Shameless Leadership

Today’s episode is an extremely special one. We have our first Shameless Kid joining the show! Joshua Apparicio is a 12-year-old seventh grader who has partnered with Be Strong, an anti-bullying organization. Joshua works with Be Strong to share his story of being bullied regularly for 6 years.  In addition to working with Be Strong to help other kids impacted by bullying, Joshua is a published poet (he was first published at age 7) and he recently took his SATs – yes, the ones you’re supposed to take when you’re 16. You could say Joshua has a very bright future… I recently saw Joshua do an interview with my friend Scott Colby (from our Say It With Gratitude SMA episode) and I was blown away. Joshua is wise and insightful well beyond his years. He is sweet and compassionate and brilliant. I knew I had to have him join us in the SMA.  I am so excited to have such a dynamic young gentleman on our show as our first Shameless Kid. I am also extremely grateful to Joshua and his mother, Shirmin, who were so enthusiastic and thoughtful about this interview.  I was fortunate enough to be able to talk to Joshua’s mom, Shirmin, after we stopped recording, and I was so touched by her grace and strength, qualities she has clearly passed down to her son.  Joshua, wherever you go in life you will make a positive difference. You already are.  Please listen in to hear Joshua share: What it was like for Joshua to be bullied on a regular basis for 6 years How Joshua and his mom were finally able to put an end to the bullying How his Mayor became his mentor when his school district failed to protect him How his mom coached him every night to help his mindset around his situation His advice to other kids who are being bullied The surprisingly kind and compassionate thoughts he has about kids who demonstrate bullying behaviors Why being a victim of bullying actually positively impacted his life   Links Mentioned:Be Strong: BeStrong.globalSMA Episode 102: Scott Colby – Say It With Gratitude  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I don’t think aging is a bad thing. I like to embrace my signs of aging: The burning desire to go to bed earlier A few wrinkles to prove I’ve smiled and laughed a lot Some forehead lines, cause apparently I raise my eyebrows excessively – which really enhances my eyes More cellulite – but who even cares anymore?? A more carefree attitude about imperfections (see #4) The complete disregard of cultural messages about aging and beauty (thank you #5) Increased awareness to stop and smell the roses, because now I get it – there is no guarantee that the roses will be there tomorrow A more shameless attitude about chasing dreams & desires, in spite of others opinions Dark circles under my eyes – which are just proof that I got to cuddle with my child on three separate occasions during the night last night  Aging doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It doesn’t need to take you down. It is not cause for pills, serums, syrups, lotions, potions, or creams. But you do want to have some awareness about the quality and quantity of your life as you age.  There are 6 KEY ingredients that will slow down the aging process, so you can live LONGER and live BETTER.  Listen in to hear my Top 6 All Natural Anti-Aging Secrets.  PS: I feel qualified to give advice on this because I got carded today and I’m 41 and a half. Cheers!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  Main Questions:  Liz Nead is a force. She is a speaker, coach, a television host, and an expert in Bringing Life Back to Everyday Life. She is also a mom to 7 kids in her blended family – yes, 7. Liz is impacting the lives of thousands of people worldwide by speaking the truth, pushing boundaries that need shifting, and modeling how delightful everyday life can be.   I reached out to Liz because she is an inspiration to me as a woman, a mother, and an entrepreneur. Liz doesn’t shy away from the truth, or hard work, or her destiny. She makes good things happen all around her, all the time.   Listen in to hear Liz share:   How unexpectedly becoming a mother to twin sons shaped her life  How to live in the moment, be alive, and not be fake  Why a less full life is a better life  The power of pushing physical boundaries and the connection between athleticism and motherhood  The reciprocal role of parents teaching kids and kids teaching parents  Why she took her clothes off on stage that one time…  How “diversity training” has harmed our society  What you need to know about being “racist ready”    Links Mentioned: Book: The 100 Day Journey: Spark the Shift to Your Best Life by Liz Nead Huff Po article Website: http://www.liznead.com/ Book: Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I’m just a few days back from a life-changing week in the Philippines. This journey half way around the world was not an easy choice for me. But it was the right choice, and I’m so glad I did it.  I left on this trip alone, sick, and feeling pretty intimidated. I returned with a new tribe, with newly inspired motivation in multiple areas of my life, and filled with gratitude for such a powerful and positive experience.  Tune in to hear me share:  How I have failed miserably with transitions and new experiences in the past My 4 goals leading up to this trip The dilemma of the Imposter Syndrome (for me and everyone) Why you should take a chance on new and uncomfortable experiences Suggestions on how to start taking steps outside your comfort zone in order to find your tribe   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hilary Hendershott has an impressive resume as a financial planner. She owns Hilary Hendershott Wealth Management and is the host of Boss Profit Radio (an awesome podcast). She’s a TEDx speaker. She has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, NBC, ABC, FOX, Forbes, and various other media outlets. She has made over 30 expert television appearances and she’s been recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 Entrepreneur in Silicon Valley.    But, what you’ll probably most enjoy about Hilary is that she is REAL. She tells it like it is and she’s not afraid to be 100% forthcoming with her own story of hitting her debt rock bottom.    I know you’ll all appreciate her # 1 Rule: No Financial Drama. She’s not in the biz to shame people or scare people. She wants to help you neutralize your relationship with money so you can make decisions that empower your life.   Listen in to hear Hilary share:  What it’s like to be a female in a male driven industry  The 6 (quick & easy) daily steps you can take to simplify your finances  How to stop hiding from debt   Ways to take the fear out of money  How much you should really have in savings (and why it shouldn’t all be cash based)  How to be more Shameless with your money   Hilary also gave some really helpful tips on getting involved in the stock market (where more women NEED to play!), and she shared “The 3 F’s in Finding a Financial Advisor:”  Fees  Fiduciary  Philosophy (ok, technically a PH!)     Links Mentioned:  Website: http://www.hilaryhendershott.com/ Email: info@hilaryhendershott.com Free Guide: Mind Over Money Stock Market Training: Investing With Freedom for Smart Women Article: Fiduciary Podcast: Profit Boss Radio  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We recently got back from a weeklong trip with 4 other families. Our group consisted of 10 adults, 5 four year olds and 3 two year olds. We had a blast. But, don’t mistake fun for rest. I wouldn’t say it was relaxing….  This is the second year we have traveled with this group. After doing this twice, I can say I wholeheartedly endorse group travel when you have little kids. BUT – you must be prepared and know what you’re getting into.  This episode will highlight my 8 lessons learned traveling with 8 kids:  Snacks all the time, everywhere Eat in vs eating out Meltdowns Adult free time Daily down time The beauty and fallout of treats and screens Buffer day Nothing is as great as it seems, nothing is as bad as it seems   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I have to start this by letting you know this was easily one of my favorite interviews ever. You are in for the most gut wrenching story, told by the most amazing heroine and SuperMom, Leanne Kabat.  Leanne moved to From Ottawa, Canada to Sammamish, Washington in January 2016. Before she had a chance to make any friends, her husband left on a week long business trip. Leanne was home with her 4 year old and her 2 year old, and she was 5 months pregnant.  Her husband had been gone a for a few nights when Leanne woke up to pee one night (remember all the pregnancy peeing?!?) When she got out of bed, she passed out, falling on her belly, and woke up on her bedroom floor paralyzed. She would lie there for hours unable to move or speak.  After hours of willing herself to GET UP, she finally regained enough mobility to get up and get herself, kids in tow, to the hospital. What followed were months of testing, the birth of her third baby, tons more testing, and ultimately this prognosis, presented by a large panel of doctors and medical experts: “We don’t know what you have. But we can tell you that based on the brain damage we are seeing from your ‘incident’, you only have 5 years to live.” Listen in to hear: what Leanne’s life was like after receiving a death sentence her ultimate breaking point 3 years after her diagnosis how drugs ruined her and mindset saved her how she finally stumbled upon her MamaCon tribe and how life changing and life giving this tribe has been why she chose to buy MamaCon based on “the utterly unshakeable belief that no mama should mama alone”  Links Mentioned:MamaCon website: www.mamacon.netMamaCon on FacebookBook: Harold and the Purple Crayon    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I have been working with goal setters for the last 14 years. Working in the fitness industry, goals are always part of the conversation with clients. I’ve witnessed women on top of the world because they just crushed a goal. I’ve also witnessed women set the same goal over and over, feeling defeated and deflated in their self-proclaimed failure to ever reach said goal. This can be a viscous cycle that is really damaging to one’s mental health.   Here are 4 reasons I frequently see women fail to meet their goals: 1. You haven’t seriously considered how amazing your life would be if you actually met your goal.  Have you really deeply considered what your life would be like if you meet your goal? Would you be more patient with your kids, more productive at work, have more desire to fuel your body well? Would you have more energy and less anxiety? Would you feel more in control of your life and more assertive in your relationships? 2. You’re not putting enough structure around them.  If you’re not specific about your goal and the EXACT steps you need to take to accomplish it, you’re not going to succeed. A blueprint of sorts is essential.  3. You’re holding out for a quick fix or next week, next month, next year. Stop waiting and start taking action. It is really as simple as that. A quick fix is a temporary bandaid. It will wash off after just a few days. Life will always be busy. The “right time” will never present itself. If you’re serious about accomplishing something, you must START.  4. You don’t believe in yourself and you’re quick to give up. Self-limiting beliefs are the silent killer of most goals. You must take steps to improve your head game and tell yourself you ARE worth it. Talk out your plan with a friend or mentor you know would be a great cheerleader. Seeing someone else’s confidence in you will give you confidence in yourself. You must be kind to yourself every damn day – telling yourself you ARE worth it and you CAN do it.  Listen in to this episode to hear exactly how you can combat these hiccups and roadblocks. I have seen women and moms just like you turn their lives around because they made a plan and committed to working the plan. You truly can do anything – as long as YOU believe you can.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Susan Weeks is a podcast producer who helps other entrepreneurs get started in podcasting or step up their game in podcasting. Susan’s work online started out of her desire to stay out of the corporate world that had been a part of her past.  After becoming a mom unexpectedly at 39, while newly divorced, Susan’s life changed in every way you could imagine. With a partner who struggled to stay in one place long enough to put down roots, Susan spent years raising her son in many different homes in many different countries. In hindsight, she can clearly see how she lost herself in her relationship and in motherhood.  In recent years, Susan has put down roots and built a life that is true to her identity as a leader and guide to those around her. She has built a business that can be flexible with motherhood and also allows her to put to use her best attributes to serve others.  Listen in to hear Susan share:  How she dealt with divorce, selling her house, walking away from her job and then discovering she was pregnant all in one month. How she moved all over Europe living someone else’s dream and lost herself The steps she took to build an online business around her strongest personality traits and her best skill sets from her corporate experience Why being selfish in motherhood is appropriate and sometimes necessary   Links Mentioned:Susan’s Website: www.PodcastProgress.comSusan on LinkedInSusan and Podcast Progress on FacebookSusan on Twitter @sueweeksFreebie: The Podcast Launching KitFreebie: Using the 12 Week Year with TrelloBook: 12 Week YearBook: The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months By Brian Moran  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can we all agree to tear off our Busy Badges and chill out a little. Life is only as hectic as you make it. If you find yourself living in constant overwhelm, it’s because you are allowing that to happen. Let’s all start taking Radical Responsibility for our time and our priorities. And for goodness sake, stop indulging your ego by telling others how busy you are.  When I started taking Radical Responsibility for my busyness, I became a LOT less busy. I was able to slow down and simplify my life in a number of ways. I no longer wear my Busy Badge. I tore it off and stomped on it until it was no longer recognizable.  Here are 7 secrets to help you slow down & simplify:  Meal Plan – do not be a slave to the 4:45pm “what’s for dinner” trap. Listen in to hear my top tips on how to make meals suuuuper simple forever.  Time Block Chores – stop doing chores everyday. Yep, I’m giving you permission. It’s a waste of your time and an energy drain. Listen in to hear how to do less laundry and less bathroom cleaning (and stop dusting!)  Divide & Conquer – you are not the only capable person in your family or your neighborhood or your children’s school. Listen it to hear how to enlist help and support.  Social Boundaries – Your kids have social boundaries at school, right. There is a time for play and a time for work and a time to chill. You should have the same at home, especially on the weekends. A go-go-go lifestyle is not good for your kids or for you. Listen in to hear how to create some rules around your social calendar.    Stop Over Scheduling – you and your kids don’t need to be involved in everything. It doesn’t make them more well rounded. It doesn’t make you more important. It just makes everyone a little more nutty. For real. Stop. Listen in to hear how to pick and choose activities.  Quality Quiet Time – this is my best secret. You have to do it. I promise you’ll thank me.   Outsource (groceries, yard work, laundry) – free up mental space and create more time and energy by getting help. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Listen in for cheap tips! If you can follow any of these 7 steps, you will: free up mental space reduce decision fatigue create space for peace and calm model good habits to your kids  tear off your Busy Badge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices