The Courage Effect is a show about growth and unleashing what’s possible. Developed by our host Suzanne Weller, The Courage Effect is a place for inspiration and empowerment through conversation. Where we talk about what we’ve learned through wrangling fear, risk, and uncertainty -- no matter how big (or small) the challenge. Whether it’s a professional reinvention, standing up for what we believe in, fighting inequality, or smaller actions like speaking to a stranger – these courageous stor ...
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Listener Favorite: Courage and Trust on the Entrepreneurial Journey with Lenora Edwards
28:51
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28:51#21: In this episode of The Courage Effect, Suzanne Weller engages in a deep conversation with Lenora Edwards (CEO Advisor for Business Growth) about the themes of courage, trust, and entrepreneurship. They explore the journey of starting a business, the importance of trusting oneself, learning from mistakes, and the balance between logic and creat…
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Listener Favorite: Growth Following Trauma with Rebecca Weaver
37:28
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37:28#47: In this episode of The Courage Effect, host Suzanne Weller speaks with Rebecca Weaver, founder and CEO of HRuprise, about her journey through post-traumatic growth following a breast cancer diagnosis during the pandemic. They discuss the importance of recognizing collective trauma, the concept of post-traumatic growth, and how to navigate pers…
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Listener Favorite: The Perfection Trap with Dr. Thomas Curran
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32:45#39 | 1.24.2024: host Suzanne Weller engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Thomas Curran (the world's leading expert on perfectionism and author of the best-selling book The Perfection Trap) about the complexities of perfectionism. They explore its roots in societal pressures, the different types of perfectionism, and how the growth at all costs …
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Listener Favorite: Magic and Mayhem with Susan Mann
30:46
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30:46Bringing out a show from our archive that about resilience, vulnerability, collective trauma, coping strategies, and leadership. #37: In this episode Suzanne engages in a heartfelt conversation with leadership coach Susan Mann about navigating the complexities of life, particularly in the context of collective trauma and personal loss. They explore…
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#69 In this livestream conversation recorded on 2.25.2025, Suzanne and 3 other Meta refugees (Bridget Belden, Mellicia Marx, and Suzanne Rothmeyer) discuss their decision behind leaving Meta platforms. They share their individual experiences, values, and the impact of social media on their lives and businesses, while also exploring alternative plat…
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Listener Favorite: Personal Safety with Barb Jordan
30:54
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30:54#17: Suzanne Weller speaks with Barb Jordan, a personal safety expert and founder of Always Bev, an organization dedicated to educating individuals about personal safety. Barb shares her personal journey, including the tragic loss of her sister to gun violence, which inspired her to create Always Bev (short for Always Be Vigilant). The conversation…
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Listener Favorite: Breaking Expectations with Sports Photographer Elsa
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31:27#33: Elsa shares her story of becoming a successful sports photographer, which started when she shot a football game in high school and has led to covering some of the most preeminent events including the Olympics, World Series, Super Bowl, NBA Finals, US Open, and FIFA Men’s and Women’s World Cup. She talks with Suzanne about learning to bet on he…
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Emerge 2025: The Courage Effect’s Evolution
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11:08#68: Suzanne sets the tone for the year, exploring her word of the year: "Emerge," a focus on shaking things up, and announces exciting changes coming in the months ahead – including a shift to a seasonal podcast format. Referenced in this show: The Courage Effect #36: Courageous Intentions for the New Year. NSA Northwest’s 'Last Story Standing' Co…
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Embracing Grief and Growth with April McCormick
45:39
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45:39#67: Suzanne explores themes of grief, transformation, and the power of courage with April McCormick. April shares the heart-wrenching story of her son’s passing and how it shaped her leadership approach, highlighting the importance of understanding others, finding meaning in pain, and the strength to confront incredibly difficult challenges. April…
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Unlocking Potential: Courage, Joy, and Personal Truth with Roger Kastner
39:14
39:14
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39:14#66. Roger Kastner (organizational development practitioner, leadership coach, and host of the What Do You Know To Be True? podcast) joins Suzanne for an exploration into the fluid nature of personal truth and the journey from fear to courage. They discuss how purpose, joy, and organizational development can shape meaningful change in the workplace…
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Listener Favorite: Courageous Conversations with Suzanne Weller
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29:20#32: Now we’re in the holiday season, there’s a good chance we’ll be having hard or awkward conversations with family, friends, or colleagues. Suzanne talks through some ways to prepare for what she calls a “courageous conversation” so we can transform these dreaded discussions into empowering, mutually beneficial exchanges.…
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Leadership Insights for Uncertain Times: A Conversation with Stacy Harris
20:37
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20:37#65. Suzanne is joined by visionary leadership coach Stacy Harris for a conversation about the tough realities leaders are facing right now – from navigating uncertain markets to managing remote teams and engaging a diverse workforce. They also share insights on their upcoming leadership mastermind Outsight <> Insight, and the importance of seeking…
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The Power of Pause: A Courage Up! 30-Day Challenge Mindfulness with Allie Siegel
10:09
10:09
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10:09#64: Join our October “Courage Up!” Challenge to practice mindfulness with our special guest, Allie Siegel. She challenges us to dedicate just 5 minutes a day to connect our mind and body through mindful meditation, using our senses to break the autopilot mode. Your path to greater presence and balance starts now! Allie's new drop-in series (starti…
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Surviving a Chaotic World: Practical Strategies for Navigating Stress, Anger, and Anxiety
36:41
36:41
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36:41#63 Suzanne dives deep into emotional resilience, sharing insights on how to balance emotions, recognize anxiety as unmet needs, and turn stress into positive outcomes. We explore the power of emotional literacy and the courage to turn anger, stress, and anxiety into catalysts for growth and creativity. Referenced in this episode: Emotions Wheel Pe…
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Judy Greenfeld’s Journey Through Faith, Loss, and New Beginnings
42:10
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42:10Suzanne speaks with rabbi/cantor Judy Greenfeld, whose journey is a testament to the power of courage and resilience. Judy shares how she found strength in Judaism after her father's tragic murder (despite her earlier drift away from her faith), the transformative power of sharing personal stories, and the importance of community support. Thanks to…
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Conquer Procrastination with our Courage Up! 30-Day Challenge
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13:03#61: Join our October “Courage Up!” Challenge to Conquer Procrastination. Suzanne shares insights on understanding why we procrastinate – whether it's a daunting task or breaking a bad habit – and invites you to join her 30-day challenge to conquer what's been holding you back. Let's face it together and get some serious stuff done before the year'…
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Leadership Insights and Global Experiences with Mikaela Kiner
35:14
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35:14#60. Founder, CEO, and executive coach Mikaela Kiner talks with Suzanne about the importance of kindness, patience, and understanding in both personal and professional interactions. They touch on the courage it takes to address toxic behavior in the workplace, each leaders’ responsibility to create healthy, inclusive cultures, and shares her recent…
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Courage Up! Your 30-Day Challenge to Learn Something New
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13:00#59: Suzanne invites you to join our September “Courage Up!” Challenge to Learn Something New Suzanne reflects on the stories of last month’s challenge to make one new connection, and invites you to join her new 30-day challenge: learning something new. Whether it's reading a book, taking a class, or exploring fresh perspectives, let's commit to ex…
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The Courage to Disrupt: Michael Hudson on Change and Leadership
32:19
32:19
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32:19#58: Michael Hudson (CEO at the Hudson Institute of Coaching) joins Suzanne for a conversation about adapting to new environments, the courage to disrupt traditions, and why coaching is needed in our world today more than ever before. They discuss Michael’s early career experiences in Vietnam and Kenya, the impact of external interruptions on perso…
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Permission to Be Joyful: Overcoming Barriers to Happiness with Lisa Even
33:13
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33:13#57: Suzanne talks with Lisa Even (speaker, coach, author, and JOY connoisseur) about choosing joy in our lives, even when faced with challenges and obstacles. Lisa shares her insights on how to infuse joy into our daily lives, emphasizing that it's a personal choice that requires courage, attention, and nurturing. We also discussed the concept of …
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Courage Up! Your 30-Day Challenge to Make New Connections
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12:42
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12:42#56: Suzanne invites you to join our August “Courage Up!” Challenge focused on stepping out of your comfort zone to make new connections and curate meaningful relationships. She’s challenging listeners to meet one new person in the next 30 days. You’ll hear tips on how to reframe networking and make it feel less intimidating, so you can approach it…
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Fumbi Chima on Leadership, Diversity, and the Art of Being Fearlessly Bold
36:02
36:02
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36:02Suzanne speaks with Fumbi Chima, a dynamic leader and fierce advocate for women of color. They delve into the unique strengths women bring to leadership, the challenges of being at the top, and the real impact versus the talk of diversity initiatives. Fumbi candidly shared her journey from Nigeria to the C-suite, her pursuit of tech education, and …
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On the Mic with Alicia Dara: Courage, Challenges, and Change
34:25
34:25
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34:25#54: Suzanne and Alicia Dara dive deep into the realities and challenges women face in the music industry and beyond, discussing the critical need for courage, solidarity, and a cultural shift. Alicia shares her personal experiences (including a physical assault in a club), touches on the importance of supportive whisper networks, and her commitmen…
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Courage Up! Your 30-Day Challenge to Be Curious and Ask Questions
32:07
32:07
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32:07#53: Suzanne invites you to join our next Courage Up! Challenge focused on curiosity. This month, step out of your comfort zone and practice asking meaningful questions in every conversation. Let's break the cycle of assuming and truly listen. Share your journey using #CourageUp and be part of the movement of spreading courageous contagion! Referen…
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Becky Selengut: Balancing Respect, Compassion and Conflict
40:11
40:11
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40:11#52: Author, instructor, podcaster, and chef Becky Selengut shares her poignant struggles with balancing respect and empathy in contentious situations, from family disagreements on politics to broader global issues like the Middle East conflict. She talks with Suzanne about the importance of standing strong in one’s values while also expressing com…
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Erin Meyer: Bridging Cultures and Conservation for Global Impact
34:15
34:15
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34:15#51. Dr. Erin Meyer from the Seattle Aquarium talks with Suzanne about the nexus of courage and conservation. Erin shares her journey from childhood visits to the aquarium to leading global conservation efforts, emphasizing the courage it takes to foster strong, respectful partnerships across cultures. We tackle the importance of vulnerability in l…
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Courage Up! Your 30-Day Challenge to Reconnect
10:04
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10:04#50: Suzanne celebrates our 50th episode by kicking off the first Courageous Challenge! In these monthly “Courage Up!” challenges, she invites us to take small, courageous steps to spark positive change in our lives and communities. Our first challenge: Reconnect with someone meaningful we haven't spoken to in a while. So . . . who will you reach o…
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Dr. Jeremy Nobel: Crafting Connections in a Lonely World
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34:08#49 | 5.22.2024: Suzanne discusses the world’s loneliness epidemic with Dr. Jeremy Nobel. They explore the types of loneliness – and the vital distinction between solitude and isolation – with Dr. Nobel sharing his insights on how engaging with the arts and community can lead us out of isolation and into connection. Dr. Jeremy Nobel is a primary-ca…
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#17 | 8.2.2023: In a conversation about personal safety, Barb talks through the work she does at Always Bev, an organization she founded following her sister’s death, who was tragically killed by gun violence. She and Suzanne discuss the importance of trusting our intuition, not ignoring the “yellow flags” we see (and feel) from others, and the jou…
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Feminine Fortitude: Kate Isler’s Impact on Entrepreneurship and Gender Equity
36:32
36:32
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36:32#48 | 5.8.2024: Suzanne dives deep with the incredible Kate Isler, co-founder of The WMarketplace (an innovative ecommerce accelerator and online sales channel supporting women-owned businesses) and a true trailblazer in the tech industry and beyond. Kate speaks to her journey of breaking boundaries and empowering women entrepreneurs globally. In a…
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Growth Following Trauma with Rebecca Weaver
34:31
34:31
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34:31#47 | 4.24.2024: Rebecca Weaver talks through the wounds we collectively experienced during the pandemic (and shares a powerful personal story) through the lens of "post-traumatic growth." She and Suzanne discuss the complexities of navigating personal and professional challenges, reframing our need to rush back to normalcy (such as returning to th…
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Unwrapping Courage: Highlights from The Courage Effect’s First Inspiring Year
28:43
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28:43#46 | 4.1.2024: Hey, Courage Champions! Suzanne Weller here, celebrating one transformative year of The Courage Effect. We've delved deep into tales of triumph and heartbreak, revealing how facing fear unlocks possibility and growth. In this show, we hear my reflections on past shows, featuring the wisdom of previous guests Elsa, Susan Mann, Ruby L…
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#45 | 3.27.2024: : Kate Walker talks with Suzanne about her book A Candid Conversation: Lessons in Life, Love, and Leadership, a combined memoir and guide that shares relatable lessons in life for all the girls and women who feel unworthy, agreeable, codependent or helpless. Kate Walker is an executive consultant, life coach, HR expert, and author …
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Making a Difference in Your Community with Roxanne Patel Shepelavy
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27:43#44 | 3.1.32024: : What is solutions-journalism? Roxanne Patel Shepelavy (Executive Editor and Co-Executive Director of The Philadelphia Citizen) talks with Suzanne about her path to founding a nonprofit media outlet that stands for democracy, ignites civic action and advocates for innovative solutions. Thanks to the support of our show sponsor Bet…
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Stop Overthinking to Expand Your Creativity: Suzanne Weller
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26:04#43 | 3.6.2024: Suzanne gets inspired by Rick Rubin’s book The Creative Act, and speaks to how wecan tackle one of our biggest creativity killers: overthinking. Thanks to the support of our show sponsor BetterHelp. Go to https://betterhelp.com/courage for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will …
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The Courageous Acts of Others with Andreas Gebhard
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25:58#42 | 2.21.2024: Andreas Gebhard talks with Suzanne about how we grow through the courageous acts of others (sharing an experience that shifted his thinking and made him a better leader), and the possibilities that arise when we do things differently (particularly in corporate environments, where we struggle to effectively communicate and build con…
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The Courage of Not Looking Away with Chezik Tsunoda
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26:51#41 | 2.7.2024: Suzanne talks with Filmmaker Chezik Tsunoda, about the courageous path she’s taken as an impassioned water safety advocate after her 3-year-old son Yori’s tragic drowning. Chezik shares her thoughts on pushing through challenges, and invites us to think about what we’re looking away from and the power of redirecting our gaze. Chezik…
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Courageous Books: Suzanne Weller, Nicole Christie, Rick Ehlers, Rebecca Rockafellar, Jenna Taylor and Melanie Vargas
27:07
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27:07#40 | 1.31.2024: : Suzanne talks with guests about the books that inspired them to be more courageous. They include: Nicole Christie - Kiss Off Corporate America by the Lisa Kivirist Rick Ehlers - The Second Half of Life: Opening the Eight Gates of Wisdom by Dr. Angeles Arrien Dr. Adeola Mead - The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Rebecca Rockafellar - Th…
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#39 | 1.24.2024: Dr. Thomas Curran, the world's leading expert on perfectionism and author of the best-selling book The Perfection Trap, talks with Suzanne about the 3 different types of perfectionism, how they are all steeped in deficit thinking, and how it’s fed by our “growth at all costs” economy. Thomas Curran is a professor of psychology at t…
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#38 | 1.17.2024: Lara Zahaba, the Co-Owner of Stoup Brewing, talks with Suzanne about the courage it took to start their brewery, and the challenges of maintaining and growing the business. She shares how their team came together to survive the pandemic, touches on the evolution of the beverages space, and how Stoup’s business partnership trio (inc…
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#37 | 1.10.2024: Susan Mann talks with Suzanne about why courage is a vital tool for us in navigating what she calls the “vulnerability sh#tshow” we’ve been living through these past few years. She anchors on the importance of having agency in uncertain times, providing recommendations for what we all can do to move through trauma and loss. Susan M…
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Courageous Intentions for the New Year: Suzanne Weller
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27:09#36 | 1.3.2024: Suzanne talks us through intention-setting for 2024, shares her word of the year, and ideas around how we might bring more courage into the next 12 months. Resources mentioned in this show include her 2023 year-end blog post on closure, and her recommended Start, Stop, Continue framework. Thanks to the support of our show sponsor Be…
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#35 | 12.20.2023: Cindy Elkins shares her experiences of being a leader, mother, and Cindy how she’s tapping her courage as an advocate (or “torch bearer”) for causes including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a treatment for depression, art - healing - and loneliness, and blood donation. Cindy Elkins is a biotech and high tech leader, bo…
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“Should I Stay or Should I Go?” with Lora Poepping
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27:05#34 | 12.13.2023: When is it time to pursue a new job, or stay where you are? Lora Poepping and Suzanne talk about taking the time to discern what’s best for you, and the courage involved in either saying “yes” to a new opportunity, or settling in to appreciate the value you’re realizing in your current role. Lora Poepping is the founder and presid…
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Breaking expectations with sports photographer Elsa
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28:29#33 | 12.6.2023: Elsa shares her story of becoming a successful sports photographer, which started when she shot a football game in high school and has led to covering some of the most preeminent events including the Olympics, World Series, Super Bowl, NBA Finals, US Open, and FIFA Men’s and Women’s World Cup. She talks with Suzanne about learning …
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#32 | 11.29.2023: Now we’re in the holiday season, there’s a good chance we’ll be having hard or awkward conversations with family, friends, or colleagues. Our host Suzanne Weller talks through some ways to prepare for what she calls a “courageous conversation” so we can transform these dreaded discussions into empowering, mutually beneficial excha…
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My What If Year with Alisha Fernandez Miranda
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27:01#31 | 11.22.2023: Suzanne talks with Alisha Fernandez Miranda about her book My What If Year – where she details her adventure of pausing her career for a year to explore the “what if” jobs of her dreams, which took her from internships at a Broadway theater, a London art gallery, a Scottish luxury hotel, and a virtual fitness studio (Zumba, anyone…
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#30 | 11.15.2023: Melissa Kirsch, deputy editor of Culture and Lifestyle at The New York Times, talks with Suzanne about two essential ingredients in the writing process: vulnerability and courage. More information about Weller Collaboration: wellercollaboration.com Sign up for Suzanne’s Reimagine Growth newsletter here…
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Ditching the Hustle & Grind with Sarah O’Brien Hammond
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26:29#29 | 11.8.2023: Sarah shares the story of waking up to what truly made her happy and the journey of creating positive change in her life through ditching the hustle and grind mentality and achieving success differently. Sarah O'Brien Hammond is a community creator, life and career coach and recruiter. She creates safe and judgment-free containers …
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#28 | 10.25.2023: Amy – who’s living in her “why not?” moment – talks about how powerful the act of storytelling can be, and how vital it is for us to not only share narratives broadly but bring others along to do the same. Amy Kugler is a media executive, writer, and founder of BEAM - a venture that illuminates the unseen corners of motherhood wit…
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