What if the very doubts you're trying to silence are actually helping you become more confident? In this episode, I sit down with Kelli Thompson, leadership coach and author of Closing the Confidence Gap, to unpack the truth about confidence — why it's not about never feeling fear, and how curiosity and self-compassion are your biggest power moves. We explore the "But First" mindset that keeps you stuck, the cost of expensive thoughts, and the powerful shift that happens when you start listening to your body's wisdom, not just your head.

Kelli and I dive into real, actionable frameworks for building confidence that sticks — whether you're preparing for a big promotion, leading a team, or simply trying to stop second-guessing yourself. Her tools are practical, evidence-based, and surprisingly heart-centered. If you've ever wondered how to feel confident before you've "earned" it, this conversation will change the way you see yourself and your leadership potential.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• The surprising difference between confidence and cockiness — and how curiosity bridges the gap

• Why your "But Firsts" are secretly sabotaging your success

• How to turn expensive thoughts into valuable ones that propel your growth

• Why compassion (not criticism) is the key to lasting confidence

• The 4-part "LESS" model for doing less while achieving more

• How to make smarter decisions using your head, heart, and gut together

• Simple daily practices to build self-trust and resilience

• What your body is trying to tell you — and how to actually listen

If you've ever doubted your readiness, your worth, or your next big move, this episode will remind you that confidence isn't something you wait for — it's something you create through action, awareness, and self-compassion. Listen in, take notes, and don't forget to check out Kelli's book Closing the Confidence Gap for even more powerful tools to boost your peace, potential, and paycheck.

Resources Mentioned:

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

Purchase Kelli's Book, Closing the Confidence Gap

Visit Kelli's Website

Connect with Kelli on LinkedIn

Have you ever wondered how to intentionally shape your personal brand—without feeling fake or "salesy"? In this episode, I sit down with Lorraine K. Lee, LinkedIn Top Voice and author of Unforgettable Presence, to talk about what it really means to build a brand that reflects who you are, how you work, and what you stand for. We dig into why your brand is your reputation, how to stop leaving it up to chance, and the mindset shift that can help you move from being overlooked to being unforgettable.

Lorraine breaks down her EPIC framework—Experiences, Personality, Identity, and Community—and shares practical steps to put it into action. From learning to talk about your accomplishments without bragging to crafting a unique and powerful introduction that actually makes people remember you, this conversation is full of tangible takeaways you can use right away. Whether you're looking to stand out inside your organization or build your thought leadership online, you'll walk away with tools to show up more confidently and intentionally everywhere you go.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• The mindset shift that transforms "personal branding" from cringe to confidence

• Why your reputation is your real brand—and how to take control of it

• How to use the EPIC framework to define what makes you stand out

• Simple language swaps to sound more confident in any conversation

• How to talk about your wins without feeling like you're bragging

• The secret to a "Unique and Powerful Introduction" that people remember

• How to make your online and offline presence consistent and intentional

• Why your community is your biggest amplifier (and how to nurture it)

Tune in to learn how to shape your personal brand with authenticity, clarity, and confidence. And don't forget to connect with Lorraine on LinkedIn and grab her book Unforgettable Presence for even more practical tips to help you stand out in the best way possible.

Resources Mentioned:

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

Follow Lorraine on LinkedIn

Visit Lorraine's Website

Purchase Lorraine's Book

What makes someone truly care about their work, their team, or even you? In this episode, I sit down with Zach Mercurio, one of the world's leading experts on the science of "mattering." We unpack why nothing can truly matter to someone unless they first feel that they matter to you — and how that insight can transform relationships, leadership, and client trust. Zach shares fascinating research, relatable stories, and practical scripts for showing others that they're seen, heard, and valued in both professional and personal settings.

We dig deep into the "why" behind mattering and move into the "how" with clear, repeatable steps you can use to create more meaningful connections in every interaction. From client relationships to internal teams, you'll walk away with concrete ways to build trust, loyalty, and genuine engagement that scales.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Why being a "good person" isn't enough to make people feel cared for

• The three key practices of mattering — noticing, affirming, and needing

• How small interactions shape trust and loyalty more than big gestures

• Practical questions that make others feel seen and heard instantly

• Why documenting details can help you build stronger relationships at scale

• How to give feedback that inspires change instead of resistance

• The psychology behind making people feel indispensable

• How "co-creating" with clients or colleagues increases buy-in and results

If you're ready to level up your relational skills and make every connection count, don't miss this one. Zach's frameworks are simple, science-backed, and deeply human — and they'll change the way you lead, sell, and communicate. Check out his book The Power of Mattering and visit thepowerofmattering.com for free self-assessments and templates. Then tune in and start practicing the small moments that make the biggest difference.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmercurio/

Visit Zach's Website: https://www.zachmercurio.com/the-power-of-mattering/

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!