What does it mean to truly walk your own path while supporting others on theirs? In this fabulous conversation with Kristie Chandler, we explore the delicate balance between personal growth and professional leadership.

Kristie shares her fascinating journey from growing up in the hospitality business (complete with a family restaurant and a bed and breakfast in Natchez, Mississippi) to becoming an educator specializing in human development and family science. Her story reveals how seemingly disconnected experiences—from hospitality to residence hall director to orientation leadership—weave together to create a unique professional journey. "No job is a waste of time," a sentiment that resonates throughout Kristie's career path.

The conversation takes compelling turns as we talk of what makes an effective leader in today's world. Kristie's philosophy centers on speaking truth in love, focusing on people's strengths rather than deficits, and creating collaborative visions rather than dictating direction. She candidly shares personal challenges that shaped her perspective, from health scares to the difficult balance of career ambitions and family priorities, offering listeners valuable insights on maintaining identity beyond professional titles.

Perhaps most thought-provoking is Kristie's approach to teaching controversial subjects like family law and policy. Her commitment to walking "the middle line" while encouraging students to develop their own values-based opinions demonstrates an admirable educational ethos. She makes the idea of education exciting and relevant. Similarly, her passion for international education reveals how stepping outside comfort zones creates optimal conditions for profound personal growth.

We talk about having your close group of friends and those in your inner circle who are there for you. Whether you're navigating career transitions, seeking to be a more effective leader, or simply wanting to live more authentically, Kristie's wisdom on intentional community-building and lifelong learning offers practical guidance for stomping to your own drum while helping others find their rhythm.

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

What happens when everything you've built crumbles and you're left to rebuild from scratch? Stephanie Watts knows this journey intimately. Once a successful nurse and pharmaceutical developer, her life took a devastating turn when severe illness struck, eventually diagnosed as Lyme disease after years of misdiagnoses and deteriorating health.

In this deeply moving conversation, Stephanie reveals how rock bottom became the foundation for something beautiful. "I realized through all of this that no one was going to come save me," she shares with remarkable candor, detailing her path from survival mode to thriving. After spending decades trying to fit into spaces where she never belonged and facing both professional setbacks and personal trauma, Stephanie discovered that safety—the most basic human need—had always been missing from her equation.

The wisdom Stephanie shares feels hard-won and genuine. She distinguishes between wishing (planting seeds then immediately digging them up) and realizing dreams (planting seeds and trusting the process). Her reflections on failure are particularly powerful: "Strength is showing up when everything inside of you wants to give up, when you have justifiable reasons to give up." For anyone who's been paralyzed by perfectionism or fear, these words offer sweet liberation.

Today, Stephanie has transformed her painful journey into Vitality Wellness Apothecary and Market in Wetumpka, Alabama—a sanctuary where people can find healing, community, and acceptance. Her approach embodies what she calls the "open hand method," releasing the scarcity mindset that once kept her trapped. Perhaps most beautiful is witnessing how her personal healing extends across generations, as she finds profound joy in being "Lolly" to her grandson Clay.

Whether you're facing health challenges, navigating life transitions, or simply seeking to live more authentically, Stephanie's journey offers both inspiration and practical wisdom. Connect with her mission by visiting the store, joining one of their community events, or exploring their holistic offerings—because as Stephanie reminds us, "You're stronger than you think you are."

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Niki Tsekareas never thought a retreat to Greece would completely transform her life, but that's exactly what happened. In this deeply personal conversation, she opens up about the moment she realized she needed more than her identity as "Niki Peter's wife" or "Georgios' mom" – she needed to rediscover herself.

With remarkable candor, Niki shares her journey from feeling lost to launching her own interior styling business at age 44. "I wasn't doing things that were giving me purpose," she explains, describing how she transformed a spare bedroom into a dedicated workspace filled with plants, journals, and reminders to stay accountable to herself. Her approach to interior design comes from a deeply personal place – creating spaces that truly reflect who her clients are rather than following trends.

The conversation takes several profound turns as Niki reveals her struggles with depression, her extraordinary seven-year fertility journey, and how she maintains her Greek heritage through traditions like name days and community celebrations. What emerges is a portrait of remarkable resilience, with Niki developing daily practices that keep her motivated even on the hardest days.

Most powerfully, Niki offers wisdom that resonates far beyond her personal story: "Don't let anybody tell you that you can't do or have something that you want." Her transformation from uncertainty to purpose serves as inspiration for anyone standing at the threshold of change, wondering if it's too late to pursue their dreams.

Join us for this moving discussion about identity, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the courage to finally put yourself first. If you've ever felt defined by your relationships to others rather than your relationship with yourself, this episode will speak directly to your heart.

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff