~ Mary Fran Bontempo, Creator of the Brilliantly Resilient Mini-Course Series

Today it's me--sharing the story behind the creation of the Brilliantly Resilient Mini-Course Series — Reset with Resilience, Rise and Thrive, and Reveal Your Brilliance. After years of helping people bounce back from life's challenges through her books, speaking, and podcast, I wanted to create a hands-on way for anyone to learn and live the Brilliantly Resilient process at their own pace.

Through short, powerful video lessons and guided workbooks, these mini-courses will take learners from simply surviving to thriving — one intentional step at a time. Reset with Resilience helps you uncover your core values and reclaim control over what truly matters. Rise and Thrive guides you to identify transferable strengths, build supportive tribes, and take imperfect action toward progress. And finally, Reveal Your Brilliance leads you to discover your unique gifts and let go of rigid outcomes so your brilliance can shine in every area of life.

These courses were born from a desire to make resilience doable. Whether you're facing a major life shift or simply ready to grow, this series offers practical, heartfelt guidance for anyone ready to reset, rise, and reveal their brilliance — one brilliantly imperfect step at a time.

Tune into this podcast to learn more, and access the courses through this link: https://brilliantlyresilient.mvsite.app/pages/view/11354/. Be sure to use Promo Code EARLY BIRD for big discounts!

• "Nobody really tells us how to become resilient. Well, that's what I've been able to do with the Brilliantly Resilient process and the new mini-course series."

• "Reset with Resilience teaches you quite literally how to tap into your inherent resilience through your value system, your perception of challenges, and controlling your controllables."

• "These courses are a roadmap — they guide you to not only uncover your resilience but to rise, thrive, and ultimately find your brilliance within life's challenges."

• "The good news about these courses is not only do they teach you to find your resilience, but how to rise and thrive beyond the initial crisis and continue to move forward."

• "When we lead with our hearts, the best of us comes through — we can discover our brilliance through service."

• "The places where we think we're going to find our brilliance aren't always where we end up — and yet, there's always brilliance to share wherever we land."

• "I really believe these courses are the perfect way to help individuals and organizations reset, rise, and reveal their brilliance — in the easiest, most personal way possible."

I know these mini-courses will be a great tool to help you live a Brilliantly Resilient life.

Let's learn to be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

Mary Fran

~ Jake Weiner--Founder, Zooz Fitness

Everyone knows that exercise and movement are important to health, both mental and physical. But can exercise help build strength in other ways--like resilience?

Jake Weiner thinks so. Jake is the founder of Zooz Fitness, an inclusive fitness community in Los Angeles dedicated to making health and movement accessible to individuals of all abilities. Jake has witnessed the transformative power of movement, and shares how resilience, inclusivity, and empowerment drive his mission to make movement accessible to all.

Zooz is more than a fitness space — it's a community where individuals of all abilities discover confidence and capability through movement. Jake's belief that "movement is a universal language" allows him to reach individuals regardless of ability or self-perception to help them reframe limits and redefine what's possible.

Jake's approach exemplifies taking intentional, often imperfect action and building community. He helps clients focus on what they can do, building small victories into major transformations. Jake's work demonstrates that resilience is often rooted in consistency, compassion, and community — not in perfection. Each session at Zooz reinforces the idea that progress is personal, and every step forward is worth celebrating.

Jake's leadership helps others see their innate strength and potential--even when they can't see it themselves. By creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity in ability and experience, he helps people reveal their brilliance through movement, self-belief, and connection. Jake's story reminds us that true brilliance is not about doing more — it's about being more, right where you are.

For more of Jake's wisdom, and to learn from Zooz Fitness member (and awesome lady!) Mary Bella, tune into this week's episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast. Learn more about Jake and Zooz here, and be sure to listen for these additional bits of Brilliance:

• "Movement is a universal language — everyone deserves the chance to experience what their body can do."

• "At Zooz, we don't focus on what people can't do. We start with what they can — and we build from there."

• "When someone walks through our doors, it's not about perfection or performance. It's about participation."

• "We all have barriers, but when you move beyond them — physically or mentally — that's where growth happens."

• "Inclusivity isn't just about access. It's about creating a space where everyone feels seen, capable, and celebrated."

• "Sometimes resilience looks like showing up. That's it. Just being here, trying again, and refusing to give up."

• "The biggest transformation I see isn't in muscle or strength. It's in confidence."

• "Everyone has their own version of brilliance. At Zooz, our job is to help people uncover it through movement."

• "Zooz isn't just a gym — it's a community of people redefining what strength and success look like."

Thank you, Jake (and former guest Allison Norlian--episode here) for caring and doing what you do!

Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

Mary Fran

~Victoria Lenormand, Former Police Detective, Founder of Gemini Directions and Author of The Magic of Not Fitting In

Have you ever felt like you just didn't fit in? Occasionally, and especially during the teenage years, everyone feels like they don't belong.

But how would you manage feeling like that every day? And if you were a parent watching your child struggling with such feelings, how would you help them (and you) through it?

Victoria Lenormand is a former police detective from the U.K. who has used her acute skill set to help her autistic son navigate a world where he doesn't always "fit" within the systems society has in place. Victoria's journey from investigation to advocacy revealed the cracks in systems designed to serve but not always to see the individuals they are meant to help. Once her son was diagnosed with autism, Victoria found herself confronting institutions that valued rules and systems over people. That moment became a call to tap into resilience with courage as she began to ask questions and challenge the status quo with compassion and clarity.

Recognizing an ever evolving diverse population within her community, Victoria pushed for growth and change through flexiblity, observation and adaptation. Further, she openly advocated modeling mistakes for children and embracing imperfection, thus empowering parents, educators, and leaders to take small, intentional steps toward changing systems to better serve communities.

Victoria reminds us that "we're better when we're together," offering everyone the chance to shine their own brilliant light through differences to build vibrant communities. Her book, The Magic of Not Fitting In, invites us to celebrate diversity as a source of strength. By shifting focus from fixing those who are different to understanding, adapting and learning, she shows how true brilliance is revealed not in conformity, but in compassion, curiosity, connection and the willingness to institute change.

Learn more about Victoria here and tune in for more of her wisdom on this episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast. Be sure to listen for these additional bits of Brilliance:

• "I realized I was battling in a system that valued the system over the child — and that was a big wake-up call."

• "Our children don't fit the narrative, so we have to create another narrative."

• "When the community shows itself to be diverse, the system can't respond if it remains the way it is."

• "If a child is in trauma in that environment, it's not for us to critique their resilience — it's for us to meet the need."

• "Resilience...is the ability to flex, to step back, and to ask better questions."

• "We don't develop resilience from the comfort place — we develop it through the rough stuff."

• "Let me model mistakes for you. Learn to laugh at yourself. You don't have to measure everything as a pass or fail."

• "Maybe if we focus first on helping children discover who they are — and make that okay — we'll start to see real growth."

• "We're better when we're together. Diversity should be echoed in our systems, not othered by them."

Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

Mary Fran

~ Jessi Sheridan, Founder of Habituelle

When you think of habits, what comes to mind?

Often, when we think of a habit, it's in a critical way--as in a bad habit we want to break.

But Habituelle founder Jessi Sheridan believes that making something a habit is a positive way to create powerful, lasting change.

In this episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast, Jessi Sheridan shares how her approach to leadership grew from the belief that leadership is a habit--one that can be cultivated with small, intentional practices that reflect who women truly are—rather than conforming to systems designed by someone else. To begin her practice, Jessi asks the question, "What is the impact I want to have?" which serves as a daily reset for leaders seeking purpose and alignment in both their personal and professional lives.

Jessi's approach also aligns with the Brilliantly Resilient practice of taking imperfect action while not being married to outcomes. She didn't start with a fully formed plan; instead, she moved forward with curiosity, reflection, and imperfect action. Much like resilience itself, Jessi's path evolved step by step, grounded in consistent habits and guided by values. Her reminder that women are often "climbing a ladder built by and for someone else" challenges us to redefine success and build our own structure for growth.

Here at Brilliantly Resilient, we know the power of imperfect action, especially when it aligns with our values. By staying grounded in values, we are able to, in Jessi's words, "take up more space" releasing perfectionism and embracing the art of being present. In this way, we design our own habits of leadership, providing a personal path for growth.

Learn more about Jessi and Habituelle here, and listen to this week's Brilliantly Resilient podcast for more of Jessi's wisdom. Be sure to listen for these additional bits of Billiance:

1. "Leadership is a habit—something we practice daily through small, intentional choices."

2. "I always ask myself, 'What is the impact I want to have?' That question keeps me grounded and focused."

3. "So many women find themselves climbing a ladder that was built by and for someone else."

4. "We need to take up more space—not just physically, but in our voices, our ideas, and the way we lead."

5. "Habituelle is rooted in the belief that leadership isn't a title—it's how we show up, again and again."

6. "I didn't come to this work with a fully formed plan. It evolved slowly, with each imperfect step."

7. "Perfection isn't the goal—consistency is. Leadership and growth happen through repetition and reflection."

8. "Resilience isn't about avoiding failure—it's about learning, adjusting, and trying again with intention."

9. "When we lead from authenticity instead of expectation, we make space for brilliance to emerge naturally."

Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

Mary Fran

Rita Ramakrishnan ~ Founder and CEO of Iksana Consulting

What if the very things you've seen as challenges are actually your greatest strengths?

Rita Ramakrishnan was diagnosed as neurodivergent and autistic as a young adult, but she always knew she was different. Getting her diagnosis proved to be the proverbial light bulb, explaining much of what made Rita wonder about how she functioned in the world.

But labels like neurodivergence and autism can be scary--at least at first. The idea of a brain that operates differently can be difficult to understand by those who are neurodivergent as well as others, who may see different as a liability, especially in the workplace.

As founder of Iksana Consulting, Rita works with neurodivergent leaders as well as corporations and shares her powerful perspective that neurodivergence is not a flaw but a different operating system—one that often brings extraordinary gifts like creativity, rapid problem-solving, and unique pattern recognition. She reminds us that resilience isn't about bouncing back, but about "bouncing forward" by experimenting, adapting, and embracing flexibility--a message relevant to us all. (In Sanskrit, "Iksana" means thoughtful observation, including a mindful and attentive presence to truly see and understand the needs and potential of a person or situation.)

Here at Brilliantly Resilient, we know that Brilliance and Resilience come in all shapes and sizes--and there's room for everyone. Rita reminds us that brilliance doesn't come from sameness—it comes from authenticity, diversity, and the courage to rise in your own way.

As we recognize differences and treat them with openness and respect, we become open to sharing the knowledge and wisdom of others, expanding our tribes, and our power to solve problems and build a better world, opening the door to grace and possibility rather than shame.

Find out more about Rita's important work at Iksana Consulting here, and tune into this week's episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast to hear more of Rita's wisdom. Be sure to listen for these additional bits of Brilliance:

• "For a lot of neurodivergent folks, you spend a lot of your life feeling like a square peg in a round hole… and getting a diagnosis or some understanding is really helpful to put that into context."
• "I like to think of most neurodivergence as an operating system that processes inputs differently, and therefore the outputs look different too."
• "I want us to stop labeling these things as different. Let's have a holistic view about how you process information."
• "Resilience for a neurodivergent person isn't just about bouncing back—it's about bouncing forward."
• "To me, the resilient aspect of neurodivergence is acknowledging that you're not broken. We are brilliant in our own respect. I love my brain."
• "My clients have gifts that are going to be transformative for their organizations… this isn't something to be tolerated, it's something to be harnessed."
• "Neurodivergent brains often see patterns much faster, process information more quickly, and generate creative alternative solutions."
• "Half the time, all people want is to be understood… simply saying, 'Tell me more,' creates room for brilliance to emerge."
• "The best definition of happiness I've seen is the intersection of peacefulness and productivity. Imagine if workplaces valued both equally."

Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

Mary Fran

P.S. I just LOVED this episode! Thank you, Rita!!!

Ursula Taylor ~ Founder, Conflict Reimagined

The legal profession is basically founded on conflict. One side tries to prove the other wrong in order to "win."

A former commercial litigator with 17 years of experience, Ursula Taylor has seen her share of conflict, and she's committed to changing the idea of conflict as a battle to be won into an opportunity to clarify values, adjust perspective and focus on solutions instead of blame. By working with corporations and individuals through Conflict Reimagined, Ursula helps resolve conflicts with holistic strategies not found within traditional dispute resolution.

In this episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast, Ursula Taylor invites us to reframe the way we view conflict, redefining it as an opportunity uncover what truly matters. Conflict, when met with resilience, then becomes a tool for clarity rather than battle and chaos.

When we focus less on blame and more on solutions, we can lean into our strengths, involving our supportive tribe, and taking even small, imperfect steps toward understanding other points of view. We can turn disagreements into pathways for growth where conflict becomes less about winning and losing, and more about building momentum, connection, and deeper resilience.

Echoing the Brilliliantly Resilient method, Ursula urges us to release outcomes and expectations while we lead with heart, allowing space for unexpected solutions and stronger relationships. She notes that conflict doesn't just shape outcomes—it shapes us. By embracing that truth, we don't just survive difficult conversations, we rise stronger and shine brighter.

Learn more about Ursula at Conflict Resolution For more of Ursula's wisdom, tune into this week's episode of the Billiantly Resilient podcast and be sure listen for these additional bits of Brilliance:

1. "Conflict doesn't have to be destructive; it can be the spark that helps us see what really matters."

2. "When we reset our perspective, we begin to see conflict not as chaos, but as a chance to clarify values."

3. "Every disagreement is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reset before we respond."

4. "Rising through conflict means focusing on solutions, not blame—and leaning into the strengths we bring to the table."

5. "We build resilience in conflict when we take imperfect steps toward understanding instead of waiting for the perfect answer."

6. "When you involve your tribe in resolution, you find support, perspective, and the courage to keep going."

7. "The brilliance in conflict is revealed when we allow it to shape us—teaching flexibility, empathy, and new ways forward."

8. "Letting go of rigid outcomes in conflict opens space for unexpected, brilliant solutions to emerge."

9. "Conflict handled with heart and purpose doesn't just solve problems—it strengthens relationships and resilience."

Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

Mary Fran

~ Sara Connell, Best-selling Author and Founder of Thought Leader Academy

Have you ever thought about writing a book but believe you have nothing to say?

For those of us living "ordinary" lives, it's easy to feel our stories have little meaning beyond our own lives. Yet Sara Connell holds the opposite to be true.

As founder of the Thought Leader Academy and a 5x Bestselling author, Sara knows that even everyday stories can have profound impact. In fact, the experiences that test us but which we often overlook as meaningless to others can be the very ones that inspire people to uncover their own resilience and reclaim their power.

Sharing our stories enables us to give voice to our own truth, find meaning, and heal as we rise from challenges. Each time we share our journey--the messy parts--the vulnerable parts, we strengthen our own resilience and provide a roadmap for someone else to rise.

Ultimately, Sara notes that Brilliance is not about a perfect story, but about sharing authenticity. Our stories, no matter their scope, hold the potential to heal, connect, and inspire, becoming catalysts for resilience, transformation, and brilliance that ripple outward into the world.

Learn more about Sara and the Thought Leader Academy where she helps coaches, experts and entrepreneurs scale impact + create 6-7 figures by becoming bestselling authors and in demand/TEDx speakers. Tune in for more of her wisdom on this week's Brilliantly Resilient podcast and be sure to listen for these additional bits of Brilliance and check out Sara's FREE GIFTS BELOW:

• "Stories are the bridges that connect us—we heal ourselves and others every time we tell them."
• "You don't need a blockbuster story to make an impact. Your everyday story can be the light someone else needs."
• "When we give voice to our story, we reclaim our power."
• "Your story isn't what happened to you—it's the meaning you choose to create from it."
• "Stories are proof that we survived, and they become roadmaps for others to rise too."
• "The very thing you're afraid to say is often what will inspire someone else to keep going."
• "Sharing your story doesn't just free you—it gives others permission to share theirs."
• "Every time you tell your story, you expand the possibility of what's available—for yourself and for others."
• "Brilliance isn't about perfection—it's about showing up in your truth, story and all."
  
  

Check out these FREE GIFTS from Sara!

7 Steps to Write a Revenue Generating Bestselling Book
(in as little as 2 months even if you've never written before)
PLUS: Sara's bonus templates and worksheets that have generated hundreds of bestsellers: https://www.saraconnell.com/7-steps-to-write-a-revenue-generating-bestselling-book

6-Step Pitch Power Training:
In this training, Sara shows you her 6-Step Pitch- which has resulted in thousands of podcasts, conferences, virtual events, and media appearances: https://saraconnellcoaching.lpages.co/pitch-process/

Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

Mary Fran

~ Dr. Toni Warner, Certified Trauma Therapist and Author of The Reset, A High Achiever's Guide to Freedom and Fulfillment: Your Step-By-Step Roadmap for Getting Unstuck

Achievement. Do more. Be more. Check off more boxes.

UGH. Most women feel the need to achieve, which is not a bad thing in itself. But when that need keeps us spinning, working, accomplishing, but still feeling drained, and unfulfilled, somethin' ain't working.

Dr. Toni Warner's has walked the walk, achieving by all of society's standards but feeling something missing. Her work centers on redefining success for high-achieving women as she lifts the veil on what it feels like to "do all the things" and still feel unfulfilled—a reality that resonates deeply with many listeners who wear their productivity as proof of worth. Her story of outward success masking an inward mess is the starting point for a Reset—a call to pause, check in, and create space to feel, not just function.

With a clear yet compassionate voice, Dr. Toni invites women to Rise not by doing more, but by being more present. She challenges the myth that ambition must come with constant burnout and shows how tiny, intentional practices—like asking how you want to be today—can shift the trajectory of your day and life. Through the use of simple tools like her "intentional scheduler," she offers a framework for integrating flow into structure, showing that ambition and alignment are not mutually exclusive.

Ultimately, her message is an invitation to Reveal Your Brilliance by letting go of rigid identities and reconnecting to core values. Whether you're a mother, a leader, a healer—or all three—Dr. Warner reminds us that fulfillment is not found in a title or to-do list, but in how we show up for ourselves and others. Her wisdom isn't just motivational—it's actionable and deeply needed for a generation of women ready to thrive without sacrificing themselves in the process.

At times, the best way we can navigate our Reset, Rise and Reveal of our Brilliance is by doing less, and being highly intentional about what we choose to do--keeping an ear tuned to how we feel and what we truly want.

Find Dr. Warner's book here, and download her free Intentional Scheduler Template- https://courses.boldandbalancedcoaching.com/intentionalscheduler, and be sure to check out her upcoming RESET Group Experience for professional women navigating parenting, intimate partnership and purpose as they seek continued success growth: http://courses.boldandbalancedcoaching.com/workingwomenreset, starting in September.

Tune into this week's episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast for more of Dr. Warner's wisdom and be sure to listen for these additional bits of Brilliance:

1. "Outward success, inward mess—that was my reality."

2. "I looked strong, but I didn't always feel strong. That disconnect wore me down."

3. "When you've done all the things and still don't feel fulfilled—that's your signal to reset."

4. "You cannot live for only action. It completely takes away from who we are."

5. "We get addicted to achievement because it's how we prove we matter."

6. "Start small. And acknowledge that small is enough."

7. "Your core values aren't just what you love—they're how you want to be."

8. "Structure allows for flow, not rigidity."

9. "Burnout doesn't always look like collapse. Sometimes it's completing every task and still feeling empty."

10. "Grace creates space for adaptation, which is the heart of resilience."

Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

Mary Fran