The Resiliency Factor Podcast

During this episode of The Resiliency Factor, I had the honor and privilege to sit down for a real, raw, and vulnerable conversation about personal transformation and growth with a singer, songwriter, musician, TEDx speaker, and author of Turn Your Pain into Art, Ariel Bloomer. Ariel is also the co-founder and lead singer for the band, Icon for Hire. Formed in 2007 in Decatur, Illinois, and currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee, Icon For Hire knows a thing or two about building a loyal fan base. From local clubs in Decatur to Warped Tour and Download Fest, they have amassed a dedicated "Icon Army" that continues to grow with each single release. Moving away from the record label system in 2016, and with a devoted following of over 700,000 followers across social platforms, lead singer Ariel Bloomer and guitarist Shawn Jump have relied on their fans to support their independently released albums, Billboard-charting You Can't Kill Us in 2016, and their most recent release, Amorphous in 2021.  With songs featuring Ariel's compelling lyrics on issues like depression, anxiety, and self-harm, their music draws in a passionate and engaged crowd that connects with their vulnerability and authenticity. Believing that the world and the Icon Army could use new music in the midst of a global pandemic, they took a risk on Amorphous, ending up with a crowd-funded campaign that raised over $263,000, more than doubling the results of their previous record-making Kickstarter campaign in 2016.  From haunting piano ballads to intense guitar-heavy rock anthems, Amorphous builds off of their previous success and highlights Shawn's intricate production talent and Ariel's unmatched ability to connect with their listeners. "The underlying message of everything we have done is moving away from a place of self-hate and moving towards a place of self-love," Ariel adds, "and because of that we have tried to go beyond the songs and create a sense of community, where people know they're not alone." Connect with Ariel on Social Media: Instagram Twitter Facebook Stay Up to Date with Icon for Hire: IAHQ Website Ready to uplevel in all areas of your life and business? Schedule a 30-Minute Discovery Call TODAY! I have limited spots for one-on-one coaching clients. Click this link to get started. I'll see you on the flip side!  Follow Lisa Marie: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter

I don't consider myself psychic but I do consider myself to be highly intuitive. After many years, I've come to understand and trust my intuition. One of the things that become abundantly clear to me in looking back at 2021 is that it has been one of the most tumultuous years in modern history. Given the nature of my work, I've had an opportunity to speak to others all throughout the US and around the world. Not surprisingly, many of the people I've spoken to describe this past year as one filled with fear, anger, frustration, distrust, sadness and the list goes on and on.  Collectively, we've all been traumatized in one way or another by the events that have taken place over the last couple of years but particularly in this past year. Speaking to an international audience has helped me to also discover that regardless of our race, color, or creed, we are so much more alike than we are different.  Just because we may speak different languages, hold different religious beliefs, or have varying degrees of melanin in our skin, doesn't take away the fact that at the very core we really have the same basic human needs, wants, and desires. We all want to know that we, and the people we love and care for, are happy, healthy, and safe. We all want to feel love and acceptance for who we are and to have the autonomy to live our lives in the way that we choose as long as we're not hurting others in the process. Yes, we are definitely more alike than we are different. To pretend that we are so diametrically different from one another is detrimental to the survival of humanity. Every day more and more people around the world are waking up to the truth that we are all members of the same race, the human race. More and more people are starting to recognize that we are stronger when we stand together. In order to survive the craziness that seems to have enveloped our world, we need to link arms and lift one another up rather than tearing one another apart. Make no mistake about it - these last couple of years have shown us that we are in a spiritual battle for the soul of our collective humanity.  All things being said, I know deep in my heart and soul that 2022 is going to be a monumental year of personal transformation and growth for all of God's children. The New Year that will soon be upon us promises monumental breakthroughs for people all around the world, and so my message for you today is simple - hold on… for just a little while longer. I know it's been a bumpy ride, it's been a bumpy ride for everyone, but I'm telling you that 2022 is going to be a turnaround year for a lot of us. As we pause to go into this holiday break and as we prepare to usher in a brand new year, if I do nothing else for you but give you enough hope to see the light at the end of the tunnel then I'll know I have fulfilled my life's purpose.  I wish you the most beautiful and blessed Christmas that you've ever had. Remember to spend time with the people you love because life is short and unpredictable. Remember to be good to yourself as being good to yourself helps you to be a better person to others. And, lastly, hold on to your faith in humanity. We've managed to survive all these years by linking arms and standing together.  Ready to uplevel in all areas of your life and business? Schedule a 30-Minute Discovery Call TODAY! I have limited spots for one-on-one coaching clients. Click this link to get started. I'll see you on the flip side!     Follow Lisa Marie: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter

During this episode of The Resiliency Factor, I had an incredible conversation with one of the most amazing and soulful female entrepreneurs on the planet, Anna Tsui. During our time together, Anna asks listeners to ponder the following questions… What if you could find the energetic frequency where you accelerate your manifestations?  How much more successful would you be if you could clearly identify your life's work and connect it to a ready and willing audience?  The process of answering these two fundamental questions is essential to unearthing one's greatest potential. Anna describes this phenomenon as sovereign energy or the energy of one's highest potential. She states that the universe responds to the vibration of who you really are at a soul level when you honestly answer these two fundamental questions. Anna also believes that the biggest problem for most people is that they've forgotten how powerful they truly are as they've ceaselessly pursued education and success.  This interview will remind you of your true essence so that you can reconnect to your higher self, and thus begin creating miracles in your own life again. Anna Tsui is a genius coach, international writer, speaker, and serial entrepreneur. She is the founder of The Intuitive Business School and her bestselling book, "Shadow Magic: Turn your Fear Into Fuel and Create a Prosperous Coaching Business" shows readers how to overcome their personal self-sabotage and build a thriving career and business. She has created a proprietary method that helps people directly align with their personal genius and create thriving signature businesses. Connect with Anna on Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Ready to uplevel in all areas of your life and business? Schedule a 30-Minute Discovery Call TODAY! I have limited spots for one-on-one coaching clients. Click this link to get started. I'll see you on the flip side!     Follow Lisa Marie: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter

Actions speak louder than words. How many times have you heard this over the course of your lifetime? Probably too many to count. As cliche as it sounds, it's true. Words are nothing more than empty promises unless you actually act on them.  There are a lot of people out here in the online coaching space who claim that they want to be seen as successful thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and influencers. Now, there's nothing wrong with having big dreams and wanting to fulfill a significant role in your life and business. There's nothing wrong with wanting to be seen as a successful thought leader, entrepreneur, and influencer. Actually, it would almost be strange if you didn't want to achieve these things? Right?  The question is, are you willing to do the things you say you are going to do in order to get there? After all, talk is cheap. I'm wondering if you know anyone like this or if perhaps you're experiencing this right now in your own life and business? Are your words bigger than your actions or are your actions truly louder than your words? Are you talking a big game about everything you've accomplished while hiding behind a pretty website or are you the real deal? Are you really who you say you are or are you just hiding behind a ton of photoshopped images that don't even really depict you or your lifestyle? Are you showing up authentically as your true self and actually doing the things that you say you want to do? Are you willing to show up when you say you're going to? Or, are you like all the other self-appointed gurus who talk about being successful without actually taking any actions to become successful?  I've talked to lots of folks over the last several years in this industry and they'll tell me about how they are going to start doing ALL the things. Here are a few common expressions I've heard from online coaches and entrepreneurs all around the world: "I'm going live on Facebook at least three times this week." "I'm going to start making paid offers. "I'm going to build my email marketing funnel." "I'm going to start putting out content on my social media channels."  I'm going, I'm going, and going except you're not going. That's all good, except, you're still at the same place you were yesterday, 6 months ago, a year ago, and even 5 years ago from when you started your business, which, at this point, has now become more of an expensive hobby than anything else. So, what are you going to do to change it? Remember, you cannot change what you fail to acknowledge. If you truly want to be successful in life and in business, you need to start following through. If you say you're going to do something or if you tell people you're going to run a challenge or you're going to start a course, do it. I challenge you to look at the areas in your own life or business where you are just talking about all the things, but not really doing any of them. I guarantee that getting honest with yourself, setting realistic goals, and following through with them, will help you go further faster than all the empty promises in the world. Follow Lisa Marie: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter

During this episode of The Resiliency Factor, I had an incredible conversation with one of the most courageous and resilient women entrepreneurs on the planet, Dr. Biljana Karamehmedovic or Dr. B, for short. During our time together, Dr. B. recalled in vivid detail how she found the mental and physical strength to literally run to catch a bus in order to escape war-torn Bosnia as she clung onto her baby. It was literally a do-or-die moment and one that transformed her life forever.Biljana Karamehmedovic is a personal holistic transformation coach, author, speaker, and a true believer in elevated conversations and human potential.  Not speaking a word of English upon her arrival to the United States as a Bosnian war refugee, she set out to learn fast and help the refugee community. Her newly minted interpreting skills carried her into the position of a professional foreign language interpreter less than a year later. Keen on teaching and mentoring, in 2012 Biljana started training interpreters in healthcare for their professional roles, as well as preparing them to obtain and maintain their national certifications.  As a personal transformation coach, Dr. B. thrives on empowering entrepreneurs and professionals with a heart mindset to take the leap and with customized strategies to leap into the results they seek in all aspects of their lives.  Biljana's diverse interests and educational background (ranging from engineering and pedagogy to a doctorate in Naturopathy, as well as certifications in Social-Emotional Learning, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and other sales and business-related studies) shaped her into a comprehensive problem-solver, and holistically oriented guide to high achievers seeking the most efficient tools and support in turning their life challenges into permanent victories.Connect with Biljana on Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook YouTube Ready to uplevel in all areas of your life and business? Schedule a 30-Minute Discovery Call TODAY! I have limited spots for one-on-one coaching clients. Click this link to get started. I'll see you on the flip side!     Follow Lisa Marie: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter

It's easy to be happy when everything is going well and according to plan. It's easy to be in a good mood when you wake up and the sun is shining and you've got a roster full of paying clients and everybody's paying you on time. That's easy, but true character and true growth only happen when we face life challenges. I do believe that life is always happening for us and not just to us. Not always an easy concept to embrace, I admit, but one that I truly do believe in, nonetheless.  On February 14, 2020, my mom, my best friend, and my biggest cheerleader passed away suddenly. She was only 66 years old. I was devastated, to say the least, but deep within I knew that I would be okay with the support of God and other close family members. Losing my mom was the hardest thing I've ever experienced in my life and I've been through some really tough stuff. My mom's passing was and still is truly the deepest sorrow I have ever felt, yet I have managed to survive. In truth, I've done more than just survive. I've used the pain I experienced and transformed it into fuel for my passion to help others. In truth, even though I was and still am grieving, I've continued to flourish in my life and my business. I've been able to  'move gracefully' through all the difficulties that I have faced, but it wasn't always this way. I attribute much of my present-day resiliency to the work I've been doing for years. I'm resilient now because I did the work back when I was in my 20s and very early 30s. I continue to do the work everyday. Although I do believe we are born resilient, I also know that life experiences beat us down and sometimes we forget how resilient we truly are. Unless we actively pursue reclaiming our God-given resiliency, it can be lost and sometimes hard to recover. Resiliency is something that comes from doing internal work. It comes from doing the things which you think you are not capable of doing. There was a time in my life when I was so dependent on my mom emotionally that I couldn't stand to be alone for more than 5 minutes at a clip. When I was in my early 20s and having a difficult time emotionally, I can remember picking up the phone and calling her about every ten minutes - no exaggeration. I was so distraught emotionally and didn't think I could stand on my own two feet. As I think back now about that time in my life, the thought of losing my mom would sincerely have put me over the edge. If she had passed away then I don't know how I would have gone on. A few years later, I recognized how emotionally dependent I was on my mom for nearly everything and how much I had put into that relationship. I also knew as I was getting older that I would need to learn to stand on my own two feet and that I would have to learn to depend on myself and trust myself. That's where the real work took place. I spent years in therapy and worked with holistic healers, including a very gifted hypnotherapist. I finally arrived at a place when I was about 32 going to stop fixing what I think are perceived false and I'm when I decided to actually embrace all of me - every single piece of me, including the parts that I'm proud of and the parts that I'm not so proud of; the times that were beautiful and the times that were ugly. Yes, once I learned to embrace all of the parts of myself, I also came to a place of unconditional self-love and radical self-acceptance. I'm going to throw this out as a call-to-action for all of you out there - I want you to really sit down and look at where you are currently right now in your life and your business. Figure out where you really need to do the most work in order to become the most resilient version of yourself. Get really raw and really honest with yourself. Decide whether you are going to stay where you are or whether you are ready to change because you know there's more out there for you. If you decide you want to move forward, what will you need to do next? I want you to figure out how you plan to make these changes. Do you need to hire a coach? A therapist? A business strategist? If you've answered yes to any of these questions, then I have an invitation for you! I am opening up several spots on my calendar and I'd love to have a conversation with you! I have a feeling that you and I probably have more in common than you realize! I love you. I'm here for you so CLICK HERE and let's set up a time to chat! Follow Lisa Marie: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter

When times are tough, as they sometimes are, it's easy to give up. When you're tired, hungry, and you've got a million and one things on your to-do list and you know there's no way you can accomplish all of them, it's easy to give up. When you're running out of time and you still have to take care of yourself and your family, it's easy to give up. On any given day, you can find a reason or an excuse to simply throw in the towel and surrender. However, if you give up every time things get even a little bit hard, how can you ever expect to achieve your hopes and dreams? So if giving up isn't an option, then there's got to be a way to keep yourself motivated. Here's what I've found to be incredibly helpful in staying motivated because, contrary to popular belief, I'm not always motivated. I'm not always like rah, rah let's get up and go do this because I'm human just like you but, I know there are others who need me. There are days and there are times when I just don't feel like doing anything, but here is what keeps me going. It's having a purpose that is greater than myself. It's knowing that when I don't show up and I don't come on to do a Facebook live, and I don't send out an email and I don't show up for the people who really need to hear my message I'm actually being selfish. Ouch! That stings. Trust me, I know. I had to really wrap my head around that concept because, in the beginning, I felt like who was really going to want to listen to me. I don't want people to get sick of me. Those are the thoughts I had when I first started out a few years ago. Since then I've done a lot of mindset work with my own coaches. I've been working very hard on myself internally, you know… doing all the mental work on the inside and I do realize that the world as we know it is A very lonely place for a lot of people right now. Now,  I'm an optimist, an eternal optimist and I'm always looking for a silver lining, but I know not everybody's like that. Even those of us who are optimistic and try to look on the bright side, in spite of knowing that bad things are happening, need something to hold on to. Most often, that 'something' that we need to grasp onto is something so much greater than ourselves. And when your why is strong enough it will move you to take action more times than not. The problem for most people is that they forget about their why; they forget about why they started this business in the first place; why they ever started on this journey in the first place and so they remain silent or even worse, they give up. What I've come to realize though is if I don't use my voice to step up and you don't use your voice to step up and the person over there doesn't use her voice to step up, then what we have is a silent society of everyone hurting and suffering in silence. That is the worst possible scenario, given how many people in this world right now are feeling lonely, afraid, anxious, fed up and just plain exhausted. There are a lot of people who need guidance; they need motivation; they need support. These are the people that I choose to fight for, the people that I choose to stand up for. I know that I was given these gifts by God to really be a light in this world and to really help those who find themselves in a never-ending cycle of fear.  When you're 'why' is big enough you will do what it is you need to do because if you don't do it for yourself you at least know there are other people depending on you and sometimes it's easier to let ourselves down than it is to let other people down. My calling is to help those individuals who know they were created for more, those who know that they've got something special to support and help guide the people of the world to a better place and towards a better way of living.  I know somebody needs to hear this message and that's why I'm here. So why are you here? What are you going to do with the rest of your life? Remember, there are people who need you and they are just waiting for you to show up. Speaking of showing up, if you are ready to uplevel in all areas of your life and business schedule a 30-Minute Discovery Call TODAY! I have limited spots for one-on-one coaching clients.  Click this link to get started and I'll see you on the flip side! Follow Lisa Marie: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter

Let's face it. We're living in very uncertain times and even though many of us who are in the online entrepreneurial space is somewhat sheltered from what is going on in the "real" world, we are not immune to feeling a wide range of human emotions. Even if you are a successful online entrepreneur and you have not been directly impacted economically by the events of the last 18 months, chances are you may be feeling overwhelmed, sad, or even downright angry at times. And, you know what? It's all okay. You are, after all, a human being.  My business is doing better than ever, but that doesn't mean that I take it for granted. It doesn't mean that I don't know that there are other things happening outside of my online space that is really affecting a lot of people worldwide. I think all too often, in this world of online entrepreneurship, in particular spiritual online entrepreneurship, there's this underlying tone that you have to be the bigger person. You have to be the one who always takes the higher road. You have to be the one who doesn't dare talk about something because you're going to bring it into existence if you do. This is an erroneous belief that all the law of attraction and other woo-woo manifestation fanatics would like to project. They have this idea that if you talk about pain or you talk about suffering or you talk about illness or you talk about depression you're somehow manifesting all of that back into your life and I've got a little bit of a slightly different take on it.  I do believe that words are powerful. I do believe that visualization is equally powerful. I also know that to pretend like there aren't things happening around us that directly affect us is incredibly unhealthy. Not talking about the very things that are making us feel depressed or anxious or apprehensive or fearful is actually incredibly detrimental to our mental health. I believe that putting your head in the sand and using the spiritual card as your ticket to avoid anything that's not perfect and wholesome and good is a cop-out and an excuse to avoid really getting in touch with your emotions. You're just prolonging the inevitable because eventually your head comes out of the sand and as you look around you recognize that human suffering is all around. You simply didn't notice because you were so busy taking the spiritual high road you simply didn't allow yourself to see it. In reality, naming your emotions rather than pretending that you don't have any is effective and healthy - not only for you but for the people who are in your life and who love you and care about you. I'm not saying to sit around and complain, bitch, moan and groan about all the atrocities in the world and then not do anything about it. That's not what I'm saying at all. There's some really hard shit going on and it is okay to talk about it. It's okay to get angry about it. It's okay to feel sad. It's okay to feel afraid. Here's where the problem happens - it's not in feeling the emotion. The problem is in what we give to the emotion and what we attach to the emotion. I want you to feel safe in being honest with yourself. If you're really feeling scared, if you're really feeling happy, if you're really feeling anxious just call it what it is. Don't pretend like it's not happening. You're not helping yourself and you're not helping the people that love you. Just allow yourself to be human, my friend. Follow Lisa Marie: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter

As entrepreneurs, we know that in order to build know, like, and trust with our potential clients, we need to be visible in the online space. That being said, many entrepreneurs, especially female entrepreneurs, lack the self-confidence they need to truly put themselves out there.  Here are three ways to help you feel more confident before you do your first or next Facebook Livestream. Step 1 - Change Your Internal Dialogue You can't fix what you're not willing to acknowledge. We have to acknowledge that while others may say hurtful things about us, put us down, or even be downright malicious at times, what they do to us pales in comparison to what we do to ourselves in the aftermath. The people who've said mean things about us or even directly to us have probably never thought about us again. Remember that girl in 5th grade who used to tease you about your glasses and your braces? Guess what? She's probably not thinking of you. She probably doesn't even remember who you are. However, oftentimes, we allow our "inner mean girl" to take over where our bully left off.  We go around repeating the same hurtful inner dialogue, beating ourselves up day in and day out. It's no wonder why when it comes time to go live on Facebook many of us go into panic mode. Best rule of thumb, If you wouldn't say it to your best friend, don't say it to yourself about yourself. Period. Changing your internal dialogue will boost your confidence more than anything else in the world. Step 2 - Make a List of 5 Topics that You are Incredibly Passionate About Have you ever noticed that when you're really passionate about something it's incredibly easy to talk to others about it? The same is true when it comes to hitting the go live button on social media. I suggest that you have a general idea of the topic you would like to talk about, but stay within your areas of expertise. Talk about the things that light you up and bring you joy. Most people come to social media to either be entertained, to learn, or to just listen to someone who may be able to help them with their particular problem or issue. Speaking about the things you are passionate about is much easier than forcing yourself to learn a new skill and trying to teach it each time you go live. Stay in your wheelhouse and you'll never fail. Step 3 - Just Be Your Most Authentic Self  I know this one sounds oversimplified, but it's the absolute truth. You are unique and that's absolutely beautiful. You don't have to sound like every other internet guru out there. In truth, the way that you choose to show up in the way that you speak, the language you use, and even how you choose to represent yourself online visually is what separates you from everyone else in your niche. If you are someone who needs to have your hair and makeup done to go live, that's okay. Do your hair and your makeup if that makes you feel more comfortable. If, however, you are someone that doesn't put on makeup or get dressed up, that's okay, too. Remember, your message is not meant for everybody. In all actuality, your message should actually magnetize those you are meant to serve while simultaneously actually repelling the individuals that are not your ideal clients. You are not here to serve everyone, only the people who resonate with you! Ready to feel more confident and empowered? Join my FREE Facebook Group, The Confidence Hub for Passionate and Purpose-Driven Female Entrepreneurs. >>> CLICK HERE <<< to join now! Follow Lisa Marie: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter

I'll never forget the moment in which I felt my mom's soul depart from her earthly body. It was February 10, 2020. I was standing by her bedside crying, begging, and pleading with God to wake her up from the coma she had slipped into only five days earlier on February 5th.  I held her hand as I played a beautiful Christian song for her. As the tears streamed down my face, I thought for sure that my knees would buckle and I would fall helplessly on the hospital floor.  My heart felt like it had been torn out of my chest and I found it hard to breathe. And then, it happened. I witnessed a true miracle. I felt this surreal electrifying sensation that started at the tip of my toes and made its way up through and into my heart. Suddenly,  I wasn't frightened anymore. Actually, I was completely at peace. A peace that surpassed all understanding, a peace I hadn't felt in years after watching my mom suffer for so long.  It was at this moment that I knew my mom had transferred her light to me. Even though she could not open her eyes or speak, she was communicating with me. She was telling me to take her torch and to keep it burning brightly. My mom was letting me know that she wanted me to continue on in her legacy of compassion, love, and acceptance for others.  Yes, my mom, my best friend, my champion, my anchor, and the woman who helped pick me up off the ground more than once was asking me to carry on in her name. I made a promise to her right then and there that I would continue to live a life of passion and compassion.  And then, as I gave her permission to let go, I knew God would be with me every step of the way in the days, weeks, and months ahead. As hard as it was to say goodbye to the woman who gave me life, I knew that God would guide me and show me where he needed me to be. More importantly, I knew He would provide a way for me to take the pain I felt in that moment and transform it into an insatiable passion to help other women feel more confident, self-assured, and empowered to live life on their own terms unapologetically.  On February 14th, my mom made her final transition to the afterlife. As promised, I continued and still continue to this day to do the work I do in honor of the beautiful woman who gave me life. This is my story of how I turned my pain into passion and why I've made it my mission to help others do the same. I hope it inspires you. Ready to feel more confident and empowered? Join my FREE Facebook Group, The Confidence Hub for Passionate and Purpose-Driven Female Entrepreneurs. >>> CLICK HERE <<< to join now! Follow Lisa Marie: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter

Parker Stevenson is a managing partner and the Chief Business Officer at Evolved Finance, a bookkeeping firm that specializes in helping online entrepreneurs to build more profitable and financially stable online businesses. For over 6 years, Parker has been advising some of the top coaches, course creators, influencers, and thought leaders on how to make more sound business decisions using their financial data. Before joining Evolved Finance, Parker spent five years at Adidas America where he became the US product manager for a $50-million dollar-a-year product category. During this episode, Parker opens up about the decision to leave his well-paying corporate position to join the ranks of entrepreneurship. Key Highlights from Our Episode  Parker, Canadian-born, explains how he moved to San Diego as a child with his family. He recalls how from a young age he observed his dad and other relatives pursuing entrepreneurship.  Parker tells listeners about his days of pursuing music and his aspirations of becoming a professional recording artist in LA. He reminisces about his time with his former band members and how hard they worked to get noticed. He tells listeners that he was simply exhausted from working full-time and pursuing the music business with equal vigor. He discusses the moment that he decided it was time to switch gears - leaving behind everything. Parker debunks the myth that successful people become successful alone. He advocates that it is in our best interest to reach out to others in times of need for support and guidance. He explores the complexity of running a small business, balancing the role of being a good leader for his team while simultaneously being compassionate and supportive of those who work for him. Follow Parker: Facebook  Website Instagram

In this week's episode of The Resiliency Factor Podcast, I focus on normalizing the apprehension and anxiety that often accompanies change. Change of any kind, especially change that involves trying something new or taking on a new role, threatens the ego on many levels. It's not that the ego is purely evil and trying to sabotage our efforts just because it has nothing better to do.  Ironically, it's actually just the opposite. The ego will do everything and anything in its power, including producing anxiety and fear just so we'll back off and not go after what we want because it is desperately trying to protect us from exposing ourselves and getting hurt.  Think of the ego as a helicopter parent that so desperately wants to protect her child that she obsessively goes everywhere to make sure that her child is safe and never experiences pain or discomfort. The only thing is, ironically, that both the ego and the helicopter parent, if left unchecked, ultimately wind up holding us back and instilling the belief in us that we are not capable of venturing outside of the status quo and finding our way into the world.  Pretty effed up when you think about it, but not so hard to understand, right? I emphasize the importance of normalizing the emotions, fears, and anxieties that arise whenever we venture outside of our comfort zone and take on new roles. Taking a new job, getting a promotion, moving from one location to another, starting or ending a relationship, starting a new business, etc., are All the samples of positive change that can produce fear and apprehension.  The list goes on and on and can even include micro-changes such as having to use a new social media platform for the first time or having to learn new software so that you can run your business more effectively. In this episode, I deconstruct the concept of worry… what it is and what it isn't, and how we can empower ourselves to break free from worry.  I also discuss an alternative to worrying and how this alternative is much more empowering and proactive. Key Highlights from Our Episode I explain why the change of any kind, even positive change often produces anxiety and apprehension. I also discussed the role of the ego in its attempt to desperately keep us safe. Understanding that this is completely normal helps diminish the fear and allows us to move forward in spite of it. I provide concrete examples of how our entire lives have truly been about one change after the next starting all the way from when we are born. As infants, we don't know how to push ourselves up, let alone stand up or walk. In the very beginning of our time here on Earth, we fall down a lot, but it doesn't seem to stop us. Imagine for a moment If after falling down the first or second time after trying to stand on our own we literally gave up and never tried again. Think about where we would be as adults. Lastly, I talk about the many reasons why it is so important to feel the fear and to do it anyway. After all, just as the caterpillar must learn to break out of its protective layer in order to bloom into the beautiful butterfly it is, we also must be willing to be uncomfortable for a little while until the new role we've taken on is no longer new.   Next time you find yourself resisting change or paying too much attention to the ego, remind yourself that feeling the fear and doing it anyway is truly the only way we are able to grow, expand, and ultimately become the people we are destined to become.  It's okay to be afraid as long as we're moving forward!                                                                      Follow Lisa Marie: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter 

Jenna Faith is a Visibility and Mindset Strategist. She is committed to supporting high-achieving women to embody entrepreneurship, master their mindset, and build multi-six and seven-figure brands without sacrificing who they are. She is also a Podcaster and Best-Selling Author. Prior to hitting the million-dollar mark in her business, Jenna recounts the earlier years in her business. According to Jenna, she "hit rock bottom in 2014" – she wasn't just cash-strapped and struggling in her business, she'd also lost Mr. Right, packed on a metric ton of weight, and begrudgingly had to shack up with her parents just to skid by. She laments, "I knew that wasn't cool. This was not the kind of person – or parent I wanted to be. So…it was either I wiggle into my big girl panties, face my fears and break out from behind my laptop – or risk my little boy's security (and my independence)." Jenna got to work and started showing up consistently. She began posting on social media like it was her job (because, well, it kinda was). And every time a niggling doubt or negative thought started to creep in, she shut it down. FAST. In a relatively short period of time, Jenna was able to careen from flatlined to consistent five-figure months. She paid off tens of thousands of dollars in debt.In a very short time, her business skyrocketed and hit the 7-figure mark. And while she's very honest and telling others that it did not happen overnight nor without putting in some serious work, it did happen A TON FASTER than she could have ever imagined. Key Highlights from Our Episode  Jenna reveals to listeners how a series of back-to-back negative events led her to "hit rock bottom in 2014." She discusses the moment in which she decided that she was never going to allow another person ever again to determine how much money she could earn. It was then that she dove into entrepreneurship head first. Jenna talks candidly about the struggles she had during the initial launch of her business, but she also tells listeners that once she turned the corner, her business took off fast. She discusses how important it is to have role models, mentors, and people in her life who are a little bit further along the journey who can hold her accountable and push her to reach her highest potential. Jenna gives listeners sound advice about what to do in the face of overwhelm and adversity. It's not what you'd think... Follow Jenna: Facebook  Website Instagram

In this week's episode of The Resiliency Factor Podcast, I address the topic of worry as it has become an all too common part of our daily lives. With so much uncertainty in the world, it's understandable that we worry. We worry about our health. We worry about our families. We worry about our finances. Hell, we even worry about our very existence. I address how worry serves a purpose and often takes the place of keeping us occupied when we feel helpless in any given situation. You don't have to look very hard to see that so much around us is not within our control. We know this at a fundamental level, but somehow worrying about the outcome of things we have no control over seems to help us cope with the uncertainties of life. I argue that worry, while understandable, is an absolute and complete waste of our precious energy and time. After all, worrying about something does nothing to change the outcome of the particular situation we are worried about. Worry is also a very passive approach to dealing with uncertainty and fear. It dupes us into believing that as long as we worry hard enough and long enough, our situation will somehow change. Nothing could be further from the truth. In this episode, I deconstruct the concept of worry… what it is and what it isn't, and how we can empower ourselves to break free from worry.  I also discuss an alternative to worrying and how this alternative is much more empowering and proactive. Key Highlights from Our Episode I explain why worry is a common defense mechanism when we're faced with a set of circumstances over which we have no control. For many of us, worry has become a way of life. When we are not worrying, we're worried because we're not worried about anything… how crazy is that? I should know! Although it's been several years, I remember the days when I would worry incessantly about all of the people I loved and all of the ish that was going on in my life. Worry is really a defense mechanism that makes us feel like we have some control over a situation that we have absolutely no control over. Therefore, worry is an illusion. A deception. It robs us of our joy, our energy, and ultimately our lives if left unchecked. Worry does nothing to change the outcome of something that has not yet happened and it certainly doesn't do us any good to worry about things that have already happened because, as you know, we can never go back and change the past. We can learn from it, but we can't go back and change it.             Lastly, I talk about how we can use worry to our advantage to help us make informed decisions and to act accordingly on those decisions. Follow Lisa Marie: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter 

Josh Cary is a professional podcast host with over 200 combined episodes released. He's the co-founder of PodMAX, which is a full service marketing agency that allows powerful entrepreneurs to use the podcast medium to grow their confidence and grow their business. As the Hidden Entrepreneur, Josh helps clients unmask themselves and succeed in ways they've always known were possible. On this episode of The Resiliency Factor, Josh reveals that growing up he always felt like he needed to hide his success from his peers for fear of being judged or called names.  He describes how downplaying his success was actually a defensive coping mechanism which served him in the short-term to be accepted by others, but ultimately wound up shattering his self-confidence in leading him to death himself in every other area of his life. Josh reveals to listeners how he was able to break free from his propensity to play small and downplay his wins.  He discusses that becoming a father was the driving factor which helped him to recognize that he needed to change. In his words, "I knew I needed to change once I became a dad. I didn't want my kids growing up with a dad who was always angry and pissed off at the world." Key Highlights from Our Episode  Josh reveals to listeners that he felt starved for attention and acceptance. He was bullied physically and emotionally all throughout his childhood and adulthood. He spent the first 40 years of his life allowing others to control him as well as his decisions and the way he felt about himself. He reveals that everything is a choice. Even though we may not recognize it, we are always making decisions and those decisions dictate in many ways how we feel about ourselves and how we see ourselves in the world. He describes how he prevented himself from shining his true light, talents, and ability for fear of making others feel uncomfortable.  Josh ultimately reveals the turning point in his life - the moment he became a dad and recognized he needed to change. Follow Josh: Facebook  Website PodMax

In this week's episode of The Resiliency Factor Podcast, I open up about my own previous experience of battling debilitating depression, paralyzing anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness for most of my young adult life. I also talk about some of the reasons why so many people in today's society also struggle with the same or similar conditions I once did. I also talk about my healing journey and the moment in which I realized I wanted my life to be different. I was at a crossroads and I desperately needed God. I also needed to make a conscientious decision to forgive myself for any past mistakes I'd made.  I knew that if my life was going to change, it was up to me. Ultimately, I had to choose to love and accept myself unconditionally. In this episode, I take an in-depth look at the concept of self-love… what it is and what it isn't and how it's essential to our survival and our success as people and as entrepreneurs.  Key Highlights from Our Episode I explain why up until only the last few years of my life, I felt like I wasn't good enough. Ravaged by the need to be perfect and plagued by depression and anxiety, I discuss why at the age of only 28, I had a complete nervous breakdown. I also reflect on this time in my life and look back on it as a blessing in disguise.  I refer to a time in my life when things got so bad that I actually contemplated not being here anymore. I figured that if this is what life was going to feel like, I'd rather not be alive. It was too painful to face everyday and I seriously contemplated giving up for good. I thank God for bringing me through such a difficult period of time. If not for him, I wouldn't be here today. I also provide an in-depth look at how, along with the help of God, I was able to heal through and overcome depression, anxiety, and self-sabotaging thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors once and for all.  I discuss why I decided to host a Free 3-Day Self-Love Revolution Online Challenge in honor of my birthday week! PS - it's not too late to join. Just click here and jump right in! Follow Lisa Marie: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter 

Ella Mae is an Instagram Strategist and Visibility Expert. Ella works with organizations that have been very successful without using social media thus far and helps them take all their content & repurpose it into social posts in a way that helps them create an authentic connection with their audience and promises a high rate of return. She loves teaching people how to use social media to create real impact and make genuine connections without feeling overwhelmed. Ella and her team are always developing new programs and resources for anyone looking to use Instagram as a stepping stone to help them share their products & services with the world.  She resides between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Laguna Beach, California. She has a passion for running, surfing, riding horses and ridiculously good smoothies.  Key Highlights from Our Episode Ella reveals that she's always been an entrepreneur at heart and that working for a successful entrepreneur as an executive assistant was one of the best experiences she ever had early on in her career. It was during this time that she discovered that she was an excellent copywriter and chose to pursue her own copywriting business. Ella further describes that she became interested in Instagram and decided to take on the task of growing her own Instagram account as a side project. What she discovered surprised her and not only did she discover that she really loved learning and teaching others how to grow their Instagram accounts as well. This side hustle eventually became her main gig and she currently coaches people through her instafame Academy! When asked about a personal struggle she's overcome, Ella holds nothing back. She provides us with a detailed account of how just a couple of years back she got super interested in fitness modeling. Not only did she become interested, she became obsessed with having the right physique, eating the right foods and pushing her body beyond its limits. Ella admits that she made herself physically and emotionally sick, blinding up with adrenal fatigue and causing her thyroid to crash. Ella reveals to the reader that in hindsight she is incredibly grateful that she experienced a severe burnout at such a young age because not only was she able to recover from it, but now it is something that is always there to remind her to keep herself balanced, sleeping well and eating well to prevent any further crash landings. Follow Ella Facebook Instagram Website

In this week's episode of The Resiliency Factor Podcast, I discuss why it's so critically important to be a self-starter, especially as an entrepreneur. A self-starter is someone who is disciplined, persistent, and capable of igniting her own inner flame of motivation to keep going no matter what. A self-starter has the ability to recognize that in order to become a successful entrepreneur, she must promise herself to stay the course no matter how twisted or convoluted it may become at times. The ability to stay motivated is what separates a successful entrepreneur, capable of earning a sustainable living while making a massive impact in the world versus the wantra-preneur who keeps talking about becoming successful one day, but keeps doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different outcome, which is literally the definition of insanity. In this episode I also provide you with a brief overview of how to stay motivated over the long haul, even when you feel like throwing in the towel and giving up all together. After all, no one ever promised that entrepreneurship would be easy. Otherwise, everybody would do it. Key Highlights from Our Episode I explain why being a self-starter is absolutely critical for any individual seeking to be a successful entrepreneur. I also discuss the relationship between being a self-starter and the ability to stay motivated, and how both play a critical role in not giving up when things get tough, as they often will from time to time. I refer to a former client of mine who went from working as a cashier in a big box store just a few short years ago to becoming a six-figure entrepreneur, running her own VA agency. I attribute this client's success to her ability to stay motivated and keep going regardless of how tough things were as she was transitioning and how she continues to fuel her passion even today. I debunk the myth that even highly successful entrepreneurs who have been in the business a long time never stumble or fall or have hardships along the way. Just because someone is highly successful, doesn't mean that they haven't faced their fair share of hardships. In other words, a truly successful entrepreneur will be the first to tell you that nothing is guaranteed and it takes true grit, determination, and the ability to keep going no matter what. I invite you to come on over to 'The Confidence Hub' and connect with other passionate and purpose-driven entrepreneurs just like you! If you're not already a member of my free, buzzing, and super engaged online Facebook community, click here to join now. FYI - I allow and actually encourage people to go live within the group, to share from their Fan Pages and even promote their offers in a dedicated thread on Fridays! Follow Lisa Marie LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter                                    

Kate Carney is a self-proclaimed "recovering lawyer", Leadership Coach and Strategist helping founders to scale their businesses with simplicity and ease. More specifically, Kate works to promote greater inclusion of women in senior leadership and investment roles, to empower female-founders with game-changing ideas, and to encourage investment by women and in women! She seeks to spur change by embracing what makes women uniquely-positioned to lead, by tapping into what inspires and drives their entrepreneurial spirit, and by demonstrating what a collaborative culture can do for performance. Key Highlights from Our Episode After working as an attorney for a multi-billion dollar hedge fund corporation for five years, Kate abruptly chose to quit her job in 2016. She spent all of 2017 rediscovering her passion and redefining her own definition of success.  Kate explains that in order to get out of the house, she started going to a co-op working space and attending networking events. It is there that she met and discovered her passion - to work with start-ups and high-growth companies. She now focuses on helping business owners overcome stagnation and the inability to scale their business beyond a certain level. She now finds herself working as a consultant to founders, which she finds very rewarding.   Kate believes that no matter how well you plan, there comes a moment when you just have to trust and take a leap of faith. She also speaks about the importance of self-motivation and being able to be your own cheerleader, regardless of how many times you fall down or fail. It's imperative that you get back up every single time. Follow Kate Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Website

In this week's episode of The Resiliency Factor Podcast, I discuss the reasons why you need to shield, protect, and rid yourself of the toxic people in your life, no matter how unpopular your decision may be. It's important to note that a toxic person can be anyone, a parent, a spouse or partner, a friend, or even a complete stranger that you've met online. The common factor amongst toxic people is that you find yourself having a very negative emotional response whenever you are in their presence. There is a difference between a person who is in crisis and asks for your support and love and a person who has lost her way altogether and has nothing positive to say, is always negative, plays the victim role, and intentionally uses harsh words or even derogatory language to hurt you.  In this episode, I give you a brief overview of how to distinguish between a person who is genuinely in crisis and seeking help from a person who has adopted a negative outlook on life, prefers to remain in victim mode, and is truly toxic. I also provide you with tangible steps to help you stay grounded in the presence of a toxic person and how to distance yourself entirely. Key Highlights from Our Episode I explain how you can differentiate between a person who is genuinely in crisis and seeking help from a person who has adopted a negative outlook on life, prefers to remain in victim mode, and is truly toxic. I discuss the importance of distancing yourself from toxic people, even people who may be a part of your family or inner circle. Although it may not be easy, it is absolutely essential to your own health and well-being. I suggest that you physically distance yourself from someone who is toxic. I provide you with specific grounding techniques you can use prior to being in the presence of a toxic person if you are unable to avoid the person altogether, which, if given the opportunity, is always the best line of defense to begin with. I discuss the importance of acknowledging that you are responsible for yourself and the life choices you make as an adult. I also point out that you have more freedom than you realize to choose who you allow into your life or not. Follow Lisa Marie LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter