Inside Personal Growth with Greg Voisen

In this episode of Inside Personal Growth, host Greg Voisen sits down with award-winning playwright, performer, and psychotherapist Cynthia Moore to discuss her powerful memoir, Dancing on Coals: A Memoir of an Overperformer. Cynthia shares her extraordinary journey from being sent away to a Swiss finishing school at age 11, through the intensity of avant-garde theater in the Bay Area, to finding her true calling as a therapist weaving together spirituality, trauma healing, and authenticity. Her story explores the hunger for external validation, the cost of overperformance, and the profound liberation that comes with turning inward. Listeners will be inspired by her candid reflections on motherhood, marriage, forgiveness, and the spiritual practices that helped her transform pain into peace. 🌱 What Listeners Can Learn -How childhood trauma can serve as a doorway to spiritual awakening. -The hidden costs of overperforming and seeking external validation. -Why embracing emptiness and “enoughness” leads to deeper fulfillment. -Practical insights from Cynthia’s Buddhist practice and psychotherapy work. -How to reconcile creativity, ambition, and authenticity in your own life. Our Guest, Cynthia Moore: ➥ Book: Dancing on Coals: A Memoir of an Overperformer ➥ Buy Now: https://a.co/d/gWxKIek ➥https://www.cynthiamoorewrites.com/books Learn more about your Inside Personal Growth host, Greg Voisen: ➥ https://gregvoisen.com ➡️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insidepersonalgrowth/ ➡️Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsidePersonalGrowth/ ➡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregvoisen/ ➡️Twitter/ X: https://twitter.com/lvoisen/

In this Inside Personal Growth conversation, Greg Voisen interviews Ben Swire, award-winning designer, co-founder of Make Believe Works, and former IDEO design lead, about his upcoming book Safe Danger: An Unexpected Method for Sparking Connection, Finding Purpose, and Inspiring Innovation (Hardcover – October 14, 2025). Swire introduces the concept of “safe danger,” a sweet spot between comfort and risk where trust, belonging, and creativity thrive. Drawing from his own journey—transitioning from corporate marketing into design and culture-building—he shares how playful, low-stakes activities help individuals open up, teams bond, and organizations foster innovation. This episode is filled with stories, strategies, and real-world examples that show how Safe Danger can change not only the way teams work but also how people connect in their everyday lives. 🎧 What Listeners Can Learn -How the idea of safe danger helps people embrace vulnerability and creative risk-taking. -Why competition, passivity, and “old news” undermine team-building—and how to overcome them. -The role of generosity and small gestures in shaping workplace culture. -How to design activities that engage skeptics, introverts, and reluctant participants. -Practical methods for combating workplace loneliness and fostering belonging. Our Guest, Ben Swire: ➥ Book: Safe Danger: An Unexpected Method for Sparking Connection, Finding Purpose, and Inspiring Innovation ➥ Buy Now: https://a.co/d/4MaDKSp ➥https://www.benjaminswire.com/ ➡️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/now.and ➡️Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benjaminswire ➡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benswire Learn more about your Inside Personal Growth host, Greg Voisen: ➥ https://gregvoisen.com ➡️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insidepersonalgrowth/ ➡️Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsidePersonalGrowth/ ➡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregvoisen/ ➡️Twitter/ X: https://twitter.com/lvoisen/

In this episode of Inside Personal Growth, host Greg Voisen welcomes Lynn Blades, author of The Quiet Burn: The Ambitious Woman's Guide to Recognizing and Preventing Burnout. Lynn shares her deeply personal journey with burnout and the lessons she’s learned coaching high-performing women across industries. From the pressures of the “superwoman syndrome” to the realities of imposter syndrome, Lynn reveals how ambitious women can break free from unrealistic expectations, set healthy boundaries, and prioritize self-care without sacrificing their careers. 💡 Listeners will learn: How to identify the early warning signs of burnout. Why self-care is not selfish but essential. The dangers of perfectionism and how to redefine success. The importance of saying “no” and setting clear boundaries. How sisterhood and allyship empower women in leadership. Whether you’re a professional balancing multiple roles, a leader managing constant demands, or simply someone striving for sustainable success—this conversation offers practical strategies to thrive without burning out. Our Guest, Lynn Blades: ➥ Book: The Quiet Burn: The Ambitious Woman's Guide to Recognizing and Preventing Burnout ➥ Buy Now: https://a.co/d/6Ew6vJy ➥https://lynnblades.com/ ➡️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifecoachblades ➡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnblades Learn more about your Inside Personal Growth host, Greg Voisen: ➥ https://gregvoisen.com ➡️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insidepersonalgrowth/ ➡️Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsidePersonalGrowth/ ➡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregvoisen/ ➡️Twitter/ X: https://twitter.com/lvoisen/

In this Inside Personal Growth conversation, Greg Voisen welcomes Jeff DeGraff, University of Michigan professor, innovation expert, and co-author of The Art of Change: Transforming Paradoxes into Breakthroughs. Jeff shares his powerful framework for embracing contradictions as catalysts for transformation. Drawing on real-life experiences—from helping lead the accelerated development of COVID-19 vaccines to lessons in business, leadership, and personal growth—Jeff explains why paradoxes like “achieving more by doing less” or “resistance becoming a driver of change” are key to breakthrough innovation. Listeners will discover practical strategies to move beyond “change theater,” adopt a paradoxical mindset, and apply experiments, intuition, and collaboration to accelerate real transformation in their lives and organizations Listeners will learn: - Why contradictions and paradoxes are the real drivers of transformation. - How to spot the difference between “change theater” and genuine transformation. - Why facts rarely change minds—and what actually does. - How to experiment with small, low-risk steps to accelerate real breakthroughs. - Practical strategies for balancing stability with innovation inside organizations. Jeff’s stories—from building Domino’s Pizza into a fast-growing giant to advising NASA and Fortune 500 companies—bring these principles to life. This conversation will equip you with tools to embrace complexity, lead change with confidence, and create lasting breakthroughs in work and life. Our Guest, Jeff DeGraff: ➥ Book: The Art of Change: Transforming Paradoxes into Breakthroughs ➥ Buy Now: https://a.co/d/biYYd5h ➥https://jeffdegraff.com/ ➡️Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deanofinnovation ➡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/degraffjeff/ ➡️YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/JeffDeGraff1 ➡️Twitter/ X: https://twitter.com/JeffDeGraff/ Learn more about your Inside Personal Growth host, Greg Voisen: ➥ https://gregvoisen.com ➡️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insidepersonalgrowth/ ➡️Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsidePersonalGrowth/ ➡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregvoisen/ ➡️Twitter/ X: https://twitter.com/lvoisen/

In this inspiring episode of Inside Personal Growth, Greg Voisen sits down with Donzel Leggett, author of Make Your Destiny Happen. Drawing from decades of leadership at Fortune 500 companies and powerful personal stories, Donzel reveals how anyone can break free from limitations and authentically design the life they want. Listeners will learn: -How to move from feeling stuck to taking control of your destiny -The importance of being mindful and creating an authentic life plan -Why transformation - not just change - is the key to lasting success -Lessons from Denzel’s family, mentors, and career about resilience and character -Practical daily habits (like his 147-minute growth routine) to accelerate personal and professional growth Whether you’re seeking clarity in your career, striving for balance in life, or simply ready to rise after setbacks, this episode offers a blueprint to make your destiny happen—starting today Our Guest, Donzel Leggett: ➥ Book: Make Your Destiny Happen: Take Control of Your Life with the Destiny Development Delta Model for Transformational Success ➥ Buy Now: https://a.co/d/gdOKufA ➥https://destinydevdelta.com/ ➡️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donzel4mnhouse ➡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donzelleggett ➡️YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DonzelLeggett Learn more about your Inside Personal Growth host, Greg Voisen: ➥ https://gregvoisen.com ➡️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insidepersonalgrowth/ ➡️Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsidePersonalGrowth/ ➡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregvoisen/ ➡️Twitter/ X: https://twitter.com/lvoisen/

In this episode of Inside Personal Growth, Greg Voisen sits down with Steve Jaffe, author of The Layoff Journey: From Dismissal to Discovery. Drawing on his 25-year career in advertising and his personal experience of being laid off four times, Steve shares how job loss can be transformed from a devastating setback into an opportunity for self-discovery, renewal, and growth. Listeners will learn: -How to navigate the seven stages of grief after a layoff. -Why layoffs aren’t personal and how to separate identity from career. -Practical strategies for managing stress, building resilience, and finding new purpose. -The truth behind the myth of meritocracy and why hard work alone doesn’t protect against layoffs. -Tips for negotiating severance agreements and preparing for an uncertain job market. This conversation is filled with empathy, encouragement, and actionable insights for anyone navigating career transitions. Our Guest, Steve Jaffe: ➥ Book: The Layoff Journey From Dismissal to Discovery: Navigating the Stages of Grief After Job Loss ➥ Buy Now: https://a.co/d/auR1RNp ➥https://thestevejaffe.com/ ➡️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevejaffethelayoffjourney/ ➡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaffesteve/ Learn more about your Inside Personal Growth host, Greg Voisen: ➥ https://gregvoisen.com ➡️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insidepersonalgrowth/ ➡️Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsidePersonalGrowth/ ➡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregvoisen/ ➡️Twitter/ X: https://twitter.com/lvoisen/

In this episode, we sit down with Rob Acton, CEO of Core Strategy Partners and author of Becoming a Causie: Champion Your Cause through Nonprofit Board Leadership. Rob shares his decades of experience helping thousands of professionals discover their purpose and make a real impact by serving on nonprofit boards. You’ll learn: -What it means to be a “Causie” and why it matters -How busy professionals can find and champion a cause they care about -The 4 cause styles (Helping Hand, People Developer, Reformer, Disruptor) and how to discover yours -The role of nonprofit board members beyond just donating money -The “3 T’s” of board commitment: time, talent, and treasure -How cross-generational leadership strengthens the nonprofit world -Practical steps to identify your cause and start making an impact today Whether you’re an executive, an emerging professional, or someone simply looking to serve, this conversation offers a roadmap for transforming passion into meaningful advocacy. Our Guest, Rob Acton: ➥ Book: Becoming a Causie: Champion Your Cause through Nonprofit Board Leadership ➥ Buy Now: https://a.co/d/bDUE1GJ ➡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-acton-33833735/ Learn more about your Inside Personal Growth host, Greg Voisen: ➥ https://gregvoisen.com ➡️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insidepersonalgrowth/ ➡️Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsidePersonalGrowth/ ➡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregvoisen/ ➡️Twitter/ X: https://twitter.com/lvoisen/

In this episode of Inside Personal Growth, host Greg Voisen sits down with Noel Massie, former Vice President of UPS U.S. Operations and author of Congrats! You’ve Been Promoted: An Essential Guide for Helping New Leaders and Their Teams Succeed. Noel shares invaluable lessons from his journey—starting as a McDonald’s crew member at 16 to leading 200,000 employees at UPS. He unpacks the biggest myths about climbing the corporate ladder, how to turn disadvantages into strengths, and why feedback from peers and subordinates matters more than you think. Listeners will learn: -Why leadership is never casual and how every action counts. -The B.E.S.T. principle for handling tough conversations. -The 4-to-1 feedback rule to build trust and motivation. -How to use the Four-by-Five Method to resolve conflicts. Why Gen Z and Millennials require a new style of leadership focused on inclusivity and respect. If you’ve recently been promoted—or are aspiring to take the next step in leadership—this conversation offers practical frameworks, strategies, and inspiration to help you and your team thrive. 👉 Learn more about Noel and his masterclass at noelmassey.com. Our Guest, Noel Massie: ➥ Book: Congrats! You've Been Promoted: An Essential Guide for Helping New Leaders and Their Teams Succeed ➥ Buy Now: https://a.co/d/8aEVApY ➥https://noelmassie.com/ ➡️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noellmassie/ ➡️Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/UPSNoelMassie ➡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noel-massie-8b7511a/ Learn more about your Inside Personal Growth host, Greg Voisen: ➥ https://gregvoisen.com ➡️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insidepersonalgrowth/ ➡️Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsidePersonalGrowth/ ➡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregvoisen/ ➡️Twitter/ X: https://twitter.com/lvoisen/

Description: In this episode of Inside Personal Growth, Greg Voisen speaks with George Pesansky, author of Super Performance: 8 Strategies to Reach Full Potential for Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization. With over three decades of leadership and operational excellence experience, George shares how to turn rare “golden hours” of peak performance into consistent, long-term success. He unpacks strategies for mastering clarity, aligning teams, and unlocking the hidden “gold mines” within every organization. From breaking free of the “prisons of expectations” to eliminating reliance on workplace “jumper cables,” George offers practical, actionable advice for leaders who want to inspire, innovate, and achieve at the highest level. What Listeners Can Learn: -How to sustain peak performance beyond the moment -Why acceptance is just as important as solution quality -Ways to escape the “prisons of expectations” holding you back -The value of leading indicators over lagging metrics -How to uncover and use hidden strengths in your organization -Eliminating dependency on “superhero” problem solvers -Applying intentional improvement for lasting change -Listening with vocational application, not just conceptual understanding -Balancing immediate results with long-term system fixes Our Guest, George Pesansky: ➥ Book: Super Performance: 8 Strategies to Reach Full Potential for Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization ➥ Buy Now: https://a.co/d/10gPS58 Book Released on September 23, 2025. ➥https://myblendedlearning.com/ ➡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deliberateimprovement/ Learn more about your Inside Personal Growth host, Greg Voisen: ➥ https://gregvoisen.com ➡️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insidepersonalgrowth/ ➡️Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsidePersonalGrowth/ ➡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregvoisen/ ➡️Twitter/ X: https://twitter.com/lvoisen/

Description: In this deeply moving episode of Inside Personal Growth, Greg Voisen speaks with Meredith Parfet — chaplain, MBA, TED speaker, and founder of Raven Yard Group — about the profound intersections of grief, crisis, and leadership. From the devastating loss of her sister and her own near-death experience to leading organizations through catastrophic crises, Meredith shares the frameworks, tools, and mindset shifts that transform suffering into purpose. Her insights on “grief brain,” decision-making under pressure, and finding meaning amid chaos will inspire leaders and individuals alike to navigate life’s hardest moments with resilience and grace. What Listeners Will Learn: -How personal tragedies shaped Meredith’s unique approach to crisis management. -The biological and emotional effects of “grief brain” and how to counter them. -Why defining a crisis clearly is the first step toward resolving it. -Meredith’s 5-step Risk Readiness process for organizations. -How to balance authenticity with responsibility during uncertainty. -The role of self-compassion, forgiveness, and meaning-making in healing. -Why active engagement with grief leads to growth, rather than letting it passively consume you. Our Guest, Meredith Wilson Parfet: ➥https://meredithparfet.com/ ➡️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaplain_mba ➡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithwilsonparfet/ Learn more about your Inside Personal Growth host, Greg Voisen: ➥ https://gregvoisen.com ➡️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insidepersonalgrowth/ ➡️Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsidePersonalGrowth/ ➡️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregvoisen/ ➡️Twitter/ X: https://twitter.com/lvoisen/