~ Pia Maillot-Leichter, Founder of The Kolektive Studio and Author of Welcome to the Creative Club

Pia Maillot-Leichter, founder of The Kollektive Studio and author of Welcome to the Creative Club, joins the Brilliantly Resilient Podcast to explore how creativity is one of the most powerful tools for resilience and self-discovery. Pia reminds us that creativity isn't reserved for artists — it's a life skill. Whether you're building a business, solving a problem, or reimagining your next chapter, creativity allows us to reset our thinking, rise from challenges, and reveal the brilliance that's already within us.

Through her stories and insights, Pia shows how creativity thrives through connection — with others, with ideas, and with life itself. She challenges us to let go of perfection, embrace play, and give ourselves permission to create — not because it's perfect, but because it's possible. In that permission lies true resilience, as we grow, evolve, and experience resilience through those changes.

By rediscovering our creative spirits, we reset, allowing new ideas, processes and paths to emerge. As we open our creativity to collaboration, we rise, allowing for imperfections along the way. And brilliance shines through as we dare to design the next scene of life on our own terms. As Pia says, "You're the creative director of your own story — and it's time to call, 'Action!'"

Learn more about Pia and her work here, and tune into this week's episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast for more of Pia's wisdom. Be sure to listen in for these additional bits of Brilliance:

1. "Creativity is a practice — we have to keep showing up and reminding ourselves to play. It's just as important as ticking something off a to-do list."

2. "When we're able to imagine, dream, and create space for play, we can shape a very different reality — for ourselves and for others."

3. "In a time of destruction, creativity and creatives are needed more than ever. We all have that innate creativity — it's time to reclaim it."

4. "You have to give yourself permission to suck — that's how we grow and develop. Resilience is built in the messy middle."

5. "Logic and magic work together. Creativity isn't separate from structure — it's the partnership between both that lets ideas thrive."

6. "Creativity is how we find novel and delightful ways of solving everyday challenges. It's how we've always survived — it's part of being human."

7. "There's no such thing as a lone creative genius. Everything is co-created — with people, ideas, and even life itself."

8. "The best way to become resilient is to do it — to keep creating, sharing, and learning through the process."

9. "Be the creative director of your life. You get to choose the next scene and how you want it to look."

Thank you, PIa, for sharing the joy of creativity!

Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

Mary Fran

~ Mary Fran Bontempo, Creator of the Brilliantly Resilient Mini-Course Series

Today it's me--sharing the story behind the creation of the Brilliantly Resilient Mini-Course Series — Reset with Resilience, Rise and Thrive, and Reveal Your Brilliance. After years of helping people bounce back from life's challenges through her books, speaking, and podcast, I wanted to create a hands-on way for anyone to learn and live the Brilliantly Resilient process at their own pace.

Through short, powerful video lessons and guided workbooks, these mini-courses will take learners from simply surviving to thriving — one intentional step at a time. Reset with Resilience helps you uncover your core values and reclaim control over what truly matters. Rise and Thrive guides you to identify transferable strengths, build supportive tribes, and take imperfect action toward progress. And finally, Reveal Your Brilliance leads you to discover your unique gifts and let go of rigid outcomes so your brilliance can shine in every area of life.

These courses were born from a desire to make resilience doable. Whether you're facing a major life shift or simply ready to grow, this series offers practical, heartfelt guidance for anyone ready to reset, rise, and reveal their brilliance — one brilliantly imperfect step at a time.

Tune into this podcast to learn more, and access the courses through this link: https://brilliantlyresilient.mvsite.app/pages/view/11354/. Be sure to use Promo Code EARLY BIRD for big discounts!

• "Nobody really tells us how to become resilient. Well, that's what I've been able to do with the Brilliantly Resilient process and the new mini-course series."

• "Reset with Resilience teaches you quite literally how to tap into your inherent resilience through your value system, your perception of challenges, and controlling your controllables."

• "These courses are a roadmap — they guide you to not only uncover your resilience but to rise, thrive, and ultimately find your brilliance within life's challenges."

• "The good news about these courses is not only do they teach you to find your resilience, but how to rise and thrive beyond the initial crisis and continue to move forward."

• "When we lead with our hearts, the best of us comes through — we can discover our brilliance through service."

• "The places where we think we're going to find our brilliance aren't always where we end up — and yet, there's always brilliance to share wherever we land."

• "I really believe these courses are the perfect way to help individuals and organizations reset, rise, and reveal their brilliance — in the easiest, most personal way possible."

I know these mini-courses will be a great tool to help you live a Brilliantly Resilient life.

Let's learn to be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

Mary Fran

~ Jake Weiner--Founder, Zooz Fitness

Everyone knows that exercise and movement are important to health, both mental and physical. But can exercise help build strength in other ways--like resilience?

Jake Weiner thinks so. Jake is the founder of Zooz Fitness, an inclusive fitness community in Los Angeles dedicated to making health and movement accessible to individuals of all abilities. Jake has witnessed the transformative power of movement, and shares how resilience, inclusivity, and empowerment drive his mission to make movement accessible to all.

Zooz is more than a fitness space — it's a community where individuals of all abilities discover confidence and capability through movement. Jake's belief that "movement is a universal language" allows him to reach individuals regardless of ability or self-perception to help them reframe limits and redefine what's possible.

Jake's approach exemplifies taking intentional, often imperfect action and building community. He helps clients focus on what they can do, building small victories into major transformations. Jake's work demonstrates that resilience is often rooted in consistency, compassion, and community — not in perfection. Each session at Zooz reinforces the idea that progress is personal, and every step forward is worth celebrating.

Jake's leadership helps others see their innate strength and potential--even when they can't see it themselves. By creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity in ability and experience, he helps people reveal their brilliance through movement, self-belief, and connection. Jake's story reminds us that true brilliance is not about doing more — it's about being more, right where you are.

For more of Jake's wisdom, and to learn from Zooz Fitness member (and awesome lady!) Mary Bella, tune into this week's episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast. Learn more about Jake and Zooz here, and be sure to listen for these additional bits of Brilliance:

• "Movement is a universal language — everyone deserves the chance to experience what their body can do."

• "At Zooz, we don't focus on what people can't do. We start with what they can — and we build from there."

• "When someone walks through our doors, it's not about perfection or performance. It's about participation."

• "We all have barriers, but when you move beyond them — physically or mentally — that's where growth happens."

• "Inclusivity isn't just about access. It's about creating a space where everyone feels seen, capable, and celebrated."

• "Sometimes resilience looks like showing up. That's it. Just being here, trying again, and refusing to give up."

• "The biggest transformation I see isn't in muscle or strength. It's in confidence."

• "Everyone has their own version of brilliance. At Zooz, our job is to help people uncover it through movement."

• "Zooz isn't just a gym — it's a community of people redefining what strength and success look like."

Thank you, Jake (and former guest Allison Norlian--episode here) for caring and doing what you do!

Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

Mary Fran