Chief Change Officer

Singapore’s youngest female parliamentarian, Tin Pei Ling, reflects on her transformative journey from psychology student to public servant. Faced with early challenges like age bias, online criticism, and the weight of public expectations, she shares how resilience and authenticity became her guiding principles. Tin highlights the power of grassroots connections and meaningful actions to overcome stereotypes and build trust with her constituents. Her story is a testament to navigating adversity with purpose and determination. Key Highlights of Our Interview: A Life-Altering Election “My first general election was intense—personally and professionally. As the youngest candidate and a woman, I faced doubts and criticisms. Every day, I had to focus on helping constituents despite the noise. It was a challenging baptism of fire but one that shaped my resilience and growth.” The Unique Burdens of Social Media “Social media amplifies everything. Comments—relevant or not—come in waves, and the pressure can be immense. Learning to filter the noise and focus on sincere feedback was crucial. Ultimately, actions spoke louder than words. Over time, trust and authenticity won out.” Resilience Through Adversity “Facing biases about age and gender was tough, but time became my ally. By consistently engaging with my constituents and showing my sincerity, I was able to forge bonds that matter deeply to me. Challenges don’t just test us—they teach us to thrive.” The Power of Perspective “Looking back, I see growth. The moments of doubt and struggle turned into valuable lessons. Now, I approach criticism with a clearer head and use those experiences to inspire others. Resilience isn’t just about enduring—it’s about learning and evolving.” _________________________ Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Tin Pei Ling Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP 2.5 Millions+ Downloads 50+ Countries

Meet Irina Filippova, the fearless trailblazer who swapped a career in diplomacy for a front-row seat in the energy and transportation revolutions. Born in Moscow to a nuclear scientist, Irina took a hard left from splitting atoms to bridging cultures, then pivoted again—this time into reshaping the energy landscape at BP. She’s the kind of leader who doesn’t just talk about change; she makes it happen, whether she’s revamping gas stations into sustainability hubs or electrifying entire fleets. With a dash of diplomacy, a ton of curiosity, and a knack for jumping into the unknown, Irina proves that courage and a good sense of humor are key to leading through global transformations. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Moscow Roots and Global Aspirations “I grew up surrounded by science—my father was a nuclear scientist—but my passion was languages and cultures. Choosing diplomacy as a career was a bold step, especially for a woman in Moscow, but it opened doors to a world of possibilities.” A Curiosity-Led Career Path “My journey has been anything but linear. At 35, I realized I wasn’t drawn to the idea of a traditional career path. Instead, I wanted to explore different facets of energy, leading me from corporate giants to startups—and each step fueled my curiosity further.” Turning the Lens Inward “I initially focused on the need for external leaders to change, but studying psychology at the Carl Jung Institute revealed a profound truth: the change had to start within me. Only by addressing my own internal growth could I effectively guide others.” Solving the Fleet Transition Equation “Fleet owners face a daunting challenge: embracing electrification without losing focus on their core business. Our mission is to handle everything from sourcing energy to ensuring reliability, allowing them to electrify without added burdens.” _________________________ Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Irina Filippova Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP 2.5 Millions+ Downloads 50+ Countries

Ever felt like confidence is just another buzzword? Lucy Gernon from Ireland is here to flip the script. In this episode, Lucy breaks down the true essence of confidence—not borrowed quotes or empty bravado, but certainty in yourself, your ideas, and the value you bring. With candid insights and her own journey from self-doubt to self-assurance, she offers a fresh perspective on why confidence isn’t just a trait—it’s a gift you owe to yourself and your audience.   Key Highlights of Our Interview: The Fire Within “I knew I was capable of more, but my inner critic kept me playing small. It wasn’t until a personal tragedy shook me to my core that I decided to stop living for others and start chasing my dreams.” Building While Working “I started small, coaching evenings and weekends to test the waters. It wasn’t glamorous, but it proved there was a demand. For over a year, I balanced corporate life with side hustle life, saving money, gaining testimonials, and upskilling wherever I could.” Lessons from the Mirror “Before starting my business, I leaned on big names and borrowed quotes. But a coach’s nudge reminded me: I had my own frameworks, built on life experience. That realization turned the mirror back on me—and boosted my belief in what I bring to the table.” Confidence as a Gift “Confidence isn’t about perfection or credentials. It’s about understanding what you’ve built, what you’ve learned, and using that to enrich others’ journeys. That’s the real win.” _________________________ Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Lucy Gernon Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP 2.5 Millions+ Downloads 50+ Countries

Wayne Turmel, co-author of The Long-Distance Leader, joins the show to unpack the chaos of remote and hybrid leadership. Is hybrid work really a strategy? Wayne says it’s more like a game of tug-of-war—companies push for office days, employees dig in their heels, and somehow three days in the office feels like a compromise nobody loves. He dives into how proximity bias sneaks into decision-making, why intentionality is the secret sauce for great leadership, and how balancing deep work with collaboration can save everyone’s sanity. Whether it’s giving feedback on time (without needing to see someone’s face) or managing your team across time zones, Wayne serves up leadership advice with wit, practicality, and just the right amount of Zoom fatigue relatability. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Lessons from History’s Leaders “Genghis Khan ruled half the world without a Webex meeting. Julius Caesar? Brilliant in the field, but the office politics got him. Leading from afar isn’t new—it’s just evolved.” The Proximity Bias Trap “In hybrid setups, those in the office often get more attention and opportunities—intentionally or not. Awareness is key to ensure fairness across the team.” Bridging the Trust Gap “Leadership tasks haven’t changed, but relationships, trust, and proactive communication now require a conscious effort to avoid gaps and micromanagement.” The Synchronous-Asynchronous Dance “Effective hybrid work balances synchronous collaboration with asynchronous deep work. It’s not about clocking in at the same time but about delivering results with flexibility.” Intentionality Over Chaos “Hybrid solutions require intentionality. Schedule in-office days for meetings and collaboration. Leave remote days for focused work. Let people own their time to produce quality results.” _________________________ Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Wayne Turmel Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP 2.5 Millions+ Downloads 50+ Countries

Part One. Thinking about leaving Corporate America? Or maybe you’ve already taken the leap and are still navigating the journey? This episode is tailor-made for you. Today’s guest, Alison Stewart, made a bold move from a decade-long career in finance and insurance into the fast-paced world of startups. A switch she made in the midst of the pandemic. Even more inspiring? She landed this opportunity through networking on LinkedIn. While many of us turn to LinkedIn for job searches, skepticism around job postings is common. This is actually part one of a two-part series. Today, we’re diving into the personal changes Alison has experienced: her motivations, the steps she took, and her LinkedIn story of connecting with her current co-founder. Tomorrow, we’ll talk about her new venture, Overalls, which is making waves in the employee benefits space. They’re building a network of “life concierges,” including stay-at-home parents, the underemployed, and retirees, and linking them with employers to help reduce the day-to-day stress on employees. Will this model make employees feel more loyal? More willing to return to the office? We don’t know yet, but it’s definitely an idea worth exploring. Key Highlights of Our Interview: "What Am I Doing?” – Hitting Pause on the Corporate Grind “During the pandemic, time started blending together. I had to stop and ask, what am I doing? Am I happy?” Those months at home made me realize how I’d been running on autopilot, stuck in a cycle of new leadership teams and constant resets. With every change, it felt like we were taking ten steps back just to make one forward." “The Safety Net of a Strong Company” – Navigating Stability vs. Fulfillment “You can get caught up in…having a strong company, great group of colleagues…new opportunities coming at you. But it might not be what truly motivates you.” “Controlling for Risk Factors” – Making Thoughtful Career Moves “I was trying to control for those risk factors, or at least account for them…what was I comfortable with? How would it impact my family?” “Overalls Caught My Eye” – The Power of an Unexpected Spark “I was sitting at work…reading about the launch of Overalls, and I got really excited. People almost stopped me, saying, ‘Allison, nothing gives you as much excitement as this opportunity." “Taking Skills Beyond Insurance” – Exploring New Industries on LinkedIn “I was interested in exploring something outside the insurance industry…how does my experience, how do my skills translate, and how do I communicate them effectively?” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guests: Alison Stewart ______________________ Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP 2 Millions+ Downloads 50+ Countries

Part Two. Thinking about leaving Corporate America? Or maybe you’ve already taken the leap and are still navigating the journey? This episode is tailor-made for you. Today’s guest, Alison Stewart, made a bold move from a decade-long career in finance and insurance into the fast-paced world of startups. A switch she made in the midst of the pandemic. Even more inspiring? She landed this opportunity through networking on LinkedIn. While many of us turn to LinkedIn for job searches, skepticism around job postings is common. This is actually part two of a two-part series. Yesterday, we’re diving into the personal changes Alison has experienced: her motivations, the steps she took, and her LinkedIn story of connecting with her current co-founder. Today, we’ll talk about her new venture, Overalls, which is making waves in the employee benefits space. They’re building a network of “life concierges,” including stay-at-home parents, the underemployed, and retirees, and linking them with employers to help reduce the day-to-day stress on employees. Will this model make employees feel more loyal? More willing to return to the office? We don’t know yet, but it’s definitely an idea worth exploring. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Building a Village for Every Stage of Life “Overalls is essentially your village… supporting you through life’s messier, more complex situations, like helping an elderly parent or finding summer camps for kids.” A Rare Benefit That Earns Employee Appreciation “This is one of the first times HR is getting thanked by employees for a benefit… they’re amazed at how thankful employees are for the support.” Confidence in Uncharted Territory “The biggest challenge was… do I have the skill set to do these things? Am I qualified to make some of these decisions?… In this environment, it’s all core because again, if you’re not doing it, it’s not getting done.” Keep Your Goals in Sight: Write Them Down “We can get distracted… By writing it down, being honest with ourselves, talking to others, that’ll help us hold ourselves accountable to what it is that we’re looking for.” The Power of Focus and Manifesting the Right Move “I wasn’t reaching out to a million people… I was focused, determined to put the time and energy in. My excitement led me to take a risk, and it worked.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Alison Stewart ______________________ Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP 2 Millions+ Downloads 50+ Countries

Part One. Who couldn’t use a bit more happiness? In this two-part series, we dive into the journey of Rahshea Cardiff, VP of Partnerships at Happy Companies—a venture dedicated to building happier, healthier workplaces. With over 20 years of experience in people management across big names like Best Buy, Starbucks, and Microsoft, Rahshea is passionate about creating meaningful employee experiences. But her story goes beyond the corporate world; she’s faced deep personal challenges, including the loss of her mother, a divorce, and raising her first child, all while navigating major career transitions. In today’s episode, Rahshea shares the resilience behind her journey and what led her to join Happy Companies. We’ll explore how she’s using her life experiences to shape a fresh approach to employee wellbeing and workplace happiness. Then, tune in for part two on Tuesday, where Rahshea delves into her role at Happy Companies, her mission to integrate technology with genuine human care, and her vision for transforming the modern workplace. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Conditioned Ambition: The Corporate Ladder Wasn’t the Life I Wanted “As we’re growing up, we go to school, we get good grades, we go to college, we get married, buy a house. Climb the corporate ladder—it’s what we’re taught, what we see. But in 2016, everything shifted—I realized I was chasing something that no longer felt right." Loss and Legacy: Realizing We’re Not Promised Tomorrow “Losing my mother and going through a divorce within a year taught me that we all fall into this trap of thinking there’s always tomorrow. I began asking myself, ‘If today were my last day, would I be at peace with how I spent it?’ Too many times, the answer was no. I knew it was time to recalibrate.” Choosing Purpose Over Position “I walked away from corporate stability and took a leap into entrepreneurship. And now, working with Happy, I’m able to stay close to my family and focus on meaningful work that aligns with my values.” The Gift of Presence: Living in the Moment “When we are able to shift our mindset and perspective to live in the present, it really is such a gift.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Rahshea Cardiff Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP 2 Millions+ Downloads 50+ Countries

Part Two. Who couldn’t use a bit more happiness? In this two-part series, we dive into the journey of Rahshea Cardiff, VP of Partnerships at Happy Companies—a venture dedicated to building happier, healthier workplaces. With over 20 years of experience in people management across big names like Best Buy, Starbucks, and Microsoft, Rahshea is passionate about creating meaningful employee experiences. But her story goes beyond the corporate world; she’s faced deep personal challenges, including the loss of her mother, a divorce, and raising her first child, all while navigating major career transitions. In Part One, Rahshea shared the resilience behind her journey and what led her to join Happy Companies. Today, tune in for Part Two, where Rahshea delves into her role at Happy Companies, her mission to integrate technology with genuine human care, and her vision for transforming the modern workplace. We’ll explore how she’s using her life experiences to shape a fresh approach to employee wellbeing and workplace happiness. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Unbecoming to Become: Shedding What Isn’t You "Maybe it’s not about becoming anything. Maybe it’s about unbecoming everything that isn’t who you really are." The Power of Staying True to Yourself “I was told I needed to change who I was… to fit into somebody’s picture of what they thought I should be. Instead, I learned to step into who I am and be proud of it.” Unlocking a Team’s Full Potential through Behavioral Insights “With Happy, leaders get a snapshot of every team member—how they’re wired, their strengths, their energy drivers, and what drains them.” Putting a Personalized Coach at Every Leader’s Fingertips “Happy’s platform essentially puts a one-on-one coach at the fingertips of every leader and employee, including self-coaching to improve communication and motivation.” Human Stories and Tech-Driven Scalability: A Perfect Balance “Technology is terrific for us at Happy; it provides the behavioral insight, but it’s that human coach who can tell the story, make it personal, and take it to the next level of impact.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Rahshea Cardiff Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP 2 Millions+ Downloads 50+ Countries

Part One. Today’s episode has a unique twist: I’m interviewing a storytelling expert to share his own story. My guest, Chris Hare, is a strategic narrative advisor and coach for companies like Amazon and Microsoft, guiding leaders and executives with his approach, Atomic Storytelling. His method breaks down complex stories into their core, resonant elements. In this three-part series, we’ll journey through Chris’s experiences in three stages. Today, in Part 1, we’ll explore his expertise in helping businesses craft compelling corporate stories and understand the connection between story and narrative. Tomorrow, in Part 2, we’ll look at storytelling for personal transformation as Chris shares some of the best and worst stories he’s heard and opens up about his own challenges. Then, in Part 3, he’ll introduce tools we can use to develop our own stories and narratives. And here’s a personal confession—I told him one of his exercises might just make me cry! I’ll also be sharing my own experience with another exercise, highlighting both its challenges and insights. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Stories Fuel the Narrative “In my mind, stories are time-bound: this happened, it started here, it ended there. But the narrative is ongoing—it’s an architecture shaping the direction of an individual or company.” Storytelling’s Overplayed? Think Again “For years, I wouldn’t even call myself a storyteller because it was so overplayed. Everyone is using frameworks like the hero’s journey as if they’re paint-by-numbers. But storytelling is far more complex.” The Narrative Flywheel: Stories That Drive Strategy “The stories are the fuel that flows into the flywheel. We synthesize them, find patterns, and decide where to play and how to win. Then, with experimentation and learning, we create more stories—and the flywheel keeps spinning." Human-Centered Design in Action: Logitech’s Transformation “Bracken Darrell took Logitech’s failing narrative and reframed it with a vision: human-centered design across every part of the company. This vision wasn’t pushed from the top but inspired teams, driving Logitech’s turnaround—from 30-day financial reporting to just two.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Chris Hare Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP 2 Millions+ Downloads 50+ Countries

Part Two. Today’s episode has a unique twist: I’m interviewing a storytelling expert to share his own story. My guest, Chris Hare, is a strategic narrative advisor and coach for companies like Amazon and Microsoft, guiding leaders and executives with his approach, Atomic Storytelling. His method breaks down complex stories into their core, resonant elements. In this three-part series, we’ll journey through Chris’s experiences in three stages. Yesterday, in Part 1, we explored his expertise in helping businesses craft compelling corporate stories and understand the connection between story and narrative. Today, in Part 2, we’ll look at storytelling for personal transformation as Chris shares some of the best and worst stories he’s heard and opens up about his own mental health challenges. Then, in Part 3, he’ll introduce tools we can use to develop our own stories and narratives. And here’s a personal confession—I told him one of his exercises might just make me cry! I’ll also be sharing my own experience with another exercise, highlighting both its challenges and insights. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Rewriting Your Inner Cassette Tape “I find it helpful and more visceral to think about our personal narratives as a cassette tape—a tape that’s playing in our head that we’re constantly writing, rewriting, and adjusting.” Building One Authentic Narrative Across Multiple Worlds “A serial CEO I worked with wanted one narrative that connected his private equity, board roles, and yoga community. The result was an authentic narrative rooted in his true self that could be lensed across different audiences.” Proximity Blinds Us to Our Own Stories "We’re so close to our own narrative and stories that we don’t see the broader picture… if you’re building with Lego, you might not see that there’s a gigantic pile of Lego behind you." Changing the Inputs to Shift the Narrative and Change the Outcome “If you continue to put in the same inputs, things likely won’t change… One of the positive inputs I changed was I got into fly fishing, and that was part of changing those inputs to shift not only the narrative but the outcomes.” The Power of Raw Storytelling "Our stories are not always the really clean, really curated story that makes us look good, but that raw story that has the power to shift the future." Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Chris Hare Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP 2 Millions+ Downloads 50+ Countries

Part Three. Today’s episode has a unique twist: I’m interviewing a storytelling expert to share his own story. My guest, Chris Hare, is a strategic narrative advisor and coach for companies like Amazon and Microsoft, guiding leaders and executives with his approach, Atomic Storytelling. His method breaks down complex stories into their core, resonant elements. In this three-part series, we’ll journey through Chris’s experiences in three stages. On Wednesday, in Part 1, we explored his expertise in helping businesses craft compelling corporate stories and understand the connection between story and narrative. On Thursday, in Part 2, we looked at storytelling for personal transformation as Chris shared some of the best and worst stories he had heard or felt.  He also opened up about his own mental health challenges. Then, today, in Part 3, he’ll introduce tools we can use to develop our own stories and narratives. And here’s a personal confession—I told him one of his exercises might just make me cry! I’ll also be sharing my own experience with another exercise, highlighting both its challenges and insights. Key Highlights of Our Interview: The Power of a Reflective Movie Theater Exercise “I have people visualize that movie that plays is actually not the blockbuster. It’s actually your life playing and your career…What might you call that movie?” Beyond the Corporate 360: Finding Stories That Matter “This is not the 360 that many of us from corporate America are used to…the goal here is to go and talk to three to five people who know you, care about you, and want you to succeed.” Feedback as a Double-Edged Sword “People could give feedback that might reinforce the wrong narrative…we just have to be careful and think about them as inputs, not absolute truths.” The Weight of Opinions and Invisible Biases “We unknowingly put more weight on some people’s opinions than others…whether it’s because of the friendship, the level of friendship, or the position they have.” Rewriting Stories with Every Interaction “I’m never telling the same story twice. I’m rewriting the story as I’m telling you based on your face, your facial expressions, your body language, your tone of voice. There are all those factors that play into it that make it incredibly complex.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Chris Hare Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP 2 Millions+ Downloads 50+ Countries

Part One. We dive into an extraordinary journey of resilience with Athena Brownson. At the peak of her real estate career—feeling invincible and unstoppable—Athena’s life took an unexpected turn. Strange health issues appeared, and she was eventually diagnosed with Lyme disease, a condition that would change everything. For the past eight years, Athena has lived in chronic pain, relying on plasma transfusions four days each month just to keep going. Her life now revolves around battling this disease, something she never imagined facing. As she says, “If life didn’t give us adversity and challenges…” This story is too powerful for just one episode. Today, in Part 1, Athena shares her experience with Lyme disease—a condition that remains poorly understood but has profoundly impacted her health. She’ll talk about how she caught it, what she’s endured, and the fight to survive. In Part 2, airing tomorrow, Athena will reveal how she not only survived but found ways to thrive, rebuild her support system, and grow her career once again. Key Highlights of Our Interview: The Hidden Threat of Lyme Disease “I had no idea what Lyme disease was before I was diagnosed with it. It’s the fastest growing epidemic in the United States, and it can turn life upside down.” From Athlete to Survivor “My life has made a complete 180 from being a professional athlete to just trying to get through each day. It’s a nightmare I wouldn’t wish on anyone.” When Life Becomes a Series of Challenges “It’s hard not to get stuck in the mud when you’re dealing with something so challenging and constant… chronic pain, chronic fatigue, enough to make anyone want to stay in bed and not do anything.” Creating a Toolkit for Every Day “How do we pivot our mentality? How do we create our toolkit of things to get us through each day, even when we don’t want to? Sometimes it’s as simple as blasting favorite music or making a great cup of coffee.” Becoming Your Own Biggest Advocate “With Lyme, I’ve learned that you have to be your own biggest advocate. It’s about mental resilience, surrounding yourself with the right people, and finding those anchors to push forward.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Athena Brownson Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP 2 Millions+ Downloads 50+ Countries

Part Two. We dive into an extraordinary journey of resilience with Athena Brownson. At the peak of her real estate career—feeling invincible and unstoppable—Athena’s life took an unexpected turn. Strange health issues appeared, and she was eventually diagnosed with Lyme disease, a condition that would change everything. For the past eight years, Athena has lived in chronic pain, relying on plasma transfusions four days each month just to keep going. Her life now revolves around battling this disease, something she never imagined facing. As she says, “If life didn’t give us adversity and challenges…” This story is too powerful for just one episode. Yesterday, in Part 1, Athena shared her experience with Lyme disease—a condition that remains poorly understood but has profoundly impacted her health. She talked about how she had caught it, what she had endured, and the fight to survive. In Part 2, airing today, Athena will reveal how she not only survived but found ways to thrive, rebuild her support system, and grow her career once again. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Retraining the Brain “Pain puts the brain in fight-or-flight mode, and it can get stuck there. So it’s on us to train our minds to tell our bodies we’re okay, to push through and find relief.” The Power of a Routine “For me, routines are huge. My toolkit includes morning and evening rituals – breathwork, meditation, journaling, writing affirmations. I remind myself every day: I am healthy. I am healing. My body can get through this.” The Art of Delegation “Delegation isn’t just about getting things off your plate; it’s about giving others a chance to shine. My illness showed me I can’t do everything, nor should I. Letting go allows others to thrive, and it’s empowering to see them do what they love.” Building My Tribe “Finding the right people was a decade-long journey, but now I have a team around me who would do anything for me. They’re not just coworkers; they’re my support system, my tribe. I know they’re here for me, health and all, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.” The Power of Pen and Paper “Writing by hand does something special. Seeing the words you put down lets them sink in, letting you visualize and internalize them in a unique way.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Athena Brownson Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP 2 Millions+ Downloads 50+ Countries

Part One. In 2022, an accident left Erica Sosna, Author of The Career Equation, paralysed, facing months of recovery, and re-learning to walk. Yet, she is grateful, even through pain and uncertainty, to have rediscovered her own resilience and purpose. Over two years, she has fought her way back to walking, rebuilt her business, and found a new mission in helping others. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Two Jobs, Two Failures: A Gut Check Moment “After two roles that didn’t work out as planned, I hit a crossroads. I took a step back and asked: am I in the right place? I needed to rethink my priorities, work style, and the kind of organization that would truly support me.” The School of Hard Knocks: Rejections and Redirections “Returning to the corporate world after running my own social enterprise was unexpectedly tough. My CV was different, unconventional, and people didn’t trust me to hold down a job. It took resilience to find an organization that valued my unique experience.” Shifting Gears: When Your Work Becomes Your Solace “Returning to my consultancy after a year’s absence was grounding. My work has always been my passion, but after such a physically uncontrollable experience, the familiar structure felt like a comfort. It also became a chance to rethink: How could I reach more people, make a bigger impact? And so, the podcast was born.” A Balancing Act: Rediscovering Purpose in a Three-Day Week "Managing a business on a three-day week, while also recovering from a spinal cord injury and parenting, meant redefining success. I’ve refocused on what truly matters, aligning my time with my gifts and refining how I reach people. It’s been a balance of impact and sustainability.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Erica Sosna Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP 2 Millions+ Downloads 50+ Countries

Part Two. In 2022, an accident left Erica Sosna, Author of The Career Equation, paralysed, facing months of recovery, and re-learning to walk. Yet, she is grateful, even through pain and uncertainty, to have rediscovered her own resilience and purpose. Over two years, she has fought her way back to walking, rebuilt her business, and found a new mission in helping others. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Speaking the Same Career Language: The Foundation of The Career Equation “The Career Equation is designed to create a common understanding between employers and employees around career development, much like having a shared accounting system. Without it, career conversations risk inconsistency and lack of clarity, but with it, we can truly align aspirations and strategies.” Building Career Conversations with Four Simple Components “The Career Equation focuses on four key insights: understanding strengths, uncovering passions, measuring success, and aligning with optimal work environments. These components create a common ground, enabling both employer and employee to understand what’s needed to thrive.” Insatiable Curiosity: Embracing Unconventional Paths to Healing "An insatiable thirst for novelty keeps me exploring, whether it’s acupuncture, microcurrent therapy, or spine-specific chiropractic techniques. I’ve discovered that healing requires openness to new possibilities, even when they fall outside the traditional model.” The Right Environment: The Crucial Factor for Success “From workspace to team dynamics, the environment is essential to performance. Knowing where a person does their best work and making adjustments as needed creates a space where strengths can flourish.” Visualizing the Outcome: A Plan Begins with the End in Mind “I start by envisioning the experiences I want—whether it’s dancing, running, or picking up my child—then map out the steps that would lead me there. By framing it with vivid goals, I find clarity and purpose in the smallest daily actions.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Erica Sosna Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP 2 Millions+ Downloads 50+ Countries

Part One. I sit down with Nina Sossamon-Pogue, a former professional gymnast who started her journey at just four years old and went on to join the U.S. Gymnastics Team. In her own words, gymnastics is a perfect example of resilience—you literally fall down and get back up, all day, every day, as you learn new skills. That mindset became part of Nina’s DNA, and it carried her through some incredible twists and turns. From the heartbreak of not making the Olympic team to leaving the sport for good after an injury, she faced one identity crisis after another. But she didn’t stop there. Nina built a successful journalism career that spanned 17 years, only to be let go, despite being a beloved news anchor. And instead of staying down, she jumped into tech—starting from scratch—and reinvented herself yet again. Today, in part one of our conversation, we’re diving into Nina’s journey. Her training, her triumphs, and her setbacks. Then, tomorrow, in part two, we’ll explore the tools Nina has developed over the years to help others rise above their challenges. Tools like the Reverse Resume and Successful Timeline. We’re not talking about your typical resume or conventional ideas of success—we’re going beyond that. Key Highlights of Our Interview: The Personal Toll of Public Life “While doing three live shows a day, I went through a divorce, an accident, and some of the darkest moments of my life. I wondered if I’d ever feel happy again.” Finding Your Sweet Spot: Skills, Opportunities, and Trends “When making a career pivot, ask yourself three key questions: What am I good at? Where’s the money? And what’s the trajectory of the industry I’m entering? Aligning these answers sets the foundation for a successful transition.” Coffee, Conversations, and Clarity: Gaining Insight From Your Network “To discover where I could make an impact, I turned to trusted colleagues and asked: If you had to hire me, what would you hire me for? Their answers revealed skills I hadn’t fully recognized and pointed me toward opportunities I hadn’t considered.” Your Skills, Seen Through Fresh Eyes “What others find valuable in you might surprise you. It’s a reminder to seek outside perspectives—they could reveal your next big opportunity.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Nina Sossamon-Pogue Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP 2 Millions+ Downloads 50+ Countries

Part Two. I sit down with Nina Sossamon-Pogue, a former professional gymnast who started her journey at just four years old and went on to join the U.S. Gymnastics Team. In her own words, gymnastics is a perfect example of resilience—you literally fall down and get back up, all day, every day, as you learn new skills. That mindset became part of Nina’s DNA, and it carried her through some incredible twists and turns. From the heartbreak of not making the Olympic team to leaving the sport for good after an injury, she faced one identity crisis after another. But she didn’t stop there. Nina built a successful journalism career that spanned 17 years, only to be let go, despite being a beloved news anchor. And instead of staying down, she jumped into tech—starting from scratch—and reinvented herself yet again. Yesterday, in part one of our conversation, we looked into Nina’s journey. Her training, her triumphs, and her setbacks. Then, today, in part two, we’ll explore the tools Nina has developed over the years to help others rise above their challenges. Tools like the Reverse Resume and Successful Timeline. We’re not talking about your typical resume or conventional ideas of success—we’re going beyond that. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Why the Reverse Resume Matters “When hiring, I ask, ‘What’s something you’ve overcome?’ That’s where the magic is. Those bottom-line moments define the strength you bring to every table.” The Power of Perspective: Achievements and Challenges Together” “Your resume tells one story, but your reverse resume tells the deeper truth: what you’ve overcome. Together, they define not just what you’ve done, but who you are.” “Success vs. a Successful Lifetime: Spot the Difference” “A nice car, a big house, a shiny jet—that’s success. But a successful lifetime? That’s the legacy, the relationships, the impact. The timeline reveals the whole messy, marvelous story.” Life is a Bag of Legos “Imagine dumping out a Ziploc bag full of Legos. Same colors, same shapes, same pieces. Yet, you’d build something entirely different from me. That’s your life—it’s uniquely yours to assemble.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Nina Sossamon-Pogue Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP 2 Millions+ Downloads 50+ Countries

Part One. Today’s guest is Erin Diehl, founder and CEO of Improve It, a company that uses improv to help teams grow and thrive. Like me, she’s also a top podcast host! From a young age, Erin dreamed of becoming a talk show host. Why did she choose that path? And how did her journey lead her to combine improv and business? I told Erin, “You’re in the business of joy.” But beyond joy, we also talked about failure. Erin calls herself a “failfluencer”—a blend of failure and influence. This two-part series dives into her unique approach to joy, failure, growth, and learning. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Improv Meets the Corporate World “I didn’t plan to merge improv and business. But during my nine-to-five at a recruiting firm, my nights were dedicated to stages at Second City and ImprovOlympic. Suddenly, I saw how listening, empathy, and quick thinking from improv transformed my work life. The dots connected.” United We Innovate “Pitching an improv workshop to United Airlines was a gamble, but it paid off—literally. What started as a passion experiment became a calling when United became my first paying client. Improv wasn’t just for the stage anymore.” The Teacher’s High “That feeling of guiding someone toward growth is intoxicating. It’s a high I kept chasing, and the more I taught, the more I wanted to do it. Seeing others find joy became my own source of joy.” From ROI to ROO: The Objective Shift “We don’t measure ROI; we measure ROO—Return on Objective. Every engagement starts with a consult call to pinpoint your specific challenges and objectives, ensuring everything aligns with the participants’ needs.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Erin Diehl Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP 2 Millions+ Downloads 50+ Countries

Part Two. Today’s guest is Erin Diehl, founder and CEO of Improve It, a company that uses improv to help teams grow and thrive. Like me, she’s also a top podcast host! From a young age, Erin dreamed of becoming a talk show host. Why did she choose that path? And how did her journey lead her to combine improv and business? I told Erin, “You’re in the business of joy.” But beyond joy, we also talked about failure. Erin calls herself a “failfluencer”—a blend of failure and influence. This two-part series dives into her unique approach to joy, failure, growth, and learning. Key Highlights of Our Interview: WTF: Worst Terrifying Failure “2020 was my crash course in failure. The pandemic forced our in-person business to pivot entirely online overnight. At the same time, I juggled new motherhood, supporting a recovering parent, and trying to keep my business afloat. It was my WTF moment: my Worst Terrifying Failure.” This breakdown captures the essence of the MOVE ON methodology: 1. Marinate: Sit With It, Not In It Failure isn’t something you can brush off overnight. Take the time to sit with your worst terrifying failure—your WTF story. Reflect deeply. Walk, journal, or simply allow yourself to process. It’s about feeling without rushing to fix. 2. Own It: Forgive and Face the Thought Worms “Own your part in the failure, but more importantly, forgive yourself. We repeat 80% of our negative thoughts daily, so break that cycle. Recognize those thought worms for what they are and stop letting them dictate your story.” 3. Verify the Lessons: What Will You Take With You? “Failure comes bearing lessons—two or three takeaways that you can carry forward. Identify what you’ve learned and how you’ll avoid the same pitfalls in the future. This step transforms failure into wisdom.” 4. Evaluate: What’s the Plan? 5. Observe the Growth: Prepare for the Next Chapter 6. Embrace Failure as Part of Change Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Erin Diehl Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP 2 Millions+ Downloads 50+ Countries

Ral West is the kind of person you meet and immediately think, “Wow, she’s lived a life.” Over 40 years as an entrepreneur, her story is full of twists and turns. In her mid-twenties, she took a leap and started her first business. That was just the beginning. For 25 years, she and her husband ran a charter air service between Alaska and Hawaii, flying wide-body jets. Eventually, they sold it to Alaska Airlines—a huge milestone, but not the end of her journey. She’s owned small cruise ships, invested in real estate, and kept building. And now? She’s helping other entrepreneurs figure out the same thing she did: how to run a business and have a life. Her story is inspiring, real, and packed with lessons for anyone chasing big dreams. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Challenging Generational Norms “Early in my career, working for my father, I hit the glass ceiling. He came from a different generation, and his views were, let’s say, a bit old-fashioned. But I decided, ‘Thanks, Dad—I’ll take it from here.’ And I broke away to chart my own path.” Juggling Act: The Exhausting Middle Years “Between 35 and 55, I was stretched thin—running a business, raising young kids, volunteering. Sleep felt like a luxury. My health suffered, my marriage struggled, and I couldn’t do it all.” The Breakthrough: Building Systems and Letting Go “I learned the hard way that trying to do everything myself wasn’t sustainable. I created systems, implemented processes, and built a team I could trust. Using metrics and data-driven management, I structured my business so it could run smoothly—whether I was there or not.” The Slow Burn of Transformation “Building systems, processes, and a reliable team didn’t happen overnight. It was years in the making. I started small—reading books like The E-Myth by Michael Gerber, going back to college, and studying with mentors like Robert Kiyosaki. Each step added a piece to the puzzle.” Bite-Sized Delegation: Starting Small “You don’t need massive financial success to start delegating. It starts with breaking down your daily tasks into bite-sized pieces and identifying what you can transfer to someone else.” Turning Intuition Into Systems “One of my toughest challenges was documenting decision-making processes—like when to increase advertising spend. It took weeks of introspection and trial and error before I realized I was relying on sales trends over a three-day period. Once I had clarity, I turned it into a system my team could follow, even when I wasn’t there.” Creating Culture: Embodying Values and Principles “It wasn’t just about systems and metrics; it was about building a team that shared my values. From customer service to feedback collection, we worked hard to create a culture that prioritized our principles.”  _________________________ Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Ral West Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP 2 Millions+ Downloads 50+ Countries