In today's episode, Heather challenges one of the most popular beliefs in personal development: that mindset alone creates change. While visualization, manifestation, and positive thinking all have value, Heather explains why none of them work without action.

Joined by frequent guest Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, Heather explores how thinking, dreaming, preparing, and acting each play a role in real transformation and why action is ultimately what creates momentum.

Together, they unpack the limits of visualization and manifestation when they are not paired with effort, practice, and follow through. Drawing from personal stories of writing books, building careers, preparing for court, and navigating big life transitions, Heather and Judge Aquilina show how confidence, clarity, and growth are built through doing, not just thinking.

This episode is a thoughtful and practical guide for anyone entering 2026 feeling stuck in their head, overwhelmed by goals, or unsure which next step to take. Whether you are a planner, a dreamer, or someone who thrives on action, this conversation will help you understand yourself better and move forward with intention.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why action creates the evidence that builds confidence and belief
  
  

• How overthinking can quietly block progress even when intentions are good
  
  

• The difference between dreaming as motivation and dreaming as avoidance
  
  

• Why preparation is an action, not just a mental exercise
  
  

• How the WOOP framework helps turn intention into execution
  
  

• Why small actions matter more than perfect plans
  
  

• How creativity and thinking outside the box support meaningful action
  
  

• What it really takes to prepare for high stakes conversations and decisions
  
  

• How patience, consistency, and effort compound over time

In this episode:

[00:00] Why this conversation matters heading into 2026

[01:16] Action versus thinking and why it is not an either or debate

[03:41] The real obstacle most people face when taking action

[06:00] Visualizing outcomes versus feeling pride and confidence
[07:30] Effort, talent, and the role of grit in achievement

[10:42] Manifestation, karma, and why action creates results

[13:09] Different paths to success and knowing what works for you

[15:34] Impatience, shiny distractions, and staying committed

[17:53] Why preparation builds confidence in high pressure situations

[20:14] Thinking, planning, and practicing as forms of action

[22:34] Using if then planning to stay grounded and consistent

[24:49] Creativity in action, leadership, and problem solving

[26:40] Final advice for setting goals and moving forward in 2026

📖 Book: Rethinking Positive Thinking by Gabriele Oettingen

📖 Book: Grit by Angela Duckworth

📖 Book: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

🧠 WOOP Method

🌐 Follow Judge Rosemarie Aquilina – Website

Connect with Heather:

• Schedule a call with Heather

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• heather@elegantwarrior.com

In today's episode, Heather welcomes authors, leadership consultants, and husband and wife team Dr. Linda Schubring and Brian Schubring to explore the deeper meaning of identity, transformation, and trusting your inner map. Together, they discuss their bestselling book Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane, a powerful allegory that invites readers to rediscover their inner wisdom and reshape how they show up in the world.

Through stories of leadership coaching, personal reflection, and creative collaboration, Heather, Linda, and Brian unpack how uncertainty, change, and self doubt can become catalysts for growth. This conversation is a reminder that your experiences have already shaped the map you need, and that unfolding your potential is both an internal journey and a shared one.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why the Map Is Already Inside You
  How your past experiences hold the answers for where you are meant to go next.

• Transformation Is a Choice
  Why the shape you are in today does not have to be the shape you stay in.

• The Power of Community in Growth
  How different voices, including critical ones, help shape who we become.

• Reflection and Action Must Coexist
  Why introspection without action leads to paralysis and action without reflection leads to burnout.

• Creating a Practice That Is Truly Yours
  How journaling, meditation, and reflection work best when tailored to your own needs.

• Navigating Noise and Distraction
  Why stepping away from constant external input helps you reconnect with your inner voice.

• Wisdom Across Generations
  How mentors, inner dialogue, and lived experience guide transformation at every stage of life.

In this episode:
[00:00] Introducing Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring and their book Unfolded
[02:00] The origin story behind the origami crane allegory
[04:18] Anchoring certainty within during times of uncertainty
[06:37] Agency, reshaping identity, and choosing how you show up
[08:57] The role of community, inner voices, and leadership teams
[11:19] Reflection versus action and why both matter
[13:40] Meditation, journaling, and intentional pauses
[18:14] Listening to your inner voice amid constant noise
[22:55] Wisdom, mentors, and being the owl for others
[27:36] Writing together, creative process, and collaboration
[33:31] A closing meditation on trust, courage, and taking flight

Resources and Links:

📘 Book: Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane
Discover a powerful allegory about identity, growth, and transformation.

🌐 Website: Leadership Vision Consulting
Learn more about Dr. Linda Schubring and Brian Schubring's leadership and organizational work.

Connect with Heather:

• Schedule a call with Heather

• Follow Heather on Instagram

• Follow Heather on Facebook

• Connect with Heather on LinkedIn

• Website

• Watch Episodes on Youtube

• Heather's TikTok ‍

• heather@elegantwarrior.com

The Elegant Warrior Podcast and content posted by Heather Hansen is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

In today's episode, Heather invites you to rethink everything you've been taught about power poses, confidence, and presence. While the classic "hands-on-hips" stance is often linked to authority, this episode reveals a far more effective and far more compassionate power move: simply sitting down.

Drawing from real experiences in leadership, advocacy, and high-stakes conversations, Heather shares how lowering yourself to someone else's level can transform interactions, build trust, and leave a lasting impact. From courtroom moments to everyday leadership lessons, you'll see why compassion, presence, and perspective are the true sources of personal power.

Together, we explore why power doesn't require taking up more space, sometimes it is found in offering space to others.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The Real Power in Sitting Down
  Why sitting communicates presence, compassion, and connection more effectively than traditional "power poses."
  
  

• Compassion as a Leadership Superpower
  How compassion strengthens advocacy, relationships, and influence, and why people feel safer when you're willing to sit with them.
  
  

• The Psychology of Being at Eye Level
  How leveling the physical playing field changes energy, reduces intimidation, and allows genuine dialogue.
  
  

• Lessons from the Courtroom
  What a malpractice case taught Heather Hansen about human connection, and why a simple act like sitting on a patient's bed moved an entire jury.
  
  

• A Story Heather Hansen Never Forgot
  The emotional impact of a colleague and how 18 minutes of presence can change a life.
  
  

• Empathy vs. Compassion
  The difference between feeling what others feel and seeing what they see, and why action is what matters most.
  
  

• Why Slowing Down is the New Power Move
  In a world obsessed with speed, volume, and "looking powerful," Heather Hansen explains why slowing down, sitting down, and connecting deeply are the traits that build true charisma.

[00:00] Rethinking the classic power pose
[01:10] Why the "stand big" approach isn't always effective
[02:20] Compassion research in healthcare
[03:17] A malpractice case and the power of sitting at the bedside
[04:50] How sitting changes difficult conversations at work
[05:39] The psychology of being on the same level
[07:30] Joanne's story and the impact of presence
[10:14] Compassion as the foundation of advocacy
[12:40] Cognitive vs. affective empathy
[14:30] Why sitting is the new power pose
[15:08] How presence builds confidence and charisma

Resources and Links:

🎥 Heather Hansen TEDx Talk on empathy and perspective

Connect with Heather:

• Schedule a call with Heather

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• Connect with Heather on LinkedIn

• Website

• Watch Episodes on Youtube

• Heather's TikTok ‍

• heather@elegantwarrior.com

In today's episode, Heather Hansen explores one of the most powerful tools we have for connection, credibility, and healing: compassion. Drawing from research, courtroom experience, and two decades defending healthcare providers, Heather Hansen breaks down the real meaning of compassion and the specific actions that genuinely make people feel seen, heard, and supported.

She also shares new insights from recent medical research on how compassion improves patient outcomes, reduces burnout for healthcare providers, and strengthens every relationship in your life. Whether you are a leader, parent, partner, clinician, or friend, these eight proven behaviors can transform the way you communicate and connect.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The Real Definition of Compassion – Why it is not about suffering with others, but about recognizing their struggle and taking action to relieve it.
  
  

• Eight Proven Compassion Behaviors – The research-backed actions that make people feel understood, respected, and supported.
  
  

• Why Tone Matters – How the way you speak communicates your energy and becomes a key sign of compassion.
  
  

• The Power of Nonjudgment – How dropping judgment makes people more open, honest, and trusting.
  
  

• Gender and Race Differences in Compassion Needs – What research shows women and people of color uniquely identify as compassionate behavior.
  
  

• Everyday Compassion – How to apply these actions at home, at work, and in your community to create meaningful change.
  
  

In this episode:
[00:00] Heather Hansen on being an Elegant Warrior and embracing life's challenges
[02:00] Why compassion is one of the three pillars of credibility, compassion, and charisma
[04:47] How compassion affects patient outcomes and healthcare burnout
[07:10] The eight behaviors that signal compassion in medical research
[09:34] Listening carefully and taking concerns seriously
[11:59] Eye contact, presence, tone, and nonjudgment
[14:09] Why the least judgmental people are the most trusted
[16:36] Responding to opportunities to show compassion
[18:30] What women uniquely perceive as compassionate
[19:03] What people of color identify as signs of respect and compassion
[21:26] How to create a ripple effect of compassion in your daily life

Resources and Links:
📘 Book: Compassionomics by Dr. Stephen Trzeciak and Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli
📘 Book: Wonder Drug by Dr. Stephen Trzeciak and Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli

Connect with Heather:

• Schedule a call with Heather

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• Watch Episodes on Youtube

• Heather's TikTok ‍

• heather@elegantwarrior.com

In today's episode, Heather Hansen sits down with her good friend and returning guest, Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, Michigan judge, author, and trailblazer best known for presiding over the Larry Nassar USA Gymnastics case. Together, they dive into Judge Aquilina's newest book, Speak Up: Lessons in Trusting Your Instincts, and unpack what it truly means to embrace your voice, conquer fear, and stand in your self-worth.

Drawing from her decades on the bench, her time in the military, and her role as a mentor for women, Rosemarie shares how we can turn fear into fuel, failure into wisdom, and change into growth.

• The Power of Fear – Why fear isn't something to eliminate but something to learn from.
  
  

• Owning Failure – How accepting your mistakes can transform them into moments of strength.
  
  

• The "Blue Ink" Lesson – How one lawyer turned public embarrassment into a courtroom victory.
  
  

• The Language of Leadership – Why small word choices (like using the instead of a) can change how people perceive your authority.
  
  

• Embracing Change – How preparation, adaptability, and voice help you thrive through uncertainty.
  
  

• Building Self-Worth – Why being your own hero is the foundation of authentic confidence.

[00:00] Meet Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, her story from Munich to Michigan's first female JAG Corps member

[02:00] Fear, failure, and the courage to show up anyway

[06:30] The "blue ink" courtroom story and lessons in embarrassment

[09:30] How metaphors and language shape persuasion

[11:00] Embracing change, preparation, and control

[15:40] Why Judge Aquilina never asks "why"

[18:00] The difference between a solution and the solution

[22:00] How to be an insider in your own life

[26:00] Writing as a tool for self-discovery and healing

📘 Speak Up: Lessons in Trusting Your Instincts – Buy the book here

🌐 Follow Judge Rosemarie Aquilina – Website

Connect with Heather:

• Schedule a call with Heather

• Follow Heather on Instagram

• Follow Heather on Facebook

• Website

• Watch Episodes on Youtube

• Heather's TikTok ‍

• heather@elegantwarrior.com

The Elegant Warrior Podcast and content posted by Heather Hansen is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

In today's episode, Heather sits down with John Lowry, lawyer, negotiation coach, and author of Negotiation Made Simple, to uncover what it really takes to become a confident, effective negotiator.

John's experience as a professor at Pepperdine University's renowned Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, CEO of The Lowry Group, and consultant to major organizations gives him a unique lens into the psychology and strategy behind every great deal.

Together, Heather and John explore how mastering negotiation isn't just about tactics; it's about managing yourself, understanding others, and learning to balance ambition with empathy.

• The Inner Negotiation – Why the first and most important negotiation happens inside your own mind and how managing your emotions, fears, and self-talk determines your success.
  
  

• Cooperation vs. Competition – How to know when to lean into collaboration and when to assert your position with strength and clarity.
  
  

• The Power of Patience – Why "you often pay for the time you save" and how slowing down the process helps you make better, more strategic decisions.
  
  

• Axelrod's Four Steps to Effective Negotiation – Start cooperatively, respond in kind, forgive, and be clear. John and Heather unpack how these steps build trust and drive results.
  
  

• The Ambition + Empathy Equation – What Harvard research reveals about top dealmakers and how combining drive with understanding gives you a competitive edge.
  
  

• Real-World Lessons – Insights from John's work with executives, mediators, and organizations on how to use negotiation to build healthier relationships and stronger outcomes.

[00:00] Meet John Lowry – Lawyer, author, and negotiation expert
[02:46] The first negotiation: managing yourself
[06:17] When to cooperate and when to compete
[10:47] Getting comfortable with uncertainty
[14:49] Why patience pays in negotiation
[18:00] Recognizing signals vs. words
[22:14] Forgiveness and cooperation in business
[26:29] Collaboration vs. cooperation explained
[31:12] Building trust through clarity
[35:20] Ambition and empathy, the twin pillars of great dealmakers

📘 Book: Negotiation Made Simple by John Lowry
🎙️ Podcast: Negotiation Made Simple Podcast
🌐 The Lowry Group: lowrygroup.net

Connect with Heather:

• Schedule a call with Heather

• Follow Heather on Instagram

• Website

• Watch Episodes on Youtube

• Heather's TikTok ‍

• heather@elegantwarrior.com

The Elegant Warrior Podcast and content posted by Heather Hansen is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.