Shows
Step into the PivotJeff Acheson: Save the Starfish - Part 2Welcome to the finale of our two-part conversation with Jeff Acheson. A parable about saving starfish opens this profound conversation with Jeff, who shares his journey of transforming devastating personal loss into purposeful action. After losing his daughter Amber two years ago, Jeff founded Amber's Aces to partner with ROX (Ruling Our Experiences), an organization dedicated to building confidence and self-esteem in young women. Through tears and powerful insights, he reveals how "Amber is not here, but she's not gone," as her legacy continues through this mission to help girls overcome the same struggles she faced.2025-08-0121 min
Step into the PivotJeff Acheson: Save the Starfish - Part 1The moment Jeff Acheson's daughter Amber passed away two years ago, his world changed forever. What followed wasn't just grief, but a powerful transformation that's touching countless young lives today. Through vulnerability and courage, Jeff illuminates the critical distinction between diagnosed mental illness and the broader spectrum of mental health challenges: self-esteem, confidence, and self-worth issues that can silently devastate lives while appearing outwardly functional. His story provides a wake-up call for parents, educators, and anyone who works with young people: sometimes it's not just kids being teenagers.After Amber's passing, Jeff partnered with Ruling...2025-07-1830 min
Step into the PivotTheresa and Ivana: Fireworks and Inner IndependenceIn this episode of Step Into The Pivot, Theresa and Dr. Ivi (Ivana) share deeply personal reflections on July 4th, and how the meaning of this holiday has shifted for each of them over time.Theresa recalls the joy and innocence of childhood fireworks. For Dr. Ivi, the explosions once triggered traumatic memories from her war-torn childhood in Croatia. But instead of avoiding the pain, she chose a bold pivot: transforming the holiday into a ritual of personal liberation.Through mindful sensory engagement and deep inner work, she rewired her nervous system and turned July 4...2025-07-0420 min
Step into the PivotJay Washington: From Fun Uncle to Amazing Father FigureWhat happens when you realize the person you've been presenting to the world for decades isn't your true self? Jay Washington's powerful conversation takes us on a journey through authenticity, emotional growth, and unexpected life pivots.The conversation takes a deeply moving turn as Jay shares his transition from being the fun uncle ("funkle") to becoming a father figure ("dunkle") for his niece and nephew after they lost both parents. Rather than seeing this unexpected responsibility as a burden, Jay discovered it became his North Star, providing purpose and healing wounds he didn't know existed. "To make...2025-06-2022 min
Step into the PivotLia Bliss: Forward-Motion FinesseWhen we first met Lia Bliss at a business conference, she captivated the room with her LinkedIn expertise, delivering insights so valuable that attendees could barely keep up with their note-taking. Behind this polished presentation style lies a story of persistence and transformation that began with 20-hour shifts split between retail and bartending while supporting herself as a single mother.The turning point came when Lia invested in a business coach despite financial constraints, finding support from an unexpected source who believed in her potential. Then COVID hit. Rather than seeing disaster, Lia recognized opportunity. She began...2025-06-0622 min
Step into the PivotXiaojue Hu: Spiritual Hunger, Psychedelics, and a New Vision of Mental HealthIn this thought-provoking conversation with psychiatrist Dr. Xiaojue Hu, we explore how integrating spirituality with conventional psychiatry creates powerful new possibilities for healing.Dr. Hu shares the remarkable story of her own unexpected spiritual awakening that occurred during her fourth year of psychiatry residency at NYU. Raised by atheist parents from communist China, she experienced a profound shift in consciousness that opened her to both spiritual exploration and psychedelic research simultaneously. This personal transformation fundamentally changed how she approaches mental health treatment.The heart of our discussion centers around viewing psychological challenges through metaphors that...2025-05-2334 min
Step into the PivotBill Harmon: Until He Proved me WrongBill Harmon, seasoned retirement industry executive, broke through the polished corporate veneer to share a deeply personal story.Bill takes us through the life-changing moment when his son William was born with Down syndrome, and the emotional rollercoaster that followed. After initially struggling with clinical, limitation-focused medical resources, Bill discovered a beautiful metaphor that changed his perspective forever: "Welcome to Holland." This poem frames having a child with special needs as boarding a plane for Italy but unexpectedly landing in Holland, a different destination with its own unique beauty. Through William, Bill learned to embrace...2025-05-0927 min
Step into the PivotToya Gavin: Waking Up WorthyWhat would happen if you woke up tomorrow fundamentally believing in your worthiness, regardless of your accomplishments? This question lies at the heart of our conversation with transformational leadership coach Toya Gavin, whose journey from burnt-out prosecutor to authentic coach reveals profound lessons about reclaiming our true selves.Toya shares the vulnerable moment when she publicly admitted her burnout and depression to thousands of fellow attorneys, expecting little response. Instead, she received an outpour from others suffering silently with similar struggles. This act of courage not only launched her coaching practice but demonstrated the transformative power of...2025-04-2531 min
Step into the PivotMelissa Terito: Leadership Lessons - Classroom to BoardroomStep into the remarkable journey of Melissa Terito, a dynamic guest who transitioned from a fulfilling teaching career to become a partner at a top CPA firm. In this episode, we explore how she navigated her career pivot, embracing the internal nudges that drove her towards a new path in accounting. With a deep appreciation for the skills acquired through her teaching background, Melissa discusses the unique ability to translate complex ideas into relatable concepts, a skill that serves her well in the financial industry. Listen as she shares candid insights on the fears and challenges associated...2025-04-1128 min
The Creative Soulpreneur Podcast with Nick Demos154. Cultivating Presence in Pivots with Ivana Polonijo and Theresa ContiCultivating Presence in Pivots Episode #154 Welcome back to The Creative Soulpreneur podcast! On today's episode, we have the pleasure of hosting an inspiring duo, Theresa and Ivana. Host Nick introduces us to this dynamic pair, who recently embarked on a powerful journey of personal and professional pivots. Discover how they initially met Nick at a financial services event and how it led them to unpack deep conversations about vulnerability, authenticity, and the multiple layers of pivoting in life. Theresa and Ivana dive into their own experiences, discussing how life's un...2025-04-1037 min
Step into the PivotMargie Warrell: Closing the Courage GapThis episode covers sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised. Please prioritize your well-being while listening.What would you do if you had more courage? This question sits at the heart of our illuminating conversation with Dr. Margie Warrell, global thought leader on brave leadership and author of "The Courage Gap." The courage gap affects us all, but particularly women. We explore how imposter syndrome manifests as underestimating our abilities while overestimating dangers. As Margie powerfully states, "We shouldn't be trying to prove our worth. We need to just own our worth." This simple shift in...2025-03-2833 min
Step into the PivotMorgan Rysdon: From Pain and Loss to Comfort and ConfidenceIn this episode, we welcome the insightful Morgan Rysdon, who shares her inspiring journey of healing through trauma, loss, and the practice of the Alexander Technique. Morgan reflects on pivotal moments that shaped her, including her childhood experiences and the heartbreaking loss of her brother, leading her to embrace a path of resilience and choice.Amidst profound sadness, Morgan discovered the Alexander Technique, which transformed her relationship with her body and mind. This approach emphasizes awareness and posture as tools for healing, enabling individuals to reconnect with themselves. We explore how Morgan’s experiences led her to un...2025-03-1430 min
Step into the PivotChase Sterling: It's Your Choice to ChangeHave you ever felt like life threw you a 40-pound bag of lemons? Join us as we welcome Chase Sterling, an Army veteran, who shares her incredible journey of resilience through life's unexpected turns. From navigating a challenging childhood in an abusive adoptive home to her courageous decision for early emancipation at 17, Chase's story is a testament to strength and adaptability. Her journey continues with the founding of the Wellbeing Think Tank, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing workplace environments. By sharing the evolution of her consulting practice, Chase emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration in...2025-02-2834 min
Step into the PivotKathleen Henderson: Romantic Love and the Bond We CraveEver wonder what makes love last? This Valentine's Day, we’re thrilled to have Canadian psychologist Kathleen Henderson with us to unravel the mystery of successful relationships. Kathleen shares how addressing individual issues within the framework of couples therapy can be transformative. She emphasizes the power of slowing down emotional reactions to uncover underlying feelings, which can break cycles of misunderstanding. The conversation serves as a mirror for therapists as well as clients, highlighting how their own development can intertwine with the progress of the people they help. Join us for a heartfelt reflection on the universal pri...2025-02-1431 min
Step into the PivotLauren Loehning: Cumulative Benefits of MeditationDiscover the transformative power of mindfulness with Lauren Loehning, a trailblazer in financial services and co-founder of Money Well. Lauren shares her inspiring journey of integrating meditation into her bustling career and family life, revealing how the practice has been a game-changer in managing stress and finding clarity. With nearly a decade of Vipassana meditation under her belt and a completed teacher training program, Lauren offers profound insights into the benefits of silent retreats and the serenity that mindfulness brings amid life's chaos. We're excited for you to hear how meditation has become a cornerstone in her life and...2025-01-3127 min
Step into the PivotJessica Taylor: Transcending AdversityJessica's journey is nothing short of inspiring, as she shares her remarkable story of resilience and leadership. From facing bullying as the only Black person in her family, to discovering the circumstances of her conception, and stepping into her own unwavering strength as a mother, Jessica's life has been a testament to overcoming adversity. Her unique experiences have fueled her commitment to equitable leadership, and she passionately works to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels they belong. Jessica's narrative highlights the profound impact of empathy and the importance of recognizing our personal growth, making her a powerful voice for...2025-01-1726 min
Step into the PivotHosts: New Year, New YouAs we usher in 2025, in this episode focused on creating new healthy habits, Theresa interviews Ivana, who's recently been through a major positive pivot: Ivana has worked with the co-creators of Inner Bonding® Dr. Margaret Paul and Dr. Erika Chopich to create a brand new book, Inner Bonding Guided Journal! This journal is a concise introduction to an astonishingly powerful healing practice of Inner Bonding, and an all-purpose tool to cultivate a more peaceful and joyous life.We unpack the six-step Inner Bonding process, exploring the empowering role of the "loving adult" in t...2025-01-0331 min
Louisiana LadiesS5E10: Handling Inner ImpostersWe’ve got a New Year’s Eve treat for you: a new episode of
Louisiana Ladies! Today we’re joined by an amazing group of women: Theresa Conti APR, QKA, ERPA, CPFA and Ivana Polonijo, Ph.D., AIF of Step Into the Pivot! These two incredible women join Melissa over video call to discuss working in the retirement plan space, handling life transitions, the ways that working on our inner psychology can benefit us, and how we deal with imposter syndrome.
Be sure to follow Step Into the Pivot to hear Melissa’s episode there when it drops!
St...2024-12-3042 min
Step into the PivotAmanda Dixon: Living Beyond MS LimitsAmanda Dixon's journey is nothing short of inspiring as she takes us through her transition from tax professional to marketing expert after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Amanda faced the initial signs of MS with a nerve pain twinge in her shoulder, which led to her diagnosis in 2020, a pivotal moment that transformed her life. Her unwavering commitment to self-advocacy and listening to her body serves as a beacon of strength and empowerment, especially for women navigating healthcare systems. Amanda's story is a powerful reminder of the resilience needed to set boundaries and prioritize self-care while living with a...2024-12-2735 min
Step into the PivotKaren Zander: Uphill Marathon of Elder CareKaren Zander, an executive director at JP Morgan, courageously opens up about the complex and often untold journey of caring for aging parents, a reality many face but few discuss openly. Karen's personal story of managing her father's physical challenges and her mother's dementia and Parkinson's disease is likened to participating in an endless, uphill marathon. Her insights highlight the unpredictable nature of these responsibilities and underscore the importance of having a support network. Within this discussion, Karen draws compelling parallels between preparing for life's unexpected events and training for a marathon, reminding us that many face these challenges...2024-12-2032 min
Step into the PivotBrandon Helms: Stay True, Stand OutBrandon Helms, a beacon of authenticity in the finance world, joins us to share his transformative journey of staying true to oneself amidst career changes. Gain insight into Brandon's recent shift to MarshBerry, where he finds new freedom to express his personal brand and connect stories to the often impersonal numbers of finance. With an impressive trajectory of seven roles over 18 years, Brandon's career is a testament to the power of integrating personal growth with professional development. His approach to maintaining genuine connections within a data-driven industry sheds light on the vital human element often overlooked in financial services.2024-12-1326 min
Step into the PivotNicole Bryson: Glow-Up Journey to Daily WellnessPromo Code Below!What happens when a high-pressure career in New York City leads to an unexpected health crisis, only to unlock the door to a new, fulfilling path? This is precisely the story of our guest, Nicole Bryson, who transformed her life from corporate chaos to becoming a certified health coach in Oregon. Her journey began with a relentless facial rash in 2012, which Western medicine couldn't cure. This pivotal moment forced Nicole to explore naturopathic medicine and nutrition, ultimately identifying her condition as perioral dermatitis linked to gut imbalance. Her path to recovery through...2024-12-0627 min
Step into the PivotDave Won: Money and EmotionsWhat if the emotional baggage from your childhood could influence your financial decisions as an adult? Join us this week as we uncover this connection with Dave Won, certified money coach and founder of Budget Captain. By sharing his personal story, Dave reveals how growing up in a financially troubled household shaped his approach to money management and led to a profound moment of reckoning: a panic attack triggered by buying his first home. We explore how our upbringing can shape our financial behaviors, often manifesting as irrational fears and anxiety around money. Dave's story teaches you how recognizing...2024-11-2923 min
Step into the PivotKate Beck: Itchy SweaterHow does one navigate the tension between comfort and growth? On this episode of Step Into the Pivot, we welcome Kate Beck, a dynamic force in the healthcare industry and founder of PDX Insurance, who shares a compelling narrative about personal responsibility, intuition, and transformation. Our dialogue with Kate uncovers heartfelt stories, like the poignant choice she faced in 2010 about her father's health, and her childhood lessons in authenticity and courage. Through her metaphor of the "itchy scratchy sweater," Kate challenges us to confront discomfort and embrace open conversations to enrich our personal and professional lives.Explore...2024-11-2227 min
Step into the PivotMickie Murphy: Reclaiming Optimism Post Trauma - Part 2In part 2 of our conversation with Mickie Murphy, a resilient leader with an inspiring story, we learn about how a life-altering car accident became a catalyst for her personal growth and transformation. Born into a life of constant change, with a military father and a journey filled with relocations, Mickie views change as an opportunity for reinvention. Her courageous decision to embrace the inevitable, letting go of her leg after countless surgeries, reminds us that even in the darkest times, healing and transformation are possible.Her accident and subsequent experiences have unveiled a new purpose—speaking publicly to...2024-11-1528 min
Step into the PivotMickie Murphy: Reclaiming Optimism Post Trauma - Part 1Prepare to be inspired as Mickie explores a life-changing car accident that tested her resilience and highlighted the power of support systems. After enduring a leg amputation, Mickie chose humor and positivity over despair, teaching us the importance of a lighthearted perspective in tough times. Her anecdotes, from naming her "residual leg" to sharing emotional moments with her family, underscore the strength found in optimism. Mickie's journey is a testament to embracing life's challenges with grace and a smile, reminding us all that positivity can transform even the most daunting situations.Mickie's tale is one of courage...2024-11-0825 min
Step into the PivotElizabeth Grill: Story of Strength and RenewalWhat happens when life throws you a curveball? In today's episode of "Step Into the Pivot," we are joined by the inspiring Dr. Elizabeth Grill, a health psychologist and medical researcher who shares her journey through the tumultuous waters of divorce and family court battles. Dr. Grill opens up about the survival mode mindset that took over during these challenging times, and the crucial role a strong support system played in her resilience.Imagine suddenly finding yourself as a full-time parent without financial stability or childcare support. A life-altering court decision propelled Elizabeth into immediate problem-solving mode...2024-11-0123 min