Pivot To Joy

In this episode of Pivot to Joy, host Dele Downs Kooley sits down with her coaching client Montana von Fliss, public speaking coach, actor, and TEDx Bellevue Women speaker. Montana shares her journey from a lifelong love of acting and teaching to speaker coach, ultimately stepping onto the TEDx stage herself. Together, Dele and Montana explore the universal struggle with confidence, the science behind nerves, actionable tools for managing self-doubt, and what it truly means to move from fear to confid...  Tune in now!  Timestamps: [00:01:04] Introduction to Montana von Fliss and her background as an actor and coach [00:03:52] Montana’s journey from coaching to speaking at TEDx Bellevue Women [00:07:09] How Montana’s talk and coaching intersect in helping others find confidence [00:16:25] The “silent sentence” technique for managing nerves and shaping self-talk [00:25:24] Montana’s biggest takeaway from the TEDx experience and her personal growth [00:34:08] A powerful story on the impact of her TEDx talk and connecting with her “one person” [00:39:23] Advice for overcoming self-doubt and the process of creating constructive self-talk [00:43:28] The link between body language, confidence, and practical speaking hacks [00:50:11] What’s next for Montana and her ongoing passion for coaching and performing  Quotes: “The words that you say silently to yourself before your talk... an example, one that I use, I have several, but one that I say often, it's in the talk, is something along the lines of I invite you to be here with me while I am here with you so that I can help you to the best of my ability.” [00:17:21] “You are not alone. That is totally normal. That is completely, as far as I can tell, a universal human experience. It's really what you do next, I think that matters the most.” [00:39:23] “I believe that we can set up the conditions where it's more likely that we'll feel better, maybe feel more confident. But mostly what we're setting up in this repeatable, reliable process... is making this repeatable process to help us manage through whatever feelings come.” [00:48:11] “I don't think I'm ever going to want to retire because I kind of love this too much.” [00:50:00]  Resources: • Montana von Fliss: Website and LinkedIn • Listen to Montana’s TEDx Bellevue Women talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVFzbxmKNUw  If today’s episode resonated with you, follow along on your favorite social media and explore resources to elevate your voice, refine your story, and build a powerful personal brand.  And remember sharing is caring. SHARE with your friends – because transformation is even better when we do it together!  Connect with me: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching•Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching• Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com  Additional Resources: • Journaling Worksheet & Complete Show Notes: https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast • Special Offer: Mention this podcast and receive $250 off any coaching program!  Subscribe to Pivot to Joy and let’s embark on this journey together—own your voice, share your story, and create a brand that truly inspires! 

In this episode of Pivot to Joy, host Dele Downs Kooley sits down with Parul Sharma, creative director, artist, and 2024 TEDx Bellevue Women’s speaker, to explore the power of developing a "protagonist mindset." Parul shares her journey from childhood as an artist in India, through pivots in her career and personal life, to taking the TEDx stage. She details how her Buddhist practice shaped her worldview, influenced her development as both a creator and a parent, and inspired her to share her story of ...  Tune in now!  Timestamps: [00:01:28] Parul on sharing her TEDx talk and the powerful responses received [00:03:58] The concept and meaning behind "Developing a Protagonist Mindset" [00:05:43] Parul’s upbringing, her journey from India to the US, and early career pivots [00:13:09] How Buddhism and the concept of karma influenced her worldview [00:19:49] Practical steps for aspiring TEDx speakers [00:26:24] The importance of the protagonist mindset in times of change [00:34:46] Buddhism’s role in personal development and managing stress [00:41:10] Turning obstacles into opportunities for growth [00:45:25] The impact of the TEDx experience on Parul, professionally and personally [00:52:18] What’s next for Parul, and her return to making art for joy and meaning [00:53:22] How to connect with Parul Sharma  Quotes: "It's sort of a mindset that you very much are capable of shifting…it has such a power over you that you are, in fact, capable of overcoming it and really, like, shifting to a state in which you feel more empowered and in control." [00:04:17] "If you think like that [this is the ideal circumstance], what it does to your mindset is that you stop thinking of your life as a punishment. Your life is not, you know, a series of, you know, like negative things that you're weighed under. But it's like, these are my circumstances, and how can I create the most value from them?" [00:14:28] "I decided to actually sit and write down my entire talk first because my, my, the way I am built, I felt that I didn't even want to approach someone else to say, would you give me an opportunity? Until I knew that I had a talk in me." [00:19:53] "The idea that is sensitive, if I may define the protagonist mindset, it is this idea that a change within me can change my circumstances. So while the world may be changing and shifting rapidly, and yes, it impacts you, the way to take charge in that circumstance is to say, “What can I do? What can I do?” My response is so important, you know, not my reaction, but my response, you know, because the response is more grounded in what do I want to do in this world." [00:27:49]  Resources: • Connect with Parul Sharma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parulxsharma • Listen to Parul’s TEDx Bellevue Women talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZoqKtbFsUQ • Buddhability: https://buddhability.org/ • Book: “The Buddha in Your Mirror”  If today’s episode resonated with you, follow along on your favorite social media and explore resources to elevate your voice, refine your story, and build a powerful personal brand.  And remember sharing is caring. SHARE with your friends – because transformation is even better when we do it together! Connect with me: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching•Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching• Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com  Additional Resources: • Journaling Worksheet & Complete Show Notes: https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast • Special Offer: Mention this podcast and receive $250 off any coaching program!  Subscribe to Pivot to Joy and let’s embark on this journey together—own your voice, share your story, and create a brand that truly inspires!

In this episode of Pivot to Joy, Coach Kooley sits down with coaching client Claudia Longo, founder of MS, I’mpossible and a 2024 TEDx Bellevue Women speaker. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at just 18, Claudia defied the odds by returning as a Division 1 soccer player at the University of Washington. As the founder of MS Impossible, she connects and empowers young adults living with MS, transforming personal challenge into community support and meaningful advocacy. Claudia shares her inspiring journey from her family's health battles in childhood, to launching a nonprofit with help from the Seattle Kraken, and embracing pivots that align with her values. The conversation dives into the power of support systems, leaning into community, navigating the unknown, and actionable advice for those facing a diagnosis, dreaming of a TEDx talk, or aspiring to start a nonprofit.  Tune in now!  Timestamps: [00:02:08] Claudia’s introduction and early challenges [00:03:50] Shaving her head in solidarity with her mother [00:05:23] Founding MS, I’mpossible and redefining the MS narrative [00:10:02] Launching the nonprofit with support from the Seattle Kraken [00:14:19] Advice for newly diagnosed young adults and the importance of support [00:20:16] Claudia’s role at BoardReady and the impact of corporate governance [00:23:25] Making career pivots and finding transferable skills [00:25:26] Staying motivated, focused, and the power of whiteboard goal-setting [00:27:51] Advice for aspiring TEDx speakers and nonprofit founders [00:36:06] Ms. Impossible's goals for impact and authentic community [00:39:40] Books, resources, and information for young adults with MS [00:44:49] How to connect with MS, I’mpossible and support the cause [00:48:07] Closing thoughts and additional resources  Quotes: "The biggest thing is what she did in that moment by reaching out to me is going to change the trajectory of her diagnosis. She had to realize that she didn't have all the answers, but there was an organization that could help." [00:14:29] "I think when you have an idea, it's easy to just chase it down and go after it. What's important is to also stop and say, okay, that's been my experience. But what about other people, you know, who are in similar situations or maybe different situations?" [00:31:25] "I think one of the best things that I did is I stayed away from TikTok. I stayed away from all these. Any narrative that would like, kind of eat at what I was trying to do, I avoided because I think there is so much information out there that it's really hard to find the right information to consume." [00:39:40]  Resources: • Connect with Claudia Longo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudialongo2/ • MS, I’mpossible: https://www.ms-impossible.org/ • Listen to Claudia’s TEDx Bellevue Women talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDEPWuqYhS8  If today’s episode resonated with you, follow along on your favorite social media and explore resources to elevate your voice, refine your story, and build a powerful personal brand.  And remember sharing is caring. SHARE with your friends – because transformation is even better when we do it together!  Connect with me: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching•Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching• Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com  Additional Resources: • Journaling Worksheet & Complete Show Notes: https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast • Special Offer: Mention this podcast and receive $250 off any coaching program!  Subscribe to Pivot to Joy and let’s embark on this journey together—own your voice, share your story, and create a brand that truly inspires!

 In this episode of Pivot to Joy, host Dele Downs Kooley sits down with coaching client, Kirsten Duncan—healthcare leader, speaker, and now published TEDx presenter—to explore the journey of embracing fear and uncovering the unexpected gifts that lie on the other side of discomfort. Kirsten opens up about her transformation from living with anxiety and self-doubt to rebuilding trust in herself after major life transitions. She discusses how watching and listening to others’ stories, especially TEDx and podcasts, provided a roadmap back to courage and self-worth. With practical advice for listeners—especially women in corporate spaces—Kirsten shares strategies for facing fears, building self-trust, the value of authentic networking, and why mindset is the foundation for resilience.  If you want inspiration to step through your own fears or are curious about how to translate setbacks into growth and even joy, this episode is for you!  Timestamps: [00:02:43] Kirsten’s TEDx journey: “Embracing fears, Discovering the unexpected” [00:03:32] Overcoming the fear of self-trust [00:05:15] Kirsten’s background and what inspired her TEDx talk [00:08:37] Defining fear, and why it holds power [00:10:23] Common fears for women in corporate settings [00:13:49] Practicing what you preach: Kirsten’s own job leap [00:16:22] Practical strategies for facing fear [00:19:30] The decisive role of mindset and attitude [00:22:31] Daily practices for courage and resilience [00:26:40] Advice for women in corporate to move beyond fear [00:30:54] Leadership: Creating cultures that encourage risk-taking [00:32:35] The value of mentorship and approachable networking [00:39:16] Networking reimagined: Connection over pitch [00:41:50] Why the message of overcoming fear resonates [00:44:25] Leaving a legacy of courage for others [00:45:34] How facing fear creates joy [00:47:27] How to connect and support Kirsten’s work  Quotes: “My biggest fear was learning to trust myself and that deep within myself, I actually had some of these answers and I had the ability to face some of these fears.” “I think one of the biggest fears is that we don't think that we're good enough for the job, that we don't have enough skills for the job, that we're not going to be able to execute.” “Coming with a mindset, a can-do mindset, a positive mindset, a mindset where you're thinking about the perspective and rather than, you know, there's a saying of, you know, this didn't happen to me, this happened for me.” "I had written in reminders that would pop up as calendar reminders. You are worthy, you are strong, you are courageous. Because I didn't believe those things about myself yet, but I felt that I needed to be saying those things and affirming those things."  Resources: - Connect with Kirsten Duncan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-duncan/ - Listen to Kirsten's TEDx Bellevue Women talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P65DDz0g2CQ  If today’s episode resonated with you, follow along on your favorite social media and explore resources to elevate your voice, refine your story, and build a powerful personal brand.  And remember sharing is caring. SHARE with your friends – because transformation is even better when we do it together!  Connect with me: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching•Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching• Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com   Additional Resources: • Journaling Worksheet & Complete Show Notes: https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast • Special Offer: Mention this podcast and receive $250 off any coaching program!  Subscribe to Pivot to Joy and let’s embark on this journey together—own your voice, share your story, and create a brand that truly inspires!

In this powerful episode, Coach Kooley welcomes her coaching client, Dr. Nooshin K. Darvish, award-winning naturopathic physician, founder of Holistique Medical Center, and author of “The Golden Gate: Unleash Your Feminine Powers to Graceful Aging.” Dr. Darvish shares her inspiring journey to the TEDx stage, explores the transformative power of joy, and reveals how her family’s legacy and personal experiences have shaped her calling in regenerative medicine and women’s health. With over three decades of clinical practice, Dr. Darvish discusses the connection between joy, longevity, and healing — sharing tangible insights and practical tips for finding joy even in the midst of life’s challenges. Listeners will hear about the importance of trusting your inner voice, the balance between masculine and feminine qualities, and daily habits for graceful aging. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to infuse their life with more joy, prioritize health, or make their own pivot toward purpose and thriving. Tune in to be inspired! Timestamps: [00:01:09] Introducing Dr. Nooshin K. Darvish’s background and work [00:02:18] The significance of joy & the quote: "Joy gives us wings" [00:04:37] Dr. Darvish’s journey to the TEDx stage [00:07:14] Crafting and revising the TEDx Talk [00:10:16] The influence of Dr. Darvish’s mother and great-grandmother [00:14:21] Joy, family health, and longevity: her mother’s cancer journey [00:17:24] Personal inspiration for pursuing naturopathic medicine Quotes: “Let go of the deep, heavy burdens that we are carrying on a day to day basis. These burdens age us.” [00:10:16] "We women have capacity to transform the world around us and our future generations. And we underplay that capacity, we underplay that responsibility." [00:27:15] “If we can create joy even in the midst of these traumas and dramas and elevate ourselves beyond the physical realm that we are facing, we're not only going to impact our cellular system and slow down that aging process... but we are also going to create a stronger conscience throughout the world that is more elevated, more powerful, more peaceful.” [00:11:48] “Joy is not just a fleeting moment of happiness. Now, we can all be happy momentarily, and then it goes away… but joy is actually a state of being. [00:37:15] “Don't try to do all of it at the same time. Pick one thing that feels doable in the life that you live today. And even if it's only 30 seconds, if you're able to be consistent in that 30 seconds of focus internally... that will make a difference to take you that much closer to connecting with your own joy.” [00:53:39] Resources: Dr. Nooshin K. Darvish: Website and LinkedIn Listen to Dr. Darvish’s TEDx Bellevue Women talk: Unleashing Joy: Secrets to Graceful Aging | Dr. Nooshin Darvish, ND, ABAAHP | TEDxBellevueWomen  Holistique Medical Center: https://holistique.com “The Golden Gate”: Available on Amazon and other major bookstores  If today’s episode resonated with you, follow along on your favorite social media and explore resources to elevate your voice, refine your story, and build a powerful personal brand.  And remember sharing is caring. SHARE with your friends – because transformation is even better when we do it together! Connect with me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com Thrive Speaker Program:  Additional Resources: Journaling Worksheet & Complete Show Notes: https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast Special Offer: Mention this podcast and receive $250 off any coaching program! Subscribe to Pivot to Joy and let’s embark on this journey together—own your voice, share your story, and create a brand that truly inspires! 

In this episode, Coach Kooley interviews Kristin Graham, founder of Unlock the Brain and host of the Fewer Things Better podcast. Kristin shares insights from neuroscience, psychology, and habits to help listeners unlock their potential and boost productivity. She shares strategies for time management, organization, setting boundaries, and prioritizing joy and self-care. Kristin shares "brain snacks" and productivity hacks, particularly for busy professionals and working parents. She also talks about managing energy, improving productivity, and finding joy in your daily life. Kristin shares insights on how to put yourself first on your to-do list and offers simple hacks to boost cognitive performance. Tune in now! Timestamps: [01:15] Kristin’s biography [04:48] Kristin's journey and approach to career pivots [06:40] Challenges and fears associated with taking a leap of faith [09:14] Benefits of actively pursuing your goals after taking a leap of faith [11:55] Importance of understanding and optimizing our attention spans [16:02] Benefits of understanding your natural chronobiology  [19:54] Tools for improving productivity and reducing overwhelm [32:31] The importance of aligning your brain and body when you wake up [33:27] Energy management and cognitive performance strategies [35:15] The four key elements of cognitive performance [37:59] Strategies for enhancing energy and cognitive performance [41:03] Importance of prioritizing oneself in daily routines [50:47] The distinction between soothing and trying to fix or escape from emotions Quotes: Luck is when preparation and opportunity meet. I'd like to add a dash of bravery and courage because those things intersect often. It's when we have faith, which is a big word. So I'll just say lowercase, faith to think it'll work out or won't, but I'll be all right either way.  If it's easy, we feel like we don't deserve it. We have somehow convinced ourselves that reward comes after extraneous effort. If you are interested and express that interest with your voice, body language, and words, other people will be interested in what you're talking about as well. When we disrupt [our melatonin cycle] in the morning, it's like we put a pause button on it. Some people say, 'I'm exhausted, but I can't fall asleep.  I encourage you to make a hobby of finding out more details about yourself. The elements of your day, the things you reach, and finding joy instead of escape. Because the difference becomes, did I find smiles? Did I find a happy size? Did I find energy in whatever form on the other side of that? Versus, did you check something off the list? There's a difference between soothing and trying to fix or trying to reverse or escape. So if we're like, I am feeling this way and shouldn't feel this way, we try to fix it. Or I'm feeling this way and want to hide from the world. Soothing is different because it's temporary.  Resources: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kristingraham1 Unlock the Brain: https://unlockthebrain.com/ Fewer Things Better podcast: https://fewerthingsbetter.buzzsprout.com/ Rise to Wake: https://support.apple.com/en-ke/108325 If you want to learn more about creating intentional pivots, let's connect. Remember to SHARE with your friends! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com Look out for a free downloadable journaling page to reflect on and capture what resonates with you. To Book Your Strategy Session, go to delekooleycoaching.com/coaching If you want the complete show notes or you want to learn more about the work that I do with my clients, go to https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast  Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your summer and set yourself up for a fantastic Q4. Subscribe to the Pivot to Joy podcast and start your Summer of Success today!

In this episode, Coach Kooley is joined by Kerri Kazarba Schneider, a former broadcast journalist and current communication coach who shares her expert tips on becoming a more effective communicator. She covers strategies for being clear, concise, and compelling in your speaking and practical tools to improve vocal delivery and reduce filler words. She further shares valuable insights on improving public speaking, presenting on camera, and making intentional career pivots.  Are you seeking practical tips for enhancing your verbal and visual communication skills, whether for virtual meetings, media appearances, or everyday conversations? Join the conversation now! Timestamps: [01:33] Kerri’s background [08:03] The three key elements of effective communication [11:31] The "headline" approach to being clear and focused [12:12] The power of the pause and reducing filler words [14:05] Conveying credibility through vocal delivery and body language [17:56] Avoiding minimizing phrases to sound more authoritative [19:54] Practical tools for improving speech patterns and reducing filler words [23:00]  The value of the "Art of the Pregnant Pause" [24:08] The positive influence of an academically focused upbringing [25:26] Benefits of improving one's visual presence on camera during Zoom calls  [29:21] The challenge of maintaining virtual eye contact and a practical solution [31:02] Importance of choosing the right clothing for on-camera appearances [36:14] Benefits  of pursuing a career you're passionate about [41:32] Benefits of embracing fear and taking risks to achieve personal growth Quotes: Start with your headline and your main point. And when you're thinking about being more concise with people, I think sometimes we want to say everything we know about a topic we might want to. We might be talking to our boss, and we wanna make sure they know we know what we're talking about. If you are interested and you express that interest with your voice, body language, and words, other people will also be interested in what you're talking about. Try to reduce the number that you use. And pausing is the best way to do that. Learn to pause instead of say, uh. That exactly goes back to what you said about being comfortable with silence. Just that moment. 97% of the impression you make on other people is based on what you think or say or how you say it. What do you think?  When speaking to individuals and making eye contact, the problem is that virtually making eye contact with you means I'm not looking at my camera, versus now I'm looking at my camera. Resources: Yoodli: https://yoodli.ai/ Connect with Kerri Kazarba Schneider on: Website: reelmediapr.com  Media Training Insider newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-media-training-insider-7126326828205522945/ Real Media PR: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reel-media-pr/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kerrikazarbaschneider If you want to learn more about creating intentional pivots, let's connect. Remember to SHARE with your friends! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com Look out for a free downloadable journaling page to reflect on and capture what resonates with you. To Book Your Strategy Session, go to delekooleycoaching.com/coaching If you want the complete show notes or you want to learn more about the work that I do with my clients, go to https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast  Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your summer and set yourself up for a fantastic Q4. Subscribe to the Pivot to Joy podcast and start your Summer of Success today!

In this episode, Coach Kooley engages in a dynamic conversation with Harpreet Kaur, a distinguished tech leader, executive coach, and keynote speaker. From her extensive experience at companies like Microsoft, Harpreet shares useful strategies for navigating leadership challenges in the fast-paced tech industry. They discuss various crucial topics, including preventing burnout, setting effective boundaries, mastering the art of delegation, and the critical importance of self-care for leaders. Harpreet also talks about the benefits of balancing professional growth with personal well-being, guiding people to thrive in high-pressure environments while maintaining joy and fulfillment.  Ready to elevate your leadership and find more joy in your career? Tune in now! Timestamps: [05:29] How Dele and Harpreet connected initially [10:35] Strategies for preventing burnout in tech [16:24] The importance of boundaries and ruthless prioritization [20:51] Insights on effective delegation skills [25:16] The value of asking for help appropriately [26:08] Benefits of delegation for team growth [29:00] The role of coaching in personal and professional development [36:08] Finding and leveraging your "superpowers" [43:51] Prioritizing self-care and its impact on leadership [49:56] Benefits of focusing on quality over quantity in work and relationships [55:26] How to connect with Harpreet Kaur Key Quotes: Self-care is not selfish. Going for a spa day or taking care of a pedicure, whatever you want to do for your own self-care, running on a lake or going to the gym. Those are the things you need to do, I can tell you. But you have to be accountable for yourself. Your boundaries are yours to take care of. Your manager, your company, is going to take the last, and I'm stating it as. I'm representing myself here and not my company. We're my manager's view as a manager or as a leader. Every manager and every company will take the last blood drop you have if you're ready to give it.  We all can provide you with the frameworks in the end; the decision has to come from you. You need to reflect and put the boundaries in. Do not wait till you have to go to emergency. Go to the doctor from the start because you don't wanna just take care of the symptoms. You don't wanna just take care of the bruise. You want to take care of the symptoms. Resources: Eisenhower Matrix: https://www.eisenhower.me/eisenhower-matrix/ Connect with Harpreet Kaur on:  Why Blend In website: https://whyblendin.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harpreetkaurs  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whyblendincoach If you want to learn more about creating intentional pivots, let's connect. Remember to SHARE with your friends! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com Look out for a free downloadable journaling page to reflect on and capture what resonates with you. To Book Your Strategy Session, go to delekooleycoaching.com/coaching If you want the complete show notes or you want to learn more about the work that I do with my clients, go to https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast  Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your summer and set yourself up for a fantastic Q4. Subscribe to the Pivot to Joy podcast and start your Summer of Success today!

In this episode, Coach Kooley is joined by Dr. Shideh Shafie, an expert in emergency medicine and high-performance coaching, to discuss strategies for avoiding burnout, setting effective boundaries, and achieving work-life balance. Dr. Shafie shares insights on active recovery, enforcing personal boundaries, and maintaining peak performance in high-pressure environments. Dr. Shideh discusses strategies for rest, recovery, and setting boundaries as a high performer. She shares tips on simplifying daily life, asking for help, and maintaining joy while balancing a demanding career and family. The conversation covers practical tips for managing time, energy, and relationships to create a fulfilling life. Join the show now! Timestamps: [03:11] The importance of recovery in high-performance environments [07:39] Active recovery strategies and examples [10:32] The role of boundaries in preserving rest and recovery time [13:53] Enforcing boundaries and avoiding resentment [16:59] Dealing with workplace interruptions and managing communication [21:41] Implementing and adjusting to new boundaries [23:58] Transitioning family dynamics with changing boundaries [25:07] Balancing parenting and a busy career [26:29] Importance of help and simplification for working parents [29:31] Strategies for simplifying gift-giving and daily tasks [32:01] Ways to get help without spending money [38:14] Benefits of asking for help and allowing others to support you Quotes: If you're going to play hard, you have to learn how to recover hard. Recovery is really, I think, the key to living well and living joyfully. If you want to set bigger goals and you're like kind of addicted to that adrenaline and delicious sort of octane that comes with setting big goals and achieving them, you have to know what to do to recover. When you have twins at home and they're one year old, that all looks different. So, first of all, give yourself notice of your rest and recovery periods and then realize that boundaries are not about pushing people out. The reason boundaries are really important is because whenever we say yes in a place where we really wanna say no, we are creating fertile ground for this horrible emotion called resentment. Boundaries are not about changing other people's behavior. They are about deciding what you are going to do and what you are going to allow into your life. Help is really important. Good, reliable help is like incredibly important for working moms. I would start looking at life as a game. Like, life is this game that's meant to be enjoyed, and we're here to learn how to play it well. Resources: Break Point: https://www.netflix.com/title/81569920 If you want to learn more about creating intentional pivots, let's connect. Remember to SHARE with your friends! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com Look out for a free downloadable journaling page to reflect on and capture what resonates with you. To Book Your Strategy Session, go to delekooleycoaching.com/coaching If you want the complete show notes or you want to learn more about the work that I do with my clients, go to https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast  Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your summer and set yourself up for a fantastic Q4. Subscribe to the Pivot to Joy podcast and start your Summer of Success today!

In this episode, Coach Kooley interviews Lindsay Lyman, a certified career and life coach. Lindsay shares her journey from an insecure overachiever to a confident leader, offering insights on tackling corporate challenges and finding motivation in difficult work environments. The conversation covers building self-trust, achieving work-life balance, and finding fulfilment in and out of work. Lindsay discusses the importance of transparency, empathy, and consistency in leadership and self-care. The episode also explores strategies for working under challenging managers and addressing common misconceptions about happiness at work. Tune in now! Timestamps: [01:12] Lindsay Lyman’s background [04:58] Key turning points from an insecure overachiever to a confident leader [12:26] Lindsay's coaching approach to helping others feel motivated at work [15:26] Three-part framework for earning trust [24:04] Advice for individuals working under managers they don't trust [25:00] The importance of transparency and honesty with yourself [28:57] The challenge of consistency in self-care [33:15] Addressing the misconception of "it'll get better when..." [37:53] The concept of work-life balance [41:29] Finding what brings you joy and rejuvenation [46:14] Lindsay's upcoming workshops and resources Quotes: I always tell people I don't sell happiness, I just don't believe that's actually what we want. Like, I don't wanna feel happy when terrible, tragic things happen. I don't want to love managers that micromanage. If you can't consistently know what to expect from your leader, are they gonna back you up in this meeting? Are they gonna throw you under the bus? It's really hard to have that trust. I just believe at my core, we as humans are more alike than we're different, and we all want to help each other and to keep becoming more amazing at what we are. Just because we're coaches doesn't mean we don't do this. Where we have an opportunity in the consistency space is to consistently, consistently take action faster. The most important relationship that we have is the one with ourselves. So how do we put our arm around ourselves in that moment and ask that question like, what do you need? Resources: More Than a Paycheck podcast: https://lindsaylymancoaching.com/podcast/ Craig Groeschel's framework on the three elements of trust: transparency, empathy, and consistency: https://www.youtube.com/@craiggroeschel Lindsay Lyman Coaching website: https://lindsaylymancoaching.com/ Lindsay's coffee chats: lindsaylymancoaching.com/chat Promotion script: lindsaylymancoaching.com/ask If you want to learn more about creating intentional pivots, let's connect. Remember to SHARE with your friends! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com Look out for a free downloadable journaling page to reflect on and capture what resonates with you. To Book Your Strategy Session, go to delekooleycoaching.com/coaching If you want the complete show notes or you want to learn more about the work that I do with my clients, go to https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast  Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your summer and set yourself up for a fantastic Q4. Subscribe to the Pivot to Joy podcast and start your Summer of Success today!

In this episode, Coach Kooley is joined by a professional organizer, Rebecca Johnston, who shares her journey to becoming organized, tips for decluttering and organizing spaces, and advice for those overwhelmed by disorganization. She talks of the emotional and financial impacts of clutter, the value of professional organizing services, and practical strategies for getting started with organizing. Rebecca further discusses the benefits of getting organized, how to approach organization based on your personality, and advises busy parents trying to maintain order. Rebecca emphasizes that organization should work for you and doesn't have to be perfect to be effective. Don’t miss out on these insightful and empowering tips! Timestamps: [04:14] Rebecca's background and journey to becoming organized [09:00] Common challenges clients face with organization [12:56] The value of professional organizing services [21:55] Tips for budgeting time for organizing projects [25:00] The importance of progress over perfection in organizing [26:15] Understanding "things out" vs "things away" organizing styles [29:55] Why not everything needs to be folded perfectly [31:38] Making organization work for your style [33:26] Adapting organizational approaches for different family members [35:36] Advice for busy working parents trying to stay organized [39:55] How to delegate age-appropriate organizational tasks to children [00:47:14] How household organization can enhance leadership development Quotes: Being disorganized is not a personality trait or a character flaw. We are all good at things and not so good at other things. Don't set out to organize your entire house in one weekend. I would say pick your biggest pain point. Practice makes progress. You get credit for doing something. I think that might be hard when we've been raised by that grading system of you get an A, you get a B. Um, life doesn't actually work the way that we started through school, where you studied hard for the test. It's you're doing these little tasks, and you get credit for that, and incrementally, they build over time. Organization without perfection is still being organized. And it gives you your time back to do other things that are more important. The key takeaway of being organized is it has to work for you! Resources: National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals: https://www.napo.net/ QC Design School: https://www.qcdesignschool.com/ Connect with Rebecca on: Website: https://www.soundorganizing.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soundorganizingsolutions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundorganizingsolutions/ Recommended products page: https://www.soundorganizing.net/recommended-products If you want to learn more about creating intentional pivots, let's connect. Remember to SHARE with your friends! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com Look out for a free downloadable journaling page to reflect on and capture what resonates with you. To Book Your Strategy Session, go to delekooleycoaching.com/coaching If you want the complete show notes or you want to learn more about the work that I do with my clients, go to https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast  Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your summer and set yourself up for a fantastic Q4. Subscribe to the Pivot to Joy podcast and start your Summer of Success today!

In this episode, Coach Kooley is joined by Chezik Tsunoda, a filmmaker, water safety advocate, and founder of No More Under. Chezik shares how she balances her busy life as a single mother of four while managing two businesses. She discusses the importance of self-care, being present, and building a strong support system. Chezik further shares her journey from corporate work to entrepreneurship and practical insights on self-awareness, intentional living, and trusting your instincts. She also discusses balancing passion projects with corporate responsibilities, making value-aligned decisions, and harnessing the power of meditation and stillness.  Tune in to gain practical advice and be inspired by Chezik's journey.  Don't miss out! Listen now and take the first step towards intentional living! Timestamps: [03:33] Finding balance as a busy mother and entrepreneur [06:32] The importance of being present and celebrating moments of balance [09:39] How self-care contributes to better relationships [11:50] Morning rituals and the importance of "me time" [14:56] Building a support system and learning to delegate [18:41] Balancing creative entrepreneurship with business skills [21:01] Transitioning from corporate work to entrepreneurship [24:00] Importance of self-awareness and anchoring to your "why" [26:00] Finding your path and trusting the process [28:11] Challenges of social media influence on self-awareness [34:07] Benefits of meditation and stillness [43:07] The importance of knowing how to ask for help [44:58] Water safety statistics and Chezik's TEDx talk Quotes: When there's that ability just to be and truly be in the moment, that is a form of having that balance. Ultimately, it starts with our relationship with ourselves. It starts with how much you're pouring into yourself and understanding how much you can pour into others. Sometimes, it's getting to the reframe and being anchored to the why that gets you through. You have to find out what works for you and how you are getting there because I'm not going to be able to walk in the exact same path as someone else and have the same results. Resources: No More Under website: https://www.nomoreunder.org Visually Inspired Productions: https://www.visuallyinspiredproductions.com/ Drowning in Silence: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/drowning-in-silence/umc.cmc.28nysp18en5ydcnfo8gxsqqls Yuri's Law: https://housedemocrats.wa.gov/blog/2023/03/08/house-passes-yoris-law/#:~:text=House%20Bill%201750%2C%20also%20known,and%20resources%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Berg. No More Under Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomoreunder/?hl=en No More Under LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/no-more-under/ Shaik's TEDx talk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgvjsTC2uX8 "Drowning in Silence" documentary on Apple TV and Amazon Prime: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/drowning-in-silence/umc.cmc.28nysp18en5ydcnfo8gxsqqls If you want to learn more about creating intentional pivots, let's connect. Remember to SHARE with your friends! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com Look out for a free downloadable journaling page to reflect on and capture what resonates with you. To Book Your Strategy Session, go to delekooleycoaching.com/coaching If you want the complete show notes or you want to learn more about the work that I do with my clients, go to https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast  Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your summer and set yourself up for a fantastic Q4. Subscribe to the Pivot to Joy podcast and start your Summer of Success today!

In this episode, Coach Kooley kicks off the 2024 Summer of Success series, emphasizing the critical balance between high performance and self-care. She introduces the series' themes and encourages listeners to define what brings them joy, offering practical suggestions and free journaling resources to accompany each episode.  She also shares her recent family celebrations and introduces the upcoming guest interviews focused on working better, learning better, and growing faster.  Are you ready to make this summer your most successful yet? Join Coach Kooley on this journey of growth and joy! Timestamps: [01:13] Announcing the 2024 Summer of Success series and recent family celebrations [02:19] Importance of balance and incorporating joy into daily life [03:37] Staying on track with goals while making room for joy [04:29] Preview of upcoming guests and series themes [05:56] How to connect with Coach Kooley Quotes: Joy is one of the greatest preventative measures from burnout. With big events comes the need for balance, and for us high performers, that means rest and recovery. Joy looks different for each of you, so try a few things out, and remember: It doesn't have to be complicated or take a long time. Resources: If you want to learn more about creating intentional pivots, let's connect. Remember to SHARE with your friends! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com Look out for a free downloadable journaling page to reflect on and capture what resonates with you. To Book Your Strategy Session, go to delekooleycoaching.com/coaching If you want the complete show notes or you want to learn more about the work that I do with my clients, go to https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast  Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your summer and set yourself up for a fantastic Q4. Subscribe to the Pivot to Joy podcast and start your Summer of Success today!

In this episode, Coach Kooley discusses celebrating milestones and embracing the journey toward success rather than solely focusing on the end goal or destination. She discusses strategies for staying motivated, such as pausing to reassess and set new goals after accomplishing objectives, surrounding yourself with a supportive community, and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. Coach Kooley provides advice for nurturing a positive, growth-oriented mindset essential for navigating the path to success and fulfillment, including taking actionable steps to maintain momentum, celebrating small wins to fuel motivation, and shifting your perspective to view success as a continuous journey of learning and evolution. Join the show now for this and more! Timestamps: [01:14] Episode overview and reflections on celebrating milestones [02:19] The importance of celebrating moments along the journey [04:04] Shift from viewing success as a destination to a journey [05:17] Strategies for staying motivated and maintaining momentum [06:33] Advice to a client on pausing and celebrating accomplishments [07:52] Invitation to reflect on a personal journey and embrace challenges Quotes: Success is a journey, not a destination.e Pause and take in your new surroundings and the space you occupy because you don't want the version 1.0 of yourself charting the path forward or the version 2.0 version of yourself. When we don't celebrate those moments, we're robbing ourselves of more opportunities for more joy in our lives. Embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth and development. Resources: If you want to know more about creating intentional pivots, let's connect, and remember to SHARE with your friends! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com Anyone joining the Pivot community before May 15th will receive two free coaching and strategy sessions with me. Use code celebrate at checkout to get your free sessions. Book Your Strategy Session: delekooleycoaching.com/coaching If you want the complete show notes or you want to learn more about the work that I do with my clients, go to https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast

Hello, welcome to episode 2 of a 5 part series on your success. In this episode, Coach Kooley continues her five-part series on success by discussing the pivotal role of intentionality. She explains how intentionality shapes our actions and outcomes, provides strategies for setting clear intentions, and shares examples of her clients achieving success through intentional action. Coach Kooley emphasizes the importance of overcoming limiting beliefs, building a supportive system, and taking consistent action toward your goals. Join the show now! Timestamps: [02:27] Intentionality and its impact on performance [03:50] Importance of clarity when setting intentions [04:52] Using visualization to clarify desired outcomes [06:14] Leveraging affirmations to instill new beliefs [07:07] Overcoming limiting beliefs rooted in fear, lack, loss [10:01] Building a supportive environment and system [12:26] Client examples of achieving goals through intentionality Quotes: Intentionality shapes, actions and outcomes by starting with clarity. It starts with setting intentions and it requires more than just wishful thinking or operating on autopilot. Clarity is essential for maximizing your performance and potential. Our beliefs shape our reality, and sometimes, adopting a new belief can be challenging. It's not enough to set an intention. You have to take action. Success doesn't happen in isolation. We need a strong support system that encourages us and lifts us up on the journey toward our next success." Resources: If you want to know more about creating intentional pivots, let's connect, and remember to SHARE with your friends! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com If you're listening to this episode on the release date, it's the last day of my birthday month, so to celebrate, I have a gift for you. Anyone joining the Pivot community before May 15th will receive two free coaching and strategy sessions with me. Use code celebrate at checkout to get your free sessions. Book Your Strategy Session: delekooleycoaching.com/coaching If you want the complete show notes or you want to learn more about the work that I do with my clients, go to https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast 

In this episode, Coach Kooley discusses the difference between potential and performance, and how balancing these elements is critical for sustainable success. She explains potential as what you can do based on your abilities and skills, while performance is what you achieve by applying those abilities. Coach Kooley explains the importance of avoiding the "Peter Principle" trap of promoting based solely on performance in a current role versus assessing the potential for a new role. She provides practical tips for aligning your actions with long-term aspirations, such as setting clear goals, prioritizing high-impact tasks, seeking feedback, collaborating effectively, and adapting to change.  Join the conversation now to unlock your full potential and achieve your highest performance and career success! Timestamps: [01:14] The concepts of potential vs. performance as the foundation for success. [02:13]  What does potential and performance really mean? [03:26] The Peter Principle and the importance of considering potential when promoting employees [04:38] Benefits of recognizing potential pitfalls and setting intentions for success [05:48] The importance of balancing short-term performance and long-term potential [07:04] Practical tips for aligning actions with aspirations [09:16] What adopting to change looks like Quotes: The simple difference between success and failure is intention. Set the intention for what you want, work at it, and get help if you need it. This is called the Peter Principle, a concept formulated by Lawrence J. Peter that simply states that employees are promoted based on their performance and current role rather than their abilities to perform the new role that they're promoted to. No one is a mind reader, so you'll have to communicate your goals, the progress you're making on them, and the challenges you're facing effectively to gain their support and feedback.  It's important to stay flexible and adapt to change. Change is a given in life, especially in the corporate world, where reorganizations and changing leadership are constants.  Knowledge isn't power; it's potential until you do something with it, so go out there and turn your potential into performance and show people what you can do. Resources: If you want to know more about creating intentional pivots, let's connect, and remember to SHARE with your friends! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com Book Your Strategy Session: delekooleycoaching.com/coaching If you want the complete show notes or you want to learn more about the work that I do with my clients, go to https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast  Episode 5 of the Pivot to Joy podcast on the secret to advancing your career and feedback: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/8d052c96-2e50-479e-b25f-5eca0c1c38c5/episodes/03972114-40c1-40ca-ba47-7315095513b0/pivot-to-joy-episode-5---the-secret-to-advancing-your-career

In this episode, Coach Kooley celebrates the first anniversary of launching the Pivot to Joy podcast, coinciding with her birthday! She reflects on her journey, from the early days of midnight tax filing runs with her mom to embracing her birthday to celebrate being alive and spreading joy to her loved ones. Coach Kooley shares insights on "career risk triggers," predictable milestones like birthdays and work anniversaries that can lead to decreased job satisfaction and a higher likelihood of employees seeking new opportunities. She offers proactive strategies for managers to mitigate these risks, such as regularly scheduled career check-ins. As Kooley looks ahead to Q2 and the new year, she emphasizes the importance of individuals taking ownership of their careers rather than solely relying on managers. She invites listeners, whether they are high-performers seeking to level up or ambitious emerging leaders, to explore opportunities to work with her in her group coaching program. Timestamps: [01:14]  Coach Kooley's birthday and her birthday traditions [02:11] Predictable career risk triggers, such as birthdays and work anniversaries [02:51] The significance of April for the Coach Kooley [03:27] Actions managers can take to proactively reduce career risk triggers [04:57] The importance of individual career ownership and regular check-ins with managers [06:15] Coach Kooley's coaching programs and how to connect with her Quotes: From the moment you were born, you were 100% worthy of love. I love texting my favorite humans to let them know that their existence on the planet is a cause for joy in my life. Adding two additional check-ins to ensure that you're having conversations every two to three months allows for an opportunity to provide additional feedback and course correct where needed. If your manager were responsible for your career, it would be called their career. I say this because you are one person versus a manager who is responsible for many people, and the math will never be in your favor if you are solely dependent upon someone else to manage your career. Caring is sharing. If you know someone who would benefit from hearing these words, share my podcast with them. Resources: If you want to know more about creating intentional pivots, let's connect, and remember to SHARE with your friends! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com Book Your Strategy Session: delekooleycoaching.com/coaching If you want the complete show notes or you want to learn more about the work that I do with my clients, go to https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast  Episode 3 of the Pivot to Joy podcast on career ownership: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-3-creating-your-roadmap-to-success/id1682688358?i=1000609270082

In this episode, Coach Kooley shares five key strengths she has identified through the Clifton Strengths Assessment - individualization, context, maximizer, learner, and discipline. She explains how each strength manifests in her unique approach as a coach, helping her create personalized solutions, draw on diverse experiences, focus on excellence, cultivate curiosity, and foster productivity through strategic planning. Coach Kooley opens up about how these strengths are the foundation of her work, empowering clients to navigate career pivots and unlock their full potential. She invites listeners to explore working with her through a one-on-one strategy session or by joining her Pivot to Joy group coaching program. Coach Kooley's passion shines through as she shares how these strengths complement each other, making her an exceptional leader and relationship builder skilled at strategic thinking, execution, and influence. Timestamps: [02:07] A fun fact about Coach Kooley [03:08] Coach Kooley's strengths from the Clifton Strengths Assessment [04:16] The strength of individualization and how it benefits Coach Kooley's clients [05:22] Context and how it helps create blueprints for clients' success [06:44] How maximizer strength drives Coach Kooley to help others identify strengths [07:50] What makes Coach Kooley's unique as a learner [09:54] Discipline and how it serves as the foundation for Coach Kooley's other strengths [11:55] The value derived from understanding and leveraging the five strength Quotes:  I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach for my clients individually or in a group setting. I believe that each individual is worthy and deserving of that level of detail. I am drawn to and naturally curious about the strengths of others and how they can double down on those strengths. This is where the magic happens in the form of employee engagement and productivity. I want to hear about all the things that you're interested in when I'm having a conversation with someone. It's the foundation for what I call curiosity conversations. My clients can move faster, and it's not just about the work I do with them in my one-on-one coaching practice or the things I do with my group coaching programs. The best thing about these five strengths is how well they complement each other. In my opinion. You get an exceptional leader and relationship builder good at strategic thinking, executing, and influencing. Resources: If you want to know more about creating intentional pivots, let's connect, and remember to SHARE with your friends! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com Book Your Strategy Session: delekooleycoaching.com/coaching If you want the complete show notes or you want to learn more about the work that I do with my clients, go to https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast  Episode 7 of the Pivot to Joy podcast on curiosity conversations: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0KWVuv5GiDAxHlLsj3X1BD?si=18e1603cc0ed4795 Clifton Strengths Assessment:

In this episode, Coach Kooley shares her journey through 2023, a year that was filled with successes and also brought unexpected challenges along with valuable lessons. She opens up about her experience of parting ways with Microsoft, grappling with health issues related to perimenopause, and the resulting emotional journey that momentarily dimmed her confidence and she lost her “groove”. With resilience and determination, she describes how she used the concept of Who; not How to build her personal board of directors, including her business coach, entrepreneurial peers, medical professionals, friends and loved ones, to create a plan and regain her mojo. Embracing 2024 with a renewed sense of purpose, she introduces this year's theme, "How Dele Got Her Groove Back," as a testament to her regained momentum.   Coach Kooley extends a heartfelt invitation to listeners to join her on this inspiring journey of recovery and rediscovery, offering support and coaching for anyone working in the corporate and tech spaces who may be facing similar challenges or seeking to reignite their passion in their professional and personal lives. Timestamps [03:02] Coach Kooley's strength in planning and strategy [05:20] Coach Kooley's layoff from Microsoft on January 17th, 2023 [08:54] Emotions after losing her job [10:09] Coach Kooley's internal conflict between the desire for stability and fear of uncertainty [12:28] Outward appearance of success despite health issues [13:47] Coach Kooley's resilience and commitment to regaining health [14:42] Navigating unexpected setbacks while trying to sustain purpose and productivity [15:51] Coach Kooley's Disappearance from public life during recovery [16:49] How to get Dele's groove back [17:55] Significance of teamwork, persistence, and introspection in personal and professional growth [19:00] Opportunities for corporate high performers recovering from setbacks or burnout in 2024 Quotes Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. And last year, I felt that to my soul. Success comes from moving toward abundance, not running from scarcity, and nothing good comes from running from my feelings and fear of failure. I had lost my mojo, and it felt almost impossible to get back. If you've listened to the Pivot to Joy podcast before, the idea of who, not how, is not a foreign concept. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Let's just be honest. It doesn't matter how old you are; your mom will be worried about you, about something happening to you, and about your life. It's what they do. Resources If you want to know more about creating intentional pivots, let's connect, and remember to SHARE with your friends! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com Book Your Strategy Session: delekooleycoaching.com/coaching If you want the complete show notes or you want to learn more about the work that I do with my clients, go to https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast 

In this episode, Coach Kooley is joined by Lynne Varner, CEO of Washington STEM, who shares her journey of pivoting from politics to journalism and higher education, highlighting the importance of authenticity and embracing one's uniqueness. The conversation touches on imposter syndrome, mentorship, and the value of having a supportive network that advocates for your growth even when you're not in the room.  Lynne discusses the concept of the "kitchen cabinet," a network of trusted individuals who provide guidance and support, drawing parallels to mentorship and sponsorship. They emphasize the importance of being open to opportunities, not playing small, and taking calculated risks in one's career journey. Lynne shares her personal journey from journalism to higher education and CEOship, emphasizing the significance of being fearless and embracing change.  Are you looking to identify your "kitchen cabinet," seek connections, and ultimately strive for growth and success? Don't miss out on this insightful conversation that unpacks the ingredients for a recipe of achievement and fulfillment. Timestamps [02:56] Lynne’s background [04:53] Career changes and the challenges they entail [07:24] Managing career transitions and fostering employee engagement during life changes  [10:48] Transitioning into the real world after school and the value of real-life experiences  [14:12] Lynne’s experience participating in programs like Close-Up [18:01] Managing people-pleasing, imposter feelings and the pursuit of self-improvement [20:20] Building a kitchen cabinet for authentic mentorship and guidance [25:47] Fostering connections and relationships to form a strong support network [27:46] The importance of building reciprocal relationships, seeking and offering help [35:28] Embracing opportunities, recognizing the value of being open-minded [38:03] Understanding various degrees associated with career pivots [41:52] Embracing the value of seeking advice and perspectives from mentors and peers [46:46] How to support Lynne Notable Quotes When planning to jump ship, think about your safety and taking care of yourself just like you would if you were physically going to jump off the ship; you wouldn't be announcing and telling people and talking and chatting. You would be planning for your security.  I don't have to prove I don't have to prove anything. I don't have to become anything because I'm already enough. They hired me, they saw me. And so if you remember that, you're already enough when you walked in the door, didn't hire someone else, and came in. No, they hired you. You have to be you. You have to be you because you are who they want. You start trying to be someone else and are now in trouble. Your kitchen cabinet: They want what's good for you. They're rooting for you. So they're not like just any old, you know, people that you meet, strangers, or even just people that you know tangentially. These are people who they're in your corner. You need people to speak for and speak up for you when you're not in the room. When you are taking an opportunity, it doesn't mean you're now wedded to that decision. You can change it and change. It doesn't, um, it's not a sign of failure. It's simply a sign that this didn't fit. And that's why you do want to have a two-way opportunity. You want to be able to turn around, pivot, and go in the opposite direction if you need to.   Resources If you want to know more about creating intentional pivots, let's connect, and remember to SHARE with your friends! Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast Look out for a special journaling worksheet at https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast. For the first time, check out the Pivot Group Coaching Program at www.delekooleycoaching.com/workwithme and get on the waitlist.  Connect with Lynne on:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynne-varner-873b466/ Website: https://washingtonstem.org/ Email: Lynn@washingtonstem.org