Evoke Greatness Podcast

Send us a text🎧 Episode 163: Lead Beyond Limits: Thriving with a Hidden Disability with Jennifer Koster (Part 1)In this powerful episode, we dive deep with Jennifer Koster, an inspiring leader who shares her 30-year journey living with HEDS (Hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), a connective tissue disorder that remained undiagnosed until 2022. From college athlete to advocacy champion, Jennifer's story illuminates how personal challenges can become a source of unique strength and leadership wisdom.We explore:The challenging path to diagnosis and validationTransforming limitations into pathways for empowermentThe grieving process of adapting to progressive physical challengesFinding community and building your personal "tribe"Overcoming internalized ableism and shameLeading with curiosity instead of judgmentBuilding resilient teams through diversity of experience🔑 Key takeaways:Receiving a diagnosis can be empowering rather than limiting - providing validation, community, and better healthcare outcomesReframing our challenges helps transform our relationship with themIntentional language choices can dramatically shift our perspective on disabilitiesLearning to ask "what if?" opens new possibilities beyond perceived limitationsLeadership lessons from living with a hidden disability include adaptability, resilience, and authentic team building💡 Quotes to remember: "I'm empowered for independence." - Jennifer Koster's personal mantra"I don't use that language anymore. I didn't hurt myself. I became injured because of my condition." - Jennifer Koster on changing self-talk"She didn't see me as weak and barely hanging on... She saw me as a survivor." - Jennifer Koster on the power of others' perspectives🌟 Featured Insights:How receiving a diagnosis after 30 years brought relief and communityThe importance of leading with curiosity over judgment in both healthcare and leadershipTaking feedback as data rather than personal criticismBuilding teams of people willing to learn and journey togetherPracticing essential self-care to prevent burnout📚 Resources: As May is EDS Awareness Month, look for Jennifer's planned 2025 campaign featuring fellow "zebras" (the symbol of the EDS community) Watch for Jennifer's talk: "Lead Beyond Resilience through the lens of a hidden disability"Connect with Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-koster-mba-sphr-shrm-scp-1a648810/A rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/ https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatness http://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us a text🎧 Ep. 162 Time Poverty: Achieve More by Doing Less with Peggy Sullivan (Part 2)In this continuation, TEDx speaker Peggy Sullivan reveals the remaining two steps of her Busy Busting Process and shares how workplace transformations occur when we shift from busyness to intentionality.We explore:The four core values that drive fulfillment: Energy Management, Human Connection, Growth, and AuthenticityWhy "less is more" creates higher performance and deeper satisfactionHow micro-changes in email and meeting habits can reclaim 8+ hours weeklyThe unexpected connection between happiness rituals and workplace metrics🔑 Key takeaways:The ripple effect of busyness extends beyond you to everyone in your orbitDistinguish between micro-stresses (temporary) and macro-stresses (significant)The human brain cannot stay deeply engaged for more than 90 minutes without breaksWorkplace happiness rituals can improve metrics by over 30% in weeksTrue leadership requires moving beyond transactional relationships💡 Quotes to remember: "It's got this ripple effect... you've just really got to start to think about how you can be more effective and what is most important." - Peggy SullivanConnect with Peggy: Website: https://www.peggysullivanspeaker.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggyasullivan/TEDx: "Eliminating Time Poverty by Doing Less" (2024) Book: "Beyond Busyness: How to Achieve More by Doing Less" https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Busyness-Achieve-Doing-Less%EF%BB%BF/dp/B0DGMPZTBGA rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/ https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatness http://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us a text 🎧 Ep. 161 Time Poverty: Achieve More by Doing Less with Peggy Sullivan (Part 1) In this powerful episode, TEDx speaker Peggy Sullivan reveals her journey from "busyness addict" to creator of the revolutionary Busy Busting Process. Discover how to escape the hamster wheel of constant activity and reclaim hours of your week through research-backed strategies.We explore:The shocking truth about time poverty and why 94% of professionals feel trapped by busynessHow the average person wastes one-third of their day on low-value activitiesThe first step of the Busy Busting Process: SubtractionWhy micro-steps create sustainable change when massive overhauls fail🔑 Key takeaways:Busyness triggers addictive dopamine responses, creating harmful cyclesUsing the Busy Barometer tool identifies your specific time-wasting patternsSmall, consistent changes yield massive results (5-7 hours gained weekly)Breaking the busyness addiction starts with subtracting low-value activities💡 Quotes to remember: "I'm a busyness addict in recovery... This busyness is controlling me, and I'm not controlling it." - Peggy Sullivan"90% of people who take on this process get an average five to seven hours back per week." - Peggy Sullivan"94% of the population is over-the-top busy, wants to be less busy, but they are clueless on how to add more meaning and value to their life." - Peggy Sullivan🌟 Success Stories:How an executive slashed daily emails from 800 to 56 through simple process changesA VP single mother transformed her productivity with just 20 minutes of strategic self-care dailyConnect with Peggy: Website: https://www.peggysullivanspeaker.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggyasullivan/TEDx: "Eliminating Time Poverty by Doing Less" (2024) Book: "Beyond Busyness: How to Achieve More by Doing Less" https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Busyness-Achieve-Doing-Less%EF%BB%BF/dp/B0DGMPZTBGA rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/ https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatness http://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us a textWhat does it truly mean to be bold? For Sonnie Linebarger, boldness begins not with action but with "exploration of what's possible for ourselves"—a mindset shift that transformed her life journey from CNA to CEO.In this powerful conversation from The Bold Lounge podcast, I share my personal evolution through healthcare leadership, entrepreneurship, and my current role as CEO of Cadre Hospice. The path wasn't linear—it included corporate burnout, a period of recalibration as an entrepreneur, and ultimately finding a leadership position aligned with my deepest values.The turning point in my journey came at age 35 when I discovered personal development and realized I wasn't limited by my circumstances. Growing up with a single parent in poverty, I had accepted a fixed mindset about what was possible for my life. That mental breakthrough unleashed possibilities I never imagined existed.One of the most valuable lessons I learned was identifying my non-negotiables—especially prioritizing family alongside professional ambition. This shift required redefining success itself, moving beyond titles and compensation to measure my impact and fulfillment in both professional and personal realms. Success became less about climbing ladders and more about creating meaningful change while honoring my core values.For anyone contemplating their own bold moves, start by exploring those "wild thoughts" you'd never say aloud. Write them down in present tense, take small steps outside your comfort zone, and watch how these micro-actions build momentum. Remember: "You're only confined by your own limitations, by what you think in your own mind."Ready to explore what's possible in your life? Listen now and discover how changing your thoughts can transform not just your career, but your entire future.A rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/ https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatness http://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us a text🎧 Episode 159: BOLD by Design with Leigh Burgess (Part 2)In this continuation of our conversation with Leigh Burgess, founder of the Bold Women's Community and bestselling author of "Be BOLD Today," we dive deeper into redefining boldness, breaking free from perfectionism, and setting healthy boundaries. Leigh shares practical strategies for women to step into their authentic power while maintaining balance in both personal and professional life.We explore:How to redefine boldness in a way that feels authentic rather than aggressiveThe five myths of bold, including the misconception that boldness must be "big and loud"Breaking the cycle of perfectionism and its impact on productivityThe value of intentional calendar management and meeting effectivenessPractical boundary-setting techniques for both work and personal lifeThe role of community in supporting bold moves and authentic leadershipCurrent challenges and opportunities in women's leadership🔑 Key takeaways:True boldness is often found in quiet, personal moments rather than social media-worthy actionsProductivity should be measured by alignment with your vision, not by how busy you areThe "curse of the competent" - high performers often receive more responsibilities without additional resourcesEffective boundary setting begins with recognizing your own role in creating blurred boundariesWomen still struggle with apologizing for ambition and downplaying accomplishmentsSetting boundaries is not a passive act - it requires intention and consistent reinforcementBelieving in yourself is the foundation for any meaningful change or bold action💡 Quotes to remember: "The boldest moments really for me, and a lot of the women, are quiet ones... how they're talking to themselves or how they're talking themselves out of something." - Leigh Burgess"I used to be like, 'I'm in 12 hours of back-to-back meetings' and I thought that was something cool to say... but wow, what a cost." - Leigh Burgess"You cannot do one thing that doesn't affect the other. A lot of women think, 'I'm doing this over here, but it's not going to affect my personal life'... they absolutely are linked." - Leigh Burgess"I used to call that the curse of the competent, meaning, like, the better you do, the more you can do, the more you get." - Leigh Burgess"We still need to get better at sharing our wins. Don't apologize for being ambitious." - Leigh Burgess"You are the one that has to believe in you before anyone else... ultimately that is what should be driving your action, is your belief of what is possible." - Leigh Burgess🌟 Featured Insights:How to use the Vision Builder tool to clarify goals and identify first stepsPractical strategies for reclaiming your calendar and setting work boundariesWhy perfectionism often masquerades as productivityThe importance of celebrating wins without minimizing or apologizingHow to advocate for yourself when worA rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/ https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatness http://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us a text🎧 Episode 158: Embracing Boldness with Leigh Burgess (Part 2)In this  conversation with Leigh Burgess, founder of the Bold Women's Community and national bestselling author of "Be BOLD Today," we explore how she's revolutionizing the way women show up in business and life. With over 20 years of experience in leadership development, Leigh shares insights on building authentic community, creating transformative spaces, and helping women design lives they love.We explore:The pivotal moment that sparked Leigh's mission to help women embrace boldnessThe BOLD framework: Believe, Own, Learn, DesignHow intentionally small, intimate communities create deeper connectionsThe importance of creating safe spaces where women can show up authenticallyWhy taking the first step toward change can inspire othersHow facing the "worst case scenario" mindset holds women backThe journey from corporate burnout to entrepreneurship and community building🔑 Key takeaways:The BOLD framework provides a structured approach to transformation: Believe, Own, Learn, DesignCommunity is essential for women making bold moves in their lives and careersSmaller, more intimate groups create deeper connections and more meaningful transformationsThe "Be BOLD Today" book guides readers to create their own bold blueprint for actionWomen often talk themselves out of action by focusing on worst-case scenariosYou don't have to go "all in" to make meaningful change—small steps matterYour bold moves can inspire others who are watching your journey💡 Quotes to remember: "I wanted to create a space where women could be themselves in a 360 degree way." - Leigh Burgess"Life is kind of a group project. There's different people that are going to support you and are going to be part of that journey." - Leigh Burgess🌟 Featured Insights:How the Bold Women's Community creates a "come as you are" environmentThe power of taking the first step rather than waiting for perfectionWhy small, focused gatherings lead to deeper connections than large networksHow Leigh's personal burnout journey informed her approach to helping othersThe importance of direct founder involvement in community buildingWhy women feel responsible to "get it right" on the first try📚 Connect with Leigh:https://leighburgess.com/Book: "Be BOLD Today: Unleash Your Potential, Master Your Mindset and Achieve Success": https://a.co/d/gPCC2wNPodcast: The Bold Lounge: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bold-lounge/id1634458725A rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/ https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatness http://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us a text🎧 Episode 157: Mind, Body & Leadership with Brynn Scarborough (Part 2)In this continuation of our conversation with Brynn Scarborough, President and CEO of JK Products & Services North America, we dive deeper into practical wellness strategies and the psychological aspects of leadership. Brynn shares her personal routines, the power of journaling, and why vulnerability might be a leader's greatest strength.We explore:The transformative power of "I am" statements and gratitude journalingHow to manage pressure and expectations as a woman leaderThe importance of sustainable wellness practices rather than "running the tank until destroyed"Non-negotiable daily routines that keep high-performing leaders at their bestWhy asking for help requires courage and persistence, especially in a hybrid work environmentCreating psychological safety for yourself and your teamThe value of learning from failures rather than successes🔑 Key takeaways:Journaling creates a tangible record of growth that helps you appreciate your evolutionReframing self-talk from "I should" to "I am" can reprogram your brain through subliminal primingSustainable wellness means finding practices you enjoy that can be easily integrated into your lifeSleep, hydration, supplements, and consistent movement form the foundation of daily wellnessWomen often hesitate to ask for help due to fear of rejection or appearing vulnerableTrue leadership is demonstrated by how you get back up after falling, not how you succeedLife is short—focus on what truly matters rather than temporary discomforts or anxieties💡 Quotes to remember: "We have so many mental blocks about sounding arrogant that words will not even escape our mouths." - Brynn Scarborough"Your team doesn't really need to see you succeed. What they learn from is when they see you get knocked down and how you get back up." - Brynn Scarborough"The emotional energy that we invest in the avoidance is so much heavier than just confronting the thing." - Brynn Scarborough"Life is short. Do the thing that scares you. You won't care about whether you felt comfortable in the boardroom at the end of your life." - Brynn Scarborough🌟 Featured Insights:How to develop a flexible rather than rigid approach to wellness routinesThe importance of creating psychological safety for authentic leadershipWhy teams need to "struggle well together" rather than avoid challengesThe courage to have difficult conversations and why it's a critical leadership skillUsing life's brevity as a barometer for decision-making📚 Connect with Brynn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brynnscarboroughCompany Website: https://wellnessjk.comA rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/ https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatness http://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us a text🎧 Episode 156: Mind, Body & Leadership with Brynn ScarboroughIn this inspiring episode, Brynn Scarborough, President and CEO of JK Products & Services North America, shares her journey as a tech-forward wellness innovator and passionate advocate for women in leadership. From her decade-long commitment to red light therapy to her insights on creating psychological safety for women leaders, Brynn offers valuable wisdom for both personal wellness and professional growth.We explore:* The revolutionary benefits of red light therapy for cell turnover and recovery* How the wellness technology industry has evolved and become democratized post-COVID* The importance of creating psychological safety for teams during rapid change* Practical approaches to incorporating wellness into busy professional lives* The critical lack of female role models in leadership positions* Common manifestations of imposter syndrome in mid-career women* The power of incremental changes in building sustainable wellness habits* The neurological impact of positive self-talk and "I am" statements🔑 Key takeaways:1. Red light therapy improves cell efficiency and turnover, with applications ranging from inflammation reduction to recovery2. The democratization of wellness research has made advanced therapies more accessible3. Small, consistent habit changes can transform your wellness baseline over time4. Psychological safety is essential for team adaptation during unpredictable times5. Women should embrace mentorship opportunities without waiting to feel "ready"6. Changing negative self-talk is crucial for overcoming imposter syndrome7. Mental fitness requires the same intentional training as physical fitness💡 Quotes to remember:"I always like to lead my backstory with just the fact that I'm an unlikely leader. And I love to invest and grow unlikely leaders." - Brynn Scarborough"We have to be aware that what people are carrying in their backpacks, whether physically or emotionally, is much heavier than it was before." - Brynn Scarborough"The brain doesn't know the difference between your intention and reality. Speaking in 'I am' statements out loud to yourself is powerful." - Brynn Scarborough🌟 Featured Insights:* How NASA originally developed red light therapy technology in the 1970s* The importance of treating wellness as an experiment with incremental improvements * Why mental fitness should be approached with the same dedication as physical fitness* The transformative power of serving as a "mirror" to reflect others' potential📚 Connect with Brynn:* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brynnscarborough* Email: brynn@jkamerica.comA rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/ https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatness http://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us a text🎧 Episode 155 Part 2: Finding Light in Darkness: A Journey Through Grief and Hope with Kelci Jager (Part 2)In this continuation, Kelci Jager delves deeper into the challenges of parenting through grief and reveals the unexpected ways loss continues to shape our journey. Her candid discussion about navigating grief alongside her four sons offers invaluable insights for others walking similar paths.We explore:The complexity of parenting while grievingUnderstanding children as "silent grievers"How grief triggers can surface unexpectedlyThe evolution from personal healing to professional callingThe distinction between grief coaching and therapyThe relationship between the nervous system and griefFinding purpose through personal pain🔑 Key takeaways:Parenting through grief requires extraordinary grace and patienceChildren often hide their grief to protect their grieving parentGrief evolves but doesn't necessarily get smallerTraditional therapy may not always address the unique needs of griefUnderstanding your grief responses can be empoweringHope and belief are enough to begin healing💡 Quotes to remember: "Grief is there because love was there first." - Kelci Jager"One tiny flame of light can snuff out so much darkness." - Kelci Jager"You move forward and integrate the grief into your life. You bring your loved one with you." - Kelci Jager🌟 Featured Insights:The importance of allowing space for grief to existHow neural pathways can trigger grief responsesWhy grief coaching differs from traditional therapyThe power of awareness in managing griefThe transformation from feeling lost to guiding others📚 Resources:Website: https://risewithgrief.com/Book: "A Million Miracles: And The One That Never Came" on AmazonInstagram: @risewithgriefFacebook: Kelci JagerFree Video: "The Truth About Grief" available on websiteA rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/ https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatness http://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us a text🎧 Episode 154: Finding Light in Darkness: A Journey Through Grief and Hope with Kelci JagerIn this deeply moving episode, I sit down with Kelci Jager, author of "A Million Miracles: And The One That Never Came," certified life coach, grief coach, and registered nurse.  After losing her beloved husband Collin to leukemia at age 40 following an 18-month battle, Kelci shares her powerful journey of transformation and healing while raising their four sons. We explore:Life before tragedy - the beautiful foundationNavigating multiple family crises during the pandemicThe journey from critical care nurse to grief expertUnderstanding grief in a grief-illiterate societyThe power of hope in the darkest momentsBreaking through societal misconceptions about griefFinding light when everything seems darkThe story behind her powerful memoir🔑 Key takeaways:Grief doesn't move in linear stages - it becomes part of who you areThere's no right or wrong way to grieve - each journey is uniqueHope serves as a crucial lifeline during times of crisisLooking for light in darkness is a survival skillSociety's attempt to "fix" grief often creates disconnectionProfessional experience with grief differs vastly from personal experience💡 Quotes to remember: "No matter how dark your world looks, there is always light to be found. Always." - Kelci Jager"Grief becomes part of you when you experience a loss, when you experience trauma. It doesn't define you, but it becomes part of you." - Kelci Jager"You wouldn't have been able to do the things that were required of you that nobody should ever be required to do without hope." - Kelci Jager🌟 Featured Insights:The transformation of hope from a nice-to-have to a lifelineHow masking grief impacts the healing journeyThe importance of sitting with grief rather than trying to fix itThe power of choosing how to respond to tragedyThe unexpected way her book came to be written📚 Resources:Learn more about Kelci's work: https://risewithgrief.com/Purchase "A Million Miracles: And The One That Never Came": https://www.amazon.com/dp/1068683848?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_ASNZCGKXT9HMDAHJ6P1FA rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/ https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatness http://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness