From Burned Out Middle Manager to Leadership Coach: The Career-Saving Framework with Aaron Wagner

What happens when a doctor tells you to "just sit on the couch and don't do anything" because you're so burned out you might break? That's exactly what happened to Aaron Wagner during his darkest days as a middle manager. Today, he's transformed that pain into purpose, building Lead from WithN - a coaching practice that's revolutionizing how we support the forgotten leaders stuck in the middle.In this raw and transformative conversation, Aaron shares his journey from corporate burnout to becoming the champion that 70% of unsupported middle managers desperately need. We dive deep into his three-pillar Middle Manager Success Framework (Lead Yourself, Lead Others, Lead with Impact), explore the Working Genius model that's changing how teams function, and discover why traditional leadership books fail the people who need them most. Plus, Aaron opens up about his experience in my Art of Reinvention program and how it helped him see patterns in his life he'd never noticed before.Listen now to discover the framework that's saving careers and transforming corporate America from the inside out.In this episode, you’ll learn:[03:29] Aaron's "stuck in the middle" origin story[07:04] The doctor visit that changed everything[08:27] The 90-day transformation period[11:41] The Middle Manager Success Framework explained[14:47] Breaking down the Working Genius Model[22:23] Aaron's Art of Reinvention experienceHere are the resources mentioned in the show:Follow @lead.fromwithn on InstagramFree Reinvention Breakthrough CallJoin the Art of ReinventionAre you enjoying the podcast? We’d be so grateful if you gave us a rating and review! Your 5 star ratings help us reach more businesses like yours and allows us to continue to deliver valuable content every single week. Click here to review the show on Apple podcast or your favorite platformSelect “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”Share your favorite insights and inspirationsIf you haven’t done so yet, make sure that you subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts and on Apple Podcast for special bonus content you won’t get elsewhere.xo, Tracy MatthewsFollow on Social:Follow @Flourish_Thrive on InstagramFollow @iamtracymatthews  InstagramFollow Flourish & Thrive Facebook

Ever feel like you're a hundred ping pong balls bouncing around in a room? Kerri Jarrett gets it. This master-level stylist turned trichologist was drowning in her own multi-passionate chaos until she discovered how to weave everything together into something powerful. In this episode, Kerri shares her incredible journey from feeling scattered and depressed to becoming a pioneer in the hair loss industry.We dive deep into the fascinating world of trichology, the science behind hair loss that bridges the gap between cosmetology and dermatology. Kerri breaks down the four types of stress that cause hair loss (spoiler: it's not just what you think), how epigenetics plays a role in hair health, and why those expensive hair growth shampoos probably aren't working. Plus, she reveals how finding her authentic voice through The Art of Reinvention program helped her create a revolutionary platform that's connecting trichology experts worldwide.Ready to turn your scattered energy into strategic purpose? Listen now and discover how to embrace your multi-passionate nature instead of fighting it.In this episode, you’ll learn;[3:15] What trichology actually is and why it matters[6:19] The four types of stress that cause hair loss[9:10] Kerri's personal cancer story and epigenetics journey[15:49] How ADHD and dyslexia shaped her entrepreneurial path[19:21] The opportunities that started "snowballing" after finding clarity[27:15] Do hair loss shampoos actually work? (The honest answer)[30:23] Can men regrow hair? The surprising truthHere are the resources mentioned in the show:Follow @kerrijarrett on InstagramThe Hair WireKerri Jarrett’s WebsiteFree Reinvention Breakthrough CallThe Art of Reinvention - my mastermind program for high-achieving womenAre you enjoying the podcast? We’d be so grateful if you gave us a rating and review! Your 5 star ratings help us reach more businesses like yours and allows us to continue to deliver valuable content every single week. Click here to review the show on Apple Podcast or your favorite platformSelect “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”Share your favorite insights and inspirationsIf you haven’t done so yet, make sure that you subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts and on Apple Podcast for special bonus content you won’t get elsewhere.xo, Tracy MatthewsFollow on Social:Follow @Flourish_Thrive on InstagramFollow @iamtracymatthews  InstagramFollow Flourish & Thrive Facebook

What if the biggest thing blocking your success is the 5-inch gap between your ears?I had one of those conversations that leaves you staring at the wall afterward. Brain rewiring expert Mindi Huebner accidentally started rewiring my relationship with rest and productivity during what was supposed to be a casual catch-up call. She told me about a client who wanted seven figures but could only work 25 hours a week. One 15-minute session later, that limiting belief vanished and she hit a million dollars in three months.Mindi reveals why mindset and identity are completely different, her 24-karat identity framework, and how to spot when you're stuck in an identity box. You'll discover why rest breeds creativity, simple language swaps that rewire your brain, and how to replace "should have" thinking with future-focused language. If success feels heavy or you're working harder than you should for results, this conversation will shift what you see as possible.In this episode, you’ll learn:[2:08] The email that changed everything - Mindi's "rest is lazy" identity breakthrough[8:19] Why mindset and identity are different but connected[14:47] The 15-minute session that unlocked $1M in 3 months[25:16] How to identify when you're stuck in identity boxes[31:26] The 24-karat identity framework explained[39:10] Casting votes toward your future self through micro actions[43:21] Language pattern rewiring: swapping "but" for "and" and "should have" for "from now on"Here are the resources mentioned in the show:Follow @mindihuebner on InstagramMindi Huebner's CEO Identity Quiz (DM Mindi "QUIZ" on Instagram)Mindi’s WebsiteFree Reinvention Breakthrough CallThe Art of Reinvention - my mastermind program for high-achieving womenAre you enjoying the podcast? We’d be so grateful if you gave us a rating and review! Your 5 star ratings help us reach more businesses like yours and allows us to continue to deliver valuable content every single week. Click here to review the show on Apple Podcast or your favorite platformSelect “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”Share your favorite insights and inspirationsIf you haven’t done so yet, make sure that you subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts and on Apple Podcast for special bonus content you won’t get elsewhere.xo, Tracy MatthewsFollow on Social:Follow @Flourish_Thrive on InstagramFollow @iamtracymatthews  InstagramFollow Flourish & Thrive Facebook

What happens when a successful entrepreneur hits a wall after 20 years in business? My dear friend Dana Obleman knows this feeling intimately. She's the genius behind Sleep Sense, training sleep consultants in 45 countries and literally saving parents' sanity worldwide. But after two decades, she hit a wall that knocked the wind right out of her.Dana's getting raw and real about what burnout recovery for entrepreneurs actually looks like when you're already "successful" on paper. We're talking about that soul-deep exhaustion that comes from doing the same thing over and over, even when it's working. She shares the exact moment everything shifted for her when she remembered that your natural gifts aren't accidents.If you're wondering where your spark went or feeling like you're just going through the motions, this episode is going to hit different. Dana doesn't sugarcoat the struggle, but she also shows you exactly how to find your way back to what lights you up.In this episode, you’ll learn:[03:35] Dana's rock bottom moment that sparked Sleep Sense[09:03] How passion became her driving force through fear[15:22] The five-year burnout pattern every entrepreneur faces[21:03] The breakthrough moment: Your easy is your genius[28:38] Three sleep tips that will change your nightsHere are the resources mentioned in the show:Dana’s Website: Sleep SenseFollow @sleepsense on InstagramFree Reinvention Breakthrough CallJoin The Art of Reinvention ProgramAre you enjoying the podcast? We’d be so grateful if you gave us a rating and review! Your 5 star ratings help us reach more businesses like yours and allows us to continue to deliver valuable content every single week. Click here to review the show on Apple podcast or your favorite platformSelect “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”Share your favorite insights and inspirationsIf you haven’t done so yet, make sure that you subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts and on Apple Podcast for special bonus content you won’t get elsewhere.xo, Tracy MatthewsFollow on Social:Follow @Flourish_Thrive on InstagramFollow @iamtracymatthews  InstagramFollow Flourish & Thrive Facebook

Feeling successful on paper but completely uninspired? You're not broken – you've just shifted from creator energy to competition energy, and it's killing your creative fire.In this powerful solo episode, I reveal why so many high-achievers are burning out despite their success and share three incredible transformation stories of clients who got back into alignment with their creative gifts. From Dana hitting rock bottom to reaching her sales goals, to Stacey selling her agency to 100 buyers – these stories prove that when you operate from creator energy (love) instead of competition energy (fear), money flows naturally.Ready to stop competing and start creating? I'm sharing practical daily shifts to reclaim your creative life force and design a business you actually love.In this episode, you’ll learn:[05:59] The misalignment trap: When success doesn't light you up[08:30] Dana's transformation story: From rock bottom to sales goals[11:45] Stacey's exit strategy: 100 buyers and creative evolution[13:20] Shirley's spiritual pivot: Custom jewelry to talisman work[16:01] Manifestation reality check: Creating from your womb, not your mind[19:45] The Cameron Diaz moment: Finding your creative fire[25:35] Practical steps: Create before you consume[27:15] Competition vs. Creation: Why copying doesn't workHere are the resources mentioned in the show:Free Live Vision Mapping Session: Your Next ChapterJoin the Art of Reinvention Program (launching September)Creative Force of Nature Mastermind Retreat (October 6-8, Scottsdale, AZ)Are you enjoying the podcast? We’d be so grateful if you gave us a rating and review! Your 5 star ratings help us reach more businesses like yours and allows us to continue to deliver valuable content every single week. Click here to review the show on Apple podcast or your favorite platformSelect “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”Share your favorite insights and inspirationsIf you haven’t done so yet, make sure that you subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts and on Apple Podcast for special bonus content you won’t get elsewhere.xo, Tracy MatthewsFollow on Social:Follow @Flourish_Thrive on InstagramFollow @iamtracymatthews  InstagramFollow Flourish & Thrive Facebook

When jewelry designer Shirley Larkan realized she was unconsciously sabotaging her own success, everything changed. At 53, she decided to stop hiding and joined the Art of Reinvention program – what happened next transformed not just her business, but her entire life.In this episode, you'll discover how Shirley broke free from 53 years of limiting patterns, doubled her prices without client pushback, and created a thriving custom talisman jewelry business that attracts safari lodges and transforms lives.In this episode, you'll learn:[5:21] The internal shift that started Shirley's transformation journey[9:19] How she was unconsciously creating situations to avoid success[12:06] The moment safari lodges started approaching her for custom work[13:10] Why she decided to outsource manufacturing and focus on client relationships[16:41] How transforming her pricing mindset attracted better clients[25:48] Her powerful talisman design process that marks life transitions[26:56] The meaningful symbolism behind Tracy's custom piece[33:22] What she'd tell anyone considering transformationHere are the resources mentioned in the show:Follow @larkan_bespoke on InstagramShirley’s Website: www.larkanbespoke.comFree Live Vision Mapping Session: Your Next ChapterJoin the Art of Reinvention programAre you enjoying the podcast? We’d be so grateful if you gave us a rating and review! Your 5 star ratings help us reach more businesses like yours and allows us to continue to deliver valuable content every single week. Click here to review the show on Apple podcast or your favorite platformSelect “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”Share your favorite insights and inspirationsIf you haven’t done so yet, make sure that you subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts and on Apple Podcast for special bonus content you won’t get elsewhere.xo, Tracy MatthewsFollow on Social:Follow @Flourish_Thrive on InstagramFollow @iamtracymatthews  InstagramFollow Flourish & Thrive Facebook

What happens when you've built something successful, but your soul is calling for something bigger? This week, I'm sitting down with Stacey Owen, founder of Hey Silly Rebel and Sacred Money Archetype coach, who made the most courageous decision of her entrepreneurial journey: selling her thriving marketing agency to step into the unknown.Stacey shares how my Art of Reinvention program helped her navigate this transition with clarity and courage. She talks about being "in the process of being in process," separating your identity from your business success, and why sometimes the scariest question isn't "Can I do this?" but "Is this possible for me?"Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur feeling called to your next evolution or someone who knows there's something bigger waiting for you, Stacey's story will remind you that reinvention isn't about starting from scratch. It's about honoring who you're becoming.In this episode, you’ll learn:[05:11] Stacey's journey from bullied teenager to serial entrepreneur[12:47] The emotional process of deciding to sell a successful business[18:04] Dealing with guilt and identity when exiting your "baby"[30:50] Why the Art of Reinvention felt like it was "built for me"[32:07] Learning to be "in the process of being in process"[35:38] Building something bigger while coaching ambitious womenHere are the resources mentioned in the show:Follow @heystaceyowen on InstagramFree Live Vision Mapping Session: Your Next ChapterThe Art of Reinvention ProgramAre you enjoying the podcast? We’d be so grateful if you gave us a rating and review! Your 5 star ratings help us reach more businesses like yours and allows us to continue to deliver valuable content every single week. Click here to review the show on Apple podcast or your favorite platformSelect “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”Share your favorite insights and inspirationsIf you haven’t done so yet, make sure that you subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts and on Apple Podcast for special bonus content you won’t get elsewhere.xo, Tracy MatthewsFollow on Social:Follow @Flourish_Thrive on InstagramFollow @iamtracymatthews  InstagramFollow Flourish & Thrive Facebook

Ever wonder why some businesses effortlessly attract customers while others struggle to make sales? The secret isn't in your product features, fancy bonuses, or even your methodology. It's in understanding the transformation your customers are truly buying.In this game-changing conversation, I sit down with my dear friend Stacey Brass-Russell, a former Broadway performer turned business transformation expert who completely flips your understanding of sales and customer psychology. Stacey shares her jaw-dropping story of spending $8,000 on a Cartier bracelet (spoiler: it had nothing to do with needing jewelry) and reveals exactly why your customers aren't buying what you think they're buying.From the neuroscience of why brains resist change to her powerful Four Pillars of Value framework, this episode will revolutionize how you think about messaging, sales conversations, and what your customers actually want. Whether you're selling jewelry, coaching, or any other product or service, Stacey's insights will help you move people from intellectual decision-making to emotional buying. And that's where the magic happens.In this episode, you’ll learn:[04:27] Our full-circle friendship story: From yoga teacher to jewelry designer to business mentors[10:11] The #1 biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when selling their products[17:00] The $8,000 Cartier bracelet story that reveals everything about customer psychology[22:30] Why human brains are literally wired to resist transformation[28:20] The Four Pillars of Value framework that makes offers irresistible[36:06] Stacey's actionable advice for creating powerful messagingHere are the resources mentioned in the show:Stacey's Four Pillars of Value DownloadFollow @staceybrassrussell on InstagramStacey’s WebsitePassionate & Prosperous Podcast with Stacey Brass-RussellFree Live Vision Mapping Session: Your Next ChapterThe Art of Reinvention ProgramAre you enjoying the podcast? We’d be so grateful if you gave us a rating and review! Your 5 star ratings help us reach more businesses like yours and allows us to continue to deliver valuable content every single week. Click here to review the show on Apple podcast or your favorite platformSelect “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”Share your favorite insights and inspirationsIf you haven’t done so yet, make sure that you subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts and on Apple Podcast for special bonus content you won’t get elsewhere.xo, Tracy MatthewsFollow on Social:Follow @Flourish_Thrive on InstagramFollow @iamtracymatthews  InstagramFollow Flourish & Thrive Facebook

What happens when an operations consultant who's been hiding behind other brands finally decides she's ready to be seen? In this deeply honest conversation, Heather Noska shares her journey from working in the shadows to stepping fully into her power as a business owner and leader. After years of successful consulting work, she realized she was being "tucked away in the back of a closet" – and that awakening changed everything.This episode is packed with tactical insights about scaling startups, empowering your team, and navigating the uncomfortable but necessary growth that comes with visibility. Whether you're stuck in the daily grind or ready to step out from behind your brand, Heather's transformation story offers both inspiration and practical wisdom for breaking free from small business invisibility.In this episode, you’ll learn:03:31 - Why startups hire Heather (the sweet spot moment)08:20 - How to get leaders out of the daily grind15:09 - Shifting toxic company culture from the top down29:31 - Heather's two big reasons for joining Art of Reinvention35:18 - The transformative power of community in business growthReady to step into your own visibility journey? Listen now and discover what becomes possible when you give yourself permission to be fully seen.Here are the resources mentioned in the show:Follow @HeatherNoska on InstagramHeather’s Website: sproutconsulting.coArt of Reinvention ProgramFREE Reinvention Brainstorm Session, August 8th at 10AM PT/1PM ETAre you enjoying the podcast? We’d be so grateful if you gave us a rating and review! Your 5 star ratings help us reach more businesses like yours and allows us to continue to deliver valuable content every single week. Click here to review the show on Apple podcast or your favorite platformSelect “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”Share your favorite insights and inspirationsIf you haven’t done so yet, make sure that you subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts and on Apple Podcast for special bonus content you won’t get elsewhere.xo, Tracy MatthewsFollow on Social:Follow @Flourish_Thrive on InstagramFollow @iamtracymatthews  InstagramFollow Flourish & Thrive Facebook

There's a version of you who already has everything you desire, and she's not that far away. In this deeply transformational episode, I get raw about my own reinvention journey and walk you through the exact framework that helped my clients step into their next level. From my 7-figure jewelry business collapse in 2008 to building a multi-million dollar education company, I'm living proof that your biggest breakdowns can become your greatest breakthroughs.I break down my four-pillar framework: Activating Your Edge (embodying your future self), Claiming Your Worth (stopping scarcity negotiations), Amplifying Your Voice (sharing the truth you're afraid to speak), and Moving Like Her (taking action from your expanded self). This isn't just another mindset episode. It's my call to you to stop waiting for permission and start embodying the woman who already has what you want.In this episode, you'll learn:[11:49] My jewelry business story and the power of embodiment visualization[19:39] Why 80% of my Art of Reinvention clients immediately continued working with me[29:54] The truth you're holding back that your clients need to hear[36:18] The magic you seek is in the work you're avoiding, the power question[42:54] Moving like the outcome is inevitableHere are the resources mentioned in the show:FREE Reinvention Brainstorm Session, August 8th at 10AM PT/1PM ETReinvention Activation Sessions (30-minute intensive calls)The Art of Reinvention ProgramDM "EDGE" to @iamtracymatthews for exclusive resourcesAre you enjoying the podcast? We’d be so grateful if you gave us a rating and review! Your 5 star ratings help us reach more businesses like yours and allows us to continue to deliver valuable content every single week. Click here to review the show on Apple podcast or your favorite platformSelect “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”Share your favorite insights and inspirationsIf you haven’t done so yet, make sure that you subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts and on Apple Podcast for special bonus content you won’t get elsewhere.xo, Tracy MatthewsFollow on Social:Follow @Flourish_Thrive on InstagramFollow @iamtracymatthews  InstagramFollow Flourish & Thrive Facebook