Make Life Less Difficult

Today’s conversation is a delight to share with you.It’s a conversation with four of us talking about health, fitness, nutrition, and the challenge of figuring out what makes it all a little less difficult.One of the things that makes this conversation unique is that my friend Hillery Midkiff is hosting and asking the questions.  This entire conversation was originally Hillery’s idea, and she does a great job of leading us.Along with Hillery, Susie Csorsz Brown (who was my guest here on episode 10) and Morgan Loosli, are here.  They are both dear friends who are part of the Foreign Service world.  I met all three of these amazing women while living in Sri Lanka from 2020-2023.We recorded this conversation knowing it would be shared on several different podcast platforms which is another unique and fun aspect to it.  So, if you happen to listen to The Big Purple Blob Podcast, you’ll find it there, as well as the HealthyExpatParent’s Podcast.As you’ll hear, we don’t have all the answers, but we hope that by sharing our own experiments with health/wellness/fitness, you’ll find inspiration and courage to try your own experiments and find a little less difficulty in your journey.Thank you so much to Hillery, Susie, and Morgan!  Being in conversation with you all is energizing and inspiring and fun!!Make Life Less Difficult

My guests today are Kris Burbank and Dr. Linda Hoopes.Kris and Linda are the authors of the book, Embracing Another Normal: Resilience Stories and Strategies for Raising Children with Disabilities.Kris is a returning guest on my podcast.  You can hear more of her story on episode 39.  She is a Leadership Coach, who among many other things, works with parents of children with disabilities, helping them maneuver the ins and outs of a journey they may not have expected.Linda is an award-winning author and researcher on personal resilience.  Her company is Resilience Alliance and she has created a powerful model called Prosilience (also the title of one of her books), that is about calming yourself, choosing strategies, solving problems, and managing energy.Together, they weave these four pillars of prosilience with the six fundamental challenges of raising children with disabilities into this impactful book.  They share stories of how parents and families have navigated these challenges and provide a framework for connecting successful strategies to the key building blocks of resilience. I’m honored to host this conversation with the two of them here and know you will be touched and inspired in your own journey.Kris and Linda, thank you for spending this time with me.  Thank you for sharing your personal stories, the stories of brave families you’ve worked with, and for sharing the wisdom and insights you’ve developed, gained, and created to make the world a better place.You’ll find links in the show notes to learn more about Kris and Linda, find their book, Embracing Another Normal, as well as links to their websites and other resources. Connect with Kris: https://www.krisburbank.comConnect with Linda: https://resiliencealliance.comLinda's Substack: https://prosilience.substack.com/ Embracing Another Normal: Resilience Stories and Strategies for Raising Children with DisabilitiesMake Life Less Difficult

My guest today is David Lapin.David is the founder of Lapin International.  He’s one of the world’s leading thinkers in the fields of leadership and business transformation.I was honored to meet David through Susan Sjolund, a dear friend and colleague who has also been a guest on the podcast (episode 122).  David is a scholar, speaker, columnist, and author of the book Lead by Greatness.   His humanist philosophy of leadership, known as Lead by Greatness, was forged in the turbulent post-Apartheid period in his native South Africa. During this time, in collaboration with Nelson Mandela’s government and an assembly of influential business leaders, David drafted one of the world’s first formal codes of corporate ethics which is still in practice today.Over the past two decades he’s worked in some of the world’s most intricate corporate and cultural contexts, deploying his unique approach to leadership development which has been proven to unlock clarity and provide measurable business results.David’s experience and wisdom is profound.  The conversation we have here has touched me deep in my soul and left me pondering and sharing his insights with almost everyone.  We discuss the distinctions of image versus identity, hardship of the soul which humans are experiences as the external world becomes more comfortable, choosing moments of comfort to be peppered into the discomfort that is part of choosing to pursue growth, and more.David, thank you for your time, your reflections, your depth of wisdom.  Being in conversation with you here left me feeling that I had the great fortune of spending time in the presence of Greatness because you embody the Greatness you are inviting others into.Please find links to David’s website below:  Lapin International WebsiteMake Life Less Difficult

My guest today is Kim Brundage.Kim is an award-winning headshot and branding photographer on a mission to deliver a truly transformative experience that assures her clients feel nothing short of beautiful and confident, both on and off camera!I first saw Kim’s work when my friend (and amazing podcast guest) Shannon Cochran-Yzquierdo told me she was getting new headshots taken.  I LOVED the result of Shannon’s session with Kim and proceeded to research Kim and think about connecting with her.Time passed and I didn’t actually get to connect with Kim until a couple months ago when Shannon graciously introduced us and recommended I talk to Kim here on the podcast.  And I’m SO glad she did!In our conversation, Kim shares her own journey of struggling to feel beautiful and confident after being told repeatedly by her parents that she wasn’t.  It wasn’t until her 40’s that Kim began to see her beauty captured in her very own photos (quite by accident!  You’ll love this story.).Kim has changed so many lives through her work and continues to do so through her photography, sharing her story, speaking to audiences about body image, and investing her time in non-profits such as Girls for a Change.Kim, thank you for creating and shining the light on the beauty in each of us.  Your stories, your reflections, and your wisdom are uplifting and inspiring.  I’m so grateful to be connected and can’t wait to get to your studio for a session!You’ll find links below to Kim’s website, LinkedIn profile, and other information.One last side note, Kim mentions a book during our conversation entitled, Come as You Are.  Since having this conversation with Kim, I’ve been reading it and it’s fantastic!  I’ve also included the information in the show notes.  Kim's websiteFind Kim on LinkedInBook: Come as You AreUpcoming Workshop: Body Image and Confidence Workshop; April 27, 2024.  Registration and more information here: https://kimbrundage.com/body-image-confidenceMake Life Less Difficult

My guest today is Vandana Allman.Vandana is an experienced chief executive with a demonstrated history of working in professional services industry.  She’s a gifted leadership development coach and practitioner, and a powerful advisor to her clients.I was honored to meet Vandana through the kind introduction from Noel Bulger, who has been a guest on my podcast.  I am so grateful when these connections happen that deepen and broaden my network.Getting to know pieces of Vandana’s story though our conversation here brought tears to my eyes, joy to my heart, and awe to my soul.  You are in for a treat as you listen today!Vandana, thank you for this profound journey of storytelling, reflection, and wonder.  Thank you for your curiosity, wisdom, and for the light you shine into the world.  I’m honored to host this conversation and look forward to learning more about you and your journey in future conversations!If you’d like to connect with Vandana, you can find her on LinkedIn and there’s a link in the show notes.Connect with Vandana: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/vandana-ram-allman-94217645/) Make Life Less Difficult

My guest today is Shannon Cochran-Yzquierdo.  Shannon is returning to the podcast and I’m so grateful to welcome her again.If you haven’t listened to episodes 13 and 79, you’ll find amazing pieces of Shannon’s story there.Shannon is the founder of Coaching Courage, a coaching firm working with leaders, teams, and organizations to reframe the way they see themselves.  Shannon is passionate about inspiring and motivating leaders to embrace their courage as they transition into their best selves.In our conversation today, Shannon shares pieces of her journey through the year 2023, which she identifies as the year that almost broke her.  Throughout 2023, we would touch base occasionally by email.  Because of Shannon’s deep courage and vulnerability, I asked if she would consider sharing some of this part of her life on the podcast when she was ready.She courageously said yes, and here is the beautiful result.Most of our conversation revolves around the final months of her dad’s life and illness, during which time Shannon took on the role of caregiver and advocate for him.  I want to include here, Shannon’s summary of why she shares these stories.  It’s so incredibly powerful: "I hope that people are inspired. "I hope that people are impacted in a way that Whatever way it is that they need to be impacted whether it's, they also struggle with depression. They've recently gone through something big, whether it's, they're trying to make a decision about whether to go to counseling or therapy whether it's, Oh my gosh, my parents just been diagnosed or somebody in my family has been diagnosed with this major illness."What now? What do I do? I mean, there's so much I learned in this process that, you know, I, I I would be willing to talk to anybody that was going through this to say, Oh my gosh, what do, what do I need to do? I mean, I learned a lot and I just hope that it, it helps someone else that's going through something heavy in their life, whatever that may be."Shannon, thank you.  I’m honored to host this conversation.  I know others will be touched and inspired.  And I sincerely hope that this will also be a gift back to you and bring a smile to your heart as you remember these priceless moments with your dad.Make Life Less Difficult

My guest today is Maya Harris.Maya is a Learning Manager, a Facilitator, and a Coach.  She has spent the past 8 years of her career in global consulting, and before that worked at Unilever.  Her educational journey was focused on engineering and she has her masters from the University of Cambridge.  Maya is also a trans woman and our conversation today focuses on her journey of that major life transition.Maya and I met several months ago at a work event where I was fortunate to work under her leadership on the faculty team.  Maya did a great job of setting the tone for a group of almost strangers to connect quickly and effectively, forming a high-functioning team within just a couple hours on day one.At the end of the week, I asked Maya if she would consider coming on my podcast.  She accepted and asked what we might talk about.  I asked if she would be open to sharing her story of transitioning.  She said yes, and here we are.I am deeply honored and humbled to host Maya’s story here.  As a group, people who are transgender face judgement and criticism and sadly, at times, hate, from those who don’t understand them or their experiences.  I believe strongly in the power of story to help us get to know each other beyond the labels and judgements that are present.  I believe it’s of utmost importance for us to see each other as individuals.  I believe that we can respect each other’s differences while simultaneously finding similarities that keep us connected as humans.  Brothers and sisters in a world that is too often filled with hate and violence.Maya, thank you for coming on the podcast.  Thank you for your courageous presence (yes, I’m using that C-word even here in the intro!).  Thank you for sharing these pieces of your journey as well as some of your hopes and fears.  I’m grateful our paths crossed when they did and look forward to continuing the conversations both on and off the podcast!Connect with Maya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-harris24680/Make Life Less Difficult

Today’s guest is Paulo André.This is a super special episode for several reasons.  First, Paulo is incredibly thoughtful and has inspiring stories and reflections that he shares.Second, I am not the host of this conversation. This podcast is hosted by Russ Watts!  Russ has been a guest on the podcast multiple times and has also been kind enough to host me.  So, a couple months ago, when he said he had someone I should meet for the podcast, I said, “Hey, would you be interested in hosting the conversation?”And… here we are!  This opportunity to expand the work of Make Life Less Difficult makes me super happy.  The stories shared here are intended to touch hearts and souls, help us know we aren’t alone, and in that, make life a little less difficult.  The more stories that can be shared, the more lives can be touched!So, thank you Russ for jumping into this adventure in a new way and helping expand the possibilities of Make Life Less Difficult!A bit more about Paulo before we dive into the conversation.  Paulo is a leadership coach who coaches tech leaders who are looking to step up and do well while doing good.  In his conversation with Russ, Paulo talks about being curious and ambitious, looking for ways to make things better, the dichotomy of control, stoic philosophy and so much more!  Paulo, thank you so much for coming on the podcast, sharing your stories and your wisdom.  I look forward to talking to you directly, and in the meantime, am so excited to have Russ hosting you in the conversation.You’ll find links to learn  more about Paulo, his work, and his writing, below.Connect with Paulo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulorlandre/Here’s a sampler of some of his top posts:· The Heart of W. Edwards Deming· Simple Explanations For Complex Phenomena· OKRs Are Not OK· Overcoming The Resistance· Commitment vs. ComplianceMake Life Less Difficult

My guests today are Elizabeth and Jakob Blank.This is my first time having two guests and it’s a complete delight to share this conversation with you.Elizabeth was first recommended to me for the podcast by Jakob.  Then, after meeting and chatting with Elizabeth, she had the idea of also having Jakob on to build out their story and journey in a way that reflects how they do life – together!Elizabeth is an author and poet.  Jakob is a leadership coach and consultant.Together, they created the company, BETTER BÅLLS, to make the world’s best apparel – starting with men’s underwear.  They have various reasons behind founding this company, but a major one is making a difference for the next generation.And speaking of the next generation, their one-year-old son also pops in for an appearance in the podcast, so it’s truly a family affair!This is an amazing and inspiring conversation where Elizabeth and Jakob share how they seek to work in a balanced partnership between each other, and also with the environment as they grow their business.  We talk about conflict, trust, love, and more.Elizabeth and Jakob, thank you so much for this conversation.  Thank you for sharing pieces of each of your journeys, glimpses into your inspiring partnership, and for the passion you have for making the world a better place.If you’d like to join the mailing list of BETTER BÅLLS, please go to www.betterballs.world.Make Life Less Difficult

My guest today is Julie F.Julie and I met through a wonderful organization we both work for a company  where Julie is the Operations Manager.Prior to her work with Educe, Julie worked at McKinsey & Company for almost 6 years.Originally from the US, Julie and her family have lived in Munich Germany for almost a decade.  In our conversation, she shares the journey of how she got there.My conversation with Julie is deeply special for a number of reasons, but the one I will highlight here is that she committed to being a guest and sharing pieces of her journey after hearing many other guests share their stories.  It is my sincere hope that listening to the stories of other would indeed spark courage and a desire to tell stories that may not have otherwise been shared.Julie, thank you for your courage and vulnerability in stepping up to share these pieces of your journey.  It’s beyond special to have this conversation with you and be able to share it on the podcast.  I look forward to future conversations too!Connect with Julie: knittingstricken.comResources:The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der KolkGetting Past Your Past, Francine ShapiroComplex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving, Pete WalkerTalks and guided meditations by Tara BrachQuit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol, Holly Whitaker *I recommend the audiobookHuberman Lab (Andrew Huberman, neuroscientist) podcast Episode "What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health" Keep Coming Back podcast series on sobrietyMake Life Less Difficult

My guest today is Deiadre Rauch.Deiadre has a degree in engineering from Purdue University.  She’s a structured thinker and kis keenly interested in how the way we think impacts how we feel and what we do as leaders.  Deiadre’s unique blend of business experience, cultural awareness, and a love of helping people to get what they want out of life, prompted her pursuit of coaching as a profession.She completed the Leadership Coaching Program at the Institute for Transformational Leadership (ITL) from Georgetown University and founded her company, TFD Leadership Coaching, in 2013.Deiadre has spent two-thirds of her career living and working internationally. She maintains a truly global perspective, bolstered by assignments in London, Kuala Lumpur, Brussels and elsewhere around the world. She has over 30 years of experience working as a leader both domestically and internationally.Deiadre lives in Northern Virginia, traveling when she gets the chance and enjoying her friends and family, while also continually developing her own authentic leadership style. She is also a 500-hour yoga teacher trainer, and loves teaching yoga to beginners.  Deiadre, thank you for this inspiring conversation.  Thank you for your passion for making life less difficult.  It’s truly a joy to learn about your journey, hear your wisdom and be inspired by your vision. Learn more visit Deiadre’s website at: www.thetrueleaderinyou.com Make Life Less Difficult

My guest today is Kelly Kienzle.Kelly is a returning guest to the podcast, after being a guest on episode 14, in October 2021.It’s a sincere treat to have her back and enter into this conversation.Kelly is the founder of Open Circle Coaching.  She provides leadership coaching and facilitation to individuals and teams to improve organizational performance.  She believes that by strengthening self-awareness and widening perspective, a leader can learn to see scenarios from a new angle that uncovers the possibility for greater productivity, creativity and overall fulfillment. In our conversation today, Kelly shares about her experience taking a partial sabbatical.  Slowing down. Allowing herself to have idle time.  Kelly shares the gifts and challenges of this experience in a way that I believe you’ll find extremely thought-provoking.We recorded this conversation at the end of October 2023, and as it’s getting published near the beginning of 2024, I have deeply appreciated the reflections Kelly shares, as they are helping me be thoughtful about shaping my time in this new year.Kelly, thank you for coming back on the podcast.  Thank you for your willingness to share your journey, your lessons learned (and lessons being learned), your reflections, and your thoughtful wisdom.If you’d like to connect with Kelly, you can find links below.Website: https://opencirclecoaching.com/Make Life Less Difficult

My guest today is Retired Lieutenant Colonel Tony Cerella.Tony has been on the podcast two times previously and has graciously agreed to talk with me again as a bookend to our conversational theme of his retirement from the US Army after 23 years of service.If you haven’t listened to our other conversations, you can find them at episodes 99 and 121.  The first conversation was about processing and preparing for the upcoming retirement.  The second conversation was about being in the “in-between” space, when he was post-retirement ceremony, but still waiting for the official processing of his retirement.And now, today, Tony shares about being fully retired.  He shares about various mindset shifts, including the incredibly difficult process of a disability rating.  Tony, thank you, for joining me again.  Thank you for sharing your stories and experiences with candor and vulnerability. Your passion for helping others by sharing your stories and journey align deeply with my own purpose and hope for this podcast.  If you’d like to connect with Tony and learn more about the work he does, please check out the links below.www.kaveoleadership.comTony.cerella@gmail.comMake Life Less Difficult

My guest today is Dorcas Cheng-Tozun.Dorcas is an award-winning writer, editor, speaker, communications consultant, and former Inc.com columnist. She is the author of several books including Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways, which we discuss today. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Christianity Today, Image Journal, and dozens of other publications in the US, Asia, and Africa. Dorcas has nearly twenty years of experience as a nonprofit and social enterprise professional. A Silicon Valley native, she has lived in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Nairobi, Kenya. She and her entrepreneur husband have been married for eighteen years and have two young sons.In our conversation today, Dorcas shares how she came to understand herself to be a highly sensitive person. She helps us understand what that means and how highly sensitive persons can find ways to engage in emotionally demanding work while staying true to oneself, pursuing balance, and overall well-being.Dorcas, thank you for this lovely conversation.  Thank you for sharing your stories and journey here and also through your writing.  You are making the world a kinder place.You’ll find links in the show notes to Dorcas’s website, books, and social media pages. Website: www.chengtozun.comLinks to places to buy books: www.chengtozun.com/booksFacebook: www.facebook.com/chengtozunIG: www.instagram.com/chengtozun/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chengtozun/ Starred review in Booklist: https://www.booklistonline.com/Social-Justice-for-the-Sensitive-Soul-How-to-Change-the-World-in-Quiet-Ways-/pid=9777030Make Life Less Difficult

My guest today is Crystaline Randazzo.Crystaline is a returning guest and was first on episode 69 in July of 2022.  Crystaline is a story excavator and a media creatrix.  She empowers women to catalyze change in their life through the power of storytelling.  She uses the science behind storytelling to help people connect with themselves, excavate their own truths, and craft new narratives that are aligned with their truest purpose.  And she’s now linking somatic practices with storytelling.Crystaline joined me today to share some more of her own stories and pieces of her journey that have led her to realize the deep connection between storytelling and somatic work and practices.  She’s created a new workshop called Transformational Truthtelling: How to tell stories that heal shift and transform.Crystaline, thank you for joining me again today.  Thank you for the wise reflections you share.  Thank you for sharing your passion with others and helping others experience the transformation of story in their own lives.One quick note, the dates mentioned in our conversation have adjusted slightly since we recorded this, so please go directly to Crystaline’s website for the most accurate and up to date information.  The link is below, as well as a list of the books we mention in case you are interested in those. Website: https://www.crystalinerandazzo.com/Free Training: From Stuck To Storyteller: Empowering Changemaking Women to Uncover Their Story & Find Their VoiceJanuary 22-241 p.m. ESTFree Training Sign Up: https://www.crystalinerandazzo.com/stuck-2-storyteller----9 Week Live Group Cohort: Transformational Truthtelling: How To Tell Stories That Heal, Shift, and TransformBegins February 22Online Course Signup: https://www.crystalinerandazzo.com/transformationtruthtelling-salesLinks to Books:The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der KolkMy Grandmothers Hands by Reesma MenakemSmart Body, Smart Mind Coursework with Irene LyonIntegrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Certification with The Embody Lab Make Life Less Difficult

My guest today is Cassandra Ross.Before I tell you about Casey, let me first say, happy 2024!  This is the first episode to release in the new year and I’m thrilled to be sharing Casey’s conversation with you.  If you are waiting to take action on something in your life, you may find just the inspiration and motivation you need here in Casey’s story and reflections.I have lots of thoughts about life and goals and intentions at the start of a new year, so I may do another episode later this week or next to share some of those.  At this point, suffice it to say, my theme for 2024 is Discover & Create.  I love doing this podcast and I’m so grateful to each of you for listening.I’m also incredibly grateful for each guest, as every conversation is an experience of discovery and also creating something new.If you are looking for a goal or challenge in 2024, schedule a podcast conversation with me!  I’d love to discover more about your story and journey.So, for today’s conversation, Cassandra Ross, is a Major in the United State Air Force.  She’s based in Montana, but we met in Sri Lanka when we were both living there.  From the moment I met Casey I knew she was a special human.  And as you’ll hear in our conversation, my intuition was spot-on.Casey, thank you for sharing these pieces of your journey.  Thank you for your courage in sharing.  Thank you for the inspiration to work diligently at growing as a human.  You are an amazing role model for your kids and for literally everyone who has the honor of knowing you!One side note, before we jump into our conversation.  Casey story involves stories of abuse when she was a child.  If this is something that you feel like you are not in the space to listen to, or hold the space for. I want to encourage you to just push pause, and maybe come back to this later.  Please always take care of  yourself first and foremost.Make Life Less Difficult

My guest today is Anne Blunden.Anne has served as the Executive Director of Nursing at both the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre and the King Abdullah Bin Abdelaziz University Hospital in Saudi Arabia.  She also served as the director of nursing at the King Fahad Medical Center.Originally from South Africa, much of her career has been dedicated to the medical system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is where we first met.I’m delighted to share this conversation with you, as Anne is one of my favorite humans that I’ve met.  Anne has been an inspiration to me and her wisdom and approach to life and leadership have influenced me over the years.In our conversation today, Anne shares about her own journey of learning about herself, so she could truly lead others.  She shares how this journey of knowing herself was the key to being an effective leader and helping others find their own pathway to leadership.I also asked Anne to share her reflections on a very special experience we had together in 2016: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain on the African continent.  This was the goal I had set for my 40th birthday, and the entire experience was so special because of the amazing group of family and friends who went on the expedition with us!  I know you’ll enjoy hearing Anne’s retelling of the experience and story.Anne, thank you so very much for joining me in conversation here.  Thank you for your authentic and impactful stories of self- development and growth. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and thoughtful reflections that help so many others.  And thank you for continuing to show up in the world with a spirit of humility, curiosity, and wonder.  I’m so grateful to be connected and connect you with others through this podcast. Make Life Less Difficult

My guest today is Cherise Tuttle.Cherise is a returning guest and I’m so delighted to get to share this conversation with you. First, let me say if you haven’t heard our first conversation, I recommend taking the time to listen to Episode 73, where Cherise graciously shares pieces of her journey of grief and loss after losing her husband, Cody, in a paragliding accident. Cherise’s ability to go deep into the messiness and beauty of grief is really moving and difficult to describe in words.Second, this conversation was recorded at the end of September 2023, not long after the 4th anniversary of Cody’s passing.  Cherise shares some more beautiful reflections on honoring Cody’s memory and life.  Even though it’s a couple months later that it’s being published, the reflections are evergreen.In addition, in our conversation today, I ask Cherise to share stories about her dog, Astro, who we didn’t get to talk about last time, but is a formidable presence in the world.We also talk about career transitions, as Cherise has been in the midst of some major changes and choices, working to align with her values in a deeper way and find fulfillment while also managing the practical aspects of life.Cherise, thank you so much for coming back on the podcast.  Thank you for sharing these reflections, and also your wisdom, in sorting through difficult decisions about work and life.  You are inspiring as you live in intentional ways, filtering through the noise to the heart of what really matters.Learn more about Cherise and her work: https://www.invertedlifestyle.com/Make Life Less Difficult

My guest today is Anna McMahon.Anna is a returning guest with our first conversation on episode 61.  If you haven’t listened, I highly recommend it.Originally from Ireland, Anna spent many years working internationally in education.  She now is a Positive Psychologist and Coach, focusing on helping individuals and organizations determine what wellbeing is and how to achieve it.Anna founded the company, Enhanced Wellbeing, and facilitates clients in a process of deep self-learning to enhance wellbeing. Her solution-focused and strength-based approach ensures high quality, valuable learning experiences for every client.Today, Anna share updates on her life, which include her gorgeous son who was still yet to be born when we talked last!Anna does a beautiful job in sharing her transition to motherhood, working to continue building and growing her business alongside this new role of mom, and then managing an international move on top of it all.I so appreciate Anna’s authentic reflections and lessons learned through this season in life.  Major life transitions like these are difficult to manage.  Hearing how others experience and manage those difficulties is one small way to help make them less difficult.  If you are going through a challenging transition right now, I hope this conversation will bring you hope and build your resilience and your self-compassion!Anna, thank you so much for coming back for another conversation on Make Life Less Difficult!  I’m so grateful for your stories, your reflections, your wisdom!  I look forward to continuing the conversation in the future!If you’d like to connect with Anna, you will find links below:Connect with Anna:·       email: anna@enhancedwellbeing.org·       website·       Instagram Make Life Less Difficult

My guest today is David Achata.David is a returning guest and if you haven’t listened to our first conversation, I highly recommend it.  It’s episode 83.  David is a leadership and team development coach, the author of several business leadership books, and he brings over twenty years of leadership experience into his work.  He’s experienced multiple career changes, moving across the country and back, supporting his mother through the end of her life, and more.David is a great storyteller, an inspiring leader, a man who practices what he teaches.  In our conversation today, David shares reflections on his most recent book, Executive Retreats for Busy Business Leaders: How to Achieve More by Working Less.  This is a fantastic book reminding us of the value of intentional time away.  More than that, though, David shares how he realized after publishing the book, that his number one audience was himself, hence the title of this episode, Writing a Book to Yourself.David, thank you for jumping into another conversation here. Thank you for your authenticity and vulnerability.  Thank you for sharing your thoughtful wisdom and reflections.  You can find links to David’s books, his website, and social media pages below:www.achatacoaching.comLinkedInInstagram Make Life Less Difficult