She Stopped Trying to Be Perfect — And Everything Changed

What if the thing you've been carrying in your heart, spirit, or mind is actually calling you to take action?There are moments in life when we know there's something we're meant to do—but fear, doubt, timing, or the desire to have everything figured out can keep us from taking that first step.I've learned that you don't always need to have the perfect plan. Sometimes, you simply need to listen to what's within you and do the thing.In this message, I share why taking action matters, why we can't always wait until we feel ready, and why the things on our heart can point us toward our next chapter.Whether you're thinking about a career change, stepping into leadership, pursuing entrepreneurship, starting something new, or simply taking a bold step in your personal life, I hope this reminds you:You don't have to be perfect. You just have to be willing to begin.IN THIS EPISODE:• Why you should pay attention to what's on your heart• The courage it takes to take the first step• Why waiting for the perfect moment can hold you back• Moving forward when you don't have everything figured out• Taking action on your purpose• Turning an idea into action• Trusting yourself enough to begin• Why sometimes you simply have to do the thingIf you've been thinking about something, talking about something, or dreaming about something—but haven't taken the step yet, maybe this is your reminder.Do the thing.CONNECT WITH MICHELLEInstagram: https://instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetableFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582151176440LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/michelleradneyApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4i9Pr8M4s8R9R6Qy5mQm9MAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelles-seat-at-the-tableSubscribe for conversations about:Leadership • Executive Leadership • Career Growth • Women in Leadership • Personal Development • Mindset • Confidence • Entrepreneurship • Coaching • Communication • Purpose • Mentorship • SuccessThe most important conversations don't always happen in the boardroom.They happen right here at the table.— Michelle Radney#Michellesseatatthetable #LeadershipPodcast #OWNFramework #WomenInLeadership

In this episode of Michelle's Seat at the Table, I sit down with Azure Antoinette — commissioned poet, TED speaker, entrepreneur, patient advocate, AI founder, and CEO of SymbAIo.Azure's journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless curiosity. After building a successful career as a speaker and creative, she faced a life-changing challenge when Multiple Sclerosis and other health complications forced her to rethink everything.Unable to access the medical care she needed, Azure turned to Artificial Intelligence—not as a shortcut, but as a tool to learn. She taught herself software development, built her own AI-powered behavioral intelligence platform, and transformed one of the darkest seasons of her life into a groundbreaking technology company.In this conversation, Azure shares why AI should enhance—not replace—human creativity, how adversity can become a catalyst for innovation, what it means to remain a lifelong learner, and why the future belongs to those willing to adapt.This episode is for entrepreneurs, leaders, creators, technologists, and anyone navigating change, embracing innovation, or searching for the courage to build something bigger than themselves.IN THIS EPISODE• Living with Multiple Sclerosis and becoming a global patient advocate• How AI helped Azure learn software development from scratch• Building a patent-pending AI company from the ground up• Why AI should enhance—not replace—human potential• Leadership, resilience, and lifelong learning• Turning adversity into innovation and impact• The future of Artificial Intelligence• Why curiosity may be the most valuable skill of the next decadeGUEST: AZURE ANTOINETTEWebsite: https://symbaio.comInstagram: @azureantoinetteLinkedIn: Azure AntoinetteTED: Azure AntoinetteCONNECT WITH MICHELLE'S SEAT AT THE TABLEInstagram: https://instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetableApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582151176440Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelles-seat-at-the-tableLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/michelleradneySubscribe to Michelle's Seat at the Table for conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers exploring leadership, entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence, innovation, resilience, career pivots, women in leadership, purpose, and technology.The most important conversations don't always happen in the boardroom. They happen right here at the table.— Michelle Radney#LeadershipPodcast #AI #MichellesSeatAtTheTable #Leadership #ArtificialIntelligence #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #WomenInLeadership

hat if your biggest dream doesn't happen until you're 73 years old?This week on Michelle's Seat at the Table, I sit down with Antoinette Ganji, former top-producing New Jersey Realtor, cookbook author, viral food creator, and television personality whose life proves it's never too late to reinvent yourself.After spending 35 years selling real estate and closing as many as 72 homes in a single year, Antoinette made an unexpected career pivot that led her from open houses to national television. What started with a lifelong passion for authentic Italian cooking became millions of views online, an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, international recognition, and a place on one of television's biggest cooking competitions.But this episode isn't just about food.It's about purpose.It's about having the courage to open the "box" of gifts God has placed inside you—even when everyone thinks your best years are behind you.If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to chase your dream, start over, or reinvent yourself, this conversation will change the way you think about your future.In This Episode• How Antoinette built a successful 35-year real estate career• Selling 72 homes in one year• Why she always dreamed of having her own cooking show• The four videos that changed her life forever• How authentic Italian recipes went viral• The meatball video that reached over 40 million views• Behind the scenes of The Drew Barrymore Show• Competing against thousands to earn a place on national television• Carrying generations of Italian family traditions• Why passion and authenticity always win• Reinvention after 70Whether you're building a business, changing careers, entering retirement, or searching for your next chapter, Antoinette's story is proof that your greatest opportunity may still be ahead of you.Home Cook | Content Creator | Cookbook Author📖 Antoinette's Authentic Italian Cookbook🌐 Website: https://antoinettesitaliankitchen.com📸 Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:@antoinettesitaliankitchen----------------------------------------CONNECT WITH MICHELLE'S SEAT AT THE TABLEInstagram:https://instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetableFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582151176440Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5bIHgm7wc33ca27HC7zIK1Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelles-seat-at-the-tableLinkedIn:https://linkedin.com/in/michelleradney----------------------------------------— Michelle Radney

What if the biggest thing holding you back... isn't your talent—but your visibility?In this special episode of Michelle's Seat at the Table, I join Kathy from Gossip, Rumor & Innuendo for an honest conversation about leadership, authenticity, networking, career growth, and learning to own your voice.Together, we explore why hard work alone isn't enough, the importance of building meaningful relationships, the difference between mentors and sponsors, overcoming perfectionism, and creating a career—and a life—that reflects who you truly are.Whether you're navigating your career, growing your business, building your network, or simply learning to take up space, I hope this conversation encourages you to stop waiting for permission and start owning your seat at the table.IN THIS EPISODE:• Why hard work alone isn't enough• The difference between mentors and sponsors• How to build meaningful professional relationships• Overcoming perfectionism and self-doubt• Finding your authentic voice• Career growth through visibility and networking• Leadership lessons beyond the boardroom• Why community matters• Building confidence by taking imperfect action• Owning your seat at the tableABOUT THIS CONVERSATIONThis conversation originally aired on Kathy's Gossip, Rumor & Innuendo Coffee Chat, where we discussed the lessons that have shaped my career, my leadership philosophy, and why I believe every person deserves a seat at the table.CONNECT WITH KATHYYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@gossiprumorCONNECT WITH MICHELLEInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetable/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582151176440LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/michelleradneyApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4i9Pr8M4s8R9R6Qy5mQm9MAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelles-seat-at-the-tableSubscribe for conversations about:Leadership • Executive Leadership • Career Growth • Women in Leadership • Personal Development • Networking • Mentorship • Sponsorship • Confidence • Communication • Authentic Leadership • Professional Growth • Career StrategyThe most important conversations don't always happen in the boardroom.They happen right here at the table.— Michelle Radney#MichelleSeatAtTheTable #MichelleRadney #LeadershipPodcast #CareerGrowth #WomenInLeadership #Networking #Mentorship #LeadershipDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #AuthenticLeadership

What if fear isn't protecting you... but preventing the life you're meant to live?In the Season 2 finale of Michelle's Seat at the Table, Michelle welcomes a very special guest—her husband, David Radney.David is an accomplished real estate coach, author of I Want It More Than I Fear It, founder of PUSH Coaching, and someone who has helped thousands of professionals overcome fear, build confidence, and build successful careers.Together, Michelle and David have an honest conversation about leadership, courage, entrepreneurship, marriage, parenting, coaching, personal growth, and choosing purpose over fear.Whether you're leading a team, growing your business, building your career, or simply trying to take the next step, this episode will encourage you to stop waiting and start taking action.In this episode:• How an introvert became an industry-leading coach• Why fear keeps people stuck• The mindset shift that changes everything• Why "Done is better than perfect"• How to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome• Leadership lessons from coaching thousands of professionals• The power of accountability and consistency• Marriage, partnership, and supporting each other's dreams• The story behind I Want It More Than I Fear It• Finding purpose beyond successIf you've ever wondered whether you're ready, good enough, or capable of something bigger, this conversation is for you.GuestDavid Radney• Author – I Want It More Than I Fear It• Founder – PUSH Coaching• Real Estate Coach & SpeakerConnect with DavidInstagram: @DavidRadneyPushWebsite: https://davidradneypush.comConnect with MichelleInstagram: https://instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetableFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582151176440LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/michelleradneyApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4i9Pr8M4s8R9R6Qy5mQm9MAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelles-seat-at-the-tableSubscribe for conversations about:Leadership • Executive Leadership • Career Growth • Women in Leadership • Personal Development • Mindset • Confidence • Entrepreneurship • Coaching • Communication • Purpose • Mentorship • SuccessThe most important conversations don't always happen in the boardroom.They happen right here at the table.— Michelle Radney#CareerGrowth #WomenInLeadership #DavidRadney #MichelleRadney #MichelleSeatAtTheTable #LeadershipPodcast

In this episode of Michelle's Seat at the Table, I sit down with Alex Schrecengost—Founder & CEO of Virtual With Us and Culture With Us, award-winning entrepreneur, hospitality executive, and Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker.After building a successful career in public relations, hospitality, and the culinary industry, Alex took an unconventional path into entrepreneurship. During the pandemic, she transformed the way organizations build relationships through curated virtual experiences, executive gifting, and in-person events that now serve leading global brands.Together, we explore leadership, entrepreneurship, resilience, mentorship, and the courage to find your voice. Alex shares why curiosity, community, and authentic human connection became the foundation of her business—and why you never need permission to contribute when you've earned a seat at the table.From earning the prestigious WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines to building a global experiential marketing company from the ground up, Alex reminds us that leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about creating opportunities for others.If you've ever questioned whether you're ready to start a business, struggled with imposter syndrome, or wondered how meaningful relationships can transform your career, this conversation is for you.IN THIS EPISODE• Why you don't need permission to have a voice in the room• Transitioning from corporate marketing to entrepreneurship• Leadership lessons from scaling a global experiential marketing company• The importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and community• How curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning shape great leaders• Creating more seats at the table for othersGUESTAlex SchrecengostFounder & CEO, Virtual With Us & Culture With Us🌐 Website: https://virtualwithus.com📸 Instagram: @alexschrec💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexschrecengostCONNECT WITH MICHELLE'S SEAT AT THE TABLEFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582151176440📸 Instagramhttps://instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetable🎧 Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528🎵 Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4i9Pr8M4s8R9R6Qy5mQm9M🎙️ Amazon Musichttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelles-seat-at-the-table💼 LinkedInhttps://linkedin.com/in/michelleradneySubscribe for conversations on leadership, entrepreneurship, executive leadership, career growth, women in leadership, mentorship, networking, confidence, hospitality, business growth, and purpose.The most important conversations don't always happen in the boardroom—they happen right here at the table.— Michelle Radney

Title: The Career Advice I Wish Someone Told Me EarlierDescription: Everyone tells you to work hard.Few people teach you how to build a career.In this solo episode of Michelle's Seat at the Table, Michelle Radney shares the personal story behind launching her podcast, overcoming perfectionism, and introducing the OWN Framework—a practical leadership framework designed to help professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders create meaningful career momentum.Michelle explains why hard work alone isn't enough and why your career is shaped by your story, your visibility, and the relationships that advocate for you when you're not in the room.Whether you're building your career, leading a team, starting a business, or preparing for your next opportunity, this episode will challenge you to stop waiting and start owning your seat at the table.IN THIS EPISODE• Why "Done is Better Than Perfect" became Michelle's leadership philosophy• The story behind Michelle's Coffee Chat• Launching a podcast despite fear and perfectionism• Why hard work alone isn't enough• The OWN Framework explained• Own Your Narrative• Win Your Visibility• Navigate Your Network• Building confidence and using your voice• Why sponsorship matters more than you think• Leadership lessons from nearly 30 years in corporate America• How to stop waiting and start taking actionTHE OWN FRAMEWORKO — Own Your NarrativeAuthor your story before someone else does.W — Win Your VisibilityYour work doesn't speak for itself.N — Navigate Your NetworkBuild relationships that carry your name into rooms you're not in.CONNECT WITH MICHELLE'S SEAT AT THE TABLEFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582151176440📸 Instagramhttps://instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetable🎧 Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528🎵 Spotify🎵 Amazon Musichttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelles-seat-at-the-table💼 LinkedInhttps://linkedin.com/in/michelleradneySubscribe to Michelle's Seat at the Table for conversations about leadership, executive leadership, career growth, women in leadership, entrepreneurship, confidence, executive presence, mentorship, sponsorship, networking, personal branding, workplace success, communication, and building a meaningful career.The most important conversations don't always happen in the boardroom. They happen right here at the table.— Michelle Radney

In this solo episode of Michelle's Seat at the Table, I introduce the OWN Framework—a practical leadership and career development framework designed to help professionals take ownership of their careers, increase their visibility, and build the relationships that create lasting opportunities.For years, many of us were taught that if we worked hard, kept our heads down, and delivered great results, success would naturally follow. While hard work matters, it isn't enough.After more than 25 years in corporate leadership, I've learned that career growth is built on far more than performance. It's about owning your story, making your impact visible, and cultivating the relationships that advocate for you when you're not in the room.Whether you're building your career in corporate America, leading a business, growing as an entrepreneur, or serving your community, the OWN Framework will help you become more intentional about how you lead and how you're seen.If you've ever felt overlooked, struggled with executive presence, wondered how to build sponsorship, or questioned how to position yourself for your next opportunity, this episode is for you.IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:• Why hard work alone doesn't guarantee career success• The OWN Framework for career growth and leadership• How to own your professional narrative• Building clarity around your career goals• Communicating your value with confidence• Why visibility is essential for leadershipCONNECT WITH MICHELLE'S SEAT AT THE TABLEInstagram:https://instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetableFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582151176440Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5bIHgm7wc33ca27HC7zIK1Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelles-seat-at-the-tableLinkedIn:https://linkedin.com/in/michelleradneySubscribe to Michelle's Seat at the Table for conversations about leadership, executive presence, career growth, personal branding, mentorship, sponsorship, women in leadership, entrepreneurship, executive leadership, confidence, networking, and authentic leadership.The most important conversations don't always happen in the boardroom. They happen right here at the table.— Michelle Radney

In this episode of Michelle's Seat at the Table, I sit down with Dametra Johnson Marletti—former Microsoft Corporate Vice President, entrepreneur, board member, and community leader.After spending more than 24 years at Microsoft, rising from an individual contributor to Corporate Vice President of Digital Gaming, Dametra is embracing a new season of leadership through entrepreneurship, mentorship, and community impact.Our conversation explores what it takes to build confidence, find your voice, navigate corporate leadership, and create opportunities for others. Dametra shares the lessons she learned from professional basketball, corporate America, executive leadership, and why believing you belong in the room can completely change the trajectory of your career.Today, she's redefining success by building businesses that serve people, investing in underserved communities, mentoring the next generation of leaders, and proving that leadership isn't about a title—it's about impact.If you've ever struggled with confidence, questioned whether you belong at the table, wanted to grow into leadership, or wondered what's possible after corporate success, this conversation is for you.IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT:• Rising from entry-level employee to Corporate Vice President at Microsoft• Why you already deserve a seat at the table• The difference between mentorship and sponsorship• Transitioning from corporate executive to entrepreneur• Building a business that serves the community• Representation, legacy, and creating lasting impact• Reinventing your career after corporate successGUESTDametra Johnson MarlettiFormer Corporate Vice President, MicrosoftEntrepreneur | Board Director | Executive Leader | MentorConnect with Dametra on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/demetrajohnsonmarlettiCONNECT WITH MICHELLE'S SEAT AT THE TABLEInstagram:https://instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetableApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5bIHgm7wc33ca27HC7zIK1Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelles-seat-at-the-tableLinkedIn:https://linkedin.com/in/michelleradneySubscribe to Michelle's Seat at the Table for more conversations about leadership, executive leadership, career growth, women in leadership, entrepreneurship, mentorship, sponsorship, corporate success, reinvention, confidence, community, and purpose.The most important conversations don't always happen in the boardroom. They happen right here at the table.— Michelle Radney

In this episode of Michelle's Seat at the Table, I sit down with Antoinette Gangi—home cook, content creator, cookbook author, and Food Network's 100 Cooks competitor.For more than 35 years, Antoinette built an extraordinary career as one of New Jersey's top Real Estate professionals at 73 years old, she made a courageous decision to follow the passion she'd carried since childhood: bringing authentic Italian cooking, family traditions, and the joy of gathering around the table to the world.Antoinette shares how a few simple cooking videos unexpectedly launched a new chapter of her life, growing her audience to more than 15 million monthly views and leading her to compete on Food Network's biggest home cooking competition ever. More importantly, she reminds us that it's never too late to reinvent yourself, pursue your purpose, and believe in the gift you've been given. This conversation is for anyone who has ever wondered if it's too late to start over, chase a dream, build something meaningful, or turn a lifelong passion into a new purpose.In this episode, we talk about:• Leaving a successful 35-year real estate career• Why authenticity became the foundation of her success• Building a community through food and family traditions• How four videos changed her life forever• Competing on Food Network's 100 Cooks• The importance of courage, confidence, and believing in yourself• Why it's never too late to reinvent your life• Creating lasting family traditions around the table• Leadership lessons from entrepreneurship and content creation• Following your passion at any ageGuestAntoinette GangiHome Cook | Content Creator | Cookbook Author📖 Antoinette's Authentic Italian Cookbook🌐 Website: https://antoinettesitaliankitchen.com📸 Instagram, YouTube & TikTok:@antoinettesitaliankitchenConnect with Michelle's Seat at the TableInstagram:https://instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetableApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5bIHgm7wc33ca27HC7zIK1Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelles-seat-at-the-tableLinkedIn:https://linkedin.com/in/michelleradneySubscribe to Michelle's Seat at the Table for more honest conversations about leadership, career transitions, entrepreneurship, purpose, reinvention, authenticity, women in leadership, community, and the moments that shape who we become.The most important conversations don't always happen in the boardroom. They happen right here at the table.— Michelle Radney