Becoming a Hopeful Optimist: Strategies for Leaders in Challenging Times -44

Mastering the Art of Genuine Connections with Patrick GalvinIn episode 46, I sit down with relationship-building expert Patrick Galvin, author of The Daily Connector, to uncover how dedicating just 10 intentional minutes a day can transform your personal and professional life. Patrick shares actionable strategies for building authentic, lasting relationships, from asking better, open-ended questions to adopting a service-oriented mindset. Together, we explore the power of curiosity, presence, and overcoming common barriers like fear and ego that hold us back from meaningful conversations. Patrick also introduces the concept of “lingering” to deepen dialogues and explains why quality always trumps quantity when it comes to connections. This episode is packed with practical insights for leaders, coaches, and entrepreneurs looking to revolutionize their networking approach. Tune in and discover how small, consistent efforts can lead to profound and rewarding relationships.Only 2 spots to join us for the HELL YES Baja Retreat!Patrick Galvin Bio: &nbsp;Patrick Galvin is an accomplished presenter,&nbsp;TEDx speaker, author, and coach. He is also the chief galvanizer of&nbsp;The Galvanizing Group, a coaching and online learning company that helps high-performance companies and teams grow bottom-line results through better internal and external connections. Drawing upon the timeless relationship-building principles of&nbsp;The Connector’s Way&nbsp;and&nbsp;The Trusted Way, of the&nbsp;popular book series&nbsp;The Way,&nbsp;and&nbsp;The Daily Connector: 366 Ways to Galvanize Your Life with Better Relationships, Patrick educates and motivates while giving people strategies, ideas, and tools that galvanize success.Patrick has received enthusiastic testimonials for his keynote presentations, breakout sessions, workshops and webinars for organizations throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe. The 78 microlearning courses in his company’s online&nbsp;Business Relationship Building Academy&nbsp;have over 1,100 outstanding reviews on OpenSesame, a global elearning platform.Patrick has a BA from Georgetown University and an MBA in international marketing from Thunderbird, one of the world’s top business programs. He worked for an industrial and agricultural equipment manufacturer building a profitable sales network throughout Canada and South America where none had existed prior. He subsequently became president of his family’s furniture stores. Under his leadership, sales rose 300% in three years.Building on the success of his books and business career, Patrick empowers others to embrace relationship-building principles that drive meaningful, lasting impact.Links to check out!The Galvanizing Group:&nbsp;https://thegalvanizinggroup.comPatrick Galvin’s Speaking Programs:&nbsp;https://patrickgalvin.comWhat type of relationship builder are you? (free assessment):&nbsp;<a...

Discover why authenticity trumps quick marketing fixes and how true confidence in your brand can attract ideal clients when best-selling author Kelly Cochran joins Marli Williams to discuss the essential topic of personal branding. Kelly shares her experience of transforming criticism into strength through her "Loud Blonde" persona and reveals practical steps to define and project your unique brand. From creative exercises to identifying core values, the conversation is packed with insightful tips for personal and professional growth. Whether you're an entrepreneur or an employee, this episode offers valuable guidance on making your personal brand a "calling card" that resonates powerfully in your community.Kelly Cochran Best-Selling Author &amp; Epic Event DesignerAffectionately known as the “Loud Blonde” by friends and fans, Kelly Cochran is a professional marketer and motivator who shares her message of female empowerment on stages and podcasts across the globe. An unapologetic writer, speaker, and entrepreneur, Kelly passionately encourages women to listen to their instincts and speak their truth at the highest volume. Kelly loves to work with driven, Type-A women who are tired of playing small and living life below their potential. Her high-performance coaching program moves women out of their comfort zones and into inspired action.&nbsp;Winner of the “Top 20 On The Rise” Award for Marketing and named a Female Trailblazer by SDVoyager Magazine, Kelly is the outspoken female voice this generation has been waiting for. Her debut book, "LOUD: Silence Your Critics &amp; Turn Up the Volume on Your Life," launched as a #1 Amazon Best Seller in September 2019.Learn more at LoudBlonde.comJoin us in beautiful Baja, Mexico for the HELL YES Baja Retreat!Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliamsStay Connected to The Marli Williams PodcastFollow us on Instagram:&nbsp;@marliwilliamsOur...

Are you struggling to maintain optimism in turbulent times? In this insightful episode of the Marli Williams Podcast, Marli delivers a heartfelt pep talk aimed at reigniting your spirit. She shares her three keys for unleashing your "Inner Hopeful Optimist," helping you build a compelling vision, take inspired action, and celebrate your wins. From the lessons of historical leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. to practical steps you can take today, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to lead with purpose. Curious about Marli’s bonus tip? Tune in to discover how connecting with other optimists can amplify your impact. Perfect for leaders, motivational speakers, and change-makers, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to transform challenges into opportunities.Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliamsStay Connected to The Marli Williams PodcastFollow us on Instagram:&nbsp;@marliwilliamsOur Website:&nbsp;www.podcast.marliwilliams.comHire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!www.marliwilliams.comReally love the podcast and want to share it??Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.&nbsp;Let's Lead Together and reach more people&nbsp;- we appreciate your support!!

Join me this week as we celebrate ONE YEAR of The Marli Williams Podcast in this empowering solo episode! Discover the transformative power of authentic leadership and how it can catalyze epic experiences. I peel back the curtain and share invaluable lessons learned from the journey of bringing this idea to life, highlighting the importance of taking imperfect action and overcoming the fear of judgment. Tune in for motivational insights and actionable strategies to bring your unique ideas to life and become a more impactful leader. Whether you're leading retreats, workshops, or simply looking for personal growth, this episode has something for everyone. Don't miss out on some heartfelt advice on stepping into your potential and serving your audience with authenticity. Join us at the HELL YES Retreat in beautiful Baja, Mexico this Jan. 10th-15th!Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliamsStay Connected to The Marli Williams PodcastFollow us on Instagram:&nbsp;@marliwilliamsOur Website:&nbsp;www.podcast.marliwilliams.comHire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!www.marliwilliams.comReally love the podcast and want to share it??Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.&nbsp;Let's Lead Together and reach more people&nbsp;- we appreciate your support!!

This week on the Marli Williams Podcast, we have an incredible episode with special guests Taryn Laakso and Cynthia Gene Maloney on how to harness the wisdom of the seasons on our leadership journey. The conversation dives into understanding and honoring the seasons of our life to lead with ease, grace, and compassion. Taryn, a conscious leadership coach, and Cynthia, a seasoned life coach, share their unique journeys and offer insights into realigning personal and professional activities according to natural cycles. Listeners will discover the significance of community, the concept of seasonal planning in business, and practical strategies to incorporate rest and intuition for better decision-making. Join us as we explore how balancing personal and professional rhythms can transform your leadership approach. They also introduce a seasonal assessment tool and share the benefits of community and reflective practices. Tune in for an inspirational episode that promises to reshape your understanding of leadership, highlighting the value of aligning with the seasons for sustained success and balance.Taryn Laakso Bio:I am a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. As an experienced coach and a certified xchange facilitator with expertise in Positive Intelligence®&nbsp;and women’s Biorhythms, I am uniquely qualified to share with you the essential keys to unlocking our feminine wisdom. I believe deeply in this work and have seen its immense positive impacts on my own personal and professional life. I am thrilled to share these tools with you! I want to help you find your strengths as a woman who is leading from an empowered state of being in both your life and career. We’ll expand your horizons when faced with difficult challenges. Together, we’ll take you to your personal summit so you can live on top of the world in your business and personal relationships!Cynthia Gene Bio: I am a neurodivergent creative coach who is dedicated to your holistic well-being and burnout prevention. After 25 years in small business sales, marketing, and operations, I pivoted my career to bring my knowledge to coaching and consulting. Today I am focused on a mission for supporting others through their integrative wellness journey, leveraging my expertise and certifications in unlocking the collective wisdom within groups as an xchange Guide, Positive Intelligence®&nbsp;Mental Fitness, Emotion Code energy healing practitioner, and Essential Oil Specialist to fully integrate the mind, body, heart, and soul in order to meet professional and personal goals while enjoying work, relationships, and life to the fullest.Check out their seasonal assessmentTo learn more about their amazing work in the world check out one of their community events through complimentary workshops monthly at&nbsp;https://bit.ly/UFWWorkshops&nbsp;or our quarterly annual virtual retreats for a small investment at&nbsp;https://bit.ly/UFWHalfDaySchedule an individual strategy session to navigate seasonal&nbsp;changes in your life or business here: https://bit.ly/SeasonalStrategySessionPS - There are still some spots left to join us for the HELL YES Baja Retreat coming up Jan. 10th-15th. Stay Connected to The Marli Williams PodcastFollow us on Instagram:&nbsp;@marliwilliamsOur...

This week on the Marli Williams Podcast, I am hanging out with the AMAZING transformational leader, Preston Smiles. Together we dive into the art and heart of creating experiences that truly transform and change people's lives. Discover the powerful balancing act of challenge and support in personal development, and why creating brave spaces, where people can lean in to some edgy, stretchy places to experience genuine transformation. Preston shares insights on breaking superficial workshop norms, emphasizing intimacy and real connections over performative elements to achieve retention and success. We both highlight the importance of loving people into their greatness. Learn how to make participants feel they're a part of a family and not just attendees at a seminar. This episode is a goldmine of wisdom for coaches, therapists, and anyone interested in creating, leading and facilitating transformative experiences.Preston's Bio:Unapologetically Himself, Preston Smiles is the epitome of someone who’s committed to the work and humanity. As an abundance Coach, thought leader,&nbsp;&nbsp;Conscious businessman, father, husband, experiential speaker, and author of&nbsp;his newest groundbreaking book, Spiritual Millionaire Unlock the 7 Inner Laws of Abundance and Money and&nbsp;Love Louder: 33 Ways to Amplify Your Life (published by Simon &amp; Schuster), Preston Smiles is a force to be reckoned with on the personal growth scene.&nbsp;Coaching over 100k&nbsp;&nbsp;people since 2005 and leading cutting-edge workshops all over the world with his equally powerful wife, Alexi, Preston Smiles is on fire, like his HUGE personality. Winning awards like&nbsp;Millennial Mentor of the Year, gracing the cover of&nbsp;Inspired Coach Magazine, and being featured on some of the biggest podcasts and media platforms, such as&nbsp;Impact Theory&nbsp;and School of Greatness,&nbsp;Preston is touching the hearts and souls of thousands of people daily through his&nbsp;provocative&nbsp;social media videos and writings. As Jack Canfield has said, “Preston Smiles is unstoppable!”Stay Connected to The Marli Williams PodcastFollow us on Instagram:&nbsp;@marliwilliamsOur Website:&nbsp;www.podcast.marliwilliams.comHire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!www.marliwilliams.comReally love the podcast and want to share it??Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.&nbsp;Let's Lead Together and reach more people&nbsp;- we appreciate your support!!

Have you ever felt lonely as a leader? Leadership can be a lonely place sometimes, but it doesn't have to be. Join us this week for an inspiring and thought-provoking episode with creative coach Jen Jones Donatelli in an episode that redefines leadership and building community. This conversation covers the ethics and challenges of forming deep connections while maintaining professional boundaries, and the human need for belonging and community. Together we discuss the difference between being the 'sage on the stage' to being the 'guide on the side', making the case for genuine relational leadership. They also touch on overcoming fears, finding purpose in new environments, and how leaders can support their mental health. If you're intrigued by the balance of leading with empathy, maintaining authenticity, and finding your tribe, this episode is packed with invaluable insights. Tune in to discover how to overcome leadership loneliness and how to create safe and supportive spaces for growth and transformation.Jen's Bio: Jen&nbsp;Jones Donatelli is a certified Co-Active coach (PCC-level), creative facilitator and founder of Creative Groove—a small business offering courses, coaching, and community around the art of creative living. Jen has also taught for schools and organizations including Loyola Marymount University, Ohio University, MediaBistro, StoryStudio Chicago, Literary Cleveland, and Chautauqua Institution. Prior to her work with Creative Groove, Jen worked in various forms of media and entertainment for nearly 20 years. Her resume spans feature films, award shows, talk shows, sitcoms, red carpet reporting, and print/online journalism for outlets including Glamour, REDBOOK, Business Insider, Playboy, Los Angeles Confidential and many more.&nbsp;Jen's&nbsp;work has taken her into the kitchens of Wolfgang Puck and Thomas Keller, hidden gems throughout California and Mexico, and even into Ozzy Osbourne’s bedroom. (True story!) She is a proud graduate of the E.W. Scripps School of&nbsp;Journalism at Ohio University.Stay Connected to The Marli Williams PodcastFollow us on Instagram:&nbsp;@marliwilliamsOur Website:&nbsp;www.podcast.marliwilliams.comHire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!www.marliwilliams.comReally love the podcast and want to share it??Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.&nbsp;Let's Lead Together and reach more people&nbsp;- we appreciate your support!!

On this week's podcast episode, I had the incredible opportunity to chat with brain training expert and money mentor, Mary Lou Rodriguez. Mary Lou's journey from having 16 cents in her bank account to becoming a 7-figure business owner is nothing short of inspiring.In our conversation, we dive into the fascinating ways our brain is hardwired to keep us safe and how survival experiences can shape our perception of wealth and safety. Mary Lou explains that in order to strive for a wealthier future, we need to acknowledge and regulate our emotions and nervous system responses. We discuss practical activities like breath work, tapping, and grounding that can help in this regulation process.An essential part of manifesting wealth, as Mary Lou emphasizes, is cultivating a sense of safety and practicing receiving. These elements help us come from a place of gratitude and openness, which are crucial when creating a compelling vision for the future. We also talk about the importance of acknowledging our own worth and completeness in the present moment, which allows us to create from a place of wholeness rather than desperation.Our beliefs play a powerful role in our lives, especially concerning money. Mary Lou shares insights on aligning our thoughts, feelings, and actions with our desired outcomes. We highlight the danger of focusing on lack or what we don’t want, and instead, we encourage listeners to dream big and give themselves permission to create compelling visions for their future.Throughout the episode, Mary Lou shares her personal experiences and the transformation she underwent from struggling with poverty to finding success. Her approach focuses on working from vision and intention rather than circumstances. This episode is packed with insights on practicing self-love, embracing life’s journey, and realizing that we all have the potential to live our best lives, regardless of our starting points.Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to share, review, and subscribe to the Marli Williams Podcast for more inspiring content.Stay unstoppable and keep dreaming big!Mary Lou's Bio:Mary&nbsp;Lou&nbsp;Rodriguez is a Brain Training Expert in Wealth &amp; Success and the CEO of a thriving expansion and growth company. With an international reach, she has helped thousands of clients shift their stories, upgrade their beliefs, and live their most unstoppable lives. She has had the privilege of sharing the stage with esteemed figures like Dean Graziosi and Brendon Burchard.Using science-based methodologies rooted in neuroscience and spiritual laws,&nbsp;Mary&nbsp;Lou&nbsp;Rodriguez helps people shift their beliefs and master their thoughts for massive success in all aspects of life. Her powerful online programs, trainings, and brain training audios help people eliminate disempowering habits, fears, and self-doubt to achieve unstoppable confidence and manifest their desires.Mary&nbsp;Lou&nbsp;believes in making an impact and making the world a better place. She invites you into her world, where she teaches frameworks and brain training tools that accelerate neuroplasticity for faster and long-lasting transformation. Her mission is to help over 100 million individuals break free from mental blocks, overcome self-sabotage, and rewire their brains for Wealth &amp; Success.Join&nbsp;Mary&nbsp;Lou&nbsp;Rodriguez to eliminate disempowering habits, fears, and self-doubt, and rewire your brain to manifest your best life and meet the millionaire inside of you!&nbsp;Join Mary Lou's Challenge Here!https://www.marylourodriguez.com/millionaire<a href="https://www.marylourodriguez.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

In this episode of the Marli Williams Podcast, I sit down with Adair Cates, a seasoned facilitator and leadership trainer. Together, we dive into the powerful insights of self-leadership, the importance of regulating the nervous system, and how shifting belief systems can lead to personal growth. Adair shares her own experiences with life’s challenges and how daily practices like breathwork and meditation have helped her thrive. We also explore conscious leadership and how intentional energy and presence can transform both personal and professional realms. With key takeaways on setting priorities, pausing for self-awareness, and leading with love and generosity, this episode is perfect for anyone looking to lead a more mindful and fulfilled life.Adair's Bio:Adair Cates is a transformational Conscious Leadership trainer, facilitator, and coach with over 20 years of experience in adult education, leadership development, and mindfulness. As the heart and soul behind the Awakening Conscious Leadership Experience (ACLE) at xchange, Adair collaborates with a renowned faculty of experts [Rollin McCraty, PhD (HeartMath®), Raj Sisodia (Conscious Capitalism), Margaret Wheatley (Author/Berkana Institute), Julianna Raye (Unified Mindfulness), and Lynne Twist (Soul of Money Institute)] merging neuroscience, mindfulness, and breathwork to elevate and accelerate influential leadership from the inside out.&nbsp;She has designed and facilitated thousands of one-on-one and group conversations to unlock potential, promote well-being, and accelerate sustained change in organizations such as Microsoft, Meta (Facebook), EOS, TEDx and Conscious Capitalism.As a mom of twins and three bonus kids, partner (in work and life) to xchange founder Jon Berghoff, and author of two self-development books, "Live with Intention" and "Fully Engaged," Adair brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to her work; however, her most important leadership role is in her home.Her expertise in experience design and facilitation, coupled with her certifications as a Heartmath Resilience Trainer and PSYCH K® practitioner, allows her to deeply understand and embody the science, spirituality, and practices behind what she teaches, making her a sought-after trainer and coach in the field of Conscious Leadership.Call to ActionMini Course - The Art of Living Well -&nbsp; go to website - adaircates.com to accessStay Connected to The Marli Williams PodcastFollow us on Instagram:&nbsp;@marliwilliamsOur Website:&nbsp;www.podcast.marliwilliams.comHire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!www.marliwilliams.comReally love the podcast and want to share it??Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.&nbsp;Let's Lead Together and reach more people&nbsp;- we appreciate your support!!

Ready to unhook from limiting narratives and truly understand what it means to be "enough"? In this engaging and insightful episode, I join one of my mentors, Andrea Leda, to tackle the concept of "enoughness" in both our personal and professional lives. We share stories from our own quests for purpose, highlighting the importance of aligning our work with our soul-powered passions. Andrea dives into the complexities of feminine leadership and how small, consistent actions can collectively make a significant impact. I also open up about my approach to creating epic experiences and the importance of trusting our instincts and intuition over 'trying to get it right'. You’ll gain valuable insights from our discussion on how to overcome internalized scripts and biases, paving the way for personal and social transformation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, community, and positive change.Andrea's Bio:Andrea&nbsp;Leda is a sought-after professional coach, teacher, and mentor with over 10,000 hours of coaching experience since she began her practice in 2010. She is dedicated to helping each of us learn to trust our own innate value and worthiness so that we are brave enough to show up for the work we’re truly here to do.&nbsp;By harnessing her deep and practical knowledge of powerful coaching techniques—including NLP, journal therapy, mental emotional release work, and BodyMAP coaching—Andrea&nbsp;equips women+ to feel empowered to love their small corner of the world and see it as enough. In her coaching work, she has been called "a force to be reckoned with and a brave woman who truly makes this world go round.”&nbsp;In 2022,&nbsp;Andrea&nbsp;founded Braver Coach—a mission, a community, and an educational platform for women+ who are reimagining impact by moving beyond the goal-setting and achieving arena of traditional self-development and leaving ample space to navigate the intricate terrain of our shared human experience.&nbsp;Links:https://www.bravercoach.com/Stay Connected to The Marli Williams PodcastFollow us on Instagram:&nbsp;@marliwilliamsOur Website:&nbsp;www.podcast.marliwilliams.comHire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!www.marliwilliams.comReally love the podcast and want to share it??Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.&nbsp;Let's Lead Together and reach more people&nbsp;- we appreciate your support!!