Confidence Classic: Turn Your Passion Into Purpose with Jess Ekstrom

Ever felt like failure is the end? What if it’s really just research for your next big move? In this episode, I chat with Jess Ekstrom, founder of Headbands of Hope, who turned her passion into a purpose-driven business helping kids with cancer. Jess shares overcoming a very public family scandal, building a meaningful brand from scratch, and how she learned to handle shame and vulnerability in the spotlight. We talk about how reframing failure helps to push through burnout, stress, and fear. Get ready to set boundaries and lean into optimism! In This Episode, You Will Learn Why I stopped seeing failure as a setback. What it’s really like balancing stress, health scares, and big life shifts. How to find meaning after life's toughest moments. How optimism is a strategy, not just a mood. How taking small risks helps break through fear. Advice for setting professional boundaries and standing in your power. Resources + Links Learn more about Headbands of Hope at headbandsofhope.com Learn more about Jess’s Mic Drop Workshop at micdropworkshop.com Get your copy of Jess’s book Chasing the Bright Side HERE Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at NetSuite.com/MONAHAN. Want to do more and spend less like Uber, 8x8, and Databricks Mosaic? Take a free test drive of OCI at oracle.com/MONAHAN. Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Get 15% off your first order when you use code CONFIDENCE15 at checkout at jennikayne.com. Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn Jess on Instagram & LinkedIn

Looking to build a thriving business without losing yourself? In this episode, Alli Webb, founder of Drybar and Squeeze, shares how she turned a simple idea into a $100 million brand with 135 stores nationwide. She opens up about rebuilding confidence and balance during a difficult divorce and shares strategies to set boundaries and show up authentically. Get ready to learn how to grow your business while navigating life’s toughest challenges. In This Episode You Will Learn How childhood shapes your entrepreneurial grit. The risk and hustle behind launching a business during a recession. What it’s really like to scale a business to 135 stores. Ways to set boundaries and find gratitude during hard seasons. Tools to heal from burnout and heartbreak. How meditation and therapy rebuild confidence and reduce stress. Why authenticity and humor help you lead and connect. Resources + Links Visit Drybar website HERE Listen to Alli’s podcast: Raising the Bar Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at NetSuite.com/MONAHAN. Want to do more and spend less like Uber, 8x8, and Databricks Mosaic? Take a free test drive of OCI at oracle.com/MONAHAN. Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Get 15% off your first order when you use code CONFIDENCE15 at checkout at jennikayne.com. Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn Alli on Instagram

She’s a global pop star, a former member of Fifth Harmony, a solo artist, and now an author. In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Ally Brooke to talk about what it really took to overcome public scrutiny, painful losses, and the rollercoaster of fame. She shares what it felt like to be labeled the “weakest dancer” in one of the world’s biggest girl groups and how Dancing with the Stars helped her reclaim her confidence after years of criticism. We dive into the heartbreak of hearing “no” from four major record labels, the pain of ending her first solo tour due to the pandemic, and how she found purpose, power, and healing through faith, family, and finding her voice. Get ready to take back your voice and rewrite your story! In This Episode, You Will Learn The story of how a mistaken DM led to my FIRST board seat. The ONE moment Ally almost gave up. What it felt like to have only ONE line in a hit song. How the END of Fifth Harmony became Ally’s biggest reset. How saying YES to Dancing with the Stars shattered Ally’s biggest insecurity. The mindset shift that will keep YOU going. Resources + Links Grab your copy of Ally Brooke’s book “Finding Your Harmony” HERE - allybrooke.com   Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at NetSuite.com/MONAHAN. Want to do more and spend less like Uber, 8x8, and Databricks Mosaic? Take a free test drive of OCI at oracle.com/MONAHAN. Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Get 15% off your first order when you use code CONFIDENCE15 at checkout at jennikayne.com. Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn Ally on Instagram & Twitter

You’re not BROKE, your nervous system is just exhausted. In this episode, I sit down with Shamina Taylor, an energetic embodiment and wealth expert who helps women rewire their emotional patterns to attract abundance. Shamina shares how unhealed emotions block your ability to attract what you truly desire and how getting honest about your emotional frequency is the key to calling in aligned relationships, money, and opportunities. We break down the emotional blueprint behind feminine receiving, how to move from force into flow, and why healing the identity behind the hustle is essential. Tune in to learn how to expand your nervous system’s capacity to hold more of what you desire. In This Episode, You Will Learn Why your EMOTIONS are your most powerful business strategy. How unhealed trauma creates income ceilings and burnout. The 3 CORE WOUNDS blocking your wealth. Why doing LESS can actually make you more money. Why “receiving” is a skill MOST ambitious women have to relearn. The ENERGETIC shift that allows you to attract more money, love, and power. How to BE her now and attract the life you want. Resources + Links CLAIM YOUR FREE TRAINING: DM “Heather Show” to @shaminataylor for the Instant Cashflow Method Listen to Shamina’s podcast: Unapologetically Rich Get Shamina’s book “Unlocking the Quantum Woman” on Amazon Watch FREE trainings on YouTube: Shamina Taylor’s Channel Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at NetSuite.com/MONAHAN. Want to do more and spend less like Uber, 8x8, and Databricks Mosaic? Take a free test drive of OCI at oracle.com/MONAHAN. Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Get 15% off your first order when you use code CONFIDENCE15 at checkout at jennikayne.com. Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn Shamina on Instagram

What if your worst moment isn’t the end, but the beginning of your COMEBACK story? In this episode, I sit down with former elite gymnast, Emmy-winning broadcaster, and bestselling author Nina Sossamon-Pogue to talk about how to RISE when life hits HARD. We dive into resilience, emotional recovery, and the tools you need to move from hopelessness to HOPE. Nina opens up about losing everything, starting over, and what it really takes to write your next chapter with confidence. She breaks down her concept of “Chapter Six Thinking” to help you see tough moments as just ONE page in your life’s story. I also share about getting FIRED, posting online to ask for help, and the realization I had at a CEO’s mansion that made me finally BET ON MYSELF. In This Episode, You Will Learn Why your lowest moment is NOT your final chapter. The mindset that helped me ask for HELP. Tools to STOP spiraling and REWRITE your story. How to turn trauma into resilience and come back STRONGER. What made me BET ON MYSELF. Resources + Links Learn more about Nina HERE - https://www.ninasossamonpogue.com/ Get your copy of Nina’s “This Is Not ‘the End’: Strategies to Get You Through the Worst Chapters of Your Life” HERE Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at NetSuite.com/MONAHAN. Want to do more and spend less like Uber, 8x8, and Databricks Mosaic? Take a free test drive of OCI at oracle.com/MONAHAN. Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Get 15% off your first order when you use code CONFIDENCE15 at checkout at jennikayne.com. Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn Nina on Instagram & LinkedIn

What if your biggest obstacle isn’t OUT THERE, but in YOUR OWN mind? In this episode, I sit down with Shirzad Chamine, best-selling author of Positive Intelligence. We break down how to overcome the inner saboteurs that hold you back. We talk about why so many people stay stuck in stress + guilt, and how YOU can rewire your brain for CONFIDENCE, PEACE, AND SUCCESS. Shirzad shares mental fitness exercises to science-backed mindset shifts, so you can start building the life you DESERVE. In This Episode, You Will Learn The #1 skill MOST people IGNORE. How to SPOT your top SABOTEURS before they take over your mind. The 10-second technique to REWIRE your brain for PEACE and CONFIDENCE. How to BREAK FREE from guilt and shame. How to build an inner VOICE that UPLIFTS you. Why EMOTIONAL MASTERY is your biggest UNLOCK in business, love, and life. The mental MUSCLE most people NEVER train. Resources + Links Learn more about Positive Intelligence at positiveintelligence.com/assessment Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at NetSuite.com/MONAHAN. Want to do more and spend less like Uber, 8x8, and Databricks Mosaic? Take a free test drive of OCI at oracle.com/MONAHAN. Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Get 15% off your first order when you use code CONFIDENCE15 at checkout at jennikayne.com. Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn Shirzad on Instagram & LinkedIn

It’s time to stop shrinking, stop apologizing, and start living FEARLESSLY. In this episode, I break down the mindset shifts that helped me overcome toxic people, betrayal, rejection, and even the loss of my dream job. I share how getting FIRED by a villain CEO became the launchpad for the most powerful chapter of my life. Plus, I share raw excerpts from Overcome Your Villains, sharing the real story of getting fired, rebuilding as a single mom, and choosing to BET ON MYSELF. It’s time to take inventory, reclaim your time, and step FULLY into the confident, fearless YOU. In This Episode, You Will Learn How to CALL OUT toxic behavior to RECLAIM your confidence and be seen. Why KNOWING your worth stops YOU from settling for less. The story of how I was FIRED by a villain CEO. How to FORGIVE your villains to free YOURSELF from their grip. How to use FEAR as a green light to take BOLD risks. The mindset that helped me STOP defending myself. How REFLECTING on your past wins gives you the courage to chase BIGGER goals. Resources + Links Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at NetSuite.com/MONAHAN. Want to do more and spend less like Uber, 8x8, and Databricks Mosaic? Take a free test drive of OCI at oracle.com/MONAHAN. Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Get 15% off your first order when you use code CONFIDENCE15 at checkout at jennikayne.com. Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn

What happens when your entire business model disappears OVERNIGHT? In this episode, I sit down with my friend and mentor Dean Graziosi to talk about the MINDSET, STRATEGY, and COURAGE it takes to PIVOT fast. We dive into how to stay RELEVANT, SERVE people in a changing world, and create RESULTS even when everything feels uncertain. I also share what it looked like for me to go from losing my TOP revenue stream to launching brand-new products in REAL TIME. Get ready to REINVENT, TAKE ACTION, and turn uncertainty into your biggest OPPORTUNITY. In This Episode, You Will Learn Why living the “EASY” way today creates a HARDER life later. The MOMENT I realized it was time to PIVOT. What Dean taught me about delivering VALUE in uncertain times. The TRUTH that keeps most entrepreneurs STUCK in fear. The mindset shift that helped me STOP waiting for permission. Why building ONLINE is now a NON-NEGOTIABLE. Why NOW is the time to BET ON YOURSELF. Resources + Links Visit Dean’s website: ⁠www.deangraziosi.com⁠ Visit: ⁠www.deansbook.com ⁠ Check out more of ⁠Dean's Books & Courses⁠ Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at NetSuite.com/MONAHAN. Want to do more and spend less like Uber, 8x8, and Databricks Mosaic? Take a free test drive of OCI at oracle.com/MONAHAN. Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Get 15% off your first order when you use code CONFIDENCE15 at checkout at jennikayne.com. Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn Dean on Instagram & LinkedIn

What if your entire life changed at nine years old and you had to decide whether or not to fight for your future? In this episode, I sit down with Ally, the powerhouse CEO of Love Squad, Peloton Instructor, and Brooklyn Nets Host, to talk about what it really means to decide. Ally shares the life-threatening accident that shaped her mindset forever, and how choosing to fight for herself ignited a life of purpose, leadership, and massive impact. Tune in to learn how one bold decision can change everything. In This Episode You Will Learn Why deciding is the first step to becoming who you're meant to be. How Ally Love turned trauma into leadership, confidence, and clarity. The mindset behind building a brand rooted in authenticity. What it takes to lead with purpose. How to make your platform a place for others to rise with you. Resources + Links Learn more about Ally HERE! Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at NetSuite.com/MONAHAN. Want to do more and spend less like Uber, 8x8, and Databricks Mosaic? Take a free test drive of OCI at oracle.com/MONAHAN. Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Get 15% off your first order when you use code CONFIDENCE15 at checkout at jennikayne.com. Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn Ally on Instagram & Twitter

This episode is deeply personal. I open up about the recent passing of my longtime mentor and friend, Bob, and what he taught me about legacy, leadership, and living with intention. I’m also joined by TV personality, educator, commentator, and Real Housewife Dr. Wendy Osefo. She shares how she navigates public criticism, imposter syndrome, and the pressure of high visibility. We dive into what it means to be confident under scrutiny, how to reframe insecurity as part of your growth stage, and why being authentic will always outweigh being liked. Tune in and own your confidence. In This Episode, You Will Learn The mentorship that changed the course of my career. How to own your identity and shake off imposter syndrome. Why every confident woman still has insecure moments. How to have conversations across political divides. What balance really looks like as a working mom. Tips to manage decisions, set priorities, and say “no” without guilt. Resources + Links Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/monahan Download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning at NetSuite.com/MONAHAN. Want to do more and spend less like Uber, 8x8, and Databricks Mosaic? Take a free test drive of OCI at oracle.com/MONAHAN. Get 10% off your first Mitopure order at timeline.com/CONFIDENCE. Get 15% off your first order when you use code CONFIDENCE15 at checkout at jennikayne.com. Call my digital clone at 201-897-2553!  Visit heathermonahan.com Sign up for my mailing list: heathermonahan.com/mailing-list/  Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  If you haven't yet, get my first book Confidence Creator Follow Heather on Instagram & LinkedIn Dr. Wendy Osefo on Instagram & Twitter