Letting Go of Control

In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh is joined by artist and community advocate Kristy Evans for a deeply moving conversation about letting go of control and embracing what comes next. Kristy shares her remarkable journey from teaching to art after unexpected health challenges reshaped her life, and how creativity became both a healing practice and a path toward self‑discovery. Together, they explore the emotional landscape of career transitions, the grief, the growth, and the courage it takes to be new at something again. Kristy reflects on the values that continue to anchor her, the role of play and curiosity in rebuilding identity, and her passion for fostering community through art. Whether you're navigating change, seeking purpose, or simply learning to loosen your grip, this conversation offers honesty, encouragement, and a reminder that beautiful things can emerge when we finally let go. -- Kristy Evans is a mixed media artist from Indianola, Iowa. She began painting in 2019. After nearly 20 years as a high school English teacher and swim coach, Kristy left the classroom with health issues and pivoted into art: "Life Part 2." At age 49, she became a student, learning about abstract art, painting daily, and embracing a creative process that progresses through play. (*fabulous follow-up: health issues resolved!) Kristy has taken a wide array of online art courses. In Central Iowa, she has participated in many art festivals and shared her work in several libraries. In 2025, Simpson College hosted a solo show at the Art & Design Gallery in January; Ankeny's Art Center showed her work in June/July; "Iowa Artists on Display" in Downtown Des Moines at 801 Grand also features her work in two spaces. You can... Subscribe to her email newsletter (only 1 per month, promise!) at the bottom of any page on her website: http://KristyEvansArt.com Email questions to [email protected] Follow on social media: Instagram: @‌Kristy.Evans.Art Facebook: KristyEvansArt2

In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh is joined by Catherine Schut for a heartfelt conversation about building genuine human connection through the simple beauty of flowers. Catherine shares how her local flower farm has become a gathering place for community, bringing together fellow small‑business owners, loyal customers, and neighbors through shared experiences and small acts of kindness. Together, they explore the many ways flowers help us connect: supporting clients and colleagues, celebrating meaningful milestones, offering comfort to friends and family, or creating quiet moments of self‑care. Catherine also reflects on how spending time with nature invites us to slow down, get creative, and express emotions we sometimes struggle to put into words. Whether you love flowers or simply appreciate the power of presence, this conversation offers a gentle reminder that beauty grows connection, and connection strengthens community. Catherine Schut, founder/owner of Hive and Petal - a boutique beekeeping flower farm focused on growing seasonal, unique flowers in Central Iowa. Personal beliefs of the farm: organically inspired practices & creating an environment where ALL can thrive.   Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/hiveandpetal LinkedIn URLhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hiveandpetal Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/hiveandpetal Other...www.hiveandpetal.com

In this solo episode of Even Better, Sinikka Waugh explores what it means to plan with purpose, drawing on insights from recent quarterly planning and coaching conversations. She breaks planning into three essentials: setting simple yet SMART goals that bring clarity, identifying the big rocks that matter most so they do not get buried in the daily grind, and finding a rhythm that keeps you focused and aligned. Sinikka reflects on how easily cadence slips and how weeks or even months can pass without us noticing, and she highlights the value of reconnecting to a natural, intentional rhythm. Throughout the episode she returns to one grounding question: Why am I doing this? With practical examples and honest reflection, Sinikka encourages listeners to view planning not as a task to complete but as a purposeful practice that helps us stay connected to our priorities and move through life with greater intention. -- Sinikka Waugh - Connect with me on either LinkedIn or send me an email! Founder, Owner, Trainer, and Coach Sinikka Waugh, PMP, President and CEO of Your Clear Next Step, spends her days helping people have better workdays. Trainer, coach, business leader, and difference maker, Sinikka is known for consistently helping people solve problems and get things done at work. With a 20+ year background in languages, literature, and project management, Sinikka has helped over 50,000 people have better workdays since 2008. Her clients value how her professionalism blends seamlessly with her down-to-earth, "try this now" approach and her passion for helping others. Sinikka holds a BA from Central College, an MA from the University of Iowa, and is a certified Project Management Professional through the Project Management Institute (PMI).

In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh is joined by Urmi Hossain for a powerful conversation on mentorship for women, how to find the support you need and how to become that support for someone else. Urmi shares why mentorship begins with self‑awareness, clarity, and understanding your goals, and why the best mentor for you doesn't always look like you or come from your industry. Together, they explore mentorship as a two‑way relationship, the importance of showing initiative, and the surprising value women often underestimate in themselves. Urmi also introduces the idea of building a personal "board of mentors" to guide different parts of your life and career. With insights on confidence, community, and empowering other women, this episode offers practical guidance for anyone seeking to grow, give back, and be even better. -- Urmi Hossain is a woman who wears many hats. She is a self-published author, speaker, blogger, podcast host, polyglot, mentor, and holder of both the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) and CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst) designations. Urmi works in the financial services industry in Canada, where she currently resides. Her first book, Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth from Interracial Struggle, reflects her journey as a third-culture kid navigating questions of belonging, culture, and self-worth. Urmi is the host of Stories Beyond Borders, a podcast that amplifies diverse voices and explores stories of identity, migration, language, and what "home" really means. Passionate about women's empowerment, she serves as the Co-Chair of Women in Leadership's Montreal Chapter. She is also a strong advocate for continuous learning and personal growth. One of her greatest passions is public speaking — she has been an active Toastmasters member since 2019, having served as both VP of Education and Club President. In her spare time, Urmi enjoys reading thrillers and mystery novels and staying active through boxing, HIIT workouts, and running. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/urmamio/ https://www.instagram.com/storiesbeyondborderspodcast/ Other... https://www.youtube.com/@urmihossain

In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh talks with Tim Ferry about what it really looks like to take the next step, both as an entrepreneur and as someone committed to helping people rediscover the joy of movement. Tim shares how he designed his gamified group fitness program, blending scenarios, friendly competition, and accessible progressions to make exercise fun and achievable for anyone. He opens up about the early roadblocks he faced, the surprising moments that confirmed he was on the right path, and the importance of balancing ambition with rest and recovery. Along the way, Tim offers real-life lessons on pursuing an idea with persistence, reminding us that "it's not all about winning," and sometimes the most important thing is to "keep going and, of course, take breaks." Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation will inspire you to take the next right step forward. -- Tim Ferry designed a naval strategy board game called, Old Salt. He adapted the new knowledge of designing a game and developed a kids program that taught kids how to design their own board game. This program ran in schools and libraries across the state of Iowa with the goal of steering the next generation away from consumerism and point them towards being a life long creator, maker, or designer. From here, Tim began studying gamification with the focus of how it could be used to develop and encourage healthy habits. Tim decided to focus on physical fitness and helping others take the next step in their health journey. This led to playtesting gamified fitness classes that immerse users into scenarios in order to have more fun and a better workout. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BmZ7nP7PE/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-ferry-iii-18715997/ Other: http://Neverboardgames.com

This episode is brought to you by the Change Makers Certification Program! In this solo episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh shares three practical techniques for building resilience in the face of change. Life and work can throw unexpected challenges our way, and while it's natural to feel the weight of those moments, resilience is what helps us keep moving forward. Sinikka reflects on why we can't simply break down when things go wrong, how to honor our emotions without getting stuck, and the importance of identifying your one key source of social support. With honesty and encouragement, she offers actionable steps to help you navigate uncertainty with strength and grace. Whether you're a leader, a team member, a parent, or a friend, this episode will inspire you to embrace resilience as a skill, and a mindset, that makes life even better. -- Sinikka Waugh - Connect with me on either LinkedIn or send me an email! Founder, Owner, Trainer, and Coach Sinikka Waugh, PMP, President and CEO of Your Clear Next Step, spends her days helping people have better workdays. Trainer, coach, business leader, and difference maker, Sinikka is known for consistently helping people solve problems and get things done at work. With a 20+ year background in languages, literature, and project management, Sinikka has helped over 50,000 people have better workdays since 2008. Her clients value how her professionalism blends seamlessly with her down-to-earth, "try this now" approach and her passion for helping others. Sinikka holds a BA from Central College, an MA from the University of Iowa, and is a certified Project Management Professional through the Project Management Institute (PMI).

In this episode of Even Better, Sinikka Waugh is joined by Aaron Matthews for a conversation about freeing your team from organizational drag and unlocking their full potential. Drawing from his expertise in organizational design and technology strategy, Aaron shares five practical ways to reduce friction and create space for creativity; without falling into the trap of over-relying on AI. Together, they explore the risks and rewards of AI adoption, why starting with human workflows matters, and how to build systems that amplify human strengths rather than replace them. Along the way, you'll hear insights on viewing organizations as living, learning organisms, designing adaptive systems, and creating environments where people thrive. If you've ever wondered how to balance automation with human ingenuity, this episode offers actionable strategies to help your team work smarter and lead with purpose. -- Aaron Matthews is a Fractional Executive at Altus CXO specializing in Operations & Technology, with over 21 years of experience helping organizations transform chaos into clarity. He believes in the infinite potential of every human being and focuses on implementing AI and automation in ways that amplify human capability rather than replace it. Aaron helps leadership teams navigate the intersection of technology and human potential to create lasting organizational impact. Contact Information Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-matthews/ Company: Altus CXO (https://altuscxo.com/team/aaron-matthews/ )  

In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh talks with Nicholas A. Krehbiel, owner of Agri-Prime Consulting, about the powerful connection between strong businesses and thriving communities. Drawing on his experience starting and growing his own business, Nicholas shares lessons learned from the field; why investing in people leads to better collaboration, stronger retention, and healthier local economies. Together, they explore practical strategies for equipping leaders with skills that matter, improving board relations, and creating cultures that strengthen both organizations and the communities they serve. If you're curious about how leadership growth drives community growth, this conversation offers insights and inspiration for building businesses that make a lasting impact. -- Nicholas A. Krehbiel is the founder of Agri-Prime Consulting, where he helps businesses strengthen teams, develop talent, and build strategies for long-term success. A Wiley-authorized DiSC partner, experienced facilitator, and owning over twenty years in the education, insurance, and agribusiness industries, Nicholas is known for his practical insight and engaging style in guiding organizations through change and development.   Facebook LinkedIn

In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh is joined by Laura Rotter, a former Wall Street institutional investor who now helps women in midlife navigate financial transitions with clarity and confidence. Together, they explore how mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation can transform your definition of success, and why financial planning works best when it starts with vision and values, not just numbers. Laura shares practical strategies for aligning your finances with what matters most, whether you're facing retirement, divorce, or a career change. If you've ever wondered how to bring calm and purpose to your financial journey, this conversation offers inspiration and actionable steps to help you move forward with confidence. -- Laura Rotter, CFA, CFP is the owner of True Abundance Advisors, a heart-centered, values-based financial planning firm based in New York. After a successful career managing money for institutional investors including Citicorp and Para Advisors, Laura discovered mindfulness practices and was drawn to guide professionals facing a big life change to achieve both financial security and life satisfaction. Since making her shift, she has been featured in CNBC, the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and Westchester Senior Voice, is on the advisory council of Impact100 Westchester, a women's group giving organization, and volunteers with My Money Workshop, teaching financial literacy to underserved communities. https://www.facebook.com/laura.i.rotter https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurarotter/ https://www.instagram.com/rotterlaura/

This episode is brought to you by the Change Makers Certification Program! In this solo episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh reflects on the unique pace at which each of us works, communicates, and learns, and why that difference is not just normal, but necessary. We all move through the world in our own way, and while it's natural to want others to keep up or slow down to match us, doing so means giving them the tools, training, and support they need to succeed. Sinikka shares practical insights on finding your natural flow throughout the day, adapting your communication style with intention, and recognizing how people process and absorb lessons differently. With warmth and humor, she reminds us that growth happens at many speeds, and that by understanding and respecting those differences, we create space for everyone to thrive.   Sinikka Waugh - Connect with me on either LinkedIn or send me an email! Founder, Owner, Trainer, and Coach Sinikka Waugh, PMP, President and CEO of Your Clear Next Step, spends her days helping people have better workdays. Trainer, coach, business leader, and difference maker, Sinikka is known for consistently helping people solve problems and get things done at work. With a 20+ year background in languages, literature, and project management, Sinikka has helped over 50,000 people have better workdays since 2008. Her clients value how her professionalism blends seamlessly with her down-to-earth, "try this now" approach and her passion for helping others. Sinikka holds a BA from Central College, an MA from the University of Iowa, and is a certified Project Management Professional through the Project Management Institute (PMI).