Women Making Moves — Episode: Audacity and Authenticity

Guest: Sandhya Sudhakar — Certified Coach, Enneagram Practitioner, Speaker, Facilitator, Founder of Self At Work, and Host of the Working Your Way podcast.

Host: Amy Pons — Founder of Unlock the Magic Coaching, Healing and Magic School

Episode Summary: Amy sits down with Sandhya to explore what it means to show up authentically in the workplace and in life. They discuss the courage it takes to be direct, the tension between practicality and audacious dreaming, and how to navigate discomfort in a way that leads to real growth.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Audacity as a guiding word — Sandhya shares why she chose "audacity" for 2026 and how she's learning to dream bigger and care less about others' perceptions.
• Directness vs. palatability — Both Amy and Sandhya reflect on being told to "achieve the same but be nicer," and the impossible double standard women face in the workplace.
• Self-abandonment and trade-offs — A nuanced conversation about when to walk away from misaligned work and when financial safety takes priority, and the long-term cost of forsaking yourself.
• The learning zone — Sandhya breaks down the comfort zone / learning zone / panic zone framework and how to discern good discomfort from harmful discomfort.
• Generational dynamics at work — How Boomers, Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha each play a role in reshaping workplace culture.
• Enneagram in teams — How Sandhya uses the Enneagram to help high-achieving leaders diagnose team dynamics and lead more effectively.
• Speaking up and truth-telling — Amy shares a personal story about confronting inappropriate behavior and the backlash that followed.

Where to Find Sandhya:

• Website: selfatwork.com
• Podcast: Working Your Way (available on YouTube and all audio platforms)

Where to Find Amy:

• Website: https://unlockthemagic.org
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Closing Thought: "Having less so I could do more — simplifying, and going much bigger with fewer things." — Sandhya Sudhakar

S7 Ep7 — Dr. Tamara Beckford

Women Making Moves Podcast

Host: Amy Pons, Founder of Unlock the Magic Coaching, Healing and Magic School

Guest: Dr. Tamara Beckford — Board-certified emergency medicine physician, bestselling author, international speaker, and founder of Truly Balanced Wellness Care

Episode Summary: Amy sits down with Dr. Tamara Beckford to explore the intersection of traditional medicine, holistic healing, and the powerful journey women experience through perimenopause and menopause. They discuss reclaiming the magic of womanhood, honoring the body's natural cycles, the importance of slowing down, and building an intentional life beyond the "go, go, go" mentality.

Topics Covered:

• 3:23 Perimenopause — embracing the biological experience
• 5:49 Slowing down & the "to-feel list"
• 8:04 Sound baths, sacral womb healing & energy work10:00Healing beyond traditional medicine & the power of timeframes
• 14:57 Heart disease as a silent killer in women
• 18:26 Women pushing through pain & learned endurance
• 21:43 Generational shame around menstruation & naming your womb
• 25:04 Menopause as reemergence — wisdom, not decline30:00Writing your own story & challenging "I have to"
• 33:22 Dr. Tamara's telemedicine practice & expanding to 4 states
• 35:14 "Intentional outweighs impressive" — building a slower, richer life
• 41:02 What patients truly want — time, compassion, listening
• 44:00 Advice for finding the right care provider
• 47:06 Closing remarks — fierce, ferocious, and forging the next path

Key Quotes:

• "How do you wanna feel?" — Amy on replacing the to-do list with a "to-feel list"
• "Intentional outweighs impressive every single day." — Dr. Tamara Beckford
• "Our body sheds, prepares, and renews for the next phase — over and over." — Dr. Tamara

Where to Find Dr. Tamara Beckford:

• LinkedIn: Dr. Tamara Beckford
• Facebook: Dr. Tamara Beckford
• Instagram: Dr. Tamara Beckford
• TikTok: @trulybalancedwc

Featured In: Fox 26, Forbes, Yahoo Finance, Voyage Houston, LinkedIn News, Rolling Out Magazine, Kevin MD

Books: Made For More, Made For More Too, Thriving After Burnout

Practice: Truly Balanced Wellness Care — concierge telemedicine for menopausal care, hormone balancing, and weight care (serving Texas, Michigan, Georgia, and Iowa)

Where to Find Amy, Women Making Moves, and Unlock the Magic:

• LinkedIn: Amy Pons, Unlock the Magic, Magic School, Women Making Moves
• Website: https://unlockthemagic.org
• Instagram: Unlock the Magic and Women Making Moves
• TikTok: @chicagosfavewitchycoach

Please leave a rating and review on your favorite platform, thank you!

The Future of Working Motherhood: Flexibility, Ambition, and Real Support After Maternity Leave

Amy Pons hosts Alexa Starks, maternity leave coach and founder of Executive Moms, to discuss reshaping maternity leave and return-to-work experiences and the findings from Executive Moms’ Future of Working Motherhood 2026 report.

They reflect on the need to deconstruct harmful workplace systems, the lack of support for mothers returning from leave, and how simple supports like mentorship can improve retention.

Alexa shares key data: 40% of women leave their job within a year of returning from maternity leave, yet 97% would stay if truly supported; the report also found no “ambition gap,” with mothers reporting equal or greater ambition after having kids. A major takeaway was that flexible work design (remote/hybrid/part-time) mattered more than longer leave. Alexa also previews a TED Talk in Rotterdam and the launch of Mothered Magazine.

01:09 Coaching and Paradigm Shift

03:02 Aha Moments in Corporate

05:22 Maternity Return Support Systems

06:48 Report Findings and Retention Stats

09:02 Ambition Gap Myth Debunked

11:43 Burnout and Hands On Work

13:54 Workplace Bullying and Boundaries

15:20 Surprising Data on Flexibility

16:56 Flexibility Tops Requests

17:15 Ambition And The 97 Percent

17:52 Survey Logistics And Reach

18:34 Return To Office Pushback

20:51 Why Leaders Cling To Control

22:42 TED Talk And Moving Abroad

25:04 Launching Mothered Magazine

27:04 Super Bowl Holiday Hypocrisy

28:46 Advice For The 97 And 40

31:06 Where To Find The Report

31:32 Feminine Strength Closing

Find the 2026 'Future of Working Motherhood' report along with key updates from Executive Moms here, and follow Alexa on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Thank you for tuning in to Women Making Moves, be sure to rate and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform and follow along on Instagram and Bluesky. Visit Amy at Unlock the Magic, and follow on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Women Making Moves is for personal use only and general information purposes, the show host cannot guarantee the accuracy of any statements from guests or the sufficiency of the information. This show and host is not liable for any personal actions taken.

What Stability Really Requires: Breana Grayson on Bipolar Disorder, Stigma, and Support at Work

Amy Pons hosts Women Making Moves and interviews writer Breana Grayson about living with bipolar disorder, what “stability really requires,” and the stigma and misunderstandings that still surround bipolar (“one of the ‘scary ones’”).

Breana explains that medication is essential for her but not sufficient; stability also involves therapy, psychiatric care, consistent sleep, exercise, diet, and enjoyable practices like writing, guitar, and “therapy based kind of yoga,” and she defines stability as moving through life without derailing relationships or work.

They discuss how menstrual cycles can affect symptoms, Breana’s use of cycle tracking and astrology to document patterns, and her diagnosis process at 25 through an intensive outpatient program after work and relationship difficulties. Brianna argues remote and flexible work are not favors but protect productivity, and she advocates proactive workplace support, education, and community so people don’t handle bipolar alone.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

00:47 Stability and Root Chakra

01:22 Bipolar Stability Routine

02:22 Redefining Normal

03:46 Yoga and Creative Coping

04:33 Bipolar Stigma Myths

05:46 Cycles Hormones Astrology

08:51 Sharing Her Story at 26

09:23 Diagnosis at 25

10:32 Screening and Medication Risks

11:58 Childhood Signs and School Support

14:58 Remote Work as Accommodation

17:51 Workplace Support Strategies

20:37 Mental Health Across Generations

25:21 Advice Find Community

27:04 Where to Follow and Closing

Dr. Nelva Lee on School Choice, Vocational Pathways, and Housing Solutions in Georgia

Host Amy Pons welcomes Dr. Nelva Lee—healthcare and academic leader, former board appointee, author, and Georgia Superintendent of Schools candidate—who discusses the bleak realities of healthcare and education and her focus on solutions.

Lee describes Concrete Build Financing, a crypto company backed by real estate aimed at countering private equity’s rent hikes by converting commercial multifamily properties into rent-to-own condos to promote stability, equity, and dignity. In education, she advocates expanding Georgia’s Promise Scholarship Act so more families—including homeschool and private-school families—can access broader learning environments, and she proposes every student graduate with both a diploma and a trade certificate.

She cites post-COVID learning gaps, top-heavy education budgets, low reading and math proficiency rates, and calls for basics like phonics, targeted resources, and holding back non-readers by second grade. She also critiques HOPE Scholarship “bait and switch,” urging lower maintenance requirements and a college “star system,” and encourages limiting news, cultivating hope, and volunteering.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

01:13 Healthcare and Maternal Gaps

02:59 Crypto Real Estate Housing Plan

06:31 School Run and Voucher Expansion

10:36 COVID Learning Loss and Resources

15:25 Vocational Skills Over College

22:21 Hope Scholarship Reform Ideas

27:19 Hopeful Action and Volunteering

31:59 Where to Find Dr Lee

32:23 Final Thanks and Wrap Up

Find all of Dr. Nelva's work on her website and follow along with her campaign!

Thank you for tuning in to Women Making Moves, be sure to rate and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform and follow along on Instagram and Bluesky. Visit Amy at Unlock the Magic, and follow on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Women Making Moves is for personal use only and general information purposes, the show host cannot guarantee the accuracy of any statements from guests or the sufficiency of the information. This show and host is not liable for any personal actions taken.

Isvari Maranwe on Impact-Focused Activism, Citizen Journalism, and Rebuilding Social Media

Amy Pons, founder of Unlock the Magic, interviews Isvari Maranwe—Silicon Valley–raised tech leader and Georgetown-educated cybersecurity attorney—now based in London.

Isvari is CEO and founder of YuVoice, a new social media company designed to reward users for tangible impact rather than a follower-driven influencer model, and CEO of The Sentinel by YuVoice, a nonprofit, ad-free, non-paywalled citizen journalism platform building an all-volunteer global press corps.

They discuss the tension between professional success and the emotional toll of social justice work, the importance of boundaries, and prioritizing empowering people who want to make a difference over trying to convince those who won’t. Isvari shares her view that only about 1% of people truly shape society for good, making it critical to change social defaults and focus energy where it creates measurable impact.

Isvari explains that YuVoice has closed a $1 million angel round and will launch in phases with nonprofit partners, focusing on “anti addictive algorithms” and mentally healthy design. The Sentinel’s mission is to break global news through local perspectives:

“We believe that everybody can tell their story the best.” They critique for-profit media incentives and argue, “media needs to be a nonprofit.”

02:22 What’s on Your Heart: Success, Privilege & Staying Resourced

03:54 Stop Convincing the Unmoved: Empower the 1% Who Shape Society

06:35 From Righteous Rage to Real Impact (and Posting with Intention)

13:00 Why Outrage Doesn’t Translate to Action (and What Might)

18:32 What Happens When No One Wants the Baton? Work, Power & Consolidation

22:38 Global South activism & the myth that “they can’t modernize”

28:19 Borders, stolen land & rethinking indigeneity and migration

30:46 What is YuVoice? Building a healthier, impact-rewarding social platform

32:24 The Sentinel: citizen journalism, no ads, no paywalls, global perspectives

37:21 Escaping doomscrolling: joy, community, boundaries & anti-addictive tech

40:34 Where to follow, platform burnout & final call to find your purpose

Follow Isvari on LinkedIn, check out The Sentinel, and follow along with YuVoice!

Thank you for tuning in to Women Making Moves, be sure to rate and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform and follow along on Instagram and Bluesky. Visit Amy at Unlock the Magic, and follow on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Women Making Moves is for personal use only and general information purposes, the show host cannot guarantee the accuracy of any statements from guests or the sufficiency of the information. This show and host is not liable for any personal actions taken.

Exploring Change and Manifestation with Megan Senese

In this episode of Women Making Moves, host Amy Pons talks to Megan Senese, co-founder of Stage, a women-owned business development and marketing boutique. Megan shares her journey from leaving a high-paying law job to starting her own company with just $3,000.

Megan also discusses her experience with manifestation, using a 'want circle' to visualize her goals, and emphasizes the importance of aligning personal energy with desires to manifest intentions effectively.

Furthermore, the episode touches on the challenges and systemic issues faced by lawyers and nurses, and the significance of maintaining one's well-being. The conversation concludes with Megan highlighting Stage's focus on creating authentic, balanced, and meaningful connections for lawyers looking to develop their business sustainably.

00:00 Introduction to Women Making Moves

00:19 Meet Megan Senese: From Big Law to Boutique Business

00:48 Texas Bar Association Changes

01:35 Megan's Career Journey and Personal Growth

03:58 The Power of Manifestation

04:45 The 'I Want' Circle Exercise

07:38 Aligning Goals with Personal Truth

12:50 Challenges in the Legal and Healthcare Systems

15:47 Creating a Balanced Life and Career

20:35 The Role of Energy and Intuition

23:50 Stage's 2026 Vision and Values

27:28 Supporting Lawyers and Legal Marketers

29:45 Closing Thoughts on Magic and Manifestation

Find Megan on LinkedIn and through her podcast, "So Much to Say".

Thank you for tuning in to Women Making Moves, be sure to rate and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform and follow along on Instagram and Bluesky. Visit Amy at Unlock the Magic, and follow on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Women Making Moves is for personal use only and general information purposes, the show host cannot guarantee the accuracy of any statements from guests or the sufficiency of the information. This show and host is not liable for any personal actions taken.

Nicole Beach: From Corporate Leader to Jewelry Entrepreneur

In this episode of Women Making Moves, host Amy Pons welcomes Nicole Beach, a seasoned corporate leader turned entrepreneur. Nicole shares her journey from managing large-scale property operations to founding Loop Strand, a luxury permanent jewelry brand in Chicago.

The conversation delves into the concept of 'effortless luxury,' the trend of permanent jewelry, and the challenges and joys of transitioning to entrepreneurship. Nicole also offers insights on trusting your intuition, the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, and how to handle self-doubt and unsolicited advice from others.

This episode is an inspiring testament to betting on yourself and finding passion in unexpected places.

00:00 Introduction to Women Making Moves

00:18 Meet Nicole Beach: From Corporate Leader to Entrepreneur

01:24 The Concept of Effortless Luxury

02:14 The Journey to Permanent Jewelry

05:02 The Rise of Permanent Jewelry

07:51 The Art and Business of Permanent Jewelry

12:19 Embracing New Opportunities and Challenges

14:56 The Path to Entrepreneurship

18:33 Facing Uncertainty in Business

19:08 Balancing Dreams and Reality

19:52 Trusting Yourself and Your Path

20:34 The Journey of Entrepreneurship

21:12 Maintaining Discipline and Creativity

22:08 Reflecting on Career Changes

25:02 Embracing Free Will and Destiny

27:13 Learning from Experiences

31:12 Following Your Intuition

33:37 Encouragement and Support

36:32 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Support Nicole and find the next pop up shop at https://loopstrand.com and follow along on Instagram and LinkedIn @loopstrandjewelry

Thank you for tuning in to Women Making Moves, be sure to rate and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform and follow along on Instagram and Bluesky. Visit Amy at Unlock the Magic, and follow on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Women Making Moves is for personal use only and general information purposes, the show host cannot guarantee the accuracy of any statements from guests or the sufficiency of the information. This show and host is not liable for any personal actions taken.