Find Your Voice, Change Your Life

Today, I interview Tamara Herl whose getting up in front of a group of people to speak has always been hard for her. Tamara shares her compelling story of navigating through the challenges of finding her voice amidst family turmoil, societal expectations, and personal inhibitions.Tamara sheds light on the transformative potential of embracing one's unique brilliance, tapping into the language of nature, and using creativity as a powerful means of self-expression and empowerment.Tamara can now stand in front of an audience and speak about her passion. She has found that what works best for her is doing experiential processes with her audience, such as leading them in a guided meditation. That is where she really shines.__________________Tamara Herl is a licensed professional counselor and registered board-certified art therapist. She shows socially conscious entrepreneurs how to use art and nature to get Divine guidance when they feel stuck or confused so that they can make the kind of impact they are meant to.__________________Find Tamara here:https://www.thewilddivine.ushttps://thewilddivine.us/resourceshttps://facebook.com/tamara.herl.3/https://www.facebook.com/foresttherapyguidecoloradohttps://www.facebook.com/groups/640289957589385https://www.instagram.com/tamaraherl/https://twitter.com/TamaraHerlhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-herl-3164b68/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnfbD0LznBKd5iTPFY1MNUwhttps://www.pinterest.com/tamara_herl/__________________Support the showI’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today, I interview Cindy Benezra who will share how she has emerged as a brilliant advocate for sexual abuse survivors. Her story is deeply moving, reflecting her struggles and resilience in the face of unimaginable trauma.From a young age, Cindy endured abuse at the hands of her father, a dominant and intelligent man who shattered her innocence. The abuse left her voiceless, as she grappled with the confusion of what was happening to her. Over the years, she found solace in nature, particularly among the orange blossoms, where she sought refuge and discovered the power of healing through self-expression.Cindy's path to healing was not linear, as she faced numerous challenges and setbacks along the way. Through an array of modalities, including mantras, visionary work, journaling, and alternative therapies, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery and self-love. Her story showcases the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of finding one's voice after enduring profound trauma.__________________Cindy is the author of Under The Orange Blossoms, an advocate for sexual abuse survivors, and the owner of a luxury event company.__________________Find Cindy here:https://www.cindytalks.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-benezra-932560158/https://www.instagram.com/cindybenezra/https://pinterest.com/cindybenezrahttps://pinterest.com/cindytalkshttps://www.youtube.com/cindybenezraSupport the showI’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today I interview Ivna Curi. Ivna is a remarkable individual who has overcome significant struggles to find her voice and confidently speak her mind. Her journey from a shy and obedient girl to a powerful advocate for assertive communication is truly inspiring.In our conversation, Ivna shares her transformative experiences, revealing the pivotal role courage played in her life. From her early days in Brazil, where she felt compelled to be the "nice girl" and avoid conflict, to her corporate career, where she battled anxiety and self-doubt, Ivna faced numerous challenges that hindered her from expressing herself effectively.Everything changed when she encountered a mentor, who encouraged her to embrace courage and face difficult situations head-on. With his guidance, Ivna learned the art of assertive communication, a skill that completely transformed her interactions with others and propelled her into leadership roles.Through her journey, Ivna discovered that courage, not confidence, was the key to speaking up and finding her voice. She emphasizes that focusing on courage allows us to act despite our fears and uncertainties, leading to real growth and effective communication.Today, Ivna is on a mission to help others develop assertive communication skills and find their voices. As a respected thought leader, speaker, and coach, she provides workshops and talks that inspire professionals to confidently express themselves in various settings. Her dedication to promoting respectful speaking-up cultures in organizations helps build more inclusive and innovative workplaces.__________________Ivna Curi helps people confidently speak their minds unapologetically at work in a way that is heard, understood, and taken seriously with assertive communication skills, without coming across as aggressive. She provides workshops, coaching, and talks. She also helps companies create a respectful speaking-up culture that drives engagement, productivity, DEI, and innovation. She is the host of the “Speak Your Mind Unapologetically” podcast show, a TEDx speaker, has more than 20 thousand students, has an international MBA from INSEAD, is a Forbes contributor, and is a former corporate leader.__________________Find Ivna here:https://assertiveway.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivna-curi-mba-67083b2/https://www.facebook.com/AssertiveWay/Speak Your Mind Unapologetically podcast: https://speakyourmindnow.libsyn.com/__________________Support the showI’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today, I interview Anthony Kuo whose life journey took him from being tightly wound and trapped in the corporate world to breaking free and following his heart's desire. He joins us today to share his transformative experiences and how he has now dedicated his life to helping others find their own path to fulfillment.Anthony Kuo's early life was shaped by the weight of immigrant family expectations and a musical background, where he excelled as a musician, performing at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall. However, despite his success, he realized that music did not bring him true joy. This realization ignited a quest to discover his authentic self and find a career aligned with his passions and interests.Through various corporate experiences, Anthony embarked on a journey of self-discovery, facing burnout and discontent along the way. Each challenge led him to explore new career paths until he took a courageous leap and became a career satisfaction coach, helping others find fulfillment.Today, Anthony empowers individuals to pursue fulfilling careers by embracing their true selves. His coaching enables clients to recognize their unique talents and interests, empowering them to make authentic career decisions, resulting in long-lasting satisfaction and success. If you're feeling stuck or uncertain about your career, Anthony Kuo's story will deeply resonate with you. Don't miss the impactful episode where he shares valuable insights on unlocking your potential and creating a purpose-driven career and life. Tune in and be inspired to find your voice, overcome obstacles, and create the life you've always envisioned.__________________Anthony Kuo is a Career Satisfaction Coach, Executive Coach, and Master NLP Practitioner. He empowers others to find their voice and thrive in their careers. He guides his clients through a journey of self-discovery, encouraging them to be intensely curious about their true selves. By helping them say "no" to unsuitable situations and articulating their "yes," Anthony enables individuals to align their careers with their genuine aspirations. He emphasizes that self-knowledge and authentic expression are essential for meaningful success, and his coaching process transcends the typical career strategies to create a deeper connection between individuals and their professional paths. Through his impactful work, Anthony Kuo continues to inspire others to listen to their inner voices and act upon their own authentic desires.__________________Find Anthony here:https://www.untamedcareer.com/https://www.facebook.com/anthony.c.kuo/https://www.linkedin.com/in/untamedcareer/Free newsletter: https://www.untamedcareer.com/satisfactionseekers__________________Support the showI’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today, I interview Sally Lotz whose early life was marked by the strict rules and limitations imposed by her family's conversion to Jehovah's Witnesses. In this oppressive environment, she endured abuse from her stepfather, forcing her to suppress her true self and become invisible. Sally's journey stands as a testament to the power of finding one's voice and using it to empower others. At the tender age of 15, a revelation sparked within Sally when her mother discovered her non-Jehovah's Witness boyfriend. Confronted by the Elders, she witnessed the stark disparity in how her stepfather's actions went unpunished while her innocent connection with a boy resulted in harsh correction. It was during this tumultuous period that Sally discovered her voice, her means of expression and resistance against the injustices that plagued her life. Writing became her refuge, an outlet through which she could share her thoughts and feelings without fear of retribution. Yet, even in her newfound solace, she had to conceal her writings, stashing them away in her school locker or disposing of them to avoid detection. Forced to leave home at the age of 16, Sally sought shelter with her father, where she experienced an entirely different reality. As an only child in her father's care, she finally found a supportive presence, someone who listened and encouraged her to explore new horizons. However, the trauma she had endured lingered within her, manifesting as severe anxiety attacks and depression that confined her to the confines of her home. It was during this period of struggle that Sally, now a mother herself, embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery, unearthing her voice once more. Now, Sally is a writer dedicated to crafting stories for children. Her literary works bear the underlying themes of hope, purpose, and compassion, offering inspiration to young readers while championing the underdog in subtle and captivating ways. In addition to her writing endeavors, she is currently a mentor and writing coach, running a program called "Write a Book in 30 Days: No Experience Required." Sally recently published her fourth book, "The Truth Is A Lie," a fictional work that delves into her experiences within the Jehovah's Witness community, exposing the contradictions and control within the organization extending her support to women seeking to share their own transformative tales of life changes, epiphanies, and pivots. She believes that by helping others find their voice, she empowers them to overcome adversity and thrive, offering a guiding light amidst the darkest of times.__________________ Sally Lotz is a writing coach, assisting women in sharing their own stories of transformation, guiding them through life's challenges and pivotal moments. Sally's journey stands as a testament to the power of finding one's voice and using it to empower others, offering inspiration to embrace resilience and share their unique narratives. Sally is a mentor and a writing coach with her program Write A Book in 30 Days – No Experience Required. Her 4th book, The Truth is a Lie, was recently published. She is passionate about writing and teaching other people how to create with their words. She also enjoys speaking to groups about writing, growing up a Jehovah's Witness, or having ADHD. Find Sally here: https://www.sallylotz.com https://www.facebook.com/SallyJLotz2023 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyjlotz/ https://www.instagram.com/sallyjlotz/ https://twitter.com/SallyJLotz https://www.youtube.com/@howigotthere4184 Free - 6 Steps to Getting Published https://www.sallylotzSupport the showI’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today, I interview Fabienne Slama, a Renaissance woman and an inspirational figure who has overcome tremendous challenges to become a beacon of light for others. Her journey began with a deep intergenerational trauma stemming from her family's North African background. Her great-grandmother's forced marriage at a young age set the stage for a lineage of women who struggled to find their voice and worth.Despite these obstacles, Fabienne's innate curiosity and thirst for knowledge propelled her forward. As a child, she excelled academically but faced difficulties fitting in due to skipping grades and constantly being the new kid in school. However, she learned to adapt and navigate these challenges, developing a sense of resilience and self-awareness along the way.In her adulthood, Fabienne's life took an unexpected turn when she experienced a devastating divorce that left her emotionally shattered and financially destitute. Determined to rebuild her life, she delved into the power of the subconscious mind, discovering the transformative potential within. In a remarkable turnaround, she emerged from the darkness within three months, embarking on a journey of personal growth and empowerment.Today, Fabienne Slama, also known as Fab, is a renowned hypnotist, author, and founder of FabYoulicious. Her mission is to awaken high-potential women and empaths, helping them overcome self-doubt and societal conditioning to unleash their true power. Through her work, she empowers women to break free from the belief that they are not enough and guides them on a transformative journey to become unstoppable forces of light in their homes, workplaces, and the world.Fabienne's story is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering determination. From her early struggles as a young girl to her triumphant rise as a motivational leader, she exemplifies the power of personal transformation and the capacity for individuals to create positive change in their lives and communities.__________________Fabienne Slama is a multi-faceted individual who has experienced various transformations throughout her life. Starting her journey as a biochemist for the French Atomic Energy Commission, she later ventured into the world of sculpting, creating powerful and evocative pieces in bronze and concrete. However, a difficult divorce left her devastated and penniless, pushing her to the brink of despair.In the face of adversity, Fabienne discovered the power of the subconscious mind, propelling her to bounce back and reclaim her life. Today, as a renowned hypnotist and author, she is on a mission to empower high-potential women and empaths, helping them overcome self-doubt and move from being stuck to unstoppable. With her program, FabYoulicious, she guides individuals to unleash their inner light and share their unique gifts with the world, fostering a web of connection and transforming lives in the process.__________________Find Fabienne here:fab@fabyoulicious.comhttps://www.fabyoulicious.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/fabyoulicious/https://www.facebook.com/fabslamahttps://www.instagram.com/befabyoulicious/https://twitter.com/fabyoulicious__________________Support the showI’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today, I interview Sandy Rosenthal who after Hurricane Katrina, has faced the daunting task of exposing the truth behind the disaster. Despite lacking public speaking experience and facing challenges with her pronunciation skills, she fearlessly led an investigative team that exposed the mistakes of the Army Corps of Engineers and their subsequent attempts to conceal their errors.Sandy's influential work is detailed in her book, "Words Whispered in Water," which chronicles her efforts to lead an investigative team and expose the Army Corps of Engineers as the culprits behind the levee breach. In this captivating memoir, she reveals the agency's attempts to cover up their mistakes, shedding light on the millions wasted in their efforts. Sandy's advocacy extends beyond her personal experiences, as she passionately advocates for the 62% of the American population living by levees, hosting a weekly podcast called "Beat the Big Guys." Through her podcast, she empowers her national audience to take on the big challenges in their own communities.Sandy's resilience and drive are not limited to her professional endeavors. She leads an active lifestyle, playing tennis six days a week, practicing yoga, and finding joy in teaching her dogs silly tricks. Additionally, she cherishes her role as a grandmother, dedicating quality time with her two grandchildren in San Francisco every month. Sandy's extraordinary journey from a place of struggle to becoming a powerful advocate exemplifies her unwavering determination to make a positive impact and inspire change.Sandy's story serves as a testament to the transformative power of finding one's voice and using it to effect change. Her journey is a source of inspiration for individuals facing their own challenges and seeking the courage to speak up and make a difference in their communities. Through her experiences, Sandy encourages others to embrace their authentic voices and overcome obstacles to create meaningful change in the world around them.__________________Sandy Rosenthal is an extraordinary individual who rose to prominence in the aftermath of the most costly engineering disaster in US history, which claimed the lives of nearly 1400 people in the summer of 2005. In the face of adversity, Sandy embarked on a courageous journey to uncover the truth and seek justice for the victims. Despite lacking community organizing experience, she fearlessly led a team of individuals who shared her determination to expose the true culprits behind the catastrophe. Through her unwavering dedication and newfound voice, Sandy not only shed light on the responsible parties but also inspired widespread reforms in engineering practices.Sandy's remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of one person's resilience and determination. In the absence of others who knew the truth, she took it upon herself to lead the charge, defying all odds. Her ability to articulate complex issues and rally support from the public, media, and influential figures made her an influential advocate for justice. Sandy's ongoing commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in the engineering industry continues to make a lasting impact, reminding us that one person's voice can spark profound change and prevent future disasters.__________________Find Sandy here:https://sandyrosenthal.net/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosenthalsandy/https://www.youtube.com/user/LeveesOrghttps://www.instagram.com/leveesorg/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB4HqTcRvHO7YP3JFkdVpCi3vhIdHwkWIhttps://www.wordswhisperedinwater.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/poSupport the showI’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today, I interview George McCalman who has always found solace in his art, which has served as a safe haven for him to freely express his thoughts and feelings. Against all odds, he rose. An African American in a white neighborhood, he defied discrimination. With creativity as his weapon, he forged his path to self-discovery.McCalman is an artist and creative director based in San Francisco. He is known for his design studio, McCalman Co., which collaborates with a diverse range of cultural clients. George is also a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, where he documents Bay Area culture in his observed and first-person columns. His first book, "Illustrated Black History: Honoring The Iconic and Unseen," was published in 2022.George's journey has not been without its struggles, having experienced the challenges of finding his voice and identity as an artist. Growing up in Grenada and later moving to New York City, George had to navigate being a young boy in a new educational system and culture. However, his introspective nature, sensitivity, and keen observations of the world around him shaped his perspective and artistic talents. With the influence of his mother and grandmother, George discovered his love for art and storytelling at a young age. Despite initially doubting his identity as an artist, he eventually embraced it and found his voice through the creation of meaningful illustrations. George's artistic journey has been marked by a pivotal moment in Mexico City, where he realized that he could merge his roles as an artist and art director. Since then, he has dedicated himself to both disciplines, continuing to explore and celebrate the stories and histories of marginalized voices in America through his art.Join us as we delve into the world of George McCalman, witnessing the profound impact of his artistry, and discovering the resilience and determination that have propelled him on this extraordinary journey. Prepare to be captivated by his unique vision, as we explore how one individual's struggle can become an unyielding source of inspiration for us all.__________________Educated as a fine art painter with a focus on philosophy, McCalman defines himself as an artist and creative director. In practice, that means he illustrates, designs, and writes about the complex concepts he explores in his work.Other than being an artist, he is a creative director and Co-Principal of McCalman.Co. His background in the editorial world is a foundation of his storytelling, and his fine art practice has reframed his perspective on the importance of design. A culture columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, McCalman’s first book Illustrated Black History: Honoring the Iconic and the Unseen won the 2023 NAACP Award for Outstanding Literary Work as well as profound accolades by The New Yorker’s Hilton Als, NPR, New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Fast Company and many others.__________________Find George here:https://www.mccalman.co/https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-mccalman-7b705a5/https://www.facebook.com/mccalman.cohttps://www.instagram.com/george.mccalman/ https://www.harpercollins.com/products/illustrated-black-history-george-mccalman?variant=39981632782370Support the showI’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today, I introduce Harriet Tubman Wright who highlights her moments of struggle and transformation. Growing up she experienced setbacks such as losing a school election and not winning speech contests. These early losses resulted in Harriett holding herself back from stepping into leadership roles.However, she chose not to dwell on these disappointments and instead embraced her creativity, finding avenues for self-expression in fashion, music, and dance. She encourages others to recognize their innate talents and cultivate them to make a positive difference in the world.The conversation delves into the importance of deep listening and connecting with one's inner voice. Harriet suggests that through meditation, dreams, nature, and even songs, individuals can tap into their inner knowing and receive guidance. She emphasizes the role of mentors or guides in supporting others on their journey of self-discovery and transformation. The interview concludes with Harriet offering a gift to listeners, a guide called "Five Essential Tools to Lead the Revolution toward Love, Light, and Liberation," which provides insights and practices for personal and spiritual growth.Overall, the interview with Harriet Tubman Wright explores the power of embracing one's voice, following one's passion, and engaging in conscious change to create a better world for oneself and others.__________Harriet Tubman Wright, MS, MA is an accomplished Speaker/Storyteller, Published Author/Poet, Person-Centered Expressive Arts Facilitator, Metaphysician, Initiated Priestess, and Elder. With a strong passion for empowering mature spiritual women, she has dedicated her life to helping them overcome stress and frustration in work environments that have undervalued and underpaid them. Through her guidance, Harriet supports these women in following their soul's calling, stepping into their purpose and passion, and experiencing empowerment, transformation, and prosperity.With her extensive background in various fields, including expressive arts, metaphysics, and leadership development, Harriet offers a unique and comprehensive approach to her work. She firmly believes in the power of (R)evolutionary Leadership skills, which she helps women cultivate to create positive change in themselves, their communities, and the world. Her mission is to heal people and the planet through the collective empowerment of mature women. She helps them navigate the challenges of the modern work environment and find true fulfillment by living in alignment with their soul's calling.Find Harriet here:https://thewrightresort.com/; https://www.facebook.com/harriet.t.wright/; https://www.linkedin.com/in/harriet-tubman-wright-9a875210/; https://www.schedulicity.com/scheduling/TWRUM8________________I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear and share their gifts. Get the Free 7 Step Guide to Fearless Speaking: https://doreen7steps.com.Support the showI’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.

Today, I interview Trish Tonaj. Trish was the firstborn, and her parents encouraged her to be herself, which meant a childhood full of art. She loved to paint anytime she got the chance. She even took classes in school. However, when she was reaching the end of high school and beginning to forge a path for her life, her father suddenly discouraged the idea of her becoming an artist, despite having paid for lots of classes and extracurricular art activities. He told her she would never make any money. Trish was shocked.With that, she chose to go into marketing instead. She was still able to use it as a creative outlet, developing lots of programs and tools to help her clients succeed. In her corporate career, Trish never really had a problem speaking when giving presentations. She says that's because she was talking about the company – she wasn't sharing personal details about herself. She wasn't speaking from her heart.Later, she paused and considered her future. She decided to make a change and follow her passion to become an artist. She was going to be marketing something different: herself. She began facilitating storytelling outlets and rediscovering her love for art.Trish got into photography, watercolor, oil painting, and drawing, and finally chose acrylic painting. She says the challenge as an artist is to connect your own heart to that of the buyer. You have to find the right way to create something that will bring joy to both hearts. It's a psychological assessment of what the client really wants to see and why.When she began her own projects and writing her own material, that's when the stage fright crept in. She was putting herself out there in a truly personal way. She was afraid she'd forget what she wanted to say. She found that the best way to build her confidence was to "practice, practice, practice".Over the years as her programs and goals have evolved, her marketing has evolved along with it. Trish believes that everyone has a story to tell and that all we need is the right platform and the opportunity to share those stories. She believes that sharing our own life experiences helps others. She points out the importance of giving ourselves permission to revisit who we are and where we're going, and to make changes along the way.__________________Trish Tonaj is an award-winning marketing consultant, author, and founder of ShareYourStories.online, and is following her passion for the arts and trading a pen for a paintbrush as an artist.Trish started painting at an early age. Her work is best described as abstract and whimsical using pure color. Whether you hang her work outside or indoors, enjoy a splash of color to highlight your personal space. She invites you to explore your own creativity in a series of workshops “Colour Outside the Lines”, designed for corporate teams and entrepreneurs. Her work is found in Europe, the United States, and Canada.As a published author and speaker, she has two books: Breaking Barriers: 10 Entrepreneurial Women Share Their Stories and A Diary of Change: 12 Personal Tools.Trish is the founder of shareyourstories.online, an international marketing platform featuring business stories and sharing great ideas. She is the host for Business Mentorship; Keepin’ It Real, live and unscripted interviews introducing you to the person behind the logo.Find Trish here:https://trishtonaj.com/ https://ca.linkedin.com/in/trishtonaj https://www.linkedin.com/company/shareyourstories-online/?viewAsMember=truehttps://www.instagram.com/trish_tonaj/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/trishtonaj/ https://www.facebook.com/Phaze2iSupport the showI’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com​.