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Next Level Confident

Next Level Confident

By Janelle Lynnae

The Next Level Confident Podcast is a show focused on helping you live your most confident life, whatever that means to you. I'm Janelle Lynnae and my husband Frankie and I will chat about everything from money to relationships, to thought patterns and inner healing…. to having main character energy…. to the occasional Netflix show reference! So if you're ready to overcome your negative self-talk, start becoming the most magnetic version of yourself, and living your life in full confidence so you can finally go after your dreams… then you are in the right place!
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17. Debt, Budgeting & Money- All the Scary Topics We Like to Avoid by Janelle Lynnae

Next Level ConfidentJan 16, 2020

00:00
39:41
75. Frankie & My Faith Stories + 3 Reasons Having Faith at the Center of Our Marriage has Made it More Successful

75. Frankie & My Faith Stories + 3 Reasons Having Faith at the Center of Our Marriage has Made it More Successful

Check out my FREE Guide: 7 Toxic Lies Blocking You From Attracting Your Dream Husband 💗 CLICK HERE: https://next-level-confident.ck.page/a410378c65

Mar 21, 202459:57
74. 6 Dating Lessons From *Love is Blind* Season 6

74. 6 Dating Lessons From *Love is Blind* Season 6

Check out my FREE Guide: 7 Toxic Lies Blocking You From Attracting Your Dream Husband 💗 CLICK HERE: https://next-level-confident.ck.page/a410378c65

Mar 08, 202441:17
73. Good Delulu vs. Bad Delulu in Dating

73. Good Delulu vs. Bad Delulu in Dating

Check out my newest (free!) masterclass: ✨9 Key Factors Delaying Your Dream Man From Finding You✨


REGISTER HERE:

https://event.webinarjam.com/channel/janelle_lynnae


Mar 01, 202446:23
72. Why You Shouldn't be Friends with Your Ex's + 3 Shows We're Obsessed w/ Currently

72. Why You Shouldn't be Friends with Your Ex's + 3 Shows We're Obsessed w/ Currently

Check out my FREE Guide: 7 Toxic Lies that are Blocking You From Attracting Your Dream Husband 💕 CLICK HERE: https://next-level-confident.ck.page/a410378c65

Jan 25, 202445:18
71. Answering Your Relationship Questions - How to navigate break-ups, should you get back together, and how to raise self-love on the singleness journey!

71. Answering Your Relationship Questions - How to navigate break-ups, should you get back together, and how to raise self-love on the singleness journey!

Check out my newest (free!) guide: 7 Toxic Lies that are Blocking You from Attraction Your Dream Man 💕 CLICK HERE: https://next-level-confident.ck.page/a410378c65

Dec 20, 202352:14
70. How to Stay in the *Honeymoon Phase Forever* - Tangible Tools & Tips!

70. How to Stay in the *Honeymoon Phase Forever* - Tangible Tools & Tips!

Check out my newest (free!) guide: 7 Toxic Lies that are Blocking you from Attracting Your Dream Man 💕 CLICK HERE: https://next-level-confident.ck.page/a410378c65

Dec 13, 202345:09
69. Recognizing the 7 Signs of Low Self Confidence + What to do About it

69. Recognizing the 7 Signs of Low Self Confidence + What to do About it

Check out my newest (free!) guide: 7 Toxic Lies that are Blocking you from Attracting Your Dream Man 💕 https://next-level-confident.ck.page/a410378c65

Nov 30, 202349:07
68. Our Love Story: How Frankie & I Met + Relationship Tips Along the Way
Nov 20, 202357:17
67. Part 2 - Navigating Career Changes & UPDATE on My Current Career Shift :)

67. Part 2 - Navigating Career Changes & UPDATE on My Current Career Shift :)

Today's is a Solo episode with yours truly, Janelle Lynnae.


***I WILL BE SHARING MY CURRENT CAREER SHIFT in the 2nd half of this episode!!!!!***


I'm often asked how I got to where I am today and how I found a career that I'm very passionate about, so thought it would be fun to share the entire journey with you.


This episode got a bit lengthy so I decided to break it into a part 1 and part 2.


In this episode we cover:

  • giving yourself permission to make career changes and explore new possibilities
  • releasing shame for not knowing the ONE exact thing you want to do for the rest of your life
  • being brave enough to ask for jobs that you're not qualified for, or even creating jobs for companies based on a need that you see
  • dealing with failure and closed doors, how to pivot gracefully
  • realizing that life is all about trying different things and not judging ourselves for wanting to make changes
  • my ridiculous rollercoaster career story and how many jobs I’ve worked in my lifetime… 
  • I think this episode will make you feel a lot less serious or intense about making a career change if you are considering it, because life isn’t really as serious as we make it, and all things are working out for our greatest good at all times! 

Join my FREE MASTERCLASS! You’ll learn:

  • why you continue to attract mediocre results into your career and relationships 
  • how to break free from negative patterns and create a life of abundance 
  • how to experience inner healing so you can start believing in your true worth + potential
  • my exact process to powerfully shift your thought patterns so you can create joy & peace in your mind 

Register here: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/2/4y84kbg⁠⁠ 

(PLUS... in this masterclass you will create your own personalized affirmations that *actually work*)

MY LINKS:

Instagram:⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/janelle_lynnae/⁠⁠ 

TikTok:⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@janelle_lynnae⁠⁠ 

My book, Flex Your Confidence Muscle, on Amazon:⁠⁠ https://www.amazon.com/Flex-Your-Confidence-Muscle-Overcome/dp/1957048484/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1687288394&sr=8-1⁠⁠ 

Nov 02, 202349:39
66. Giving Yourself Permission to Make Career Changes + The Story of My Career Journey - Part 1

66. Giving Yourself Permission to Make Career Changes + The Story of My Career Journey - Part 1

Today's episode is a solo ep with yours truly, Janelle Lynnae.

I'm often asked how I got to where I am today and how I found a career that I'm very passionate about, so thought it would be fun to share the entire journey with you.

This episode got a bit lengthy so I decided to break it into a part 1 and part 2.


In this episode we cover:

  • giving yourself permission to make career changes and explore new possibilities

  • releasing shame for not knowing the ONE exact thing you want to do for the rest of your life

  • being brave enough to ask for jobs that you're not qualified for, or even creating jobs for companies based on a need that you see

  • dealing with failure and closed doors, how to pivot gracefully

  • realizing that life is all about trying different things and not judging ourselves for wanting to make changes

  • my ridiculous rollercoaster career story and how many jobs I’ve worked in my lifetime… 

  • I think this episode will make you feel a lot less serious or intense about making a career change if you are considering it, because life isn’t really as serious as we make it, and all things are working out for our greatest good at all times!


Join my FREE MASTERCLASS! You’ll learn:

  • why you continue to attract mediocre results into your career and relationships 
  • how to break free from negative patterns and create a life of abundance 
  • how to experience inner healing so you can start believing in your true worth + potential
  • my exact process to powerfully shift your thought patterns so you can create joy & peace in your mind 

Register here: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/2/4y84kbg 

(PLUS... in this masterclass you will create your own personalized affirmations that *actually work*)


MY LINKS:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janelle_lynnae/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janelle_lynnae 

My book, Flex Your Confidence Muscle, on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Flex-Your-Confidence-Muscle-Overcome/dp/1957048484/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1687288394&sr=8-1 


Sep 06, 202348:53
65. 6 Limiting Beliefs We've Personally Overcome + Thought Patterns We Now Choose to Believe

65. 6 Limiting Beliefs We've Personally Overcome + Thought Patterns We Now Choose to Believe

Aug 10, 202348:29
64. 7 Specific Ways to Embody *Main Character Energy*
Jul 21, 202351:21
63. The Pros & Cons of a Power Couple Relationship
Jul 12, 202347:21
62. How to Identify + Overcome Self-Sabotage

62. How to Identify + Overcome Self-Sabotage

Jun 29, 202343:00
61. How to Live a Millionaire Lifestyle BEFORE you’re a Millionaire + Abundance Mindset + $$ Habits
Jun 21, 202342:04
60. Negotiation Tips for Women to Level Up Badassery with Ginnette Harvey

60. Negotiation Tips for Women to Level Up Badassery with Ginnette Harvey

How can women in the workplace advocate for themselves?
Today we're joined with Ginnette Harvey, Founder of
Harper and Gray!

We'll answer questions such as:

  • How to succeed as a woman in STEM?
  • How do I negotiate?
  • How can I ask for a raise or promotion?
  • How can scarcity as a woman at work be leveraged in my favor?
"Leaders create leaders."

You can either follow the grain or step out onto your own path. When it comes to being a woman in the workplace, we need to take on leadership roles. It was because Ginnette wasn't afraid to be different and stand out that she was able to be a leader and mentor to many  women so they could do the same.

Being a leader doesn't mean you have to lose your feminine energy (empathy, kindness, etc.). Leadership and feminine energy actually go hand in hand. You can have it all as a leader!

"Be a voice of authority."

Typically, women don't make up the majority of employees at a workplace. It's easy to feel outnumbered or less than. Sometimes hiding in the shadows of our male coworkers feels safe and is how we cope with being one of few. But no more! You aren't benefitting from staying in the shadows. You may be staying stagnant or you might actually be declining but either way, neither is ideal.

Instead of looking at the gender numbers and feeling like "the only," think about what opportunity that presents to you. You are a scarcity who brings unique and one of a kind  ideas and skills to the table! Use being the only female or one of the only females to your advantage, not your disadvantage.

"Don't feel like you need to tick all the boxes."

Generally speaking, women wait to apply for a job or ask for a raise/promotion until they have checked all the boxes or become over qualified for a job. Whereas men don't wait. Men will go for jobs knowing they are underqualified. And guess what? Much of the time they get those positions. We have highly competent women working for average men! It's time to ditch the perfectionist attitude and dive right into getting after what you want. You don't need to wait until you're the "perfect person" for the job.

Action step: we are all responsible for change, regardless of your vantage point. Play your part and take steps towards making a change!

Don't forget to check out the wonderful resources!

Ginnette Harvey has spent 15 years in the Recruitment industry, co-founded the North American business of one of the largest specialist staffing players globally, and was named by SIA as one of the Top 100 Influential leaders in the field. In 2021, she founded Harper and Gray which has a mission to drive equality through Talent Management.

Connect with Ginnette on LinkedIn @ginnetteharvey or on her website: Harper and Gray

Jun 02, 202101:00:21
59. How to Overcome Self-Sabotage and Leverage Courage with Emma Marlatt

59. How to Overcome Self-Sabotage and Leverage Courage with Emma Marlatt

Is self-sabotage getting in the way of accomplishing your goals? Sometimes self-sabotage feels like an unstoppable force, but you have the power to change that.

You're going to want to grab a pen and paper because we're getting deep today! 

We're joined with Life and Leadership Coach, Emma Marlatt and we're going to be talking all about self-sabotage.


We'll answer questions such as:

  • What is self-sabotage?
  • How can I work through my self-sabotage?
  • What role does fear play in reaching my goals?
  • What are different methods of self-sabotage?
  • How does confidence play a part?
"You always make time for things that matter."

One limiting belief so many people struggle with is believing they don't have time. We all have the same amount of time in a day: 24 hours. Not having time ins't the issue, it's how you choose to utilize your time.

We self-sabotage by convincing ourselves we don't have time to work towards our goals, when really we're filling our time with activities and chores of less importance. You might have a full-time job or a family to take care of or maybe even both. All those things are very important to put your time towards. It's the endless scrolling on instagram, excessive cleaning, etc. that's used to prolong starting or completing your goals.

"We take away the power from the fear."

Self-sabotage often stems from a place of fear. Maybe you're afraid of failure or embarrassment or the financial commitment of your goal. We can get so deep into our fears that what we want to achieve completely takes the back seat.

You can take the power away from fear. It's so important to surround yourself with a good support system. Talk to them about what's scaring you! By laying it all out, we are already starting to take the power back. You can't do life alone. Community is so necessary. Fear is a part of life and that's okay. But the key is to learn how to live with the fear and be okay with the nerves; don't just let it take you over.

Don't forget to check out these awesome mentionables and sign up for one of Emma's retreats!

Emma Marlatt coaches badass females who are on the go and constantly chasing the next goal. She supports them in creating a life of ease and building a foundation in self love, rather than their worth coming from what the world says of them.

She helps them stop the burn out train and step into a mindset that allows them to be present, have meaningful relationships, and create balance.

Connect with Emma on IG @em_marlatt or check out her website www.emmamarlatt.com

May 13, 202147:12
58. How to Ask for a Raise w/ Confidence! with Meggie Palmer

58. How to Ask for a Raise w/ Confidence! with Meggie Palmer

Have you ever wanted to ask for a raise but didn't know where to start?

So many women feel extra pressure and anxiety around asking for a raise but it doesn't need to stay that way!

Today we hear from Founder and CEO of Peptalkher, Meggie Palmer!

We'll answer questions such as:

  • How are different races harmed by the gender gap?
  • Why is asking for a raise “scary”?
  • What is the confidence gap?
  • How can rejection propel me forward?
"We want to close the gap for everyone."

Download The PepTalkHer App now.

The pay gap is not just about gender! The typical gender pay gap is roughly 20% for white women. 20% is crazy!

And it's frustrating to see so many hard working and deserving women receiving less than their male coworkers.

Unfortunately, that 20% is the smallest gap. Women of color are paid even less in comparison. The gender pay gap may start with gender but it doesn't just end there. All the more reason it's time we close the gap.

"A rejection is just a redirection."

Rejection happens. A lot. Being told "no" has been a part of our lives since we were all very young. It was probably even one of the first few words you learned to say!

So why is receiving a "no" such big fear when it comes to our jobs? The world doesn't implode when we are told "no." We continue life as it was.

The key when facing rejection is to not let the no be an end all. Instead, let the "no" be a redirection. If you didn't get the promotion or pay raise you wanted, what can you still get? What else is on the negotiation table?

"Preparation is the most important thing."

Preparation is crucial in asking for a raise. Before you enter into that conversation, you need to have your wish figure, want figure, and walk figure outlined.

Wish figure: what is a number that just sounds too insane to be paid?

Want figure: what number is going to get you excited about work?

Walk figure: what number is too low for your worth?

Having these numbers in your head and ready to go will help you decide whether or not an offer is worth it.

Don't forget to check out the Free Five Day Challenge!

  • Covid has disproportionately impacted women!
    • Women are more likely to lose jobs and on more responsibilities at home
  • Going the Know Your Worth Challenge - 5 minutes for 5 days to understand your worth and ask for your worth
  • Head to Peptalkher.com/challenge
  • Great for professional women

Action step: know that you are SO awesome. Know your worth!

Meggie palmer is the Founder and CEO of Peptalkher, an App you can download for free!

Meggie and her team are on a mission to close the pay gap and help supercharge your career!

Connect with Meggie on IG @meggiepalmer or through her website peptalkher.com and @peptalkher on all major social media platforms

Apr 29, 202155:54
57. Why Inclusion & Belonging Starts within YOU with Travis Robinson

57. Why Inclusion & Belonging Starts within YOU with Travis Robinson

Everyone wants to feel included and like they belong. You have the power to belong regardless of what anyone else says.

In today's episode, we hear from Travis Robinson, Global Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Spotify!

We'll answer questions such as:

  • How can I create an environment of inclusion and belonging for myself and others?
  • What is the difference between happiness and joy?
  • Why is it important to set boundaries?
  • How can I prioritize myself?
“There is power behind inclusion and belonging for yourself. Belonging starts within you”

You need to believe that you belong wherever you are and wherever you're going. Regardless of anyone (including society as a whole) who tells you that you don't belong. Be firm in knowing you that you DO.

Of course it's important to surround yourself with people and companies who are showing their inclusion and diversity, but you need to believe it for yourself so you aren't relying on others to tell you where you belong.

“The things that spark you joy should connect to your purpose.”

Joy is knowng who you are and being PROUD of what you're doing. Your purpose and your joy and not the same thing, however, they are very connect with one another.

Joy is long term and sticks with you because it is part of  your being. We define purpose as when you feel enriched and full with the things that bring you joy because they are intertwined with what your life's purpose is.

“It’s so easy losing yourself fighting for everyone else”

You've heard it before and you're hearing it again because this point is just SO important. You need to take care of yourself to take care of others. Process your life's trauma, take care of your mental and physical self, make sure your cup is being filled before you go full force into giving yourself to the needs of others.

The airplane analogy is always perfect for this topic. The flight attendants tell you to put on your oxygen mask before you help others in an emergency. Why do they say this? Because you can't help others if you're not taking care of your own needs first.

Make sure you check out this amazing read!

Our song and artist recommendations:

  • Fresh Wind Hillsong
  • You’re Never Alone Brittany Howard
  • Brittany Spencer
  • Oh Wonder
  • Surfaces


Travis L. Robinson is a people and brand evangelist, specializing in curating connections and experiences for diversity, equity and belonging.

Travis is Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist Officer of Zeal Culture, The 12th Avenue Agency, and Belonging. At Monday - a collective of brand development, thought leadership and talent engagement organizations focused on underrepresented communities.  In addition, he currently serves as Global Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging for Spotify.

Connect with Travis!

Twitter: @travislrobinson | instagram: @travis.l.robinson | website: www.travislinardrobinson.com

Mar 31, 202101:06:27
56. Social Impact, Purpose & Get Your Butt off the Couch! with Anna Derinova-Hartmann

56. Social Impact, Purpose & Get Your Butt off the Couch! with Anna Derinova-Hartmann

Have you ever thought about the social impact you have?

Or maybe that you have no impact? (which isn't true!)

Today we hear from Community Engagement and CSR Program Manager at Amazon, Anna Derinova-Hartmann!


We'll answer questions such as:

  • What is social impact?
  • How can I make an impact in my community?
  • What is my purpose?
  • How can I get off the hamster wheel?
“You have it, you share it."

Thinking about your social impact can be daunting. It's best to break it down especially when you're first beginning. One of the easiest ways to start contributing to your social impact is to share what you have an abundance of. Making sure you and your family have what you need first and foremost is important, but letting go of all the extras you have is a great way to make a positive impact. You could also start volunteering somewhere where there's a need.

"Don’t be afraid to have a day or two where you're not saving the world."

Doing good and helping out the people in your community is amazing. However, sometimes we get so caught up in it that we end up feeling guilty if we aren't constantly putting effort towards others. Taking time to check in with yourself and focus on what you need is just as important as helping out others. Think of it like the classic "help yourself to help others."

Remember that you aren't saving the world alone. Everyone should be contributing to their social impact so when you need a break, it's perfectly fine. When there's a team of people working together, not everyone has to to 'the most' all the time.

"You choose."

Finding out your purpose will give you a life where you get to choose. When we aren't pursuing our purpose, we end up on a hamster wheel going in circles with no aim. Once you are aware of your purpose and what direction you want to go, you are capable of directing yourself in a way that will get you fulfilling your purpose.

Action item: Get your mental and physical ass off of your mental and physical couch and do something! Whether it be reading a book, cleaning out, asking 'why' questions, or talking to your partner, just do something. And make sure you're repetitive in what you do!

Don't forget to check out Zach Mercurio for some amazing reads on purpose!

Anna Derinova-Hartmann is a Community Engagement and CSR Program Manager at Amazon and lives in Munich, Germany. Anna is a Social Impact professional, challenging social inequality and institutional barriers by empowering vulnerable social groups.

She strongly believes in the power of connections, cooperation and partnership, working hard on building bridges between various business and socio-economic sectors.

Connect with Anna on LinkedIn.


Mar 25, 202101:06:21
55. Stress Management + Health Benefits of Cold Showers with Dylan Ali

55. Stress Management + Health Benefits of Cold Showers with Dylan Ali

When was the last time you felt stressed?

Stress might be unavoidable but learning how to manage it will drastically change your life!

Today's podcast is a little bit different than usual because I am joined by my wonderful husband, Frankie Vignone, as well as our guest, Dylan Ali! Dylan is a professional speaker and loves helping others make positive changes in their lives.

We'll answer questions such as:

  • How can I manage my stress?
  • Where do I find true happiness?
  • What does real self development look like?
  • How can I be successful?
“The happier I am, the more life gives me to be happy about.”

It can be hard to see the good things in life or the positive side of a tough situation. It's much easier to feel down on life than to make good out of a not so great situation. But one thing Dylan points out is that the happier he is, the more he finds in life to be happy about. When we have a negative outlook or attitude, it makes life murky. But when we are able to find things to be happy about, no matter how big or small, we are often lead to find more and more happiness.

“Self development has nothing to do with what you can add, has everything to do with what you can take away.”

What if I told you we are all already successful? Yes, even you! We ALL have success within us. It's just a matter of taking what you have inside and exposing it. The success is already there, you just need to learn how to put that success on display. So often we create avatars based on our insecurities and walk around as a shadowed version of ourself. In order to bring out the success within us, we first need to shed the insecurities we are carrying around that mask the success.

"Having discipline turns that commitment into something viable."

Commitment is great. But it's not what brings you to your goals. That's what discipline's job is. Discipline is what gets you through the hard parts and the times you feel like giving up. Discipline is what carries you through all of that and gives your commitment the ability to produce results.

Take the 14 day challenge!

  • 14 days of 3 minute cold showers or cold plunging (dunking yourself into a cold body of water)
  • You will reduce your stress and learn to breathe! (Breathing properly is SO important for our health)


Dylan Ali is a keynote speaker, transformational coach and sales executive.

With 20+ years in corp IT sales Dylan has been able to create a framework that is repeatable and scalable to all areas of life resulting in more love and less fear.  We operate from two sources at all times, love or fear. Dylan has been able to guide people in transmuting that fear into love, in turn acting from that space. We all have baggage, we all have emotional trauma. Many of us are taught to suppress those feelings in order to find success. That success comes at a heavy price. Dylan teaches you how to negotiate that price for a life worth living.

Connect with Dylan on LinkedIn- Dylan Ali.

Mar 18, 202157:33
54. Taking Imperfect Action + Being Courageous with Kat Soper

54. Taking Imperfect Action + Being Courageous with Kat Soper

It's time to kick perfectionism to the curb!

Grow your courage and learn how to take imperfect action to overcome perfectionism.

In today's episode, we hear from founder of The Helpful Academy, Kat Soper.

We'll answer questions such as:

  • How might perfectionism be impacting my life?
  • What steps can I take to overcome perfectionism?
  • How can I successfully set goals?
  • What are some good ways to be productive and get work done?

"Progress over perfection."

Sometimes we believe that in order to progress in a skill/area of life/etc., we need to first perfect the stage we are in right now.  Well, that's not true! That mind set will actually hold you back from your progress. Perfection is impossible to achieve. So instead of making that your goal, try to create your goals based around the progress you want to make.


Much of the time, negative self talk goes hand in hand with perfectionism. When fighting the negativity, start first by recognizing which thoughts are negative. Then, from there you can start replacing the negative self talk with positive affirmations.


"Your 'why' needs to be deeper than your discomfort."

What is your 'why'?

Change is uncomfortable. It's human nature to like what is familiar and whether consciously or not, try to avoid change. However, when we are trying to get to the next level in our lives, change must occur. The key to actually reaching your goals and making noticeable progress, is to make your 'Why' bigger than your discomfort.


Sometimes we'll outgrow our 'why's' and have to reevaluate. That's okay too! Your why may be bigger than your discomfort for awhile but if it ever isn't, then just check in with yourself and figure out a deeper why.


"If you’re not green and growing, you’re ripe and rotting."

Most people consider being stagnant or maintaining to be a neutral state. That may be true for a short period of time, but if we are staying in the same place for too long, it starts becoming harmful. It's okay to reach a goal and take a breather. We all deserve breaks and relaxation. But don't let reaching your goal be an end all. There are always things to improve and work on no matter how big or small!

Don't forget to check out these awesome resources!

Kat Soper is an Entrepreneur and Free Spirit. She is the founder of The Helpful Academy, New Zealand's largest training centre for Small Businesses. Kat is also a wife and mother of two! (with many fur babies as well!)

Connect with Kat on IG @thehelpfulacademy or Facebook @thehelpfulacademy

Or head over to her website!

www.thehelpfulacademy.com

Mar 10, 202157:27
53. Top 5 Areas of Growth for Young Professional Women with Jessica Smith

53. Top 5 Areas of Growth for Young Professional Women with Jessica Smith

What areas of your life have you seen the most growth?
Growth is a great part of life! Being able to utilize it properly and lean into it is so important.

In today's episode, we hear from amazing author, podcast host, and L&D manager at Xactly, Jessica Smith!

We’ll answer questions such as:

  • Why is it important to incorporate child like activities into my life?
  • What is my inner voice of wisdom?
  • How do I find my “ness”?
  • What areas of life is change most common?
“You don’t need kids to do child like things”

So often we believe that in order to grow up and truly mature, we must leave behind "childish thing." Well, it's time to scrap that idea! Whether it's playing with chalk like Jessica, or coloring or anything else, we encourage you to go do the things you used to love doing as a kid!

"How can I greater connect with my inner voice of wisdom?"

So many changes occur in your twenties and will continue to shift and change. We are confronted with big life events and reality checks. Your life path will look different from everyone else's. But don't worry, there is no wrong way to grow up! Regardless of where you're at and what stage of life you're in, it is so important to ask yourself the question: how can I greater connect with my inner voice of wisdom?

You will constantly have outside influences from strangers, family, friends, social media, etc. But you need to focus on what's going on internally and check in with yourself to make sure it is in line with the choices you're making.

"Why do we feel forced to stay in a relationship if it's not something we want?"

Sometimes it’s the fear of being alone or the fear of the unknown. It’s important to look for freedom in a relationship to know it’s a positive one. Freedom from these fears and the freedom that comes with loving one another for who you both are and not for any deeds done in the past is what keeps our relationships healthy.

Action item: cultivate tools to discover your inner voice of wisdom

Don't forget to check about Jessica's amazing work!

Jessica is the author of the YOUR TWENTIES book and self-discovery journal. She is also the host of the podcast: Career Coaching with Jessness and works in Tech as an L&D Manager for Xactly.

Connect with Jessica on IG @hellojessness (or @your.twenties for her amazing book!) or on LinkedIn @jessicasmith

Mar 04, 202101:07:07
52. Mindset Motivation Power Hour + How to Build a Business with Hillary Duggin

52. Mindset Motivation Power Hour + How to Build a Business with Hillary Duggin

Have you ever wanted to start something new or work towards a goal but felt held back?

Whether it be by finances, time, fear, anxiety, etc., we've all been there. But you can get past the obstacles and find success.

Today, we we hear from Executive National Vice President with Arbonne, Hillary Duggin.


We'll answer questions such as:

  • How can I be successful in my career?
  • What are the benefits of creating 30/90 days plans?
  • How do I build a business?
  • What role does clarity play in being successful?
  • How can I manage being a mom and still move up in my career?
"I can either raise my activity or shrink my goal."


You have two options when working your way towards your goals. It's normal to experience plateaus and steps back. When these things happen, you can either increase your activity or shrink your goal. The decision you make is what can either get you to your goal or keep you from it. Don't let a seemingly daunting goal convince you to shrink what you want. Get after it!


“Start before you’re ready”

Sometimes starting can be the most difficult part of reaching your goal. When should I start? How should I start? So many questions could be swirling around your head as you try to find the "perfect" time to begin. But here's the secret: you won't ever find a perfect time to start. If you keep waiting for the right moment, it may never happen. We encourage you to start before you're ready. Obviously, it's great to be prepared, so don't neglect preparation. However, if you find yourself routinely putting off the start of obtaining your goal, then it's time to just jump right in.


"If you don’t want it bad enough you’ll find an excuse"

I didn't have enough time. I'm too young/old. I don't have the right finances. I'm not educated enough. I'll never be successful. -- These are some of the most common excuses stopping you from reaching your goals. Don't get me wrong, life can get CRAZY and that means sometimes we need to prioritize. Moving towards your goal may not be on the top of that list. However, understanding that everything we do in life is a choice - what to spend our time, energy, money, etc on.

Making choices in favor of our goals is what gets us to reach it. If it's not a goal you're passionate about then you might find yourself making more excuses. At that point it's important to reevaluate why you're trying to reach your goal.


Action Item: write out your 10 year vision! What would your highest and best version of yourself look like and be doing? Then write out your 10 dreams that get you towards your highest and best self. Finally, write down 1 goal that will get you towards your 10 year vision (make it small and obtainable!).


Hillary Duggin is an Independent consultant and Executive National Vice President with Arbonne.

Married to her high school sweetheart, and a Mom of two boys.

Connect with Hillary on IG @hillaryduggin

Feb 25, 202101:02:23
51. Justice, Diversity, and Confidently Being Yourself with Tinika Wyatt

51. Justice, Diversity, and Confidently Being Yourself with Tinika Wyatt

What gets in the way of confidently being yourself?

Today we hear from Tinika Wyatt, healthcare professional and pastor, about how true justice and a celebration of diversity is necessary for each person to be able to freely be themselves.


We'll answer questions such as:

  • What does true justice look like?
  • How can we improve diversity in the workplace?
  • Where can I find fulfillment?
  • How can I honor people's limitations and still receive the support I need?
  • What is the difference between equity and equality?
"I am able to freely be who I am."

To freely be who you are, you cannot rely on others for your fulfillment. Whether it's God or another higher power, having yourself rooted in something outside of yourself is crucial to be able to be who you are.

Ask yourself, when you fail, who can you reach out to that is unfailing? It's not going to be your friends or family. As much as they are there to support you, they all have their limitations too. Once you're able to answer that question, you no longer need to expect people to make you happy or give you your worth because you already are happy and already know your worth.

"See people as valuable."

Supremacy is causing division. We often see large-scale forms of supremacy on the news, but we mustn't forget to bring attention to the supremacy we practice in our own lives. It could look like passing by a homeless person and thinking you're better than them. Or maybe it's between you and a sibling or a coworker. This idea that "I'm better than that person" no matter the reason, has got to go. The matter of the fact is that we are all valuable. We all have something to contribute to the world and acting as though  some people are "lesser" than others is completely inaccurate and harmful.

"Justice means to inconvenience ourselves for the marginalized"

We seem to forget how much beauty there is in diversity. We are missing out if we aren't including the marginalized. Justice says we look a little further into what people need and we give them what is right, what is just. We need to find out what people need and meet those needs as much as possible. We have to see how we can help them flourish and truly offer all that they have.

Action item: task a risk step outside yourself and introduce yourself to someone you is the furthest from your culturally,.spark up a friendship and be intentional.


Tinika Wyatt is a healthcare professional, marriage and family pastor, equity inclusion & diversity advocate, a singer and songwriter, but most importantly a wife, mother and daughter of the King.

Connect with Tinika on IG @tinidubb

Check out her amazing music at www.tinikawyattmusic.com

Feb 11, 202101:00:59
50. 21 Questions, Fun + Deep! with Kendall Sparkman

50. 21 Questions, Fun + Deep! with Kendall Sparkman

From self care to today's top hits to relationships, we talk about it all You've never seen a Q&A this exciting!

In today's episode, we hear from Kendall Sparkman, a first year teacher and past Next Level Confident client!

We'll answer questions such as:

  • How do I incorporate self care into a busy schedule?
  • How can I better serve myself and others?
  • What are long distance relationships like?
  • How do I know if I'm ready to move?
  • Where can I meet new people? Dating apps?
“To be joy filled, you’ve got to fill yourself up first.”

We all know at least one person who is seemingly always full of joy. What's the secret? Meet your own needs first! It's hard (if not impossible) to fill others up when our own cup is depleted. For Kendall and I, our faith plays a huge role in how we "fill our cups." Whether you are a religious person or not, it is important to figure out what thing(s) fill you up, and then regularly incorporate them into your daily life.

"Everyone needs self care.”

Self care goes hand in hand with filling yourself up. Just like when you're in an airplane and they tell you to put your oxygen mask on first and then help others if there is an emergency, you need to take care of yourself to take care of others.

Self care might not look the same for everyone but it is necessary for everyone. Whether you have 10 minutes or an entire day, intentionally setting aside time to tune into yourself and relax is so important.

“Do all the boring tasks that suck together.”

How do you know if your significant other is truly compatible with you if you don't live together before marriage? Do all of the boring tasks together! Go grocery shopping together, do laundry together, cook meals together, etc. Sometimes we get so caught up with the fancy/fun dates and "glamorous" aspects of a relationship that we completely forget about the everyday tasks to living (which are obviously important if you're planning on marriage).

Don't forget to check out these amazing mentionables!

Kendall Sparkman is in her first year teaching DURING A PANDEMIC- what a crazy year to start as a teacher!! She teaches high school art and yearbook at Rainier Christian High School. In August 2020, she moved to Auburn, Washington from Greeley, Colorado.

Recently she started a blog called The Teacher Travel Guide to give teachers tips on how to care for themselves, travel around, be more efficient in their classroom, and enjoy the career they love!

Connect with Kendall on IG @kenspark

Jan 27, 202101:00:39
49. How to be Successful as a Woman in STEM with Kelsey Kramer

49. How to be Successful as a Woman in STEM with Kelsey Kramer

Does putting yourself 'out there' sound stressful? From work to social to family relationships, it's crucial to get outside of your comfort zone!

In Today's episode, we hear from Account Manager at Cisco, Kelsey Kramer!

We'll answer questions such as:

  • Why should more women be in STEM?
  • Why should I put myself ‘out there’?
  • What should I do to build a close knit group of supportive friends?
  • How can I achieve what I want in my occupation?


“It’s amazing what you’ll find when you just start looking around and talking to people.”

Before you can put yourself out there, you need to know what "out there" is. Stepping outside your comfort zone is, well... uncomfortable! Knowing what kind of new territory you're stepping into makes taking that first step much more intentional and productive.  So explore a little bit before you get out there full force and learn what paths are available for you to take.

“You can have it all as a woman.”

This one is for all the ladies out there! You can have it all as a woman. So often we are told that we need to make a decision, do you want to get married and start a family or do you want to succeed at work? You can do both and more! Don't let anyone else's insecurities and self-doubt project onto you.

Just speaking within your occupation, you can have everything you see you male coworkers receiving. Don't think you have to settle for a mediocre position or pay because "as a woman you should be lucky to have what you already have." Go after your highest goals and dreams because YOU CAN!

“You have got to get involved.”

You need a support group in your life whether it comes from family, friends, sponsors, mentors, coaches, or a mix of it all.  Surround yourself with people who you know will support you. It's important to make sure you have support in your work life and your home/social life. Don't forget how many layers your life has!

Go to the social events even if they feel unproductive. You can make them productive by finding someone for your personal support group. Sign up for a sports team or a book club or for a hobby you're interested in. One great connection resource to check out are the  Junior Boards in your area!

Don't forget to check out The Secrets We Kept by Laura Prescott and NLC Podcast Episode 46: 10 Remedies to Try if You’re Feeling Depressed with Janelle Lynnae

Take away: Be your authentic self! Don’t be afraid of labels (rbf, bossy, etc). Your true self is best thing you can bring to work.

Kelsey Kramer is a woman in tech and an Account Manager at Cisco. She is also the Connected Women’s lead, which is an employee resource group and diversity initiative that promotes women in the workplace.

Women of Impact and Girls in Tech are the two main events that are used to promote women in the workplace. Kelsey currently resides in Chicago but Michigan will always be home.

Connect with Kelsey on LinkedIn!

Jan 13, 202154:35
48. Your 2021 Goal Setting Session with Frankie & Janelle

48. Your 2021 Goal Setting Session with Frankie & Janelle

Are you tired of not completing your New Year's resolutions each year? Maybe it's time to rethink the way you set goals and make 2021 a year of achievement!
In today's episode,
Frankie Vignone (my husband) and I talk all about how to set the most effective goals in 2021!


Download the 2021 Goal Setting worksheet here.


We'll answer questions like:

  • How might my goal act as a road block in actually achieving it?
  • What should I be focusing on when I set goals?
  • Why is it important to hone in on how I want to feel when setting goals?
  • How do I build habits to support my goals?

"Who are you becoming?"

When setting goals, we often put most, if not all, of the emphasis on the thing we want to accomplish. When making habits, it's important to think more about who you are becoming than hitting your goal. Ask yourself what habits do you need to build in order to become the person you need to be to achieve your goal.

Remember that to get from point A (setting your goal) to point B (achieving your goal), there's a process. It doesn't just happen in an instance. There's a lot of personal growth involved and it's important to make sure you know who you're becoming in the process.


"What are you holding onto that you should be stepping away from?"

We all have things that we are afraid to let go of, even when we know that our lives would be better off without them. Whether it's a harmful habit, toxic person, or job you hate, it's important to leave it behind!

When setting goals, if you already have something holding you back from personal growth or even achieving your goal entirely, reaching your goals will be so much harder.


"I am loving the process because I'm becoming a better version of myself."


You won't achieve your goals if you don't love the process! Or you will but it'll leave you feeling MISERABLE, and no one wants that! The process of achieving your goals probably won't be easy and you're going to need to put in a lot of work. But find gratitude in the process and all of its challenges because of who you're becoming as a result.

Action Item: Complete the 2021 Goal Setting worksheet here!

Don't forget to check out ToastMasters!

Frankie Vignone is a Strategic Account Executive at People.ai and the Co-Founder of Professionals on Purpose. Frankie is an enthusiast for personal development and has a passion for helping people reach their highest potential.

In his free time, Frankie loves being outdoors spending time with his wife (that's me!). From surfing, to hiking, to snowboarding, he loves it all and everything in between!

Connect with Frankie on LinkedIn and IG @frankievignone

Dec 30, 202041:37
47. Kicking Cancer + Activating Your Super Powers with Michael Robert Eck

47. Kicking Cancer + Activating Your Super Powers with Michael Robert Eck

Everyone has super powers...
Are yours activated?

Today, we welcome Michael Robert Eck! He is a SuperHero Coach with a mission to help individuals access and activate their power so they can lead heroic lives. Michael is also a cancer survivor, father, and grandfather!

"Ask for support, ask for help, be vulnerable."

Whether you're fighting a physical, mental, or emotional battle, having people in your life who are able to support you is so important! It's essential to have at least one person you feel comfortable asking for and receiving help from. Make sure you communicate with the people supporting you because no one knows what you need unless you're willing to ask for it.

"Keep the fun meter in the red."

Michael is a big proponent of fun and making sure laughter is a part of everyday living. Laughing is SO good for you. Here are some health benefits of laughing!:

  • Lowered stress levels and tension
  • Organ stimulation
  • Improved immune system
  • Improved mood

It's not always easy to find the good in a hard situation, but you don't necessarily need to. Whether it is finding something light hearted about your situation, talking with a friend, or watching a funny show, finding ways to laugh will all around improve your wellbeing!

"Faith over fear."

Faith over fear is a wonderful mindset to have when tackling tough circumstances. Stepping into faith, whether it be faith in God or something else, having something to set your focus on is so important.

Join the Gratitude Gang here!

Check out This Book Will Make You Dangerous here.

Action Item:

Make a list of things that will increase your powers spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally, and then act on what you've written down. Remember, everything you do in life will either increase or decrease one of those four powers.


Michael Robert Eck is a SuperHero Life Coach and founder of the full-day workshop, SuperHero Revolution. He consults with and helps individuals, organizations, and community and corporate groups uncover and reclaim power in order to achieve their own meaningful objectives, and to lead their personally particular, authentic, heroic lives.

Michael is also a cancer survivor with addiction recovery experience who works with people battling physical and other illness who seek lifestyle transformation, as well as guiding clients to achieve life-changing relationship, career, and other goals.

Connect with Michael Robert Eck on IG @MichaelRobertEck or on his website www.SuperHeroRevolution.com

Dec 16, 202059:59
46. 10 Remedies to Try if You’re Feeling Depressed with Janelle Lynnae

46. 10 Remedies to Try if You’re Feeling Depressed with Janelle Lynnae

Have you ever felt depressed? Depression shows up in so many different ways, but it doesn't have to be long lasting.

In today's episode we'll be answering questions like:

  • What should I do when I feel depressed?
  • Should I reach out to someone?
  • What are easy steps I can take to help myself right now?
  • Where can I find external support?


Check out my very first podcast where I share the depression and dark thoughts that I've struggled with: Click Here.


"You are not alone."

Most of us have felt depressed at some point in our lives whether it be an extreme depression or in smaller ways that still affect your life.

It may sound cliché but one of the most important things you can do for yourself during these times is remember that you are not alone.

There will always be someone who cares about you whether it's family, a friend, or a complete stranger; they're out there.


"Human Beings want to help you."

Along the lines of remembering you're not alone, know that there are people in the world who want to help you. It's important to share what you're going through. You'll be amazed at how much better you'll feel when you talk to someone about how you're feeling. Make sure the person you choose is trustworthy and compassionate. Accidentally choosing someone who doesn't have your best interest at heart can give opposite results to what we're looking for.

But what can you do right now to help yourself out?

The first of our ten tips to kick depression is to get into a routine. You don't have to plan out every single day but creating a morning routine that you follow more often than not can really help keep you moving and pull you out of the depression.


"Our world was created for love, connection, and belonging. It was not created for depression, drug overdose, and suicide."

Our second tip is to set obtainable goals. Setting goals can give your life visible meaning when you feel like you have none (which is totally not true, but we've all been there!). It's important to keep these goals realistic so you are able to achieve them. Making too lofty of goals will only back fire when you aren't able to reach them. It's better to make a bunch of small goals that will all amount to a much larger goal.

Check out WebMD's list of 10 Natural Depression Treatments

Listen to the the full episode to hear all 10 tips plus some extra ones from yours truly!


Janelle Lynnae, the Founder of Next Level Confident, is a Confidence Coach and Corporate Workshop Facilitator. She primarily focuses on women in STEM industries and believes all women deserve to grow their confidence muscle in order to face their fears, set audacious goals, and take leaps of faith.

Janelle has years of experience coaching women how to break through psychological barriers unknowingly placed on self. She empowers each woman with the tools and practical action steps she must take in order to live a life she’s proud of.

Connect with Janelle on IG @janelle_lynnae and facebook, or email us at hello@nextlevelconfident.com

Dec 02, 202044:28
45. Acknowledge if You’re Unsatisfied + Create a Life You’re Proud of with Lance Essihos

45. Acknowledge if You’re Unsatisfied + Create a Life You’re Proud of with Lance Essihos

Are you unsatisfied with the life path you're on? You have the power to create the life you've always wanted.

In today's podcast, we hear from Lance Essihos, Host of Top 100 Podcast University of Adversity + Founder and CEO of Mic-Up Podcast Productions.

Lance was able to turn years of adversity into a life he's proud of and is able to live out his passion every day.

We'll answer questions like:

  • What should I do if I don't feel happy with my career?
  • How do I get through adversity and leave the victim mindset behind?
  • Why should I live my life from a place of love?
  • What is the best way to effectively reach out to others and get responses?

"I just believed in myself that I could do it."

You need to be your own number one supporter. Believe in yourself because you can not guarantee there will always be someone else who does. Having a solid support system in whatever your venture is, is amazing. Building relationships and trust with others is so so important, but the belief that you are 100% capable needs to start with you.

So many people don't try a second time when they don't get the responses or results that they wanted the first time. Whether it's regarding a relationship, business inquiries, or anything else you might be working on, having persistence is necessary to get what you want. Lead with a firm belief that you CAN do whatever you set your mind to and use that to propel you forward on your journey and give you the confidence to go back a second, third, fourth, fifth time to get what you want.

"Being a victim is not the way to go."

It's easy (and quite frankly, natural) to attached yourself to the hardships and pain you've gone through. Your adversity is a part of your story but it is not your whole story. There's a difference between acknowledging what you've been through and using that/those piece(s) to help yourself (and maybe others) grow, and letting your adversity keep you stuck and stagnant in life. Your experiences and emotions are valid and at the same time labeling yourself as a victim can be extremely harmful to you and your life.

When you let go of the victim mindset, you can start getting to know yourself as a distinct person. Don't let yourself be defined by what you've been through because you are so much more than your past. It isn't until you are able to make peace with your past and take it for what it is that you will be able to move on and start doing everything that you want to accomplish without a heavy heart.

"Get quiet because the quietness is when things start to come in."

What do you actually want to do? It starts with your imagination. Don't worry about the "how" right now, just honestly answer what you want to do if anything was possible. What do you enjoy doing?  Take time to write these answers out. Journal or messily brain dump onto a piece of paper what it is that you enjoy and want to truly spend your time doing.

Let go of any of the thoughts you feel holding you back or making you doubt yourself. Be still and get connected to yourself, God, or whatever else it is that you believe in. You can continue to journal or you can meditate, but get quiet and simply listen.

Action Step: Whatever it is that you feel called to do or be, answer that call. Follow your intuition, follow your passion, and lead with your heart. Don't wait, act on it now.

Connect with Lance on LinkedIn and follow him on IG @lance.essihos

Nov 18, 202001:14:20
44. De-clutter Your Life: Learn How to Say NO + Let Go! with Samantha Joy

44. De-clutter Your Life: Learn How to Say NO + Let Go! with Samantha Joy

Where do you find your identity?
So many of us struggle with losing our true selves within the clutter of life.
In today's episode we'll be hearing from Identity Coach and Best-Selling Author,
Samantha Joy!

We'll be answering questions like:

  • What is the "Less Effect"?
  • How can I implement minimalism into my physical, social, and habitual environments?
  • How can I practice saying "no"?
  • Why is changing my environment important?
  • What role does minimalism play in a healthy relationship with social media?

"What is your message that you live by?"
Minimalism: stripping away the things that don't serve us to find ourselves and our true identity and then being intentional about what we fill those spaces with.

Don't suffocate who you are with things, people, or routines that take away from your true identity. When most people think of minimalism, they think of it in regards to tangible clutter. However, minimalism can be extended way beyond that. Samantha likes to make three environmental categories: physical, social, and habitual.

Physical refers to the things we have. It could be clothing, books, any physical objects that you own. Social refers to the people we spend time and interact with. People can have a big impact on who we present ourselves as. They can make a positive impact on our lives or they can drag us down. It's important to be discerning in who you choose to spend your time with. Habitual refers to our routines and the things we our consistently doing. Are there people you are always trying to please? Are you living for yourself or for someone else? Does your daily routine make your day easier or harder? We have to note which of our consistent behaviors are adding to or taking away from our lives.

"There are a lot of things you have to work through to be okay with being by yourself."

How do you feel when you're completely alone? No phone. No music. Nothing. Being alone with our thoughts can be very unsettling, uncomfortable, and sometimes scary. Who are you when you're by yourself with only the company of your own mind? You might not be able to answer that question.

We often use distractions to suppress memories and thoughts that we don't want to come up. So when you strip away everything you use to keep those unwanted thoughts away (people, work, music, social media), they come about and we are completely unprepared to deal with them. In order to feel okay being alone with your mind, you need to confront those things that you are trying so hard to suppress.

Only once you're at peace with your mind will you be at peace with your life.

"Things can change because we can change."

Humans are not complacent beings. We grow and we change. One of the best ways to do so is learning how to say "no." Start showing up for yourself and your needs. If we don't treat our time as sacred then who will? By not constantly saying yes when you want to say no, you'll start recognizing your own worth. When you start recognizing your worth, others with start recognizing that same worth within you. Once we are able to change, we start seeing our perspectives change.

Connect on IG @samantha_joy__

And check out her website! www.thelesseffect.com

Nov 04, 202001:14:32
43. Why Feedback is Necessary - Don't Shy from Confrontation! with Christina Stathopoulos

43. Why Feedback is Necessary - Don't Shy from Confrontation! with Christina Stathopoulos

Having trouble amplifying your voice at work? Whether you are already a leader at your workplace or are looking to step into a leadership position, making sure your voice is heard is extremely important.

On today's podcast we hear from Christina Stathopoulos, a certified women's leadership coach who helps women in the workplace amplify their voices.

We'll be answering questions such as:

What does it mean to be a leader?

  • What does a healthy relationship with feedback look like?
  • How can leaders benefit from receiving feedback?
  • How can we solve selfish ignorance?
  • Why is trusting my team important?
  • What does a feedback loop look like?
  • What role does active listening play in leadership?

"If you're secure in who you are then feedback helps you grow. If you're insecure then feedback is very personal."

Let's talk about feedback. It can sometimes be hard to hear right? But it is SO important. Whether you work for someone or have people working for you, feedback is necessary to have open communication and goes both ways! Regardless of your position in work, you will find yourself faced with feedback.

"We were born and bread on achievement culture."

Don't let achievement culture take away your enjoyment. Everyone likes to "win" in whatever they do, but there is a point at which this winning mindset is more of a detriment to your life than it is a good thing. This can especially become an issue when we talk about leading in the workplace.

"There is such an opportunity to sit back and listen."

Active listening is necessary in the work place. We all need to show up inquisitive of how others do things and truly listening to what others have to say. Active listening and receiving feedback go hand in hand. A person may think that they're great at listening to feedback because they don't react negatively to it. However, if you're just waiting for the person giving you feedback to be done so you can brush it off, that still has no benefit to you. Engaging in the conversation and responding to what is said to you is what's going to help you grow.

Don't just assume it's on you to have all the answers all the time. Practice listening and learning from others as much as you practice trying to assert or be heard yourself.

Today's Action Step: Practice noticing how many conversations you have where you are really listening to the other person.

Check out the Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree Brown

Christina Stathopoulos, is the Founder and Head Coach of Hear Her Roar. She is a Professional Certified Coach and International Speaker dedicated to coaching women's leadership and amplifying their voices.

Christina has degrees with high honors in Chemistry and English from Mount Holyoke College. In addition to her private practice, Christina also serves as a Leader in Training of Accomplishment Coaching’s Coach & Leadership Training Program.

You can connect with Christina on IG @hearxtinaroar or on her website hearherroar.net

Oct 21, 202038:47
42. Money Mindset + Figuring Out Your Finances with Denaye Austad

42. Money Mindset + Figuring Out Your Finances with Denaye Austad

Do you ever feel overwhelmed thinking about your finances? 

You are not alone! Unfortunately, how to handle finances is not typically taught in our adolescence/young adulthood so it’s not uncommon to feel a bit lost. 

In today’s episode, we’ll be hearing from financial advisor, Denaye Austad, all about handling your finances! 

We’ll be answering questions such as: 

  • What are some of the challenges women typically face regarding finances? 
  • Is a work-life balance achievable? 
  • How are mindset and finances related? 
  • What is a scarcity mindset? 
  • What is an abundance mindset? 
  • How can I build my finances from rock bottom? 
  • What should I do about my debt? 
  • How do I build financial wealth? 


“Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you feel like you should know the answer already.” 

Ask questions. Ask questions. Ask questions. 

For most people, handling finances is not some easy task. There are many different components to consider, making the whole process very complex. And like I said previously, so many of us were never taught how to effectively do our finances which can make it even more of a challenge. 

Never be afraid to ask questions. If you’re ever wondering whether or not you should ask, that typically means you should. You’ll never get better at what you’re doing if you’re not actively trying to learn. 

Much of the time, that will look like being vulnerable enough to ask questions when you aren't unsure of something. 

You might be wondering who to ask your questions to. Financial advisors like Denaye are great resources to use! 

In today's podcast, Denaye will also be talking about steps that you can take in your personal lives to help get yourself into a sound financial position. “The context of your specific point in life makes a really really huge difference.” 

Let’s talk about debt. It seems as though shame has often been connected to debt. Should you feel shame for having debt? No! Here’s the thing, beating yourself up about having debt will not fix the problem. You won’t gain anything from keeping a negative mindset about the situation. Whether the debt was in your control or not, mindset has everything to do with getting out of it. 

The number one cause of debt in America is from medical expenses. Emergencies and unexpected events happen all the time, sometimes leading to debt. Shame has no place here. Sometimes our debt is a result of our own excessive spending and shopping. Shame has no no place here either. 

However, it is incredibly important that you learn from your mistakes and start building new habits that will lead you in the right direction. A key element to tackling both kinds of debt, is to make everything conscious. Sit down and actually do the math to understand how much debt you’re dealing with. 

You don’t have to tell the world but get it out in the open with yourself and whoever else may be involved in your finances. Pretending the debt isn’t there will not make it go away. 

“Exactly how it is right now is not how it’s going to be forever.” 


Budgeting tools:  

1. The Mint App and Every Dollar App (These are great if you have a stable income with consistent money)

2. The Truebill App (This app is great for entrepreneurs or those with an inconsistent paycheck) 


Connect with Denaye through her email Denaye.austad@tfaconnect.com or through her facebook!

Oct 06, 202056:25
41. Self-Love & Confidence is a Continuous Journey with Lisa Thompson

41. Self-Love & Confidence is a Continuous Journey with Lisa Thompson

Your confidence journey is never over.

Everyone can benefit from continually challenging their limiting beliefs and growing their confidence. 

In today’s episode, we’ll be hearing from Lisa Thompson, the founder of Self Love Beauty

We’ll answer questions like: 

  • What is confidence? 
  • How can I grow my confidence? 
  • How do I maintain a routine of self love? 
  • Where is there confidence in my life? 
  • How do I know what areas need more TLC? 
  • How are self esteem and confidence connected? 

"You don't know what you don't know until all of a sudden you know." 

The quote above is my favorite quote from today's podcast. At first glance you might say "what?" Another glance and you might say "well, yeah duh that makes sense." But we tend to overlook the realities that come along with this statement. It's easy to stay where we are in life because we don't know what we're missing out on, resulting in no motivation to change. 

When it comes to confidence, the same thing can happen!

We get comfortable where we're at (even if it's not where we want to be) and because we don't know what our lives could look like when we grow our confidence, we don't try to change. You have to be willing to take the first steps blinded so that you will be able to know and experience what you once couldn't imagine.

 "It starts at home." 

Confidence affects humans of every stage in life. A lack of confidence is usually talked about in regards to the younger generation, however, so many adults still fight confidence struggles as they did in their adolescents. The only difference is how they perceive and respond to it. This creates a cycle of children and adults consistently struggling with their confidence. 

As adults, we need to focus on our own confidence because we are the role models for our children. 

You create the environment your child grows up in. It can either be one that helps them step into their own confidence or one that gives them a lack in confidence. It's easy to try to put your child first. But when it comes to confidence, it starts with you. 

"How we act and the behaviors we have are all backed by confidence." 

What are some confidence tools you can implement into your life? Try these!: 

  • Reflection through journaling 
  • Write down three amazing things about yourself and repeat them everyday Take note of who you’re spending time with. Are they positive people? Do they give you energy or drain your energy? 

Action step: Reflect on what area of your life needs the most attention regarding confidence and choose one small behavior to implement in your life that will help you reach your goal. (Ex. 3 affirmations) 

You don't want to miss out! Self Love Beauty is holding an upcoming virtual women's conference: Girl Unfinished: Uncover the Unstoppable You Join October 18th from 10am to 3pm EST to reach your full potential and uncover your unfinished journey. 

Connect with Lisa on IG/FB @selflovebeauty or email info@selflovebeauty.com 

Or check out her website selflovebeauty.com.

Sep 23, 202039:50
40. 10 Super Easy Ways to Be Healthier with Janelle Lynnae

40. 10 Super Easy Ways to Be Healthier with Janelle Lynnae

Looking for some easy ways to better your health? It doesn’t need to be challenging or time consuming. By applying any of these 10 tips, you’ll already be taking a step in the right direction!

In today’s podcast, Janelle Lynnae will be giving us 10 of her unique and easy ways to get healthier and treat your body right!

We’ll be talking all about your health, looking at it from a mind, body, and soul perspective. You don’t want to miss out!


Want a sneak peak?

Our first tip is to get your greens in! Almost all of us have heard at some point in our childhoods to “eat your vegetables!” But it’s true! Eating greens is SO good for your body. And it doesn’t have to take a long time to make or look gourmet. Sure it can be fun to season or roast your veggies but sometimes it’s more realistic to have something quick. Janelle’s top fast veggie trick is to buy pre-cut bags of broccoli and then all you have to do is pop it in the microwave and voilà! Yummy. Fast. Easy.


"Try to eat two greens a day."


Now let’s talk about dessert! I know I LOVE dessert. This is often a tricky topic when it comes to health discussions. Most people don’t equate dessert to health. However, those people are definitely wrong. I spent quite a bit of my life eating the “healthy” versions of my favorite treats. Now there’s nothing inherently wrong with protein ice cream but we all know it’s not legit ice cream. I finally came to a place where I wanted the real thing so I stopped buying the healthy, low-fat, low-calorie, low-happiness alternatives. You can still have your favorite treats and be healthy! I eat ice cream every week. Maybe not everyday, but I don’t need it everyday. So ditch the dessert alternatives and enjoy your favorite desserts once a week or however often works best in your life.


"Everything in moderation."


Another important thing to keep in mind is water. Now I’m not just going to tell you drink more of it (although do that too) but the kind of water you’re drinking is actually really important! Water is essential in areas such as: protecting the spinal cord and other sensitive tissues, removing waste through urination, sweating and bowel movements, regulating temperature, and lubricating and cushioning joints. What most people don’t pay attention to, though, is the pH levels of their water.

I recently started drinking Kangen Water®. Now what is Kangen Water®? It's delicious water created from Enagic's innovative water technology. Not only do these devices filter your tap water, but they also produce ionized alkaline and acidic waters through electrolysis. These waters can be used for various purposes, including drinking, cooking, beauty, and cleaning.

Some say these waters can help slow the aging process, regulate your body’s pH level, and prevent chronic diseases like cancer. So take a look at what kind of water you’re drinking and the pH levels!


Listen to today's podcast to learn more easy ways YOU can be healthier!


"Balance is the key to a healthy lifestyle."


Connect with Janelle on IG @janelle_lynnae and facebook, or email us at hello@nextlevelconfident.com

Sep 10, 202040:38
39. How Emotional Intelligence can Advance Your Career with Matt Shaver

39. How Emotional Intelligence can Advance Your Career with Matt Shaver

Do you want to step into a leadership role in your career? Untapped emotional intelligence and communication skills might be holding you back.


A study conducted by Workplace Strategies for Mental Health showed that 83% of leaders perceive themselves as emotionally intelligent, yet when these leaders were being scored by others, 47% of them were rated as “challenged” in certain areas of their Emotional Intelligence.


In today's podcast, Matt Shaver, marketer and business strategist, talks about the different aspects of emotional intelligence and effective communication in the workplace and why they are important.


"When it comes to effective communication, how a message is received by others is more important than how the message was created from yourself."

We will be answering questions such as:

  • Why is EI and effective communication a GAME CHANGER for your success?
  • What happens if you're lacking these skills?
  • What role does diversity play?
  • How you can evaluate where you're currently at?
  • Is there a difference between gender's communicating in the workplace?
  • How does this tie back to CONFIDENCE?


"People don't know what's in your heart or what your motivators are unless you're communicating them effectively."

Sometimes it can be hard to conduct an objective evaluation of oneself. This can often result in a skewed perception of reality because we feel like we should be good in certain areas that we score ourselves higher. We might not even realize when this happens! Gathering feedback and evaluations from an unbiased eye are extremely important.


"Feedback is critical."

Action steps you can take:

  1. Choose three people to receive feedback from!
  2. Check out the high emotional intelligence chart and self evaluate in the areas your improvement (journal it out!)

You can find the high emotional intelligence chart here!


Matt Shaver has spent the last 10 years of his career in sales, marketing and strategy. From working with a startup, selling on a trading floor, to Cisco where he has spent the last 6 years and just celebrated his anniversary a few weeks ago.

While he has had success in many different areas of sales, his true passion comes from the strategy that goes into making customers and organizations successful, and leading internal strategy initiatives.

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn!

Aug 26, 202040:18
38. CELEBRATE Your Worth & STOP talking Crap About Yourself

38. CELEBRATE Your Worth & STOP talking Crap About Yourself

Stop talking crap about yourself. It's your choice!

Repetitive action becomes habit. The more consistently you talk crap about yourself, the more natural and unforced talking negatively about who you are becomes.

In today's podcast we will be answering questions like:

  • How do I break a habit?
  • Why is talking negatively bad?
  • How can I shift my mindset?
  • What steps should I take to see my worth?
  • Why is it important to stop talking crap about myself?

"Take the time to know yourself and what you have to offer."

Talking poorly about oneself is SO common. However, after years of working with women trying to build their confidence, Janelle Lynnae has seen this specifically present in women. Women have a huge habit of talking poorly about themselves and have a hard time seeing their worth.

Often, this negative self talk comes from a fear of being perceived as anything less than perfect. Whether it stems from trying to look, act, or talk perfectly, when you start beating yourself up about it, those words not only become habitual but also do not benefit you in any way! Remember: hating yourself does not make the world a better place.

We also might find our negative self talk coming from a place of not wanting to come off as "too much" or cocky. Remember, you are never too much and don't let anyone try to shrink who you are. It seems as though our society has started confusing what it means to be humble and a nasty mix of negative self talk and self deprecation. Being humble is saying thank you and smiling after someone compliments you. Being humble is not rejecting compliments and giving a reason as to why their compliment doesn't apply to you. Being humble is being happy for your victories. Being humble is not disregarding anything you do well because it's not "good enough."

"Look for ways to celebrate yourself."

What if we started celebrating ourself instead of beating ourselves up? Maybe you're already on your way to shifting your mindset for good or maybe the idea of not engaging in negative self talk seems impossible. Wherever you're at in this journey, just know that you CAN and WILL make it to a place where positive self talk is natural and instinctive! Whatever you choose to do in life becomes a habit. However, it is totally possible to create new pathways and rewire our brains!

Start by simply recognizing when you talk crap about yourself. Because these habits can be done unconsciously it's important to start by recognizing and differentiating between self talk and negative self talk. Don't be afraid to call yourself out!  After you start recognizing the negative self talk, start replacing it with either neutral or positive words. This might look something like:

Negative: "I mad a mistake and I'm a failure."

Neutral: "That didn't go as well as I had planned."

Positive: "I tried my best and it didn't work but I'm going to keep trying!"

"Your value is intrinsically set inside of you."


I challenge you! Make a list of 20 things you have to offer the world, or 20 things you love about yourself. Journal it out!


Head to our website www.nextlevelconfident.com to learn more about us!


Aug 19, 202018:34
37. The Importance of Branding Yourself with Abby Zufelt

37. The Importance of Branding Yourself with Abby Zufelt

Has the thought of building your brand ever overwhelmed you?

Me too. There are so many aspects to consider, the task can sometimes seem daunting.

If you're having a hard time getting noticed by the companies you've applied to, building your brand is exactly what can make you stand out from the rest of your competition.


"Branding is everything!"


Today we talk with digital marketing expert, Abby Zufelt,  who has had years of experience growing and advertising brands.

In this episode, we'll answer questions such as:

  • How do I brand myself?
  • Why should I brand myself?
  • What platform would be good for me?
  • How could LinkedIn benefit me?
  • What should I be cautious of when starting to brand myself?
  • How does building my brand set me apart?
  • What is a digital footprint?

If you aren't exactly sure what it means to brand yourself, not to worry! Here are three great branding strategies you can follow:

  1. Know what you want to be known for (think "what's my unique angle")
  2. Establish your brand voice and be consistent!
  3. Own your domain and handles - you want control of what your personal and/or brand name is used for


"You have something valuable to offer."

LinkedIn is an amazing place to start your branding journey. You might be thinking that you don't have anything to offer, BUT don't be fooled! We often halt our work/growth/progress because of our limiting beliefs. It's time to challenge those and realize that you have so much to offer.

Here are a couple actions steps you can take to start branding yourself today!

  1. Make a LinkedIn profile!
    1. Even if you aren't sure if it can help, it certainly won't hurt!
  2. Get LinkedIn recommendations
  3. Give one to get one! LinkedIn recommendations are a typically overlooked tool that can definitely help boost your brand!


"We are all unique and you've had experiences no one else has had."


Don't forget to check out the LinkedIn Do's & Don'ts episode of the Working Girl Talk podcast!


Abby is a digital marketing expert, speaker and the founder of Working Girl Talk, a podcast and community for working women.

Abby helps brands put their best foot forward online with strategic digital and social media advertising, SEO and email marketing. With a background in journalism and PR, Abby's work in digital marketing and branding all lead back to her passion: storytelling.

You can connect on IG @workinggirltalk or @abbyzufelt

Aug 12, 202041:38
36. Anxiety, Doubting the Future, Fearing Death + Reminder of Hope with Janelle Lynnae

36. Anxiety, Doubting the Future, Fearing Death + Reminder of Hope with Janelle Lynnae

How are you really doing?

COVID-19 has left an impact and continues to impact us all. It might leave you doubting the future. Maybe you've noticed a heightened fear of death. During these times it's so important to unpack and challenge our limiting beliefs.

While online meetings, homeschooling, and wearing masks have started becoming a norm, the stress and anxiety from the pandemic don't have to be. COVID-19 has shown up swinging hard when it comes to mental health. The mental and emotional toll is not one anyone could have predicted, but there are many resources (linked below!) that are here to help.

"You are not alone."

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation Poll, nearly half of Americans agree that the coronavirus has hurt their mental health. Emotional distress hotlines have had an exponential increase in usage as well. You can read more about the mental health crisis COVID-19 has created on The Washington Post.

In a time where hope seems futile, it is so important that as a whole, we offer hope to one another.

This may seem like a difficult task, especially when you're struggling with hope yourself, but giving hope doesn't need to be a huge act. I challenge you smile. Smile at the people you see when you're on a walk. Smile at the people you connect with online. And smile at yourself when you pass by a mirror. Just this small act can bring so much brightness into people's (including your own) lives.

"You were not created on accident."

If you can, I want you to close your eyes for a moment. Take a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. I want you to think back to a time where nothing made sense in your life, one of the hardest times in your life. Do you have that memory in your mind? Think about how hopeless you felt at the time.

Allow yourself to reflect on your life during this time. Trust that life will resume as normal, and use this time as best you can to think about what you can create, or what your dream life would look like.

Steve Jobs says “you can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever.” Watch the entirety of Steve Jobs speech here!

"You were born with a purpose."

Never be afraid to reach out for support.

  • Suicide Hotline: 800-784-2433
  • Immediate Medical Assistance: 911
  • Crisis Call Center: 800-273-8255 or text ANSWER to 839863
  • Crisis Text Line (U.S. only): Text HELLO to 741741

Go here for a full list of crisis resources

I am always available and would love to connect with you guys. Whether it's to celebrate, mourn, or anything in between. I am here for each and everyone of you. The quickest way to contact me is through my email: hello@nextlevelconfident.com

Aug 05, 202022:50
35. How to Shift your Attitude from Making Excuses to Taking Responsibility with Tech Diva Nicole Scheffler

35. How to Shift your Attitude from Making Excuses to Taking Responsibility with Tech Diva Nicole Scheffler

Everything starts with taking 100% Responsibility.

These are the words that engineer strategist and founder of Tech Diva Success, Nicole Scheffler, lives by and encourages us to live by as well.


"You are creating your own life experiences"

Throughout today's podcast we'll be answering questions such as:

  • What is the secret to life?
  • Why is taking 100% responsibility important?
  • How can I take 100% responsibility in my life?
  • What can I control when I respond to a situation?
  • How can I cultivate more happiness in my life?

"Taking 100% responsibility for your life is essential"

Have you ever heard of E+R=O or the SCIPAB Method? We'll be diving into why these are integral parts of taking 100% responsibility of your life and how they can help you act more intentionally and purpose-driven in your life.

By shifting your mindset into one that looks for what actions you can take in response to an event rather than what circumstances you can blame, you'll be able to create the life you want instead of being tied to the life your immediate emotional responses create.

"Beliefs are no more than thoughts you've conditioned yourself to think over and over again"


Are you looking for more happiness in your life? We encourage you to partake in the Happiness Challenge. This two step process is a great way to kickstart a life filled with joy and can aid you in the first steps of taking 100% responsibility of your life.

Follow these steps:

1. Build a habit of gratitude

  • Journaling is a great way to help make gratitude a habit

2. Control your over thinking (self talk)

  • Try meditation!

Looking for a journal to start your journey? Check out the Confidence journal!


Don't forget to check out Nicole's blog!


"Every outcome you've experienced in life is a result to how you're responded to an event"

Nicole Scheffler is a ‘Tech Diva’ and has recently put her body of work into a collection online to help spark success for women in tech.

By day, she leads the strategy for Engineering within the Americas Partner Organization and has been in tech for over 15 years. After hours, she works to contribute to this collection of podcasts, books, and blogs to help women in tech become more successful.

This includes her award winning, long standing Diva Tech Talk podcast, her newly released book with Jack Canfield, and her speaking on this topic. She is also a certified Success coach!

Connect with Nicole on IG @techdivasuccess and Linked In! You can also check out her website!

Jul 29, 202056:28
34. DO THIS when you feel SUPER unmotivated by Janelle Lynnae

34. DO THIS when you feel SUPER unmotivated by Janelle Lynnae

Are you tired of people pleasing?

Click here to learn the #1 way to build your confidence muscle & become who you're meant to be, not who everyone else wants you to be.


Our levels of motivation are constantly changing. Being motivated feels great! But how do we deal with a lack of motivation?

In today's podcast, Janelle Lynnae will walk us through her seven steps to get your motivation back! We'll be answering questions such as:

  • What can a lack of motivation look like?
  • What might spark a lack of motivation?
  • How can I get motivated again?


7 Steps to Get Your Motivation Back!

1. Make a list of everything that’s pissing you off and everything you’re upset about.

2. Delete all social media apps for a few days.

"Comparison is the thief of all joy"

3. Find some stuff to be happy about! AKA Gratitude

4. Find encouraging Bible verses, inspiring quotes, or watch inspiring videos or listen to an inspiring audio books.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

5. Ask the WHY Question!

6. Take a break and go have good ol fashioned fun outside.

"It's okay to go slower."

7. Be patient and kind with yourself.


You’re not a machine. You’re not a robot. You’re a human. Remind yourself that it’s normal to have times that feel BLEH. Anticipate things to get better, but you don’t need to fake positivity right now. And never feel ashamed to seek professional help!


And don't forget to check out these great reads!

Check out IG @eyebrowsbyshaked if you're looking for some top quality microblading!

Connect with Janelle on IG @janelle_lynnae and facebook, or email us at hello@nextlevelconfident.com


Jul 22, 202029:28
33. How to Get Through Hard Times by Cultivating GRIT with Matthew Shakir

33. How to Get Through Hard Times by Cultivating GRIT with Matthew Shakir

If anything was possible, what would you do with your life? What does your ideal day and life look like?

These are the kinds of questions that Matthew Shakir, Founder and CEO of Awaken Momentum, challenges us to answer.


"I am stopping anything that's not allowing me to flourish in my life."


Throughout today's podcast we'll be answering questions such as:

  • What is GRIT and how do I get it?
  • How can I create a platinum life?
  • How do I feel fulfilled by my life?
  • Is there a "right way" to live my best life?
  • How do you heal from hardships?
  • How can women and men support each other?


"Create a life that is based on outstanding."


We'll talk all about how to grow the GRIT within yourself and use it to propel yourself forward in life. Matthew reminds us of the infinite possibility found in creating a new 'bottom' when hardship hits and how integral these events are in reaching your life goals.


Using hardships to move forward in life can definitely be hard! It's important to heal from the experiences first, in order to utilize them. Follow these steps to aid you in the process!

Steps to heal:

1. Find Out Who You Need On Your Dream Team. 

  • Maybe a coach or therapist?

2. Spend Time With People Who Empower And Inspire You!

  • It's okay to be picky!
  • You're the 'mean' of the five people you spend the most time with

3. Take Care Of Yourself!

  • Journaling
  • Emotional release (crying is healthy!)
  • Properly fuel your body
  • Go outside!


"If I want to treat my life to the value that I know that I have the capacity to, everything has to shift."


Matthew Shakir, the Founder and CEO of Awaken Momentum, is a Life and Business Coach and Men's Work Facilitator. He focuses on helping people grow and develop all areas of their life and believes that everyone has the ability to flourish and live platinum level lives. Matt has always felt called to serve others. In 2018, he launched Awaken Momentum where he is able to serve others by leading them in powerful life transformations. He encourages clients to truly tap into themselves, grow their GRIT, and start living out their ideal lives.


Connect with Matt on IG @matthewshakir and facebook, or by email: Matt@awakenmomentum.com 

Email Janelle or Matt to receive your copy of the Ideal Day Worksheet! And don't forget to check out Levels of Energy by Frederick Dodson

Jul 15, 202048:24
32. How to Start Your Day like a WINNER with Janelle Lynnae
Jul 01, 202022:11
31. How to be an Approachable Badass with Melanie Spring

31. How to be an Approachable Badass with Melanie Spring

Today we welcome Melanie Spring, an international keynote speaker, emcee, and corporate trainer!

Melanie is a well known "Approachable Badass" who travels internationally with her crew to create branded experiences for humans like you. Melanie will help you find your story, build your confidence, and amplify your voice.

Connect with her on IG @melaniespring or go to www.melaniespring.com

Throughout today's podcast we will answer questions such as:

  • How do I share my story?
  • How can I help myself become the person I want to be?
  • What is stopping me from being proactive in my life?
  • How can I grow from my story?
  • What does it mean to be authentically me?
  • How can I encourage people with my story?


"Everything you've been through has added up to who you are today."


Everyone has a story and everyone is capable of growing from their story.

Melanie reminds us that from both the good and the bad we have experienced, our life story is being created.


"I am right where I'm supposed to be."


She talks about the how to understand your own story and how to be the author of it- you get to write what your future looks like!

We also discuss the importance of being brave enough to tell your story and become aware of how it impacts the person you are today.


"Speak from who you are, not as someone else."

Don't forget to complete the My Life Vision workbook and explore these other awesome resources!

You can also connect with her on Twitter, Linkedin, and Facebook to find out more about Melanie and her story!

Jun 18, 202046:24
30. A Black Coach's Perspective with Chase Tucker

30. A Black Coach's Perspective with Chase Tucker

This is a completely UN-EDITED, raw conversation between a black man that has experienced the pain of racism since the moment he was born and a white woman who's doing her best to understand. This conversation got uncomfortable for me, as the white woman, because it's easy for me to be afraid of saying the wrong thing or not understanding properly or looking ignorant. 

Thank you, Chase Tucker, for sharing your wisdom from a black man's perspective about everything that's recently been brought to light in a whole new way. Thank you for helping those of us, myself included, that don't know what it feels like to gain a better understanding of what's going on and how we can all contribute to making a difference

Connect with Chase on IG @chasetucker.

Simple Action Steps:

Today we will be answering these questions:

  1. I’m obviously a white female and I don’t know how it feels to be judged for my skin color for even a moment. I don’t think I’m alone in feeling this: I want to help but I don’t know how. What’s the most powerful thing I can do right now?
  2. A word that’s being thrown around right now is “systemic racsicm”. What does that mean?
  3. How can we create a change that’s lasting? I don’t want this to be some huge uproar on IG, but then have everyone forget about the importance of this movement next week.
  4. What are the best resources you’d like everyone listening to this podcast to go read, watch, and learn from?

My favorite quotes:

“First, acknowledge there’s a problem. That’s the first step.”

"Let’s no longer make race taboo… you’re not supposed to be colorblind. God created colors for a reason! He created our different tones to be celebrated, not looked over.”

“America’s system is designed like this to keep a marginalized group in prison… it’s happening intentionally in America because it’s profitable.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you, Chase, for sharing your perspective. I appreciate you.

Jun 04, 202045:39
29. Adversity is not an Excuse! How To Find Strength in Hard Times with Mindy Henderson

29. Adversity is not an Excuse! How To Find Strength in Hard Times with Mindy Henderson

Welcome Mindy Henderson, motivational speaker and accountability coach that lives in Austin, Texas!

You can check her out at Mindyhendersonspeaks.com, on IG @mindyannehinderson or check out her YouTube for her uplifting, motivational content!

Mindy was diagnosed at the age of 2 with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. The doctors told her parents that she was supposed to die at the age of 3.

At the time, they were on a medical scavenger hunt, had ended up at the Mayo Clinic, and the doctors were wrong!

Mindy's dad did physical therapy with her at the age of 2 to help her get better. He didn't listen to the doctors prediction for her life.

Today, Mindy lives her life from a wheelchair, but that doesn't stop her from changing lives. Mindy now offers tools and relatable strategies to help people navigate inevitable adversity, while showing them how rich their lives truly are.

Mindy says that hope is one of the #1 tools for coping with adversity.

I asked her if she remembers a time where she felt like a victim to her circumstances? Or was she always so positive about it? 

She tell us, "Growing up, I came home from school crying on a regular basis. My parents would tell me to “Count my blessings.” All I wanted to do was cry and be angry but their message stuck. I grew up knowing how many blessings I had and ultimately my disability has made me such a stronger person!"

I asked her - What is a day in your life like? In what areas do you need physical help? 

"Most people can get out of bed in 5 to 10 seconds physically. For me it takes seven minutes with help from my assistant. AND I’m fiercely independent and I’ve worked hard over my life to be intentional to live as normal of a life as possible!"

"Words have power! Be careful of what you say every day because it might be subtle but it sets the tone for the space you park your brain in. If you look at it the right way adversity can be temporary,"

"I like to say that my disability is not my problem."

"You can’t compare your hardship to someone else’s hardship- if it’s a big deal to you then it’s a big deal. Don’t play the comparison game."

"If you never feel your feelings, I think you will end up crashing and burning. Get quiet. Reflect on what’s happening. But you can’t camp out there. You know when you’ve been wallowing for too long. It feels good to start taking action."

"The very thing that creates our adversity can be the thing that drives us to success."

"The easier road is to keep numbing this. The brave road is to create the margin in your time to think about the hard things you’ve gone through in life."

"You were created for a reason. Your creator does not make accidents."

Thank you, Mindy, for sharing your incredible story with us. You're amazing!

Apr 23, 202001:02:58
28. Boundary Setting Strategies that Build Self-Respect with Janelle Lynnae

28. Boundary Setting Strategies that Build Self-Respect with Janelle Lynnae

You might have a problem with boundary-setting if you:

  • Are a big People-Pleaser
  • You feel an ongoing sense of guilt or fear if other people aren’t happy with you
  • You feel like you’re always responsible for other peoples happiness
  • You often don’t feel “good enough” for your work, significant other, family, etc.

Feel free to check out this awesome article I found called 18 Signs You Lack Personal Boundaries. This will help you put your finger on what areas you most want to grow in.

Having boundaries is important because setting said boundaries with ourselves and others leads to feeling more peaceful and free. It raises your level of self-respect, confidence, and allows you to let go of people-pleasing! 

In today's podcast, I will give you some ideas of strong and clear boundaries that I encourage you to implement in your life.

The main 3 categories covered today include:

  1. Practical ways to set work boundaries
  2. How to speak up for yourself and create relational boundaries
  3. The importance of creating screen boundaries

Check out this article, quoted on today's show, on how working on weekends impacts your well-being.

The 4 Steps to a Clearing Conversation:

1.  The lie I created was.... (I'm annoying)

2. Where this lie came from... (i.e. tangible examples of things he or she did)

3. You can support me by... (not calling me XYZ)

4. What you can expect from me is... (AKA how can I show up better for you?)

Like Brene Brown says, "Clear is kind, unclear is unkind."


Thank you for listening! Head to our website nextlevelconfident.com to learn more.

Apr 17, 202046:33
27. Kick Anxiety in the FACE! with Kate Schoenecker

27. Kick Anxiety in the FACE! with Kate Schoenecker

Today's guest is Kate Schoenecker is a Confidence Consultant for Next Level Confident (yes, we work together!) Personal Trainer, and Yoga Instructor!

You can check out her IG @mckatester or email her hello@janellelynnae.com

"Some people think their walk with anxiety has to be their reality. I don’t have everything figured out but I have experienced a lot of hope and freedom in this area so I’m passionate about helping other women."


  • Anxiety and depression is affecting 40 million adults in the United States. 18.1% of our population.
  • Anxiety is highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of people receive treatment.


Kate shares that she’s been battling different forms of anxiety since she was 3 or 4. "I first went to therapy for Tricotilomania. But when I got older, I thought seeing a therapist made me weak. I originally saw a doctor because I thought there was something wrong with my heart, but it turns out they were panic attacks. I had tingly fingers and numbness. A hard time breathing and chest pain."


We will answer questions like:

  • How do I know if I have severe anxiety?
  • How can I stop shaming my thoughts?
  • How do I stop unwanted thoughts?
  • How can I use my anxiety for good?
  • Should I go get bloodwork done?
  • How to have a healthy relationship with my body? 
  • How can I have a healthy relationship with myself?
  • Why do I have so much social anxiety when I'm heading to an event?


Many of us have fearful, intrusive thoughts. These are unwelcome thoughts that cause more and more fears. This can become a scary loop where are you don’t know what is reality and what’s not. One technique that's worked for Kate is naming the fear a persons name.. like Sally. So instead of resisting your intrusive thoughts, play with them!


What are the 5 creative things you have done to kick anxiety in the face?

1. Get your bloodwork taken. If you’re missing nutrients, a side effect can be anxiety. I had an Iron deficiency. I went and saw an Integrative RD.

2. Thought play. Create a separate identity for your fear. Being able to laugh at yourself and your taboo thoughts!

3. Keep track of less. What all are you keeping track of? Take an inventory of what all you’re tracking in your brain. Counting Calories. Weighing yourself every day. Social media. 

4. Take inventory of your movement patterns. If you’re constantly working out super hard, doing HIIT or long runs, it might be causing elevated stress your levels. Weight lifting. Cardio. If your workouts are always super intense it can lead to chronic stress. “It’s not all about calories in, calories out. Recent studies are showing that stress is playing a bigger role in what your body looks like.” 

5. Try something totally new! Keep an open mind. Something you wouldn’t have tried before. Like chiropractic care, acupuncture, a float tank, water coloring.


"I don’t need to be ashamed of my anxiety. It’s not weakness. It’s fire! It’s power!"

"Slow and steady wins the race. It’s okay that you don’t have it all right now!"


Thank you, Kate, for sharing your powerful mind on today's podcast!

Apr 03, 202050:43
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