, writer, longtime Providence Journal columnist, and now author of And Now, Back to Me. Her debut book reflects on the bittersweet transition from hands-on motherhood to empty nesting, weaving together grief, gratitude, and the journey of rediscovery.✨ In this conversation, we cover:Why the empty nest often feels harder — and more layered — than expectedHow small symbols (like a child’s blanket or a grocery-store snack) can trigger powerful emotionsPractical ways to “rewire” after years of care giving and start investing in yourself againThe importance of finding bliss in everyday moments — new windows, banana bread, or a neighbor’s smileHow strength, reinvention, and gratitude emerge through life’s transitionsRita’s heartfelt stories remind us that while change may bring loss, it also offers an invitation: to rediscover who we are, to create again, and to embrace the journey with joy.⏱️ Timestamps📖 00:00 – Meet Rita Lussier: journalist, columnist, and debut author01:27 – Why she wrote And Now Back to Me and how it resonated beyond parenting04:18 – A moving passage about motherhood, grief, and creating again07:15 – Yo’s story of sending her daughter to college and the moment of grief that followed08:42 – The “power bar” story and how everyday objects spark emotions10:09 – Fat Pinky, blankets, and the bittersweet speed of time11:05 – Rewiring: investing in self-care after years of care giving13:28 – Finding joy in everyday moments and “the good old days”18:23 – Gratitude, new windows, and seeing with fresh eyes25:05 – How the empty nest brings focus back to relationships26:00 – Rediscovering your own voice beyond roles of motherhood and career27:44 – The strength that comes from embracing transitions31:07 – Stress and hardship as invitations to grow💡 Key Takeaways📬 Rewiring is essential. After years of care giving, investing in your own joy and self-care helps you heal and rediscover yourself.Gratitude transforms perspective. A neighbor’s smile, a new window, or even laundry can become sources of joy when we learn to see fully.Strength is built in the process. Grief, change, and even hardship become catalysts for resilience and growth.Resources & Links:Rita’s book: www.amazon.comAvailable NowBookshop | Amazon | Barnes & NobleConnect with Rita:Website: ritalussier.comEmail: rita@ritalussier.comhttps://www.facebook.com/ritalussierauthor/https://www.instagram.com/ritalussierauthor/Connect with Yo, Your Host:Instagram: @yocannyFacebook Group: Girl, Take the Lead!
In this heartfelt episode of Girl, Take the Lead!, I sit down with Elissa Kalver, Millennial author of We Got This, stage 4 metastatic breast cancer thriver, nonprofit founder, and advocate for re-imagining how we support one another through life’s hardest challenges.Elissa shares how her diagnosis just before her daughter’s first birthday reshaped her perspective on life, grief, and community — and how it led to her mission of normalizing support through her groundbreaking nonprofit registry, WeGotThis.org.Timestamps:00:28 – Elissa’s diagnosis and redefining survival02:26 – Her book We Got This and what it means to “beat” cancer04:40 – “Surviving is not enough”: choosing to thrive07:59 – Clarity in the midst of trauma11:19 – Lessons from grief13:36 – Why community and action matter in grief and healing18:46 – Passage from her book on grief as cancer’s parallel24:15 – Honoring the journey: why Elissa keeps her chemo photos25:43 – Eye-opening stats on metastatic breast cancer29:05 – WeGotThis.org Registry: practical and joyful support31:22 – How to donate and get involved33:10 – Elissa’s favorite passage: “Never forget to dance”37:18 – What she’d tell her 20-something selfKey Takeaways:Thriving > Surviving – Elissa reminds us that it’s not enough to simply endure illness or grief; we deserve to live fully and joyfully.Grief as Transformation – Grief can metastasize like cancer if ignored, but it can also open pathways to clarity, empathy, and new ways of living.Redefining Support – Her nonprofit registry makes it easier for patients and families to ask for and receive help — from wigs and mouthwash to concert tickets.Living Intentionally – Whether it’s dancing nightly with her daughter or driving an hour for the best olive oil, Elissa shows us how to savor the everyday.Community Matters – Moving from “You got this” to We got this reflects the collective strength we find in supporting one another.Favorite Quotes“I don’t need to be in remission or cured to beat this. I’m beating it by living my life fully.”“Grief, like cancer, can metastasize if ignored — but it can also transform us.”“Even if you’re facing the trial of a lifetime, don’t forget to dance.”“It’s not wrong to say ‘You got this.’ But ‘We got this’ feels stronger — because it’s about community.”Resources:Elissa’s Book: We Got This Elissa's Websites: elissakalver.com, wegotthis.orgWeGotThis.org Registry & Donations: wegotthis.orgMediviver.org – for up-to-date metastatic breast cancer statisticsStore Tie-In 💌This episode inspired new We Got This card in the Girl, Take the Lead! Heartfelt Cards & Gifts Shop — a reminder that support is stronger when shared. Send one to someone in your circle who needs to feel the we.📬 Connect with Elissa:Website: elissakalver.com and wegotthis.orgIIstagram, LI: @elissakalver across all platformsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/elissa.kalverPodcast: Live Like It Matters with Elissa Kalver📬 Connect with Yo, Your Host:Website: https://girltaketheleadpod.comInstagram: @yocannyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yocanny/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yolanda.canny
Welcome back to Girl, Take the Lead! — the podcast where we share real, raw, and remarkable stories that inspire us to lead with courage and heart.Today’s guest is Amy Weinland-Daughters — Gen X keynote speaker, satirist, and author of both fiction and nonfiction works that explore memory, connection, and the surprising power of handwritten letters.In this heartfelt conversation, Amy takes us on two remarkable journeys:✨ Through her fictional book, You Cannot Mess This Up, where she time-travels back to 1978, revisits her 10-year-old self, and re-examines childhood memories through the wiser lens of adulthood.💌 Through her nonfiction experience captured in Dear Dana, where a single supportive letter grew into 600 handwritten notes that transformed her relationships, her perspective, and her sense of connection across divides.This episode is about more than books or letters — it’s about memory, healing, and rediscovering the value of slowing down to connect with each other in meaningful ways.00:00 – Welcome 01:20 – Meet Amy Weinland-Daughters: author, speaker, mom01:46 – Writing herself back to 1978 You Cannot Mess This Up03:14 – How memories shift, heal, and shape us07:37 – Honoring the fearless child within11:25 – Generational perspectives on change and rebellion17:56 – How 600 handwritten letters began with one old friend20:40 – The loss of Parker and continuing to write letters22:36 – Two years of modern-day pen pal exchange23:59 – Writing 580 letters: how it transformed Amy’s life25:55 – Reading a powerful excerpt from Dear Dana28:48 – How listeners can connect with Amy29:18 – Amy’s advice to her 20-something selfEpisode TakeawaysMemories are malleable. Revisiting them with fresh eyes can bring healing and compassion for ourselves and others.Our real lives matter. Every story — even suburban childhoods or “ordinary” experiences — has profound value.Connection changes everything. A single handwritten note can make someone feel deeply seen and valued.Small gestures are powerful. Slowing down, writing, and caring intentionally can reshape relationships and even bridge divides.Amy reminded us how powerful handwritten notes can be. To make it easier for you to spread kindness, check out the Girl, Take the Lead! Heartfelt Cards & Gifts shop. Each card is designed to spark joy and connection — perfect for your own “Dear Dana” moments. 📬 Connect with Amy:dividesWebsite: www.amydaughters.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokinhotamys/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyweinlanddaughtersauthor📬 Connect with Yo:Instagram: @yocannyFB Group: Girl, Take the Lead!Online Store: https://girltaketheleadpod.com/shop
Author, Boomer, and CEO of Purpose Linked Consulting, Alaina Love, is a nationally recognized leadership coach and purpose expert, helping people lead better lives for more than 20 years. Her book, Permission to Be You: Discover Your Purpose and Passions to Bring Your Best Self to Everything—and Everyone, just launched and reveals the power of passion-centered living to bring clarity and fulfillment to work, relationships, and life’s biggest transitions. Love was formerly a research scientist and executive director of global human resources at Merck & Co., Inc. She has served as a leadership columnist for Bloomberg Business Week, The Washington Post, Harvard Business Review, and SmartBrief.💡 We explore:The concept of self-expansion in relationships and lifeUnderstanding your passions and bringing them into work and personal lifeGiving yourself permission to fail, choose yourself, and live authenticallyHow younger generations navigate purpose, passion, and practical life challengesPractical ways to integrate passion-centered experiences into daily life🔑 3 Big Takeaways:You can bring your authentic self to any situation, career, or relationship.Giving yourself permission to fail and to choose yourself is crucial for growth.Understanding and nurturing your passions fuels fulfillment and connection.🛍️ Online Store Highlight:Check out our specially designed bookmark “Embrace the Journey”—perfect to accompany Permission to Be You or to remind you to honor your own journey: Girl, Take the Lead! Heartfelt Cards & Gifts📬 Connect with Alaina:Website: www.permissiontobeyoubook.comInstagram: @alainaloveLinkedIn: Alaina LoveFacebook: Alaina Love📬 Stay Connected With Your Host, YoWebsite: girltaketheleadpod.com Email: yo@yocanny.comInstagram: @yocanny FB Group: Girl, Take the Lead!Online Store: Your Cards & Gifts for Connection
Today’s guest is Mary Jane Strom, the CEO of Girl Scouts Northern California since April 2025. Mary Jane has over 20 years of experience in youth development, nonprofit leadership, and outdoor programming. She’s a lifetime Girl Scout member and a Gold Award recipient—the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve. Mary Jane has been with Girl Scouts for decades, starting as a youth member, growing into a young adult staff member, and now leading the organization. She’s passionate about empowering girls to take the lead and creating opportunities that meet the needs of today’s youth.💡 In this episode, we explore:How youth-led initiatives and task groups are transforming Girl Scouts.The importance of moving at the pace of today’s girls.Strategies to reduce barriers to participation and expand access to underserved communities.The role of supportive adult volunteers in fostering growth and leadership.The impact of outdoor programs, STEM opportunities, and entrepreneurship experiences.MJ’s advice to her 20-something self: take action, don’t wait for permission.⏱ Timestamps & Highlights11:45 – MJ explains youth-led initiatives and mentoring programs for girls.12:15 – MJ reflects on her personal journey from Girl Scout to leader.13:34 – Rethinking rules and letting girls take the lead in decisions.14:32 – Pride in Girl Scout properties and camps, preparing girls for outdoor experiences.15:27 – Expanding access through community programs and school partnerships.16:23 – Introducing the “third space” concept: Girl Scouts alongside home and school.17:22 – The importance of social connection, troop meetings, and sisterhood.19:17 – The role of supportive adult volunteers in guiding girls’ leadership.21:12 – STEM and entrepreneurship programs, including Space Cookies robotics and the cookie program.24:26 – How to join, volunteer, or donate to Girl Scouts Northern California.25:24 – MJ’s advice to her 20-something self: don’t wait to take action.💬 Notable Quotes“We can’t afford to slow down. We have to keep moving forward. We have to keep progressing. We have to keep being what girls today need.” – MJ Strom“If something bugs you about the place that you’re working or volunteering, ask why it’s done that way and then make the change you want to see.” – MJ Strom“Girl Scouts is a sisterhood full of supportive adults and opportunities for girls to take the lead.” – MJ Strom🔑 3 Big TakeawaysYouth-Led Leadership Matters: Girls thrive when they’re empowered to make decisions and take ownership of programs.Volunteers Amplify Impact: Adult mentors provide guidance, encouragement, and real-world learning experiences.Opportunities for All Girls: From STEM to outdoor adventures and entrepreneurship, Girl Scouts creates multiple pathways for personal growth and leadership development.🌐 Resources & LinksLearn more about Girl Scouts Northern California: gsnorcal.orgVolunteer or become a troop leader: Volunteer OpportunitiesDonate to support camperships and leadership programs: Spring Appeal & Opportunity FundWatch MJ on Episode 7: Ep 7 with Mary Jane StromShop the Girl, Take the Lead! Heartfelt Cards & Gifts: Online Store🛍️ Online Store HighlightMary Jane chose the Girl Scouts-themed card: “Lead with heart. Inspire action.”Her reflection: “Leadership is about creating opportunities for others to shine—and that starts with our girls.”📬 Connect With Mary JaneWebsite: https://www.girlscoutsnorcal.orgEmail: Contact via website📬 Stay Connected With Your Host, YoWebsite: girltaketheleadpod.comEmail: yo@yocanny.comInstagram: @yocannyFB Group: Girl, Take the Lead!Online Store: Your Cards & Gifts for Connection – Shop Now
Lana Shepard, Boomer, business coach, author, and financial literacy advocate, joins us to explore mindset shifts, transformational lessons, and practical strategies that fuel both personal and entrepreneurial growth. Drawing from her 40+ years of experience supporting over 1,300 small business clients, Lana shares how letting go of limiting beliefs, embracing fear, and leaning on support can ignite success and resilience.💡 In this episode:Lana’s journey from bookkeeping and payroll to authoring the Give Up seriesThe pivotal lesson from her mentor: success comes from what you give up, not what you hold on toFear of failure and lifelong beliefs that shape our decisionsTransformative experiences, including Tony Robbins’ fire walkLearning to ask for help and building supportive networksEmbracing financial literacy and overcoming fear of numbersPractices to cultivate gratitude, courage, and momentum🎧 Timestamps (Major Moments)0:00 – Welcome and introduction to Lana Shepard1:30 – The Give Up book series and key lessons3:28 – Overcoming fear of failure and limiting beliefs8:59 – Stepping outside comfort zones: the fire walk 12:06 – The role of support systems and asking for help13:31 – Financial literacy: understanding numbers 16:45 – Practices to cultivate gratitude, courage, and momentum💬 Memorable Quotes"Holy Hockey!"“Success is less about what you take on and more about what you give up.”“You can’t have fun until the work ends—and sometimes the work never ends, unless you let it.”“Once you take that first step, momentum carries you forward.”“Fear is often inherited from old beliefs—awareness is the first step to letting it go.”🔑 3 Big TakeawaysAwareness empowers action: Recognizing hidden beliefs and self-talk patterns is essential for growth.Courage is cultivated: Stepping out of your comfort zone builds confidence, momentum, and resilience.Asking for help is strength: Support systems accelerate success personally and professionally.🛠️ Tools & Resources MentionedGive Up Ignition by Lana Shepard (amazon.com)Tony Robbins’ Unleash the Power Within (UPW) fire walk experienceByron Katie Judge Your Neighbor Worksheet https://thework.com/resources/📬 Connect With LanaWebsite: www.giveupbook.com📬 Stay Connected With Your Host, YoWebsite: girltaketheleadpod.comEmail: yo@yocanny.comInstagram: @yocannyFB Group: Girl, Take the Lead!Online Store: https://girltaketheleadpod.com/shop
Katherine Fabrizio, Boomer, psychotherapist with 35 years of experience, joins us to explore the often hidden dynamics between mothers and daughters. Drawing from her extensive clinical work and her book, Katherine dives into how good daughters navigate boundaries, individuation, and maternal expectations—and how understanding these patterns can unlock personal freedom.💡 In this episode:Katherine’s journey from practicing alongside her mother to finding her own voiceWhy the “good daughter” role can feel both protective and paralyzingDifferentiating narcissistic, borderline, and covert mothers in real-life dynamicsRecognizing internalized guilt and patterns of approval-seekingPractical insights for reclaiming boundaries and autonomy⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Welcome and introduction to Katherine0:31 – Katherine’s early career and working with her mother1:56 – Making the difficult choice to leave the shared practice2:24 – Boundaries and individuation: why they weren’t taught3:22 – The inspiration for writing her book4:21 – Reconciling with her mother at the end of her life5:17 – Understanding different maternal patterns6:17 – Narcissistic, borderline, and covert mothers explained11:08 – Reading the 10 scenarios of the “good daughter trap”14:19 – How childhood patterns shape adult responses and shame16:40 – Taking charge of your inner child17:09 – Understanding the difficult mother💬 Memorable Quotes“Staying would break me. Leaving broke her heart—but I survived. So did she.”“Boundaries weren’t even a thing back then; learning them was revolutionary.”“Many daughters carry guilt for differentiating. Understanding your mother’s patterns can be liberating.”“The good daughter cycle is like an accent—you internalize it and it becomes normal.”“Sometimes the kindest thing you can do for your mother is to step into your own life fully.”“Healing isn’t about erasing the past; it’s about reclaiming your power in the present.”“We often try to please to survive. Learning that you can exist authentically is life-changing.”“Mother-daughter patterns don’t define you—you define your response to them.”🔑 3 Big TakeawaysAwareness is freedom. Understanding the maternal dynamics you grew up with allows you to break generational patterns.Boundaries are essential. Differentiating from a mother—even a loving one—can be painful but necessary for personal growth.Healing is relational. Reconciling with the past, while not condoning harm, creates space for autonomy and self-compassion.🛠️ Tools & Resources MentionedThe Good Daughter Trap by Katherine Fabrizio – available wherever books are soldPsychotherapy insights on boundaries, individuation, and mother-daughter dynamics🛍️ Online Store HighlightKatherine chose a card representing self-empowerment and boundary-setting:"Know your worth, set your limits, honor your story."Check out our online store here!📬 Connect With KatherineWebsite: Are you a "Good Daughter" Free Quiz https://daughtersrising.info/good-daughter-quiz/Email: katherinefabrizio@daughtersrising.infohttps://www.facebook.com/thegooddaughterhttps://www.instagram.com/katherinefabrizio/📬 Stay Connected With Your Host, YoWebsite: girltaketheleadpod.comEmail: yo@yocanny.comInstagram: @yocannyFB Group: Girl, Take the Lead!