Have you ever felt the weight of expectation pressing down on you, shaping your every move? Alice Tang, a trailblazing financial advisor, joins us to unravel the complexities of a life built under the ambitious eye of a 'tiger mother.' In a candid and inspiring session, Alice recounts her personal evolution from the youngest female manager at her first job to a beacon of guidance for women and young girls navigating life's transitions. Her poignant narrative offers a glimpse into the stamina developed through relentless competition and the lessons learned in finding growth amidst the drive for excellence.This episode is not just about the pursuit of achievement; it's a deeper look at how we define ourselves beyond our accomplishments. We discuss the significance of morning rituals, how they shape our days, and engage in a thought-provoking conversation about self-worth that transcends material success. Alice imparts her wisdom on living with intention, navigating relationships with grace, and recognizing the profound impact of life's fleeting encounters. Embrace the gift of reflection and discover how your admiration for others can mirror your deepest values, guiding you toward a life of resilience and intentional growth. Connect with Theresa and Ivana: Websites: Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/ Ivana, Courageous Being: https://www.courageousbeing.com/ Instagram: Ivana: https://www.instagram.com/courbeing/ Theresa: https://www.instagram.com/tscconsultants/ LinkedIn: Step into the Pivot: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/step-into-the-pivot/ Theresa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tree-conti/ Ivana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivipol/

Emerging from the depths of despair and the confines of a monastery, JR brings us a tale of raw human resilience that will leave you both moved and enlightened. His journey, marked by intense struggles with mental health and the daunting task of redefining his identity, unfolds in our latest episode, offering a rare glimpse into the transformative power of authenticity and vulnerability. As he recounts the life-altering dialogue with his mother, listeners will find themselves immersed in a story of immigration, the weight of societal expectations, and the silent battle with depression that many face alone.This week, we're honored to journey alongside JR as we navigate the turbulent seas of mental health and personal growth. His experiences, from the initial stumbles of confronting mental health issues to the small, consistent steps towards healing, underscore an essential message: acknowledging pain is not a sign of weakness, but the first step to finding happiness. Through his narrative, we shine a light on the toxic tropes that often hinder progress and the profound lessons learned from his time as a monk. Join us for an episode that isn't just a conversation—it's a lifeline for anyone looking to emerge from the shadows and step into a life of purpose and peace. Connect with Theresa and Ivana: Websites: Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/ Ivana, Courageous Being: https://www.courageousbeing.com/ Instagram: Ivana: https://www.instagram.com/courbeing/ Theresa: https://www.instagram.com/tscconsultants/ LinkedIn: Step into the Pivot: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/step-into-the-pivot/ Theresa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tree-conti/ Ivana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivipol/

Anna Maria Ponzi is the former owner and past president of Ponzi Vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. From the age of four, she’s had the rare experience of working in every aspect of the winery. She helped plant its original vines, worked on the bottling line, hosted guests in the tasting room and has made countless national and international sales calls. Anna Maria has served the state’s wine industry in myriad ways, including serving as an early ambassador for Oregon wine both nationally and internationally while building Oregon wine country into a travel destination. After earning her degree in journalism from the University of Oregon, she worked in Boston’s publishing industry until returning to the rural family business in 1991. Soon after, she was joined by her winemaking sister and the two young women trailblazed the growing tide of female vintners. Simultaneously, they grew the business from an annual production of 10,000 to over 50,000 cases and increased its vineyard holdings from 20 to 140 acres. This ownership distinguished Ponzi Vineyards as the nation’s only winery solely owned and operated by second-generation sisters at the time. She is recognized for establishing a premiere travel destination with the opening of the valley’s first seated wine experience among other visitor attractions in the area. Her memoir ‘Pinot Girl’ was released in celebration of the winery’s 50th Anniversary in 2020. A year later, she and her sister successfully negotiated the sale of the winery to the esteemed French house Société Jacques Bollinger of Champagne, France. In 2023, she created “The Four-Ounce Pour”, a keynote that reflects on her life in wine and how bringing intentionality and balance into our lives creates greater meaning and impact.In this episode, Theresa, Ivana, and Maria discussed:Elevating your values and discovering your potential Being present in the moment How pivots can lead to deeper understanding Create more meaning in your life Key Takeaways:Points of pivot may become emotionally challenging, but sometimes they are opportunities for us to align ourselves with our values and elevate our potential. It will also sometimes lead to us discovering our identity. Be present in the moment and enjoy the simple things, especially in today's fast-paced world. Once you’ve taken a pause to reflect, you will become even more ready for greater things. Entrepreneurs and leaders need to understand the significance of giving back, particularly by mentoring and nurturing others, especially women, and being stewards of the land. Transitioning and pivoting in life can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the discovery of a personal "keynote" message.Slow down and create more meaning in your everConnect with Theresa and Ivana: Websites: Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/ Ivana, Courageous Being: https://www.courageousbeing.com/ Instagram: Ivana: https://www.instagram.com/courbeing/ Theresa: https://www.instagram.com/tscconsultants/ LinkedIn: Step into the Pivot: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/step-into-the-pivot/ Theresa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tree-conti/ Ivana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivipol/

In this episode, Theresa and Ivana discussed:Four research-backed strategies to prevent and manage burnoutThe physical, emotional, and mental symptoms of burnout and the importance of addressing themTips on how to have quality self-care Helping others and yourself overcome burnout Key Takeaways:According to Johns Hopkins, the four things that we can practice to prevent and manage burnout are the following: First is exercise. Second is having a good amount and a good quality of sleep. The third is to seek out happiness or make time for what makes you happy. The fourth and final one on their list is social support. Women carry unique responsibilities that make them more prone to burnout. Menopause and taking care of children for example can cause one to lose a lot of sleep. People who take care of a lot of things should take time to take care of themselves, in order for them to increase their capacity to keep on serving and leading in their lives. In order to have quality self-care, one must consider internal and external restoration. Go on a vacation, and while on vacation, set good boundaries for yourself. Focus on the moment and make sure that your soul is being fed by the pause. Help yourself and others overcome burnout by opening up to a group. Be vulnerable and be honest with what you are feeling and listen without judgment. Be mindful of your inner thoughts, and give yourself healthy, positive, life-giving words. “Listen to yourself without judgment.” - Ivana PolonijoConnect with Theresa and Ivana:Websites:Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/Connect with Theresa and Ivana: Websites: Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/ Ivana, Courageous Being: https://www.courageousbeing.com/ Instagram: Ivana: https://www.instagram.com/courbeing/ Theresa: https://www.instagram.com/tscconsultants/ LinkedIn: Step into the Pivot: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/step-into-the-pivot/ Theresa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tree-conti/ Ivana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivipol/

Nick Demos is a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, documentary filmmaker, host of The Creative Soulpreneur podcast, and story and speaking coach. With over thirty years in the entertainment industry, he has traveled from the Tony Awards to ashrams and run a multi-million dollar business in between. Nick works with entrepreneurs and experts to use storytelling to command stages and dramatically increase their income and impact.In this episode, Theresa, Ivana, and Nick discussed:Embracing your true identity The power of storytelling Openness and self-discovery Key Takeaways:Don’t equate your self-worth and identity to achievements. Achievements, even when they are accomplished, will come and go. It will leave a void once the achievement has been completed. Let go of external validation and embrace your true identity. Storytelling is innate. It transcends individual experiences and creates communal connections. Authenticity and vulnerability are the key elements to making a good story that will create deeper connections with others. Vulnerability is not easy but it is very powerful. The road toward personal success often doesn’t come from being on a straight path. It takes many winding turns, pivots, and setbacks. Take courage and open your eyes to doors that present the opportunity to experience new things and discover yourself. “Perfection was a form of selfishness, ultimately. And when I was able to begin to break that apart, and it took time, it wasn't an overnight thing. It was a process - a shedding of some really habitual patterns taking it from what's in it for me, to ‘how can I help you?’” - Nick Demos Connect with Nick Demos:Website: https://www.thenickdemos.com/ Podcast, The Creative Soulpreneur: https://www.thenickdemos.com/TheCreativeSoulpreneurPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNickDemos/ Instagram: Connect with Theresa and Ivana: Websites: Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/ Ivana, Courageous Being: https://www.courageousbeing.com/ Instagram: Ivana: https://www.instagram.com/courbeing/ Theresa: https://www.instagram.com/tscconsultants/ LinkedIn: Step into the Pivot: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/step-into-the-pivot/ Theresa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tree-conti/ Ivana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivipol/

Kelly Majdan is an author, speaker, and wellness advisor who encourages others to tap into their POWER to craft a life of well-being, longevity, and financial stability. Her approach guides you in developing a wellness strategy that maximizes your time, money, and resources, so you can achieve the healthy lifestyle you desire without breaking the bank.After 25 years in the financial services industry, Kelly left to start her wellness advisory firm, Power Through Wellness, because she saw first-hand how poor health and poor finances negatively impact those later golden years. She knew there had to be a way to help her fellow mid-lifers right their wellness ship so they could sail with good health into calm future waters. In this episode, Theresa, Ivana, and Kelly discussed:Why caregivers must care for themselvesBuilding a mindset for more health and wealthThe advantage of having a positive attitude Key Takeaways:People who have the responsibility to care about people who need it tend to forget to give themselves that very same care and love. A caregiver neglecting their own needs and happiness is a recipe for burnout and unhappiness. Enhancing your health and creating more wealth comes more easily when one goes inward and changes one's mindset. The journey towards growth sometimes comes from bringing into awareness what is within and allowing it to be transformed to fit the desire or goal that you have in mind. A positive attitude, mindset, and outlook will not instantly fix the situation that is going on in your life, but it will make a difficult situation more bearable emotionally and it will encourage the people that you are suffering with.“I discovered the fact that working with people to help them with their health, will help them with their wealth.” - Kelly MajdanConnect with Kelly Majdan:Website: https://www.kellymajdan.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellymajdan/ Facebook: Connect with Theresa and Ivana: Websites: Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/ Ivana, Courageous Being: https://www.courageousbeing.com/ Instagram: Ivana: https://www.instagram.com/courbeing/ Theresa: https://www.instagram.com/tscconsultants/ LinkedIn: Step into the Pivot: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/step-into-the-pivot/ Theresa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tree-conti/ Ivana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivipol/

Emily Rassam is the Senior Financial Planner for Archer Investment Management.  She has a true passion for helping clients make sense of their financial lives and develop clear plans to achieve their goals. Before Archer Investment Management, Emily spent 14 years at investment firms in New York and North Carolina working with families, executives, and institutional retirement clients.In her downtime, Emily enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and hiking with her son, daughter, husband, and dogs. She currently serves as a mentor and run lead for Tri It for Life, an organization empowering women of all ages and athletic abilities to train for their first triathlon. She also serves on the board of YMCA Emerging Leaders in Charlotte, as a foster home for ABC Basset Hound rescue, and as a Regional Leader and Carolinas Chapter Chair for WIPN (WE Inspire, Promote, Network) wipn.org, a women's leadership and networking group for women in the retirement industry.In this episode, Theresa, Ivana, and Emily discussed:Growing by slowing down Balance versus Harmony Assuming the best in others Protect your calendar Key Takeaways:Many times people feel that the meaning of “growth” is to keep getting a bigger title and a bigger salary. However, real growth would sometimes mean that you’d have to pause, slow down, and carefully consider what the most meaningful thing in your life truly is and if you’re spending your limited time with the people who mean a lot to you. Work-life balance is like walking on a tightrope - you have to keep each side of yourself equal in order to stay upright. However, being in balance in this way is still a stressful picture. Harmony is different, it’s about making one side of your life work well with the other, embracing both and discerning which deserves priority in the moment. It’s difficult to see past your own hardships and your own pain. However, when dealing with others, it’s better to always assume the best in them and recognize that they might be going through something heavy in their life. You can only know so much about a person, even if you see them every day. It is best to give people the beConnect with Theresa and Ivana: Websites: Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/ Ivana, Courageous Being: https://www.courageousbeing.com/ Instagram: Ivana: https://www.instagram.com/courbeing/ Theresa: https://www.instagram.com/tscconsultants/ LinkedIn: Step into the Pivot: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/step-into-the-pivot/ Theresa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tree-conti/ Ivana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivipol/

Andrea was introduced to retirement plans through growth and acquisition at her first job out of college at US Bank. She holds a Finance degree from Minnesota State University - Moorhead. Andrea’s industry knowledge prospered with 17 years in varying roles focused on service at The Standard. Moving from a recordkeeper to a broker/dealer with two years at Cetera Financial Group only broadened her expertise.Joining Fiduciary Decisions (FDI) in November 2020 as Vice President of National Accounts has allowed her to focus close to 25 years of industry experience on FDI’s valuable broker/dealer and RIA clients.Andrea is very active with WIPN — WE | Inspire | Promote | Network — a non-profit organization focused on advancing equity and opportunity for women in the retirement industry. She currently serves as the Regional Leader for the Pacific Northwest region and had previously co-founded and co-chaired the Oregon chapter. She is also active with the Youth Charity League (YCL) and currently serves on the YCL Board as Secretary. YCL has provided her and her family with the opportunity to serve various non-profit organizations.She enjoys time with friends and family, golfing, reading, and traveling. Andrea is a proud parent to three awesome kids – two in college and one in high school. Andrea lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, kids on the go, and their dog Rocky.In this episode, Theresa, Ivana, and Andrea discussed:Allowing people to help Finding unexpected connections in the midst of difficultyTake your time, don’t rush Take care of your needs Key Takeaways:Unexpected problems may cause people to stay in shock or become overwhelmed. In this state of mind, it often becomes difficult to ask for support or receive help from other people. However, we have to push past this resistance and courageously allow people to help us. Difficult situations have a way of bringing people together. It creates an instant connection when you meet someone who’s going through something similar to whaConnect with Theresa and Ivana: Websites: Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/ Ivana, Courageous Being: https://www.courageousbeing.com/ Instagram: Ivana: https://www.instagram.com/courbeing/ Theresa: https://www.instagram.com/tscconsultants/ LinkedIn: Step into the Pivot: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/step-into-the-pivot/ Theresa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tree-conti/ Ivana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivipol/

In this episode, Theresa and Ivana discussed:The rhythm of pivots A journey of growth Giving yourself unconditional loveGoing up an upward spiral Key Takeaways:Splatting can happen in every pivot and in those moments, you’ll have to pick yourself back up and get moving. Gratitude is powerful and it can get you through the feeling of discomfort after each pivot. Harness your adversity. Embrace the discomfort and build resilience. Acknowledge that your life is a journey of growth. If you give yourself the same kind of unconditional love that you give to people who matter to you, then you’ll become a happier and generally better person. Accessing this connection to yourself will also help you connect with other people genuinely. Embrace what you went through and embrace who you are and who you’ve become because of what you went through. See the bigger picture and know that the journey is an upward spiral. When walking through a transition, it may feel like you’re going backward. “If [my son] is worthy of love, for no reason, whether he is failing or succeeding, that just does not determine his inherent worth then that might also be true for me.” - Ivana PolonijoConnect with Theresa and Ivana:Websites:Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/ Ivana, Courageous Being: httpConnect with Theresa and Ivana: Websites: Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/ Ivana, Courageous Being: https://www.courageousbeing.com/ Instagram: Ivana: https://www.instagram.com/courbeing/ Theresa: https://www.instagram.com/tscconsultants/ LinkedIn: Step into the Pivot: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/step-into-the-pivot/ Theresa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tree-conti/ Ivana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivipol/

In this episode, Theresa and Ivana discussed:The value of self-awareness The power of vulnerability Don’t keep your story silentHow your story can impact others Key Takeaways:Self-awareness and emotional intelligence are valuable not only for your own personal growth but also for your career. Being vulnerable to others requires one to step out in courage. Vulnerability is the key to self-empowerment. Being vulnerable unlocks your connection with others because you’ll discover similar experiences and learn new lessons from their unique perspective.Don’t keep your story silent. Sharing your struggle, and what you’re doing to get through it, or how you got through it is going to give people hope. People who are going through the same thing will realize that they are not alone and will have the strength to claim that it is not the end of their journey. Sharing your story won’t only help people who are going through the same thing. People who are going through something completely different can still discover something very meaningful and valuable from your journey to their own. You will never know how impactful and how powerful your story can be in someone else’s life unless you speak it out. “We are already powerful. We just oftentimes don't remember. ” - Ivana PolonijoConnect with Theresa Conti and Ivana Polonijo:Websites:Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/ Ivana, Courageous Being: Connect with Theresa and Ivana: Websites: Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/ Ivana, Courageous Being: https://www.courageousbeing.com/ Instagram: Ivana: https://www.instagram.com/courbeing/ Theresa: https://www.instagram.com/tscconsultants/ LinkedIn: Step into the Pivot: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/step-into-the-pivot/ Theresa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tree-conti/ Ivana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivipol/

Welcome to Step into the Pivot where your hosts Ivana and Theresa talk to people just like you. We will have honest conversations with our guests about issues they have faced, how they had to pivot to address them and lessons learned that you can apply to your life.Connect with Ivana & Theresa: Ivana’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivipol/ Theresa's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-conti-qka-apr-erpa-cpfa-1b36a713/ Connect with Theresa and Ivana: Websites: Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/ Ivana, Courageous Being: https://www.courageousbeing.com/ Instagram: Ivana: https://www.instagram.com/courbeing/ Theresa: https://www.instagram.com/tscconsultants/ LinkedIn: Step into the Pivot: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/step-into-the-pivot/ Theresa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tree-conti/ Ivana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivipol/