In this episode, I sit down with my friend and publisher, Todd Sattersten to unpack his brand-new book The 100 Best Books for Work & Life. After spending thousands of hours studying the world's top ideas, Todd distilled them into three massive themes: the core beliefs that shape how we grow, the foundational skills we all need, and the proven strategies for implementation. Together, we explore why purpose matters more than you think, why progress—not perfection—is what keeps us motivated, and how the strongest relationships (both personal and professional) can radically improve your success. We also break down lessons from books on goals, growth, habits, vulnerability, and the surprising science behind becoming your best self.

This conversation skims across decades of research, the best thinkers in the world, and hundreds of lessons that can transform your trajectory. If you've ever wondered what to prioritize, where to focus, or how to build a career and life you actually love, you'll hear ideas you can implement today—along with the stories, examples, and science that make them stick.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• The surprising way Todd chose the "100 best" books—and why categories came after the insights

• The core belief every high performer needs before any real growth can happen

• A mindset shift from one of the world's most famous researchers that proves anyone can improve

• The daily and weekly habits scientifically shown to increase happiness, productivity, and clarity

• Why three layers of your social network influence you far more than you realize

• The uncomfortable—but essential—truth Brene Brown uncovered about connection and professional success

• A story of how following intuitive energy (instead of logic) can redirect an entire career

• The one type of progress that dramatically increases motivation—and how to track it in under 15 minutes

If this episode sparks something in you—an idea, a curiosity, or even the sense that it's time for a shift—I'd love for you to dive into Part 2 where we continue the conversation with generosity, influence, habits, and implementation. And if Todd's insights resonated, check out The 100 Best Books for Work & Life and start building your own roadmap for growth. Your next breakthrough might be waiting in the pages of a single book—or a single idea you hear today.

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!

Bard Press

100 Best Books for Work and Life: What They Say, Why They Matter, and How They Can Help You

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