We’re exploring what it takes to break free from limiting beliefs with Vania Cao, a program manager at a major Bay Area philanthropy, startup consultant, career coach, and founder of Free the PhD. In this episode, we tackle the mental blocks that keep people stuck—imposter syndrome, analysis paralysis, and the fear of taking action before feeling “ready.” Plus, she introduces identity flexing, a game-changing approach to embracing new opportunities with clarity and conviction.

In this episode, Buddhist monk Gen Kelsang Menla joins us in part two to explore how to train your mind, identify your values and goals, and practice patience in turning them into reality. Manifestation is not a sprinkle of magic, quick fixes or "three-step formulas," but about clarity, dedication, and daily effort.

This month we have a special year-end podcast episode with Buddhist monk and leader, Gen Kelseng Menla. We hit on all aspects of mindfulness and service-based leadership. One topic we discuss throughout is ego and how your concept of yourself impacts how you lead.

So how does what you choose to believe about yourself, others, your organization, and the world create your reality? Is it a reality that is beneficial in supporting your goals and values, or is it a deterrent? What would it be like to believe something different, and how might that impact your actions?

Our next guest on Rebel Mindset is Chris Coward, a professional Master Certified Coach with over 20 years of experience in executive coaching, preceded by 10 years of leadership in social work. Beyond her professional titles, Chris is a member of two rock bands and frequently travels to festivals. She is an avid outdoorswoman and skier. She makes time to mentor others and to pursue what lights her up on a weekly, if not daily, basis.

So, what does it take to live this way? And how might fear and boundaries aid in succeeding or sabotaging your intentions? If you say yes to what you really want, what do you have to say no to? And this is often the real kicker - how do you even know what you want? The process starts with intentional life design.

Tune in to learn about how to create a life with intention, aligned with your values, vs. being blown by the wind.

Raise your hand if you worked in retail at some point. Our next guest is a retail management professional with over 22 years of experience, Michelle Telkes. Like many in retail, Michelle was initially drawn in by the allure of fashion but gained so much more. Michelle is currently the Store Manager of Michael Kors in Dallas, TX, and typically leads a team of over 20. She is responsible for everything from people development, including recruiting, hiring, training, and performance, to all facets of store management, including inventory and operations management, strategic planning, sales and marketing, and customer experience. Learn how to create and sustain a supportive, agile, and intentional team environment that consistently achieves goals while prioritizing the individuals who make it happen.

In this episode, we welcome Vanessa Zink, Chief Communications Officer for the City of Colorado Springs - fondly known as Olympic City USA - to podcast. Colorado Springs is home to the US Olympic Committee, which supports the National Governing Bodies of each sport and is home to a renowned training center where countless athletes come to live and train as they prepare for the ultimate competition.

Tune in to learn how to build a high-performance team, find the right mentorship, set boundaries, and build your own cheer section in and out of work.

Listen in as Technology Chief Growth Officer Elizabeth Kiehner explores leadership and work in the age of AI. The technology is here to stay - and evolve - but it doesn't have to be doom and gloom. When thoughtfully applied, it can enhance our work and lives. 

Learn how sales leader & local politician Jacq O'Connell uses sales and EQ skills to drive change as a City Council member in a small Texas town. Walk away with strategies to find common ground in any group, even when you're considered an outsider.