Make Life Less Difficult

My guest today is Anna Sparks.Anna is a returning guest and it’s so great to get to talk with her again! Our previous conversations have been focused on books we read and discussed together.  If you haven’t listened to them, they are episodes 15 and 34, and we talk about the books Professional Troublemaker:The Fear-Fighter Manual by Luvvie Ajayi Jones, and Unbound, A Woman's Guide to Power by Kasia Urbaniak.  Great books.  Great conversations!This time, Anna agreed to return and share more of her own journey and reflections.  As you’ll hear, she’s got enough wisdom and insight to write her own book!We talk about a variety of topics, but one of the things we get into is Adult Stage Development.  This is a fascinating model that looks how adults continue to develop in their ways of experiencing, reacting, and engaging in the world.  When I first learned about this model, it was life-changing!Anna, thank you for coming back on the podcast!  Thank you for sharing these pieces of your journey, your reflections, and your wisdom.  I can’t wait for our next conversation!To learn more about Anna and the work that she does, you’ll find links in the show notes.Connect with Anna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-sparks/Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today doesn’t really qualify as a guest, as much as a co-contributor.  Russ Watts has been regular guest, sharing stories, reflections, hosting conversations, and contributing in so many ways to making life less difficult. Russ is a leadership coach, outdoor enthusiast, mountain adventurer and athlete, and dedicated father and husband.  He lives in Italy with his family.  Russ and I have been collaborating on storytelling workshops and retreats since 2019. A number of weeks ago, Russ mentioned that he was contemplating pain as a teacher.  I immediately was interested in hearing more, especially knowing the times of extreme pain that Russ has experienced in his life with two life-threatening mountain incidents (check out episode 4 to hear those incredible stories!). So, today’s conversation is a dive into pain.  While we often strive to avoid pain (and let me say, that certain pain is definitely to be avoided), there’s also pain that can indeed teach us, grow us, and transform us.  Sometimes this pain is physical and by choice (for example training for a long distance run or hike or other type of adventure), sometimes the pain is emotional and not by choice (loss, endings, disruptions, health scares). Join us for the conversation today.  We certainly don’t have even a fraction of the answers, we just jump into the discovery process to see what can be brought to light.  If this topic interests you, we welcome you to reach out and join us for future conversations. To learn more about Russ and the work he does, as well as our storytelling workshops and retreats, you’ll find links in the show notes.  Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today is Stephen Barry.Stephen is a massage therapist living in the Nashville, Tennessee area.Stephen is someone who I have wanted to have on the podcast for years, so it’s truly a delight to finally share this conversation here.Stephen originally connected with me after I was on a podcast called Everyone’s Agnostic.  We had a number of things in common including our upbringing in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.  And stepping away from that faith community.  Stephen also recognized my last name and asked if I was related to Doug Tilstra.  My father-in-law, Doug Tilstra, had been one of his professors in university and, as you’ll hear in Stephen’s story, has remained a prominent friend and support to him.In our conversation today, Stephen shares pieces of his story of leaving religion, coming out as gay, nearly giving up on life, and re-finding community, faith, and love.  Embedded in this is an amazing story of friendship and making life less difficult for each other.Stephen, thank you so very much for this conversation.  I feel so grateful to be connected.  Thank you for sharing your stories with authenticity, vulnerability, love, and compassion.  You make the world a better place!If you’d like to connect with Stephen, you’ll find links below.https://www.facebook.com/barryorchestra Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today is Gai Ben Dor.Gai is a leadership development and change management expert, coach, and facilitator who works with leaders and organizations worldwide. He is an international keynote speaker specializing in leadership and excellence.Gai has a fascinating story – well, many fascinating stories, really.  I was fortunate to meet Gai through the Georgetown University Leadership Coaching network and before we even talked th first time, I was hoping he’d say yes to being on the podcast!  One piece of Gai’s story is that he participated in the Marathon Race at the Beijing Paralympic Games as a guide for a blind runner and later led him on a journey through the Himalayas toward Mount Everest. He is also a social entrepreneur, having founded several social enterprises focused on education, sports, and the integration of people with disabilities.With a background as a lawyer and accountant, he brings a diverse perspective to leadership, transformation, and personal growth.Today, Gai is part of KONU, an international consulting firm specializing in leadership development and change management.Gai, thank you for this wonderful conversation. Thank you for sharing these pieces of your journey and story.  Thank you for your reflections, your wisdom, and your inspiration.  I’m so grateful to know you and host this episode!To learn more about Gai, find links to his Ted talk and more here: Connect with Gai:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaibendor/Gai's Website: https://www.gaibendor.com/enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaibendor/TEDx Talk link: https://youtu.be/goiyLgCzgSI?si=XZ_GC2e4x_ovIziwSupport the showMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today is Allison Ebert. Allison is an Education Specialist with the U.S. Department of State.  She’s also a Leadership Coach through Georgetown University’s Institute of Transformational Leadership and has a Master of Education in Leadership and Management.Originally from Minnesota, Allison has been living and working in Germany for the last 20 years.Allison and I met through our mutual work for the Department of State.  Every time we get to connect, I’m always left feeling like I need more time with her!  As the years have passed, fortunately we have had more opportunities for overlap through our coaching work, story retreats, and now a podcast conversation.Allison, thank you for this conversation!  Thank you for sharing pieces of your story and your reflections in such a genuine, authentic, and thoughtful way.  The wisdom shared in this conversation is such a gift!  I look forward to many more conversations!Connect with Allison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonbebert/ Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today is Lynn Ellen Queen.Lynn Ellen is an executive coach working with clients from around the globe.  One of her core values is making a difference, which she truly does, as you’ll soon hear through her stories here.Lynn Ellen also makes a difference in her volunteer work, serving on several non-profit boards.In our conversation today, Lynn Ellen shares two stories of transformation.  The first one focuses on her personal transformation which led to making the second one possible.  When Lynn Ellen first shared pieces of her story with me, I immediately asked if she’d come on my podcast.  The love, the compassion, the human connection all are deeply inspiring and a much-needed reminder that we can all choose to make life a little less difficult for others when we are willing to do the hard work of self-reflection and pair that with seeing others with love and presence.Lynn Ellen, thank you for sharing these pieces of your journey.  Thank you for sharing candidly about your own journey and self-discovery. And thank you for creating love in the world for both yourself and others!  You are an incredible change-maker.To learn more about Lynn Ellen and the work she does in the world, you’ll find links below.Connect with Lynn Ellen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnellenqueen/Lynn Ellen's Website: https://leadership.qa/team Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guests today are Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan.Jerome and Julienne are hosts of the podcast, Leadership Story Talks.  I was fortunate to meet Jerome and Julienne through the kind introduction of Nadine Keller and Linda Knox of Precision Sales Coaching and Training.  Jerome is the CEO of Narativ, a company that helps companies activate behavioral change from the inside out through the use of story and storytelling experiences.  Jerome came to Narativ after an international career in finance and thought he was going to pursue film making when the opportunity came for him to transform Narativ into the company it is today.Julienne is a business author, communication and HR specialist and frequent Narativ training contributor.  Julienne is the author of the book, The Learned-it-in-Queens Communications Playbook: Winning Against Digital Distraction.  In our conversation today we dive into the impact and power of story.  What makes storytelling transformational?  What are some considerations for telling stories?  How does listening impact the telling and receiving of stories?  And much more.Jerome and Julienne, thank you so much for this beautiful and inspiring conversation.  Thank you for the work you do in the world, helping people connect in meaningful and transformational ways.  You both are amazing storytellers and are creating experiences that are so needed in businesses and our world!You’ll find links below to learn more about Jerome and Julienne and the work they do in the world.Narativ websiteLeadership Story Talks PodcastJulienne's book  Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today is Dr. Adam Dorsay.Adam is a licensed psychologist and a certified executive coach working in private practice. He specializes in assisting high-achieving professionals—including tech executives, entrepreneurs, and professional athletes—with relationship issues, stress reduction, easing anxiety, and attaining more happiness in their lives.Adam delivers lively and well-received keynotes and trainings at institutions like Microsoft, LinkedIn, and the California Psychological Association. He is also the host of the award-winning psychology podcast SuperPsyched, which has featured interviews with everyone from NBA coaches to rock stars to world-famous comedians to bestselling authors and many more.He lives and works in San Jose, California, and is happily married with two children and an Australian Labradoodle named Raffi.Adam is the author of the book, SuperPsyched: Unleash the Power of 4 Types of Connection and Live the Life You Want.  In our conversation today, Adam shares his wisdom on what connection is, how we as humans are wired up for connection and love, and why, despite wanting connection so desperately, often feel disconnection and alone, perhaps even unloved.  I loved this conversation with Adam and wished we had had about 5 hours to continue talking and learning from him.  I’m excited to share this with you and hope you’ll explore Adam’s podcast, book, TEDx talks, and other work as well.  There are links in the show notes for all of that.Adam, thank you SO much for this great connection.  Your work in the world is of incredible importance and I’m honored to be a tiny piece in helping it spread!  Thank you for sharing your stories, your struggles, your reflections and your wisdom.  Your transparency and wise counsel are a beautiful combination and gift to others!Connect with Adam:WebsiteSuper Psyched (Book)TEDx Talk: Emotions - The Data Men MissTEDx Talk: Friendships in Adulthood - 5 Things to KnowSuper Psyched Podcast Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today is Dan Henderson.Dan is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and ICF-credentialed coach with nearly three decades of experience in high-growth software and technology companies. As the founder of Gravity Insights, Dan leverages his extensive background to provide leadership coaching and consulting services, guiding business leaders through complex transitions and critical transactions. His unique blend of practical experience and formal training enables him to offer insightful and actionable advice tailored to the nuanced challenges faced by today's executives. Throughout his career, Dan has held pivotal roles, including founding executive positions, leading global mergers and acquisitions, and spending half a dozen years as an early-stage venture capital investor at Virginia Venture Partners where he invested in startups that went on to achieve valuations in the hundreds of millions of dollars.Today Dan’s passion is nurturing the growth of other business leaders with the compassion and understanding that comes from having walked in their shoes. Outside of work, Dan volunteers as a business advisor. He is an accomplished musician, playing fiddle and singing in an award-winning bluegrass band, Pictrola, which performs regularly at music festivals, concert venues, and performing arts centers.  Dan lives in northern Virginia with his wife, two daughters, two dogs, and a menagerie of other pets.In our conversation today, Dan shares pieces of his story of learning about ADHD, what it meant to learn about his own ADHD as an adult, and how he has come to help others with ADHD to better understand their brains.Dan, thank you for this great conversation!  Thank you for sharing these pieces of your story and journey.  Thank you for sharing the wisdom you have developed.  You have helped me understand things about my brain that have made a huge positive impact and I know that many others could say similar things!You’ll find links in the show notes to learn more about Dan and the work he does in the world! Learn more about Dan and his work: https://www.gravityinsightsgroup.com/Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-henderson-33164/Books mentioned in our conversation:Your Brain's Not Broken by Tamara RosierThe ADHD Effect on Marriage by Melissa OrlovBrain Hacks by Lara Honos-WebbSupport the showMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today is Annie Peguero.Annie is on a mission to help leaders transform fear into confidence and lead with balance and purpose. An adoptee, former federal law enforcement officer and military spouse, Annie’s journey has taken her from navigating her own identity and reinvention to her decades-long work of empowering leaders worldwide to embrace authenticity and resilience. She has lived across the U.S., Italy, and Japan, and her work draws from global perspectives and lived experiences.Annie is a Georgetown-trained executive leadership coach, and the creator of the B.R.A.V.E. Framework and founder of The Lion’s Garden Academy, a neuroscience-based method for leadership development and personal growth. She is also the author of the forthcoming book Fear Alchemy which equips leaders with the tools to navigate fear and uncertainty with clarity and courage for greater impact.Annie holds a BS in Special Education, a Master’s in Park Resource Management, several certifications from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and a certification in executive leadership coaching. A lifelong learner and wellness advocate, Annie is committed to empowering leaders to find alignment and brave expansion on the other side of fear in their personal and professional lives. She lives in Northern Virginia with her retired Marine husband and two daughters and loves outdoor adventures, alcohol-free living and impromptu dance parties in the kitchen.Annie is also an amazing storyteller and we first got connected through the telling of stories.  You’ll hear about that story in a minute, as well as other inspiring stories of Annie’s life.Annie, thank you for this wonderful conversation.  Thank you for your bravery, your stories, your reflections, and your wisdom.  I love the connection with you, the discovery in this conversation, and hope for many more conversations and stories in the future!Connect with Annie:Annie's Website: https://www.thelionsgarden.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anniepeguero/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lions-garden/id1412692951  Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra