<![CDATA[Life from Within]]>ccae5c4b-27c1-5345-a931-7d595ab19f45Mon, 11 May 2026 09:30:05 +0000Captivate.fmKelly Dwyerhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/e2b430cb-6487-4c60-9073-44a9c4a32056/Life-From-Within-Cover-Art.jpgLife from WithinKelly DwyerKelly DwyerLife from Within is for growth-minded professionals and leaders who know that the most powerful change starts from the inside out. Hosted by executive coach and strategic facilitator Kelly Dwyer, this show is for people who are navigating complex careers, meaningful leadership roles, and the lifelong journey of becoming more of who they truly are. Through candid interviews with thoughtful guests and insightful solo episodes, you'll explore how to: - Build personal power to lead with influence and integrity - Use career challenges and transitions as fuel for growth - Cultivate inner harmony to create outer impact - Communicate, collaborate, and lead across lines of difference - Discover what it really means to live a life well lived Life from Within is rooted in the belief that our external world reflects our inner one, and when we align the two, transformation happens. Kelly brings a rare blend of depth, warmth, strategic clarity, and soulful inquiry to each episode, helping you access the wisdom, clarity, and confidence that already live within you. If you’re ready to lead with more intention, grow through what you go through, and become the most powerful version of yourself, then start here.https://www.lifefromwithin.com/falseepisodicdb649430-b39b-11f0-8c37-bd2e422a89cdnopodcastFrom Calculating to Sensing: AI, Complexity, and Human Agency with Ryan MartensFrom Calculating to Sensing: AI, Complexity, and Human Agency with Ryan MartensIn a world increasingly dominated by AI, how do we ensure that technology amplifies our humanity rather than eroding it? In this episode of Life From Within, I talk with Ryan Martens, a serial entrepreneur in software services, SaaS, and AI, as well as Pledge 1%. He was the founder of Rally Software, which became the first public B-Corp in 2013.

Ryan has spent his career at the leading edge of technology, and today he is exploring how to amplify humans using AI.

We talk about why AI requires us to be more human, not less, and how to navigate the shift from a "complicated" world of answers to a "complex" world of patterns.

💡Key Takeaways

  • The AI Bell Curve: Ryan explains why AI defaults to the "middle of the normal distribution curve."
  • From Calculating to Sensing: In a complicated system (like a car engine), there is a right answer. In a complex system (like AI, climate, or leadership), there are only patterns. Ryan discusses the shift from being a "human calculator" to a "senser" who experiments and listens.
  • Human-Centered Tech: A look at Ryan’s current work with MNFST AI. Instead of building tools that replace the person, he is focused on tools that require "human-in-the-loop" engagement, fostering collaboration between human intuition and machine processing.
  • The Importance of Grounding: Why engaging with AI requires you to be first grounded in your own body and thoughts. Ryan shares how practices like morning pages are essential for maintaining human agency in a digital age.
  • Citizen Engineers & Ethical Tech: Reflecting on his journey with Rally Software and Pledge 1%, Ryan discusses the responsibility of creators to build technology that serves the flourishing of the whole system.

Chapters

00:00 | Introduction

01:49 | The Science Behind Regenerative Practices

06:21 | Understanding Complexity vs. Complication

10:07 | Hospicing Modernity by Vanessa Machado de Oliveira

12:07 | Shifting Perspectives on Certainty

14:58 | Personal Growth and Intuition

18:43 | Expanding Your Sensibilities and Awareness

19:53 | Amplifying Humanity with AI

21:54 | Grounding Before AI Engagement

23:38 | Amplifying Human Intelligence with AI

26:02 | Community and Collaboration in AI

28:02 | The Role of Belonging in AI Interactions

30:24 | Safety and Vulnerability in Group Dynamics

31:46 | Women in AI: Insights and Experiences

37:00 | Innovative Approaches to Raising Capital

41:19 | Emergence and Agency in AI Interactions

44:56 | Building a Human-Centric AI

Guest Info & Resources Mentioned

Ryan Martens is an entrepreneur in software services, SaaS, and AI, as well as Pledge1%. He was the founder of Rally Software, which was the first public B-Corp in 2013, and used 1/1/1 funds to drive impact by working to create Citizen Engineers with partners at Code for America and Engineers without Borders.

He is currently growing an AI business and raising regenerative, organic beef on private and public lands, using virtual fences.

Website: https://mnfst.ai/

Substack: https://manifest.substack.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanmartens

Pledge 1%: https://www.pledge1percent.org/

Incorruptible by Eric Ries: https://www.incorruptible.co/

Hospicing Modernity by Vanessa Machado de Oliveira: https://www.northatlanticbooks.com/shop/hospicing-modernity/

Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach, facilitator, and host of Life from Within, a podcast exploring the inner work of leadership, growth, and career transition. She works with thoughtful leaders, founders, and seasoned professionals who are navigating complexity, change, and meaningful inflection points in their work. Through her coaching, facilitation, and podcast conversations, Kelly helps people find clarity, strengthen self-trust, and move forward with greater intention and grounded conviction.

https://kellydwyer.co

IG – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

]]>In a world increasingly dominated by AI, how do we ensure that technology amplifies our humanity rather than eroding it? In this episode of Life From Within, I talk with Ryan Martens, a serial entrepreneur in software services, SaaS, and AI, as well as Pledge 1%. He was the founder of Rally Software, which became the first public B-Corp in 2013.

Ryan has spent his career at the leading edge of technology, and today he is exploring how to amplify humans using AI.

We talk about why AI requires us to be more human, not less, and how to navigate the shift from a "complicated" world of answers to a "complex" world of patterns.

💡Key Takeaways

  • The AI Bell Curve: Ryan explains why AI defaults to the "middle of the normal distribution curve."
  • From Calculating to Sensing: In a complicated system (like a car engine), there is a right answer. In a complex system (like AI, climate, or leadership), there are only patterns. Ryan discusses the shift from being a "human calculator" to a "senser" who experiments and listens.
  • Human-Centered Tech: A look at Ryan’s current work with MNFST AI. Instead of building tools that replace the person, he is focused on tools that require "human-in-the-loop" engagement, fostering collaboration between human intuition and machine processing.
  • The Importance of Grounding: Why engaging with AI requires you to be first grounded in your own body and thoughts. Ryan shares how practices like morning pages are essential for maintaining human agency in a digital age.
  • Citizen Engineers & Ethical Tech: Reflecting on his journey with Rally Software and Pledge 1%, Ryan discusses the responsibility of creators to build technology that serves the flourishing of the whole system.

Chapters

00:00 | Introduction

01:49 | The Science Behind Regenerative Practices

06:21 | Understanding Complexity vs. Complication

10:07 | Hospicing Modernity by Vanessa Machado de Oliveira

12:07 | Shifting Perspectives on Certainty

14:58 | Personal Growth and Intuition

18:43 | Expanding Your Sensibilities and Awareness

19:53 | Amplifying Humanity with AI

21:54 | Grounding Before AI Engagement

23:38 | Amplifying Human Intelligence with AI

26:02 | Community and Collaboration in AI

28:02 | The Role of Belonging in AI Interactions

30:24 | Safety and Vulnerability in Group Dynamics

31:46 | Women in AI: Insights and Experiences

37:00 | Innovative Approaches to Raising Capital

41:19 | Emergence and Agency in AI Interactions

44:56 | Building a Human-Centric AI

Guest Info & Resources Mentioned

Ryan Martens is an entrepreneur in software services, SaaS, and AI, as well as Pledge1%. He was the founder of Rally Software, which was the first public B-Corp in 2013, and used 1/1/1 funds to drive impact by working to create Citizen Engineers with partners at Code for America and Engineers without Borders.

He is currently growing an AI business and raising regenerative, organic beef on private and public lands, using virtual fences.

Website: https://mnfst.ai/

Substack: https://manifest.substack.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanmartens

Pledge 1%: https://www.pledge1percent.org/

Incorruptible by Eric Ries: https://www.incorruptible.co/

Hospicing Modernity by Vanessa Machado de Oliveira: https://www.northatlanticbooks.com/shop/hospicing-modernity/

Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach, facilitator, and host of Life from Within, a podcast exploring the inner work of leadership, growth, and career transition. She works with thoughtful leaders, founders, and seasoned professionals who are navigating complexity, change, and meaningful inflection points in their work. Through her coaching, facilitation, and podcast conversations, Kelly helps people find clarity, strengthen self-trust, and move forward with greater intention and grounded conviction.

https://kellydwyer.co

IG – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

]]>5564bbfa-3876-4d0c-a35e-b1bcab210eddMon, 11 May 2026 03:30:00 -060046:45falsefull1919Flipping the Script: Identity, Career Transition, and Becoming with Kelly Dwyer and Elicia CarmichaelFlipping the Script: Identity, Career Transition, and Becoming with Kelly Dwyer and Elicia CarmichaelWhen we face a major career pivot or step into a high-stakes leadership role, we often change more than just our job title. We may lose the ability to "trade" on the value of our previous role, leaving us in a vulnerable gap between who we were and who we are becoming.

In this special episode of Life from Within, the tables are turned as Elicia Carmichael interviews Kelly. Moving away from the role of the expert, Kelly shares her own "quarter-life crisis" transition from the high-momentum startup world to the uncertain life of an actor in LA. We discuss the "identity loss" that often blindsides high achievers and how to build the internal scaffolding necessary to support a new version of yourself.

💡Key Takeaways

  • The Weight of the Room: Why an executive is never in a "small room," and how your positional power changes the way your words land.
  • Trading on Value: Understanding the specific type of loss that occurs when you move into a field where your previous successes no longer serve as currency.
  • The Decision vs. The Integration: Why the choice to change can happen in a moment, but the integration of a new identity takes months, or even years, of "micro-shifts".
  • Who over What: Shifting the question from "What do I want to do?" to "Who do I want to be?" to find clarity in the middle of complexity.

Chapters

00:00 | Introduction

02:42 | My Experience with Identity Loss

10:56 | How to Introduce Yourself in a Meaningful Way

12:43 | Navigating an Identity Change in Your Career

18:14 | The Importance of Taking the Chance

21:18 | The Decision-Making Process

22:04 | Micro Shifts: Building Confidence in Communication

24:27 | Who Do You Want to Be? A Guiding Question

26:36 | Multiple Dreams: Embracing Change in Identity

Interviewer

Elicia Carmichael focuses her professional energy and boundless curiosity on the intersection of finance and impact. She is the CFO and leader of financial solutions at Labor Mobility Partnerships (LaMP), where she deploys blended capital designs to overcome global migration challenges — turning the global labor/demographics mismatch into prosperity for all. In 2024, she founded the Mobility Finance Network, which unites experts from finance, industry, and migration policy to design and fund financial instruments that make cross-border opportunities accessible for migrants, students, and refugees. Her current initiatives span the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe and are driven by her desire to see safe, legal cross-border growth opportunities available to blue-collar workers. Prior to joining LaMP, Elicia was VP of Strategy for Root Capital, where she led the innovation and business development functions in service of their $100M agricultural development investment portfolio.

Elicia holds an MBA from Cornell University and a BA in International Studies from Colby College. In her free time, she hikes, scuba dives, and patrols for invasive aquatic plants in the pristine lakes of Maine.

Connect with Elicia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliciacarmichael/

“Guest”

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator. Through her podcast Life from Within, she opens up real conversations about personal growth, career crossroads, and the inner work of leadership. She created the show to explore the moments of courage and clarity that spark inner shifts and lead to meaningful outer progress.

In her coaching and facilitation practice, Kelly partners with thoughtful leaders, including founders, C-suite executives, and rising leaders who shoulder significant responsibility and want to lead with grounded clarity and self-trust. She helps them return to what matters most, cut through the noise, and navigate inflection points with aligned conviction.

Kelly is a graduate of the University of Colorado and holds an MBA from Cornell University.

Connect with Kelly

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co

IG – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates

Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

]]>When we face a major career pivot or step into a high-stakes leadership role, we often change more than just our job title. We may lose the ability to "trade" on the value of our previous role, leaving us in a vulnerable gap between who we were and who we are becoming.

In this special episode of Life from Within, the tables are turned as Elicia Carmichael interviews Kelly. Moving away from the role of the expert, Kelly shares her own "quarter-life crisis" transition from the high-momentum startup world to the uncertain life of an actor in LA. We discuss the "identity loss" that often blindsides high achievers and how to build the internal scaffolding necessary to support a new version of yourself.

💡Key Takeaways

  • The Weight of the Room: Why an executive is never in a "small room," and how your positional power changes the way your words land.
  • Trading on Value: Understanding the specific type of loss that occurs when you move into a field where your previous successes no longer serve as currency.
  • The Decision vs. The Integration: Why the choice to change can happen in a moment, but the integration of a new identity takes months, or even years, of "micro-shifts".
  • Who over What: Shifting the question from "What do I want to do?" to "Who do I want to be?" to find clarity in the middle of complexity.

Chapters

00:00 | Introduction

02:42 | My Experience with Identity Loss

10:56 | How to Introduce Yourself in a Meaningful Way

12:43 | Navigating an Identity Change in Your Career

18:14 | The Importance of Taking the Chance

21:18 | The Decision-Making Process

22:04 | Micro Shifts: Building Confidence in Communication

24:27 | Who Do You Want to Be? A Guiding Question

26:36 | Multiple Dreams: Embracing Change in Identity

Interviewer

Elicia Carmichael focuses her professional energy and boundless curiosity on the intersection of finance and impact. She is the CFO and leader of financial solutions at Labor Mobility Partnerships (LaMP), where she deploys blended capital designs to overcome global migration challenges — turning the global labor/demographics mismatch into prosperity for all. In 2024, she founded the Mobility Finance Network, which unites experts from finance, industry, and migration policy to design and fund financial instruments that make cross-border opportunities accessible for migrants, students, and refugees. Her current initiatives span the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe and are driven by her desire to see safe, legal cross-border growth opportunities available to blue-collar workers. Prior to joining LaMP, Elicia was VP of Strategy for Root Capital, where she led the innovation and business development functions in service of their $100M agricultural development investment portfolio.

Elicia holds an MBA from Cornell University and a BA in International Studies from Colby College. In her free time, she hikes, scuba dives, and patrols for invasive aquatic plants in the pristine lakes of Maine.

Connect with Elicia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliciacarmichael/

“Guest”

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator. Through her podcast Life from Within, she opens up real conversations about personal growth, career crossroads, and the inner work of leadership. She created the show to explore the moments of courage and clarity that spark inner shifts and lead to meaningful outer progress.

In her coaching and facilitation practice, Kelly partners with thoughtful leaders, including founders, C-suite executives, and rising leaders who shoulder significant responsibility and want to lead with grounded clarity and self-trust. She helps them return to what matters most, cut through the noise, and navigate inflection points with aligned conviction.

Kelly is a graduate of the University of Colorado and holds an MBA from Cornell University.

Connect with Kelly

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co

IG – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates

Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

]]>6c8cab9c-52d1-42c4-992c-8596a96fd515Mon, 27 Apr 2026 03:30:00 -060027:59falsefull1818Reclaiming Visibility, Power, and Presence for Women Over 50 with Barbara Brooks and Julie CiardiReclaiming Visibility, Power, and Presence for Women Over 50 with Barbara Brooks and Julie CiardiReclaiming Visibility, Power, and Presence for Women Over 50 with Barbara Brooks and Julie Ciardi

Is midlife a diminishing season or an ignition point?

In this powerful double-feature conversation, Kelly talks with Barbara Brooks and Julie Ciardi about age, reinvention, visibility, ambition, and the deeper call many women feel in the second half of life. Barbara shares how ageism at 51 led her to build a movement around experience as power, while Julie reflects on leaving IBM to pursue work that felt more aligned with who she was meant to be.

Together, they challenge the narrative that women become less relevant with age. They explore why experience is a business asset, why visibility should match your goals rather than social media trends, how ambition evolves in midlife, and why caring for the body becomes part of the work. At the heart of the episode is a clear message: you are not finished, your voice matters, and it may be time to stop waiting.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why age is an asset, not a disadvantage
  • “Middlescence,” the gold age, and reframing the second half of life
  • How visibility changes when you start leading from substance
  • Why owning your value is essential before others can value it
  • The evolution of ambition from proving yourself to serving something bigger
  • The physical realities of midlife and the need to care for the body alongside the mission
  • Fear, conformity, and the courage to use your voice anyway
  • Why legacy work often begins when you stop waiting

Chapters

00:00 | Introduction to Empowering Women in Middlescence

03:25 | Barbara Brooks: The Birth of a Mission

05:09 | Julie Ciardi: A Transformational Moment

07:35 | Redefining Midlife: Middlescence

11:20 | Visibility Differently: How to do it Right

19:15 | The Evolution of Ambition

23:54 | The Responsibility of Legacy Work

24:24 | Facing the Challenges of New Beginnings

26:00 | The Importance of Self-Care

27:17 | Listening to Our Bodies

30:03 | Emerging Convictions and Niche Drama

31:04 | The Power of Female Voices

33:32 | Age as an Asset

35:12 | Valuing Our Experience

36:34 | Embracing Uniqueness and Overcoming Fear

37:50 | Taking Action and Living Fully

Guests

Barbara Brooks is a nationally recognized entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and founder of SecondActWomen. Through her Experience Is Power platform, she helps organizations unlock the business value of experienced talent across a five-generation workforce. A bold advocate for age inclusion and workforce performance, Barbara has been featured by Forbes, Fast Company, CBS Colorado, PBS Next Avenue, and NBC 9News. She believes beauty knows no age, value has no expiration date, and experience is power.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaralbrooks/

barbarabrooks.com and secondactwomen.com

https://barbarabrooks.substack.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooks

Julie Ciardi is the author of 50 Not Finished, a former IBM exec turned 7-figure founder & a mom of three. She is navigating midlife & the adult-children phase of motherhood. There is a big gap in the current menopause conversation - all health, all aesthetics, no “what’s next?” Julie believes that midlife is the start of the Gold Age - not Old Age. She is an advocate for women near or over 50 ready to do their legacy work. Julie rewrote the entire Human Design system by a woman for women to help them get clarity in their midlife calling. She is a Substack Best Seller & runs a global mentorship company for midlife women.

https://www.julieciardi.com/

https://substack.com/@julieciardi

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/substack-by-design/id1882801640

https://www.instagram.com/julieciardi/

Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach, facilitator, and host of Life from Within, a podcast exploring the inner work of leadership, growth, and career transition. She works with thoughtful leaders, founders, and seasoned professionals who are navigating complexity, change, and meaningful inflection points in their work. Through her coaching, facilitation, and podcast conversations, Kelly helps people find clarity, strengthen self-trust, and move forward with greater intention and grounded conviction.

https://kellydwyer.co

Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

IG – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

]]>Reclaiming Visibility, Power, and Presence for Women Over 50 with Barbara Brooks and Julie Ciardi

Is midlife a diminishing season or an ignition point?

In this powerful double-feature conversation, Kelly talks with Barbara Brooks and Julie Ciardi about age, reinvention, visibility, ambition, and the deeper call many women feel in the second half of life. Barbara shares how ageism at 51 led her to build a movement around experience as power, while Julie reflects on leaving IBM to pursue work that felt more aligned with who she was meant to be.

Together, they challenge the narrative that women become less relevant with age. They explore why experience is a business asset, why visibility should match your goals rather than social media trends, how ambition evolves in midlife, and why caring for the body becomes part of the work. At the heart of the episode is a clear message: you are not finished, your voice matters, and it may be time to stop waiting.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why age is an asset, not a disadvantage
  • “Middlescence,” the gold age, and reframing the second half of life
  • How visibility changes when you start leading from substance
  • Why owning your value is essential before others can value it
  • The evolution of ambition from proving yourself to serving something bigger
  • The physical realities of midlife and the need to care for the body alongside the mission
  • Fear, conformity, and the courage to use your voice anyway
  • Why legacy work often begins when you stop waiting

Chapters

00:00 | Introduction to Empowering Women in Middlescence

03:25 | Barbara Brooks: The Birth of a Mission

05:09 | Julie Ciardi: A Transformational Moment

07:35 | Redefining Midlife: Middlescence

11:20 | Visibility Differently: How to do it Right

19:15 | The Evolution of Ambition

23:54 | The Responsibility of Legacy Work

24:24 | Facing the Challenges of New Beginnings

26:00 | The Importance of Self-Care

27:17 | Listening to Our Bodies

30:03 | Emerging Convictions and Niche Drama

31:04 | The Power of Female Voices

33:32 | Age as an Asset

35:12 | Valuing Our Experience

36:34 | Embracing Uniqueness and Overcoming Fear

37:50 | Taking Action and Living Fully

Guests

Barbara Brooks is a nationally recognized entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and founder of SecondActWomen. Through her Experience Is Power platform, she helps organizations unlock the business value of experienced talent across a five-generation workforce. A bold advocate for age inclusion and workforce performance, Barbara has been featured by Forbes, Fast Company, CBS Colorado, PBS Next Avenue, and NBC 9News. She believes beauty knows no age, value has no expiration date, and experience is power.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaralbrooks/

barbarabrooks.com and secondactwomen.com

https://barbarabrooks.substack.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@BarbaraBrooks

Julie Ciardi is the author of 50 Not Finished, a former IBM exec turned 7-figure founder & a mom of three. She is navigating midlife & the adult-children phase of motherhood. There is a big gap in the current menopause conversation - all health, all aesthetics, no “what’s next?” Julie believes that midlife is the start of the Gold Age - not Old Age. She is an advocate for women near or over 50 ready to do their legacy work. Julie rewrote the entire Human Design system by a woman for women to help them get clarity in their midlife calling. She is a Substack Best Seller & runs a global mentorship company for midlife women.

https://www.julieciardi.com/

https://substack.com/@julieciardi

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/substack-by-design/id1882801640

https://www.instagram.com/julieciardi/

Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach, facilitator, and host of Life from Within, a podcast exploring the inner work of leadership, growth, and career transition. She works with thoughtful leaders, founders, and seasoned professionals who are navigating complexity, change, and meaningful inflection points in their work. Through her coaching, facilitation, and podcast conversations, Kelly helps people find clarity, strengthen self-trust, and move forward with greater intention and grounded conviction.

https://kellydwyer.co

Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

IG – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

]]>49c38b9a-d9ef-4970-bfae-ff2b509ad331Mon, 13 Apr 2026 03:30:00 -060041:17falsefull1717Culture Change, Credibility, and the Long Game of Leadership with CEO Chris BowerCulture Change, Credibility, and the Long Game of Leadership with CEO Chris BowerChange isn't just about new software or updated protocols; it’s about people. Today I am speaking with Chris Bower, President and CEO of Endurance Federal Credit Union. He is a veteran of the credit union industry with 30+ years of experience. Chris shares how he has modernized the organization over his 18-year tenure as CEO through technology and culture change. We talk about the importance of trust building and why it is so important to allow space for employees to share concerns.

Whether you are leading a small team or a major institution, Chris’s insights on leadership are an essential roadmap in organizational transformation.

Key Takeaways for Leaders:

  • Communication is Currency: You cannot over-communicate during times of transition.
  • Invite Collaboration: If you want buy-in, you must empower middle management.
  • Building the Foundation: Why you can't rush culture change - trust must be earned through transparency and consistency.
  • Be Intentional: Change should never be impulsive. A methodical approach reduces anxiety across the board.
  • Focus on Trust: Trust isn't a byproduct of success; it’s the prerequisite for it.


Chapters

00:00 | Introduction to Leadership and Communication

04:28 | Implementing Technology and Cultural Shifts

08:42 | Embracing AI in Financial Services

10:30 | Fostering Openness and Transparency in Culture

16:17 | Navigating Communication Challenges

20:25 | Learning from Missteps

25:00 | Future Growth and Community Engagement


Guest

Chris is the CEO of Endurance Federal Credit Union. He is a strategic and growth-focused financial services executive with more than 25 years of progressive leadership experience in community and federal credit unions ranging from $11 million to $195 million in assets. He has a proven record of accelerating loan and deposit growth, expanding membership, enhancing profitability, and leading high-performing teams through transformation and change.

Chris is recognized for building strong organizational cultures, improving operational efficiency, driving digital modernization, and delivering exceptional member experiences. He is a collaborative leader and persuasive communicator who thrives in dynamic, evolving environments.


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-bower-93b181157/

Endurance Federal Credit Union: https://www.endurancefcu.org/


Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator. Through her podcast Life from Within, she opens up real conversations about personal growth, career crossroads, and the inner work of leadership. She created the show to explore the moments of courage and clarity that spark inner shifts and lead to meaningful outer progress.


In her coaching and facilitation practice, Kelly partners with thoughtful, influential leaders, including founders, C-suite executives, and rising leaders who shoulder significant responsibility and want to lead with grounded clarity and self-trust. She helps them return to what matters most, cut through the noise, and navigate inflection points with aligned conviction.

Kelly is a graduate of the University of Colorado and holds an MBA from Cornell University.

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co


Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Kelly

Instagram – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates


]]>Change isn't just about new software or updated protocols; it’s about people. Today I am speaking with Chris Bower, President and CEO of Endurance Federal Credit Union. He is a veteran of the credit union industry with 30+ years of experience. Chris shares how he has modernized the organization over his 18-year tenure as CEO through technology and culture change. We talk about the importance of trust building and why it is so important to allow space for employees to share concerns.

Whether you are leading a small team or a major institution, Chris’s insights on leadership are an essential roadmap in organizational transformation.

Key Takeaways for Leaders:

  • Communication is Currency: You cannot over-communicate during times of transition.
  • Invite Collaboration: If you want buy-in, you must empower middle management.
  • Building the Foundation: Why you can't rush culture change - trust must be earned through transparency and consistency.
  • Be Intentional: Change should never be impulsive. A methodical approach reduces anxiety across the board.
  • Focus on Trust: Trust isn't a byproduct of success; it’s the prerequisite for it.


Chapters

00:00 | Introduction to Leadership and Communication

04:28 | Implementing Technology and Cultural Shifts

08:42 | Embracing AI in Financial Services

10:30 | Fostering Openness and Transparency in Culture

16:17 | Navigating Communication Challenges

20:25 | Learning from Missteps

25:00 | Future Growth and Community Engagement


Guest

Chris is the CEO of Endurance Federal Credit Union. He is a strategic and growth-focused financial services executive with more than 25 years of progressive leadership experience in community and federal credit unions ranging from $11 million to $195 million in assets. He has a proven record of accelerating loan and deposit growth, expanding membership, enhancing profitability, and leading high-performing teams through transformation and change.

Chris is recognized for building strong organizational cultures, improving operational efficiency, driving digital modernization, and delivering exceptional member experiences. He is a collaborative leader and persuasive communicator who thrives in dynamic, evolving environments.


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-bower-93b181157/

Endurance Federal Credit Union: https://www.endurancefcu.org/


Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator. Through her podcast Life from Within, she opens up real conversations about personal growth, career crossroads, and the inner work of leadership. She created the show to explore the moments of courage and clarity that spark inner shifts and lead to meaningful outer progress.


In her coaching and facilitation practice, Kelly partners with thoughtful, influential leaders, including founders, C-suite executives, and rising leaders who shoulder significant responsibility and want to lead with grounded clarity and self-trust. She helps them return to what matters most, cut through the noise, and navigate inflection points with aligned conviction.

Kelly is a graduate of the University of Colorado and holds an MBA from Cornell University.

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co


Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Kelly

Instagram – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates


]]>1ad0de1e-d8c8-4a21-b633-61c3fea5539aMon, 30 Mar 2026 03:30:00 -060027:28falsefull1616How Clarity Arrives When You Stop Forcing the OutcomeHow Clarity Arrives When You Stop Forcing the OutcomeIn this solo episode, I reflect on surrender, resistance, and the moments of clarity that energize the path ahead. Whether it’s pivoting to a new career or launching a creative project, we often find ourselves stuck in seeking mode, paralyzed by the need to guarantee an outcome before we even begin.

I share two pivotal stories from my own life - transitioning into full-time coaching and launching this very podcast. Surrender is about letting go of the illusion of control so that momentum can finally take over.


💡 Key Takeaways:

  • How to Identify Your Authentic Desire: A genuine spark or idea arises.
  • Ask the big questions (e.g., "What is my next right step?").
  • What is the Wall of Resistance? Fear-based questions like "Will it work financially?" or "What if I quit?"
  • How to shift perspectives to make the resistance crumble.


Chapters

00:00 | The Essence of Surrender

01:11 | Personal Journey: Surrendering to Coaching

05:03 | Personal Journey: Surrendering to the Podcast

08:45 | Connecting the Dots: Common Themes in Surrender

09:31 | Universal Experience: Desire and Resistance


Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator. Through her podcast Life from Within, she opens up real conversations about personal growth, career crossroads, and the inner work of leadership. She created the show to explore the moments of courage and clarity that spark inner shifts and lead to meaningful outer progress.


In her coaching and facilitation practice, Kelly partners with thoughtful, influential leaders, including founders, C-suite executives, and rising leaders who shoulder significant responsibility and want to lead with grounded clarity and self-trust. She helps them return to what matters most, cut through the noise, and navigate inflection points with aligned conviction.

Kelly is a graduate of the University of Colorado and holds an MBA from Cornell University.

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co


Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Kelly

Instagram – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates


]]>In this solo episode, I reflect on surrender, resistance, and the moments of clarity that energize the path ahead. Whether it’s pivoting to a new career or launching a creative project, we often find ourselves stuck in seeking mode, paralyzed by the need to guarantee an outcome before we even begin.

I share two pivotal stories from my own life - transitioning into full-time coaching and launching this very podcast. Surrender is about letting go of the illusion of control so that momentum can finally take over.


💡 Key Takeaways:

  • How to Identify Your Authentic Desire: A genuine spark or idea arises.
  • Ask the big questions (e.g., "What is my next right step?").
  • What is the Wall of Resistance? Fear-based questions like "Will it work financially?" or "What if I quit?"
  • How to shift perspectives to make the resistance crumble.


Chapters

00:00 | The Essence of Surrender

01:11 | Personal Journey: Surrendering to Coaching

05:03 | Personal Journey: Surrendering to the Podcast

08:45 | Connecting the Dots: Common Themes in Surrender

09:31 | Universal Experience: Desire and Resistance


Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator. Through her podcast Life from Within, she opens up real conversations about personal growth, career crossroads, and the inner work of leadership. She created the show to explore the moments of courage and clarity that spark inner shifts and lead to meaningful outer progress.


In her coaching and facilitation practice, Kelly partners with thoughtful, influential leaders, including founders, C-suite executives, and rising leaders who shoulder significant responsibility and want to lead with grounded clarity and self-trust. She helps them return to what matters most, cut through the noise, and navigate inflection points with aligned conviction.

Kelly is a graduate of the University of Colorado and holds an MBA from Cornell University.

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co


Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Kelly

Instagram – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates


]]>25684de5-fc5e-4088-981a-eaa89dc2fc72Mon, 16 Mar 2026 03:30:00 -060012:45falsefull1515Leaving Corporate Without Losing Yourself: Identity, Burnout & Creative Reinvention with Vika Nikitina ChalaLeaving Corporate Without Losing Yourself: Identity, Burnout & Creative Reinvention with Vika Nikitina ChalaHave you ever told yourself, "I’m just not the creative type"? In this episode, Vika Nikitina Chala, founder of Rising Heart Coaching and Studio and author of Mother Monster Mystery, dismantles the myth that creativity is reserved for professional artists.

Vika shares her incredible journey from a 20-year career as a process engineer and pharmaceutical services professional to becoming a creative wellness entrepreneur. We discuss the pivotal moments that led Vika to embrace the title of Artist. Vika also opens up about the entrepreneurial burnout she faced after opening her physical studio and how she used her own creative wellness tools to navigate insomnia and anxiety. If you are standing at a career crossroads or feeling the weight of hustle culture, this episode offers a soulful, practical guide to coming back to yourself.

💡 Key Takeaways:

  • The science behind creative wellness and how you can incorporate it into your life.
  • Art as a tool for neuroplasticity, problem-solving, and nervous system regulation.
  • The importance of speaking your truth after the creative process.
  • How voicing who you want to become will help bring your vision to life.
  • How to avoid burnout when you are starting a business.

Chapters

00:00 | Introduction to Vika Nikitina Chala

02:07 | The Belief in Universal Creativity

06:42 | Creative Wellness as a Pathway to Well-Being

09:25 | Personal Journey: From Corporate to Creative

13:47 | The Pivotal Moment of Change

16:59 | Launching the Creative Arts Studio

20:34 | Navigating Grief with Past Identities

22:24 | The Importance of Pacing and Pausing

27:18 | How to Work with Vika 

Guest

Vika is an artist, expressive arts practitioner, and certified professional life coach who helps people reconnect with themselves through creativity, reflection, and honest conversation. After nearly 20 years in a pharmaceutical services career, a persistent creative calling pushed Vika to reimagine achievement and belonging on her own terms.

Her pivot into creative wellness came after realizing she could not fake being successful if she could not be herself. Over the past decade, Vika has delivered hundreds of hours of creative facilitation, helping people reframe their relationship with creativity as an internal resource rather than a performance. She has developed multiple comprehensive creative wellness programs that support connection with creativity from within, in conversation with others, and in relationship with society as a whole. 

Vika is a mother of two, the founder of Rising Heart Coaching, and the owner of Rising Heart Studio in Metuchen, New Jersey. She is the author of Mother Monster Mystery and is currently working on a children’s book. Vika believes that creativity is for everyone and is an essential component of human life. 

 

Website: https://www.risingheartcoach.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risingheartcoach/

Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator. Through her podcast Life from Within, she opens up real conversations about personal growth, career crossroads, and the inner work of leadership. She created the show to explore the moments of courage and clarity that spark inner shifts and lead to meaningful outer progress.

In her coaching and facilitation practice, Kelly partners with thoughtful, influential leaders including founders, C-suite executives, and rising leaders who shoulder significant responsibility and want to lead with grounded clarity and self-trust. She helps them return to what matters most, cut through the noise, and navigate inflection points with aligned conviction.

Kelly is a graduate of the University of Colorado and holds an MBA from Cornell University.

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co


Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube


Follow Kelly

Instagram – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates


]]>Have you ever told yourself, "I’m just not the creative type"? In this episode, Vika Nikitina Chala, founder of Rising Heart Coaching and Studio and author of Mother Monster Mystery, dismantles the myth that creativity is reserved for professional artists.

Vika shares her incredible journey from a 20-year career as a process engineer and pharmaceutical services professional to becoming a creative wellness entrepreneur. We discuss the pivotal moments that led Vika to embrace the title of Artist. Vika also opens up about the entrepreneurial burnout she faced after opening her physical studio and how she used her own creative wellness tools to navigate insomnia and anxiety. If you are standing at a career crossroads or feeling the weight of hustle culture, this episode offers a soulful, practical guide to coming back to yourself.

💡 Key Takeaways:

  • The science behind creative wellness and how you can incorporate it into your life.
  • Art as a tool for neuroplasticity, problem-solving, and nervous system regulation.
  • The importance of speaking your truth after the creative process.
  • How voicing who you want to become will help bring your vision to life.
  • How to avoid burnout when you are starting a business.

Chapters

00:00 | Introduction to Vika Nikitina Chala

02:07 | The Belief in Universal Creativity

06:42 | Creative Wellness as a Pathway to Well-Being

09:25 | Personal Journey: From Corporate to Creative

13:47 | The Pivotal Moment of Change

16:59 | Launching the Creative Arts Studio

20:34 | Navigating Grief with Past Identities

22:24 | The Importance of Pacing and Pausing

27:18 | How to Work with Vika 

Guest

Vika is an artist, expressive arts practitioner, and certified professional life coach who helps people reconnect with themselves through creativity, reflection, and honest conversation. After nearly 20 years in a pharmaceutical services career, a persistent creative calling pushed Vika to reimagine achievement and belonging on her own terms.

Her pivot into creative wellness came after realizing she could not fake being successful if she could not be herself. Over the past decade, Vika has delivered hundreds of hours of creative facilitation, helping people reframe their relationship with creativity as an internal resource rather than a performance. She has developed multiple comprehensive creative wellness programs that support connection with creativity from within, in conversation with others, and in relationship with society as a whole. 

Vika is a mother of two, the founder of Rising Heart Coaching, and the owner of Rising Heart Studio in Metuchen, New Jersey. She is the author of Mother Monster Mystery and is currently working on a children’s book. Vika believes that creativity is for everyone and is an essential component of human life. 

 

Website: https://www.risingheartcoach.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risingheartcoach/

Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator. Through her podcast Life from Within, she opens up real conversations about personal growth, career crossroads, and the inner work of leadership. She created the show to explore the moments of courage and clarity that spark inner shifts and lead to meaningful outer progress.

In her coaching and facilitation practice, Kelly partners with thoughtful, influential leaders including founders, C-suite executives, and rising leaders who shoulder significant responsibility and want to lead with grounded clarity and self-trust. She helps them return to what matters most, cut through the noise, and navigate inflection points with aligned conviction.

Kelly is a graduate of the University of Colorado and holds an MBA from Cornell University.

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co


Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube


Follow Kelly

Instagram – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates


]]>47bb552b-55f0-455a-a8a2-7a0bee9003a8Mon, 02 Mar 2026 03:30:00 -060031:04falsefull1414When a High Performer Hurts the Team: A CEO’s Hardest Culture Call with Lara HodgsonWhen a High Performer Hurts the Team: A CEO’s Hardest Culture Call with Lara HodgsonWelcome back to Life from Within. In this episode, I chat with Lara O'Connor Hodgson, the CEO of ROXWrite. We talk about her journey as a contrarian thinker and how her background in aerospace engineering shaped her unique approach to solving complex problems in startups.

We also discuss how to foster innovation, the importance of doing something different and how she is currently using AI to revolutionize risk assessment in the lending world. If you’ve ever wanted to challenge the status quo in your organization, this episode is for you.


💡 Key Takeaways:

  • How to navigate business challenges that feel overwhelming.
  • How to create a safe space for teams to experiment and ideate without fear.
  • How ROXWrite is leading the lending industry by using AI to look at risk through a completely different lens.
  • How to build the muscle for navigating uncertainty in your own career.


Chapters

00:00 | Introduction to Engineering Mindset and Liberal Arts Personality

04:40 | The Strengths and Weaknesses of Compassionate Leadership

06:34 | Hiring for Mindsets vs. Skill Sets

11:55 | Navigating Team Dynamics and Cultural Fit

18:05 | Developing Comfort with Conflict in Leadership

24:09 | The Importance of Intentional Culture

26:09 | The Difference Between the Collective Person and Individuals

31:40 | Introducing ROX Write: A New Venture

38:30 | The Role of a CEO in Team Building


Guest

Lara Hodgson currently serves as the CEO of RoxWrite, an innovative, AI-enabled underwriting platform to enable lenders and businesses to assess the risk of their customers.  She is a rocket scientist, a contrarian and a serial entrepreneur with an engineering mind and a liberal arts personality, having founded 3 companies, Insomnia LLC, Nourish and NowAccount, prior to Rox. Before starting her first company, she worked at startups such as Dunk.net, founded with Shaquille O'Neal and at iXL where she learned she thrived in the ambiguity of start-ups.  Lara is co-author of the best-selling book, "Level Up: Rise Above the Hidden Forces Holding your Business Back" and has served as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Harvard Business School.  She serves as a Trustee at Georgia Tech where she studied Aerospace Engineering and was a member of the Varsity Track and Field Team.


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larahodgson

X: @laraohodgson

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/level.up.2day/

Level Up Book: https://www.amazon.com/Level-Up-Hidden-Holding-Business/dp/0593539826


Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator. Through her podcast Life from Within, she opens up real conversations about personal growth, career crossroads, and the inner work of leadership. She created the show to explore the moments of courage and clarity that spark inner shifts and lead to meaningful outer progress.


In her coaching and facilitation practice, Kelly partners with thoughtful, influential leaders, including founders, C-suite executives, and rising leaders who shoulder significant responsibility and want to lead with grounded clarity and self-trust. She helps them return to what matters most, cut through the noise, and navigate inflection points with aligned conviction.

Kelly is a graduate of the University of Colorado and holds an MBA from Cornell University.

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co


Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube


Follow Kelly

Instagram – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates


]]>Welcome back to Life from Within. In this episode, I chat with Lara O'Connor Hodgson, the CEO of ROXWrite. We talk about her journey as a contrarian thinker and how her background in aerospace engineering shaped her unique approach to solving complex problems in startups.

We also discuss how to foster innovation, the importance of doing something different and how she is currently using AI to revolutionize risk assessment in the lending world. If you’ve ever wanted to challenge the status quo in your organization, this episode is for you.


💡 Key Takeaways:

  • How to navigate business challenges that feel overwhelming.
  • How to create a safe space for teams to experiment and ideate without fear.
  • How ROXWrite is leading the lending industry by using AI to look at risk through a completely different lens.
  • How to build the muscle for navigating uncertainty in your own career.


Chapters

00:00 | Introduction to Engineering Mindset and Liberal Arts Personality

04:40 | The Strengths and Weaknesses of Compassionate Leadership

06:34 | Hiring for Mindsets vs. Skill Sets

11:55 | Navigating Team Dynamics and Cultural Fit

18:05 | Developing Comfort with Conflict in Leadership

24:09 | The Importance of Intentional Culture

26:09 | The Difference Between the Collective Person and Individuals

31:40 | Introducing ROX Write: A New Venture

38:30 | The Role of a CEO in Team Building


Guest

Lara Hodgson currently serves as the CEO of RoxWrite, an innovative, AI-enabled underwriting platform to enable lenders and businesses to assess the risk of their customers.  She is a rocket scientist, a contrarian and a serial entrepreneur with an engineering mind and a liberal arts personality, having founded 3 companies, Insomnia LLC, Nourish and NowAccount, prior to Rox. Before starting her first company, she worked at startups such as Dunk.net, founded with Shaquille O'Neal and at iXL where she learned she thrived in the ambiguity of start-ups.  Lara is co-author of the best-selling book, "Level Up: Rise Above the Hidden Forces Holding your Business Back" and has served as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Harvard Business School.  She serves as a Trustee at Georgia Tech where she studied Aerospace Engineering and was a member of the Varsity Track and Field Team.


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larahodgson

X: @laraohodgson

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/level.up.2day/

Level Up Book: https://www.amazon.com/Level-Up-Hidden-Holding-Business/dp/0593539826


Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator. Through her podcast Life from Within, she opens up real conversations about personal growth, career crossroads, and the inner work of leadership. She created the show to explore the moments of courage and clarity that spark inner shifts and lead to meaningful outer progress.


In her coaching and facilitation practice, Kelly partners with thoughtful, influential leaders, including founders, C-suite executives, and rising leaders who shoulder significant responsibility and want to lead with grounded clarity and self-trust. She helps them return to what matters most, cut through the noise, and navigate inflection points with aligned conviction.

Kelly is a graduate of the University of Colorado and holds an MBA from Cornell University.

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co


Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube


Follow Kelly

Instagram – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates


]]>f1f4f69b-3827-4371-9f15-025560944d4aMon, 16 Feb 2026 03:30:00 -060044:20falsefull1313After the Exit: A CEO’s Story of Private Equity, Burnout, and Finding Your Ground with Beck SydowAfter the Exit: A CEO’s Story of Private Equity, Burnout, and Finding Your Ground with Beck SydowWelcome back to Life from Within. How do you transition to the next version of yourself when you achieve everything you thought was impossible, only to find a hollow feeling inside? In this episode, I am joined with Beck Sydow, a self-described "business geek with Buddhist roots." Beck shares their journey from a 20-year corporate career at UPS to leading Sticker Giant as COO through a period of massive growth and an eventual private equity sale.

Beck discusses the heartbreak in leadership, the difference between effort-based burnout and values-based burnout, and why the most precious times in our lives are often the transitions we try to rush through.

💡 Key Takeaways & Leadership Lessons

  • How the practice of meditation translates to how you respond to conflict in your daily life.
  • Why networking is a marathon, not a sprint.
  • How to have honest, human conversations with employees when they are struggling to meet new expectations.
  • How they managed 30%+ growth plans during a global pandemic and the eventual sale of Sticker Giant to Private Equity (PE).
  • How to stop rushing through life’s transitions
  • How to recognize fear disguises and what is behind them

Chapters

00:00 | Exploring Buddhist Roots and Personal Journey

06:28 | Navigating Corporate Leadership and Growth Challenges

12:40 | The Heartbreak of Leadership and Human Connection

16:29 | Personal Identity and Transitioning

20:41 | Uncovering Hidden Challenges in Business Purchases

22:41 | The Different Levels of Burnout

24:50 | The Pain and Beauty of Transition

28:11 | Understanding Fear with Compromising

29:50 | The Journey of Remaking Yourself

35:45 | Befriending Your Experience



Guest

Founder, Business Advisor & Leadership Coach

Beck Sydow (they/them) works with leaders who are brilliant, overloaded, and tired of losing themselves under pressure. A business geek with Buddhist roots, Beck teaches founders, entrepreneurs, and senior leaders to recognize fear in real time, steady their nervous system, and return to clarity when it matters most.


With four decades of experience as a CEO/COO, therapist, and mindfulness teacher, Beck moves easily between business strategy and the inner workings of a leader’s nervous system. This dual fluency is what clients call “magic”—the moment when reactivity quiets, insight returns, and leadership feels spacious again.


Beck’s work offers a way of leading where results and humanity can finally coexist. They are the Founder of HumanKind Business Leaders and the creator of the People-Hearted & Business-Minded™ framework.


Beck’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becksydow/

Human KindBusiness Leaders: https://www.humankindbusinessleaders.com/

Brene Brown’s New Book: https://brenebrown.com/book/strong-ground/


Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator. Through her podcast Life from Within, she opens up real conversations about personal growth, career crossroads, and the inner work of leadership. She created the show to explore the moments of courage and clarity that spark inner shifts and lead to meaningful outer progress.


In her coaching and facilitation practice, Kelly partners with thoughtful, influential leaders including founders, C-suite executives, and rising leaders who shoulder significant responsibility and want to lead with grounded clarity and self-trust. She helps them return to what matters most, cut through the noise, and navigate inflection points with aligned conviction.

Kelly is a graduate of the University of Colorado and holds an MBA from Cornell University.

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co


Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Kelly

Instagram – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates


]]>Welcome back to Life from Within. How do you transition to the next version of yourself when you achieve everything you thought was impossible, only to find a hollow feeling inside? In this episode, I am joined with Beck Sydow, a self-described "business geek with Buddhist roots." Beck shares their journey from a 20-year corporate career at UPS to leading Sticker Giant as COO through a period of massive growth and an eventual private equity sale.

Beck discusses the heartbreak in leadership, the difference between effort-based burnout and values-based burnout, and why the most precious times in our lives are often the transitions we try to rush through.

💡 Key Takeaways & Leadership Lessons

  • How the practice of meditation translates to how you respond to conflict in your daily life.
  • Why networking is a marathon, not a sprint.
  • How to have honest, human conversations with employees when they are struggling to meet new expectations.
  • How they managed 30%+ growth plans during a global pandemic and the eventual sale of Sticker Giant to Private Equity (PE).
  • How to stop rushing through life’s transitions
  • How to recognize fear disguises and what is behind them

Chapters

00:00 | Exploring Buddhist Roots and Personal Journey

06:28 | Navigating Corporate Leadership and Growth Challenges

12:40 | The Heartbreak of Leadership and Human Connection

16:29 | Personal Identity and Transitioning

20:41 | Uncovering Hidden Challenges in Business Purchases

22:41 | The Different Levels of Burnout

24:50 | The Pain and Beauty of Transition

28:11 | Understanding Fear with Compromising

29:50 | The Journey of Remaking Yourself

35:45 | Befriending Your Experience



Guest

Founder, Business Advisor & Leadership Coach

Beck Sydow (they/them) works with leaders who are brilliant, overloaded, and tired of losing themselves under pressure. A business geek with Buddhist roots, Beck teaches founders, entrepreneurs, and senior leaders to recognize fear in real time, steady their nervous system, and return to clarity when it matters most.


With four decades of experience as a CEO/COO, therapist, and mindfulness teacher, Beck moves easily between business strategy and the inner workings of a leader’s nervous system. This dual fluency is what clients call “magic”—the moment when reactivity quiets, insight returns, and leadership feels spacious again.


Beck’s work offers a way of leading where results and humanity can finally coexist. They are the Founder of HumanKind Business Leaders and the creator of the People-Hearted & Business-Minded™ framework.


Beck’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becksydow/

Human KindBusiness Leaders: https://www.humankindbusinessleaders.com/

Brene Brown’s New Book: https://brenebrown.com/book/strong-ground/


Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator. Through her podcast Life from Within, she opens up real conversations about personal growth, career crossroads, and the inner work of leadership. She created the show to explore the moments of courage and clarity that spark inner shifts and lead to meaningful outer progress.


In her coaching and facilitation practice, Kelly partners with thoughtful, influential leaders including founders, C-suite executives, and rising leaders who shoulder significant responsibility and want to lead with grounded clarity and self-trust. She helps them return to what matters most, cut through the noise, and navigate inflection points with aligned conviction.

Kelly is a graduate of the University of Colorado and holds an MBA from Cornell University.

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co


Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Kelly

Instagram – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates


]]>dbcf7c00-7307-4ba9-be24-ca9870c59638Mon, 02 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -060038:52falsefull1212Servant Leadership in Private Equity: Putting People to Work with Matthew RipaldiServant Leadership in Private Equity: Putting People to Work with Matthew RipaldiHow do you move from a $19,000-a-year entry-level recruiter to the CEO of a private equity-backed IT staffing firm? In this episode, Matthew Ripaldi, CEO of Talent Groups, shares his 26-year journey through the technical staffing industry.

Matthew shares his motivation behind recruiting, the isolating pressure of the CEO chair, and the high-speed execution required in the world of Private Equity (PE). We discuss his startup experience, the challenge of integrating five companies into one brand, and the humbling experience of receiving a 12-page 360 review. Matthew’s insights on trust, delegation, and being open to learning can benefit you whether you are an aspiring leader or a seasoned executive. 

💡 Key Takeaways & Leadership Lessons

  • Matthew recalls the moment he found his why—helping a candidate land a life-changing job that allowed him to buy his first home. This core passion for putting people to work has fueled his 26-year career.
  • After promising his mother he would try a startup, Matthew realized he thrived in high-energy environments. He discusses the importance of self-awareness in knowing where you do your best work.
  • Operating a PE-backed company involves a unique speed of execution, especially when working in a leveraged environment with debt obligations and clear exit targets.
  • As a CEO, Matthew views himself as reporting to his employees rather than the other way around.
  • Matthew opens up about his 360 review. He explains why leaders must create a culture where teams feel safe telling them what they need to hear, not what they want to hear.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Talent Groups and Career Journey

07:35 Transitioning to CEO Role and Responsibilities

12:29 Decision-Making as a CEO

18:16 Challenges in a Changing Industry

21:35 Integration and Operating in a Leveraged Environment

22:28 Navigating the Challenges of First-Time CEO

25:56 The Importance of Delegation and Trust

30:23 Building Trust Through Feedback and Reflection

33:23 Focusing on Execution and Delivering Results

37:05 The Role of Project Management in Execution

38:11 Finding Passion in Your Career

Guest

Matthew James Ripaldi is an accomplished staffing industry veteran with over 20 years of experience. During his first 18 years in the industry Matthew worked for The Adecco Group, a Global Fortune 500 Company and the world’s second largest staffing firm. Starting off as a Technical Recruiter and quickly finding his passion for the business. This passion combined with a strong work ethic and consistent high-performance helped him excel to seven (7) consecutive promotional opportunities, holding executive leadership roles across eight (8) different industry leading brands; TAD Technical, Adecco Technical, Ajilon ICT, Ajilon Consulting, VendorPass, Modis IT, Modis Engineering and Modis Managed Solutions. Matthew’s vast early experience led to extensive knowledge across contract staffing, direct hire, managed services, project based solutions, onsite MSP programs, payrolling, training and development, and global client solutions.

Matthew then joined Collabera as Executive Vice President in September of 2017 reporting directly to the Founder, Chairman and CEO of this fast growing and industry leading IT Staffing and Consulting Firm. While with Collabera he was part of the Executive Management Team, supported their managed services business unit and launched Collabera’s stand-alone Direct Hire Practice. This role provided him with extensive experience in direct hire, executive search, and global delivery. Closing in on 20 years and learning directly from some of the industry's legendary leaders, Matthew then co-founded and launched Simon+James Group, a boutique firm that provided services to start-ups on up to the Fortune 500.

As CEO of Talent Groups, Matthew helps set the strategic direction, continually looks to improve every aspect of the organization, works to drive scalable growth, operates with a collaborative and servant-based leadership approach with this team, and continues to run his own full desk. Matthew resides in Houston, Texas, with his wife and son.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewripaldi/

Talent Groups LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentgroups-connections/

Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator. Through her podcast Life from Within, she opens up real conversations about personal growth, career crossroads, and the inner work of leadership. She created the show to explore the moments of courage and clarity that spark inner shifts and lead to meaningful outer progress.

In her coaching and facilitation practice, Kelly partners with thoughtful, influential leaders, including founders, C-suite executives, and rising leaders who shoulder significant responsibility and want to lead with grounded clarity and self-trust. She helps them return to what matters most, cut through the noise, and navigate inflection points with aligned conviction.

Kelly is a graduate of the University of Colorado and holds an MBA from Cornell University.

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co


Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Kelly

Instagram – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates

]]>How do you move from a $19,000-a-year entry-level recruiter to the CEO of a private equity-backed IT staffing firm? In this episode, Matthew Ripaldi, CEO of Talent Groups, shares his 26-year journey through the technical staffing industry.

Matthew shares his motivation behind recruiting, the isolating pressure of the CEO chair, and the high-speed execution required in the world of Private Equity (PE). We discuss his startup experience, the challenge of integrating five companies into one brand, and the humbling experience of receiving a 12-page 360 review. Matthew’s insights on trust, delegation, and being open to learning can benefit you whether you are an aspiring leader or a seasoned executive. 

💡 Key Takeaways & Leadership Lessons

  • Matthew recalls the moment he found his why—helping a candidate land a life-changing job that allowed him to buy his first home. This core passion for putting people to work has fueled his 26-year career.
  • After promising his mother he would try a startup, Matthew realized he thrived in high-energy environments. He discusses the importance of self-awareness in knowing where you do your best work.
  • Operating a PE-backed company involves a unique speed of execution, especially when working in a leveraged environment with debt obligations and clear exit targets.
  • As a CEO, Matthew views himself as reporting to his employees rather than the other way around.
  • Matthew opens up about his 360 review. He explains why leaders must create a culture where teams feel safe telling them what they need to hear, not what they want to hear.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Talent Groups and Career Journey

07:35 Transitioning to CEO Role and Responsibilities

12:29 Decision-Making as a CEO

18:16 Challenges in a Changing Industry

21:35 Integration and Operating in a Leveraged Environment

22:28 Navigating the Challenges of First-Time CEO

25:56 The Importance of Delegation and Trust

30:23 Building Trust Through Feedback and Reflection

33:23 Focusing on Execution and Delivering Results

37:05 The Role of Project Management in Execution

38:11 Finding Passion in Your Career

Guest

Matthew James Ripaldi is an accomplished staffing industry veteran with over 20 years of experience. During his first 18 years in the industry Matthew worked for The Adecco Group, a Global Fortune 500 Company and the world’s second largest staffing firm. Starting off as a Technical Recruiter and quickly finding his passion for the business. This passion combined with a strong work ethic and consistent high-performance helped him excel to seven (7) consecutive promotional opportunities, holding executive leadership roles across eight (8) different industry leading brands; TAD Technical, Adecco Technical, Ajilon ICT, Ajilon Consulting, VendorPass, Modis IT, Modis Engineering and Modis Managed Solutions. Matthew’s vast early experience led to extensive knowledge across contract staffing, direct hire, managed services, project based solutions, onsite MSP programs, payrolling, training and development, and global client solutions.

Matthew then joined Collabera as Executive Vice President in September of 2017 reporting directly to the Founder, Chairman and CEO of this fast growing and industry leading IT Staffing and Consulting Firm. While with Collabera he was part of the Executive Management Team, supported their managed services business unit and launched Collabera’s stand-alone Direct Hire Practice. This role provided him with extensive experience in direct hire, executive search, and global delivery. Closing in on 20 years and learning directly from some of the industry's legendary leaders, Matthew then co-founded and launched Simon+James Group, a boutique firm that provided services to start-ups on up to the Fortune 500.

As CEO of Talent Groups, Matthew helps set the strategic direction, continually looks to improve every aspect of the organization, works to drive scalable growth, operates with a collaborative and servant-based leadership approach with this team, and continues to run his own full desk. Matthew resides in Houston, Texas, with his wife and son.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewripaldi/

Talent Groups LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentgroups-connections/

Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator. Through her podcast Life from Within, she opens up real conversations about personal growth, career crossroads, and the inner work of leadership. She created the show to explore the moments of courage and clarity that spark inner shifts and lead to meaningful outer progress.

In her coaching and facilitation practice, Kelly partners with thoughtful, influential leaders, including founders, C-suite executives, and rising leaders who shoulder significant responsibility and want to lead with grounded clarity and self-trust. She helps them return to what matters most, cut through the noise, and navigate inflection points with aligned conviction.

Kelly is a graduate of the University of Colorado and holds an MBA from Cornell University.

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co


Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Kelly

Instagram – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates

]]>ea0f1f8f-3cbc-4b04-996d-69d5e881f0f8Mon, 19 Jan 2026 03:30:00 -060043:52falsefull1111The Power of a Million Little Things: Persistence in Work and Life with Bill NolanThe Power of a Million Little Things: Persistence in Work and Life with Bill NolanThe Power of a Million Little Things: Persistence in Work and Life with Bill Nolan

What does it take to leave a secure, prestigious position to build something from scratch? In this episode, I chat with Bill Nolan, the founding managing partner of Barnes & Thornburg’s Columbus office.

Bill shares the unflashy reality of leadership from his days as the Mayor of Powell and the persistence required to put a new law office on the map. This conversation explores the power of a million little things, the art of developing talent in business services, and the grace required to navigate identity shifts when handing over the reins of leadership.

🔑 Key Takeaways for Leadership & Personal Growth

  • 95% of his graduating class ended up in a different place than they imagined—and that’s okay.
  • The tactical socialization needed to get a national firm to remember and utilize a new local branch.
  • Success is rooted in the ability to perceive how your actions affect others—whether they are clients, judges, or colleagues.
  • Looking for personal strengths (marketing, client service, or event planning) creates a culture of growth and loyalty.
  • The importance of planning for a successor and finding fulfillment in community rather than just the title.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bill Nolan and His Background

02:01 Experiences as Mayor of Powell

05:22 Transitioning to Barnes & Thornburg

07:30 Building the Columbus Office

10:07 Strategies for Success in a New Market

12:06 Personal Growth and Leadership Evolution

14:25 Understanding Client Relationships and Communication

16:35 Building a Thriving Legal Team

20:45 Navigating Challenges in Office Management

22:37 Transitioning Leadership Roles

27:04 The Long View

29:48 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations

Guest

Bill Nolan brings clarity and closure to employment, contract and business disputes. Passionate about helping employers build strong teams, policies and processes, Bill’s proactive advice minimizes the frequency, cost and severity of employment disputes. Bill also works with clients to design systems and practices to manage the many challenges of complex employer-employee relationships.


An experienced trial lawyer, Bill handles covenant not-to-compete and trade secret cases in many states. He also regularly defends employers in discrimination and discharge cases, administrative claims, arbitrations and mediations. Bill helps clients maneuver shifting legal mandates and has distinct experience handling complicated employee health and leave issues. Admired for his calm and thoughtful approach to resolving disputes, Bill also acts as a neutral.


In his role as employment counselor, Bill advises clients on a range of workplace issues. He is called upon to conduct manager and workplace trainings that ensure legal compliance on the front lines. He was an early leader in tracking how employers and legislatures respond to discrimination in the workplace, advocating for changes in training models to better address persistent workplace behaviors.


Bill is not one to back down from a challenge. Opening the firm’s Columbus office in 2009 during the Great Recession, he built and ran a notable team for over 15 years. Also, as a former two-term councilman and Powell, Ohio, mayor, Bill brings contagious energy to community affairs, focusing on furthering inclusion in the legal profession.

Website: https://btlaw.com/en/people/william-nolan


Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator. Through her podcast Life from Within, she opens up real conversations about personal growth, career crossroads, and the inner work of leadership. She created the show to explore the moments of courage and clarity that spark inner shifts and lead to meaningful outer progress.

In her coaching and facilitation practice, Kelly partners with thoughtful, influential leaders including founders, C-suite executives, and rising leaders who shoulder significant responsibility and want to lead with grounded clarity and self-trust. She helps them return to what matters most, cut through the noise, and navigate inflection points with aligned conviction.

Kelly is a graduate of the University of Colorado and holds an MBA from Cornell University.

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co


Book mentioned

Buckeye: A Novel 


Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube


Follow Kelly

Instagram – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates


]]>The Power of a Million Little Things: Persistence in Work and Life with Bill Nolan

What does it take to leave a secure, prestigious position to build something from scratch? In this episode, I chat with Bill Nolan, the founding managing partner of Barnes & Thornburg’s Columbus office.

Bill shares the unflashy reality of leadership from his days as the Mayor of Powell and the persistence required to put a new law office on the map. This conversation explores the power of a million little things, the art of developing talent in business services, and the grace required to navigate identity shifts when handing over the reins of leadership.

🔑 Key Takeaways for Leadership & Personal Growth

  • 95% of his graduating class ended up in a different place than they imagined—and that’s okay.
  • The tactical socialization needed to get a national firm to remember and utilize a new local branch.
  • Success is rooted in the ability to perceive how your actions affect others—whether they are clients, judges, or colleagues.
  • Looking for personal strengths (marketing, client service, or event planning) creates a culture of growth and loyalty.
  • The importance of planning for a successor and finding fulfillment in community rather than just the title.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bill Nolan and His Background

02:01 Experiences as Mayor of Powell

05:22 Transitioning to Barnes & Thornburg

07:30 Building the Columbus Office

10:07 Strategies for Success in a New Market

12:06 Personal Growth and Leadership Evolution

14:25 Understanding Client Relationships and Communication

16:35 Building a Thriving Legal Team

20:45 Navigating Challenges in Office Management

22:37 Transitioning Leadership Roles

27:04 The Long View

29:48 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations

Guest

Bill Nolan brings clarity and closure to employment, contract and business disputes. Passionate about helping employers build strong teams, policies and processes, Bill’s proactive advice minimizes the frequency, cost and severity of employment disputes. Bill also works with clients to design systems and practices to manage the many challenges of complex employer-employee relationships.


An experienced trial lawyer, Bill handles covenant not-to-compete and trade secret cases in many states. He also regularly defends employers in discrimination and discharge cases, administrative claims, arbitrations and mediations. Bill helps clients maneuver shifting legal mandates and has distinct experience handling complicated employee health and leave issues. Admired for his calm and thoughtful approach to resolving disputes, Bill also acts as a neutral.


In his role as employment counselor, Bill advises clients on a range of workplace issues. He is called upon to conduct manager and workplace trainings that ensure legal compliance on the front lines. He was an early leader in tracking how employers and legislatures respond to discrimination in the workplace, advocating for changes in training models to better address persistent workplace behaviors.


Bill is not one to back down from a challenge. Opening the firm’s Columbus office in 2009 during the Great Recession, he built and ran a notable team for over 15 years. Also, as a former two-term councilman and Powell, Ohio, mayor, Bill brings contagious energy to community affairs, focusing on furthering inclusion in the legal profession.

Website: https://btlaw.com/en/people/william-nolan


Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator. Through her podcast Life from Within, she opens up real conversations about personal growth, career crossroads, and the inner work of leadership. She created the show to explore the moments of courage and clarity that spark inner shifts and lead to meaningful outer progress.

In her coaching and facilitation practice, Kelly partners with thoughtful, influential leaders including founders, C-suite executives, and rising leaders who shoulder significant responsibility and want to lead with grounded clarity and self-trust. She helps them return to what matters most, cut through the noise, and navigate inflection points with aligned conviction.

Kelly is a graduate of the University of Colorado and holds an MBA from Cornell University.

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co


Book mentioned

Buckeye: A Novel 


Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube


Follow Kelly

Instagram – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates


]]>7c78a96a-2c3e-4f8a-ab76-8ef827fdd783Mon, 05 Jan 2026 03:30:00 -060031:59falsefull1010How Confidence Is Built in the Stretch: From White-Knuckling to Grounded Leadership with Kate Tansey ChevlenHow Confidence Is Built in the Stretch: From White-Knuckling to Grounded Leadership with Kate Tansey ChevlenHow Confidence Is Built in the Stretch: From White-Knuckling to Grounded Leadership with Kate Tansey Chevlen

Episode 9

Welcome back to Life from Within. This is the final episode of the year, and I am so grateful for all of my guests and listeners who made this podcast possible.

What happens when you land your dream promotion and realize on day one that you don’t speak the technical "language" of the room? In today’s episode, I am joined by Kate Tansey Chevlen, a Vice President at Amgen with a 17-year tenure at the company.

Kate shares the raw, honest story of a career transition - moving from a marketing director to a franchise leader overseeing multi-billion dollar contracts. She opens up about the white-knuckle months, the physical toll of trying to be a different kind of leader, and the specific steps she took to reclaim her authenticity and empower her team.

🔑 Key Takeaways for Leadership & Personal Growth

  • To master her new domain, Kate sought out trusted partners for intensive deep dives into their mastered skill.
  • Kate initially tried to copy the boisterous, high-energy style of her predecessor. This led to white-knuckling, physical stress, and a team that felt unsupported.
  • A moment of exhaustion during a business trip forced Kate to stop performing and start advising authentically. The result was immediate clarity for her team and liberation for herself.
  • Kate discusses her "Trust but Verify" framework - knowing when to delegate and empower experts through full delegation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Kate Tansey Chevlen

02:07 Transitioning to Different Leadership Roles at Amgen

04:35 Navigating Leadership and Multi-billion Dollar Contracts

07:18 Building Trusting Relationships in Decision Making

09:51 The Impact of Leadership Style on Team Dynamics

11:07 Finding Your Authentic Self in Leadership Roles

13:00 Embracing Personal Leadership Style

17:49 The Journey to Self-Discovery

20:23 How to Find Your Own Way to Manage Stress

22:45 Building Confidence Through Challenges

24:22 Applying Confidence in Leadership

26:19 The Art of Delegation and Trust

30:03 The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership

31:17 Outro

Guest

Kate Tansey Chevlen has been a commercial leader at Amgen for 17 years and is currently serving as the Vice President, Global Marketing and Therapeutic Area Head of Inflammation. 

Prior to joining the Global Inflammation team, Kate led the US Patient Access and Reimbursement team, where she oversaw efforts to help patients start and stay on Amgen medications. 

Kate’s prior experience at Amgen spans across marketing, sales, and market access leadership. Kate has worked across the US and global side of Amgen’s commercial business, and across all major therapeutic areas, including oncology, nephrology, cardiovascular, bone, neurology, and inflammation. She has led multiple franchises at Amgen, including the nephrology and respiratory businesses in the US. 

Prior to joining Amgen, Kate served as a gubernatorial appointee for the State of California, where she managed healthcare and economic development public policy. She also worked in local government in California, managing economic development public policies.

Kate holds a BA in Politics and French from Brandeis University, an MBA from the Johnson School at Cornell University, and an executive coach certification from the Hudson Institute of Coaching.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-tansey-chevlen-4953391/

Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator. Through her podcast Life from Within, she opens up real conversations about personal growth, career crossroads, and the inner work of leadership. She created the show to explore the moments of courage and clarity that spark inner shifts and lead to meaningful outer progress.

In her coaching and facilitation practice, Kelly partners with thoughtful, influential leaders, including founders, C-suite executives, and rising leaders who shoulder significant responsibility and want to lead with grounded clarity and self-trust. She helps them return to what matters most, cut through the noise, and navigate inflection points with aligned conviction.

Kelly is a graduate of the University of Colorado and holds an MBA from Cornell University.

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co


Book mentioned

Buckeye: A Novel 



Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube


Follow Kelly

Instagram – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates


]]>How Confidence Is Built in the Stretch: From White-Knuckling to Grounded Leadership with Kate Tansey Chevlen

Episode 9

Welcome back to Life from Within. This is the final episode of the year, and I am so grateful for all of my guests and listeners who made this podcast possible.

What happens when you land your dream promotion and realize on day one that you don’t speak the technical "language" of the room? In today’s episode, I am joined by Kate Tansey Chevlen, a Vice President at Amgen with a 17-year tenure at the company.

Kate shares the raw, honest story of a career transition - moving from a marketing director to a franchise leader overseeing multi-billion dollar contracts. She opens up about the white-knuckle months, the physical toll of trying to be a different kind of leader, and the specific steps she took to reclaim her authenticity and empower her team.

🔑 Key Takeaways for Leadership & Personal Growth

  • To master her new domain, Kate sought out trusted partners for intensive deep dives into their mastered skill.
  • Kate initially tried to copy the boisterous, high-energy style of her predecessor. This led to white-knuckling, physical stress, and a team that felt unsupported.
  • A moment of exhaustion during a business trip forced Kate to stop performing and start advising authentically. The result was immediate clarity for her team and liberation for herself.
  • Kate discusses her "Trust but Verify" framework - knowing when to delegate and empower experts through full delegation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Kate Tansey Chevlen

02:07 Transitioning to Different Leadership Roles at Amgen

04:35 Navigating Leadership and Multi-billion Dollar Contracts

07:18 Building Trusting Relationships in Decision Making

09:51 The Impact of Leadership Style on Team Dynamics

11:07 Finding Your Authentic Self in Leadership Roles

13:00 Embracing Personal Leadership Style

17:49 The Journey to Self-Discovery

20:23 How to Find Your Own Way to Manage Stress

22:45 Building Confidence Through Challenges

24:22 Applying Confidence in Leadership

26:19 The Art of Delegation and Trust

30:03 The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership

31:17 Outro

Guest

Kate Tansey Chevlen has been a commercial leader at Amgen for 17 years and is currently serving as the Vice President, Global Marketing and Therapeutic Area Head of Inflammation. 

Prior to joining the Global Inflammation team, Kate led the US Patient Access and Reimbursement team, where she oversaw efforts to help patients start and stay on Amgen medications. 

Kate’s prior experience at Amgen spans across marketing, sales, and market access leadership. Kate has worked across the US and global side of Amgen’s commercial business, and across all major therapeutic areas, including oncology, nephrology, cardiovascular, bone, neurology, and inflammation. She has led multiple franchises at Amgen, including the nephrology and respiratory businesses in the US. 

Prior to joining Amgen, Kate served as a gubernatorial appointee for the State of California, where she managed healthcare and economic development public policy. She also worked in local government in California, managing economic development public policies.

Kate holds a BA in Politics and French from Brandeis University, an MBA from the Johnson School at Cornell University, and an executive coach certification from the Hudson Institute of Coaching.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-tansey-chevlen-4953391/

Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator. Through her podcast Life from Within, she opens up real conversations about personal growth, career crossroads, and the inner work of leadership. She created the show to explore the moments of courage and clarity that spark inner shifts and lead to meaningful outer progress.

In her coaching and facilitation practice, Kelly partners with thoughtful, influential leaders, including founders, C-suite executives, and rising leaders who shoulder significant responsibility and want to lead with grounded clarity and self-trust. She helps them return to what matters most, cut through the noise, and navigate inflection points with aligned conviction.

Kelly is a graduate of the University of Colorado and holds an MBA from Cornell University.

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co


Book mentioned

Buckeye: A Novel 



Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube


Follow Kelly

Instagram – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates


]]>6b990516-3a02-4ef0-ad0c-f3d10b487de4Mon, 22 Dec 2025 14:55:00 -060032:03falsefull99Excellence, Authenticity, and Family Balance with Rashida BradleyExcellence, Authenticity, and Family Balance with Rashida BradleyJoin us for a deeply honest and inspiring conversation with Rashida Bradley, an accomplished Operational Strategist, as she shares her journey in navigating career pivots and family balance. Rashida opens up about the many challenges she faced—from balancing graduate school and a surprise pregnancy to managing the impact of grief and joy on the same day.

Rashida highlights the importance of community support and advocates passionately for vulnerability in leadership as a pathway to building deeper trust and connection. We discuss the importance of striving for excellence over the pursuit of perfection, and the freedom found in embracing authenticity in all professional spaces. This episode is packed with essential advice on prioritizing mental health, practicing self-care, and continuously fostering personal growth in life and career.

🔑 Key Takeaways for Leadership & Personal Growth

  • Surround yourself with a strong network.
  • Honest vulnerability is the key to genuine connection and building a high-trust team.
  • Pursue excellence, not perfection.
  • Authenticity in professional settings is a form of leadership.
  • Prioritize mental health and self-care practices for sustained personal growth and high performance.
  • View your career as a journey of continuous evolution.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rashida Bradley

01:45 Career Pivots, Applying for Graduate School and Personal Growth

04:03 Balancing Family and Education

07:07 Choosing A Career AND A Family

07:37 Navigating Grief and Joy on the Same Day

11:17 Being Vulnerable and Building Community

14:33 The Importance of Helpability and Support

18:03 Mental and Physical Health Management

19:23 Pursuing Excellence Over Perfection

21:44 Navigating How to Show up Authenticity When You Feel Left Out

27:20 Charting Your Own Course in Career and Life

Guest

Rashida is a seasoned healthcare leader and operational strategist with over 15 years of experience driving financial and operational transformations for Fortune 50 companies like CVS Health. As a Lead Director supporting Health Services, she oversees financial strategy and operational execution across pharmacy benefit management. Drawing on her background in investment banking (Lehman Brothers, Citi, J.P. Morgan), Rashida brings deep expertise in financial strategy and enterprise change management to complex, regulated healthcare environments. She is an alum of Babson College and a dual Master's recipient from Cornell University (MBA & MS in Healthcare Policy).


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashidabradley


Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator. Through her podcast Life from Within, she opens up real conversations about personal growth, career crossroads, and the inner work of leadership. She created the show to explore the moments of courage and clarity that spark inner shifts and lead to meaningful outer progress.


In her coaching and facilitation practice, Kelly partners with thoughtful, influential leaders including founders, C-suite executives, and rising leaders who shoulder significant responsibility and want to lead with grounded clarity and self-trust. She helps them return to what matters most, cut through the noise, and navigate inflection points with aligned conviction.

Kelly is a graduate of the University of Colorado and holds an MBA from Cornell University.

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co


Resources mentioned

Drive by Daniel Pink: https://www.danpink.com/books/drive/


Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube


Follow Kelly

Instagram – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates


]]>Join us for a deeply honest and inspiring conversation with Rashida Bradley, an accomplished Operational Strategist, as she shares her journey in navigating career pivots and family balance. Rashida opens up about the many challenges she faced—from balancing graduate school and a surprise pregnancy to managing the impact of grief and joy on the same day.

Rashida highlights the importance of community support and advocates passionately for vulnerability in leadership as a pathway to building deeper trust and connection. We discuss the importance of striving for excellence over the pursuit of perfection, and the freedom found in embracing authenticity in all professional spaces. This episode is packed with essential advice on prioritizing mental health, practicing self-care, and continuously fostering personal growth in life and career.

🔑 Key Takeaways for Leadership & Personal Growth

  • Surround yourself with a strong network.
  • Honest vulnerability is the key to genuine connection and building a high-trust team.
  • Pursue excellence, not perfection.
  • Authenticity in professional settings is a form of leadership.
  • Prioritize mental health and self-care practices for sustained personal growth and high performance.
  • View your career as a journey of continuous evolution.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rashida Bradley

01:45 Career Pivots, Applying for Graduate School and Personal Growth

04:03 Balancing Family and Education

07:07 Choosing A Career AND A Family

07:37 Navigating Grief and Joy on the Same Day

11:17 Being Vulnerable and Building Community

14:33 The Importance of Helpability and Support

18:03 Mental and Physical Health Management

19:23 Pursuing Excellence Over Perfection

21:44 Navigating How to Show up Authenticity When You Feel Left Out

27:20 Charting Your Own Course in Career and Life

Guest

Rashida is a seasoned healthcare leader and operational strategist with over 15 years of experience driving financial and operational transformations for Fortune 50 companies like CVS Health. As a Lead Director supporting Health Services, she oversees financial strategy and operational execution across pharmacy benefit management. Drawing on her background in investment banking (Lehman Brothers, Citi, J.P. Morgan), Rashida brings deep expertise in financial strategy and enterprise change management to complex, regulated healthcare environments. She is an alum of Babson College and a dual Master's recipient from Cornell University (MBA & MS in Healthcare Policy).


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashidabradley


Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator. Through her podcast Life from Within, she opens up real conversations about personal growth, career crossroads, and the inner work of leadership. She created the show to explore the moments of courage and clarity that spark inner shifts and lead to meaningful outer progress.


In her coaching and facilitation practice, Kelly partners with thoughtful, influential leaders including founders, C-suite executives, and rising leaders who shoulder significant responsibility and want to lead with grounded clarity and self-trust. She helps them return to what matters most, cut through the noise, and navigate inflection points with aligned conviction.

Kelly is a graduate of the University of Colorado and holds an MBA from Cornell University.

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co


Resources mentioned

Drive by Daniel Pink: https://www.danpink.com/books/drive/


Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube


Follow Kelly

Instagram – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates


]]>39eec3b7-83dd-4aca-80c5-447e6ec1076eMon, 08 Dec 2025 03:30:00 -060029:50falsefull88Finding What’s Next: How Values and Vulnerability Drive Career Pivots with Jake Gunn-SandellFinding What’s Next: How Values and Vulnerability Drive Career Pivots with Jake Gunn-SandellEpisode 7 Jake Gunn-Sandell

On this episode, I speak with Jake Gunn-Sandell, Director of Strategic Affairs at Instructure (the company behind Canvas), about his incredible journey. We discussed his bold career pivots, particularly his high-stakes transition into executive search, where he developed the innovative 'Polymath Practice'—a powerful framework for C-Suite recruiting.

I learned so much about how Jake leveraged vulnerability and strategic networking to make the leap from placing top talent to a pivotal leadership role in Education Technology (EdTech). I think this conversation offers a powerful blueprint for successful job searching and personal growth, emphasizing the need to ask critical questions, identify one's values, and remain adaptable throughout major career changes.

💡 Actionable Takeaways I Learned from Jake

  1. Embrace Vulnerability for Professional Growth: Ask probing questions, and let intellectual curiosity guide learning. This builds trust and accelerates skill acquisition.
  2. The Polymath Practice: Jake's strategy to compartmentalize new, complex roles into simple, core subjects (e.g., Psychology, Tech, Finance) to make major career pivots manageable.
  3. Strategic Networking is Essential for Job Searching: Focus networking efforts on leaders and companies you admire. Finding the right organizational culture is as important as the role itself.
  4. Establish Credibility, Sell the Dream, and Slow Down: These three steps are what Jake found critical for building influence and trust in any leadership position or high-stakes environment like executive search.
  5. Identify Your Values and Goals: Jake defined his next move by writing down what he wanted (lead more, travel more, give back). A clear personal vision for guiding career pivots is essential.
  6. Creative Thinking Unlocks Opportunity: Challenge assumptions about the "perfect" candidate or the "obvious" career move. Leverage transferable skills to pivot into new sectors like EdTech seamlessly.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:30 Career Pivots and Challenges

13:35 Using Vulnerability in Executive Search

20:52 Fundraising Challenges in Nonprofit Work

22:54 Embracing Vulnerability in Leadership

24:34 Navigating Career Transitions SPMB to Instructure

30:03 Identifying Personal Values and the Impact of a Career Coach

32:05 Leveraging Relationships for Career Growth

34:47 Strategic Job Searching

38:34 Understanding Your Identity as a Builder

Guest

Jake Gunn-Sandell’s career is a masterclass in the power of the career pivot. He currently serves as the Director of Strategic Affairs at Instructure, helping define the future of education through his work in government affairs and strategic partnerships. Before moving into EdTech, Jake excelled in the demanding world of executive search, where he built the Polymath Practice—leveraging transferable skills to place C-suite leaders across every major tech vertical. From the fast-paced environment of recruiting top executives to his early days as a Disney character performer, Jake attributes his success to embracing vulnerability, strategic networking, and a relentless drive for personal growth. He remains committed to his community as a board member for the Arapahoe Rescue Patrol.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/education-the-first-step/

Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator. Through her podcast Life from Within, she opens up real conversations about personal growth, career crossroads, and the inner work of leadership. She created the show to explore the moments of courage and clarity that spark inner shifts and lead to meaningful outer progress. In her coaching and facilitation work, Kelly helps leaders uncover what matters most to them, navigate inflection points with intention, and build the kind of impact that grows from the inside out.

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co


Resources mentioned



Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Kelly

Instagram – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates

]]>Episode 7 Jake Gunn-Sandell

On this episode, I speak with Jake Gunn-Sandell, Director of Strategic Affairs at Instructure (the company behind Canvas), about his incredible journey. We discussed his bold career pivots, particularly his high-stakes transition into executive search, where he developed the innovative 'Polymath Practice'—a powerful framework for C-Suite recruiting.

I learned so much about how Jake leveraged vulnerability and strategic networking to make the leap from placing top talent to a pivotal leadership role in Education Technology (EdTech). I think this conversation offers a powerful blueprint for successful job searching and personal growth, emphasizing the need to ask critical questions, identify one's values, and remain adaptable throughout major career changes.

💡 Actionable Takeaways I Learned from Jake

  1. Embrace Vulnerability for Professional Growth: Ask probing questions, and let intellectual curiosity guide learning. This builds trust and accelerates skill acquisition.
  2. The Polymath Practice: Jake's strategy to compartmentalize new, complex roles into simple, core subjects (e.g., Psychology, Tech, Finance) to make major career pivots manageable.
  3. Strategic Networking is Essential for Job Searching: Focus networking efforts on leaders and companies you admire. Finding the right organizational culture is as important as the role itself.
  4. Establish Credibility, Sell the Dream, and Slow Down: These three steps are what Jake found critical for building influence and trust in any leadership position or high-stakes environment like executive search.
  5. Identify Your Values and Goals: Jake defined his next move by writing down what he wanted (lead more, travel more, give back). A clear personal vision for guiding career pivots is essential.
  6. Creative Thinking Unlocks Opportunity: Challenge assumptions about the "perfect" candidate or the "obvious" career move. Leverage transferable skills to pivot into new sectors like EdTech seamlessly.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:30 Career Pivots and Challenges

13:35 Using Vulnerability in Executive Search

20:52 Fundraising Challenges in Nonprofit Work

22:54 Embracing Vulnerability in Leadership

24:34 Navigating Career Transitions SPMB to Instructure

30:03 Identifying Personal Values and the Impact of a Career Coach

32:05 Leveraging Relationships for Career Growth

34:47 Strategic Job Searching

38:34 Understanding Your Identity as a Builder

Guest

Jake Gunn-Sandell’s career is a masterclass in the power of the career pivot. He currently serves as the Director of Strategic Affairs at Instructure, helping define the future of education through his work in government affairs and strategic partnerships. Before moving into EdTech, Jake excelled in the demanding world of executive search, where he built the Polymath Practice—leveraging transferable skills to place C-suite leaders across every major tech vertical. From the fast-paced environment of recruiting top executives to his early days as a Disney character performer, Jake attributes his success to embracing vulnerability, strategic networking, and a relentless drive for personal growth. He remains committed to his community as a board member for the Arapahoe Rescue Patrol.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/education-the-first-step/

Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator. Through her podcast Life from Within, she opens up real conversations about personal growth, career crossroads, and the inner work of leadership. She created the show to explore the moments of courage and clarity that spark inner shifts and lead to meaningful outer progress. In her coaching and facilitation work, Kelly helps leaders uncover what matters most to them, navigate inflection points with intention, and build the kind of impact that grows from the inside out.

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co


Resources mentioned



Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Kelly

Instagram – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates

]]>35332047-f000-49ee-98b4-4ef26791b3c4Mon, 24 Nov 2025 03:30:00 -060045:27falsefull77Connecting Authentically: A Conversation with Chris SchwalbachConnecting Authentically: A Conversation with Chris SchwalbachConnecting Authentically: A Conversation with Chris Schwalbach

Episode 6 • November 10, 2025

Founder Chris Schwalbach on shifting from head to heart and why authentic relationships are the real ROI.

After building a successful finance firm, Chris Schwalbach realized his leadership needed less logic and more heart. He shares how coaching helped him unlearn family beliefs, ask personal questions, and practice vulnerability at work and home. This inner shift ultimately shaped his company’s culture and the relationships that led to AVL Growth Partners’ acquisition by Ampleo. A story about connection, curiosity, and saying what matters now.

About this episode

Founder and finance leader Chris Schwalbach opens up about shifting from a brain-first, value-proving style to a heart-led, relational approach. The pivot began in 2019 when outward success no longer matched his inner experience. Working with a coach, Chris uncovered an inherited belief that it is impolite to ask personal questions, saw why it served his family, and chose a different path. He practiced new muscles — asking human questions, building emotional vocabulary, and receiving appreciation without deflecting.

We trace how that inner work supported major business moves: hiring a CEO, stepping back in, and ultimately selling AVL Growth Partners to Ampleo. Chris committed to relationship building with no immediate agenda, meeting 100 people across the ecosystem. The eventual acquirer was a relationship planted eight years earlier. His takeaway is simple and practical: relationships are not a tactic — they are the point. We close with a challenge inspired by Walter Green’s “Say It Now” — tell people what they mean to you while you are both here.

Key takeaways

  • Authentic leadership is built in practice; expand your emotional vocabulary and reps.
  • Question inherited rules — helpful family beliefs may not serve your leadership today.
  • Calibrate depth; go one notch deeper while protecting safety and trust.
  • Change can disorient colleagues and family — name it, slow down, stay in dialogue.
  • Receiving is half of connection; when appreciation arrives, let it land.
  • Curiosity is a strategic asset — ask real questions without pre-editing.
  • Relationships create outcomes — plant seeds early, nurture often, release the timeline.
  • Protect time yet connect — make brief human check-ins part of meetings.
  • Keep a reconnection list; reach out to two or three people this month.
  • Say it now — express gratitude today rather than saving it for later.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Personal Growth and Authenticity

03:10 From Head to Heart: Shifting How We Connect

06:01 Unlearning Family Rules About “What’s Personal”

09:02 Asking for Help, Vulnerability, and Early Stumbles

12:06 How Change Lands at Home and Work

15:04 Calibrating Depth and Building Emotional Vocabulary

20:57 Presence, Listening, and Subtle Culture Shifts

21:46 CEO Experiment, Return, and Path to an Exit

22:52 Relationship Mapping: 100 Conversations, No Agenda

25:19 Curiosity and Trusting Your Voice

27:12 The Practice of Receiving Praise

29:05 Time Respect, Human Check-ins, and Team Norms

30:40 Intentionality in Leadership and People Systems

35:07 Relationships as the Point, Not the Tactic

39:29 Say It Now: Expressing Appreciation in Real Time

Guest

Chris Schwalbach is a serial entrepreneur, finance professional, board director, and the founder of AVL Growth Partners, a fractional accounting and CFO firm recently acquired by Ampleo.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cschwalbach/

Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator who brings real conversations about growth, leadership, and life to her podcast Life from Within.

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co

Resources mentioned

  • Chris on LinkedIn - /in/cschwalbach/
  • Small Giants by Bo Burlingham
  • Finish Big by Bo Burlingham
  • AVL Growth Partners
  • Ampleo
  • Walter Green’s Say It Now concept

Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Kelly

Instagram – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates

]]>Connecting Authentically: A Conversation with Chris Schwalbach

Episode 6 • November 10, 2025

Founder Chris Schwalbach on shifting from head to heart and why authentic relationships are the real ROI.

After building a successful finance firm, Chris Schwalbach realized his leadership needed less logic and more heart. He shares how coaching helped him unlearn family beliefs, ask personal questions, and practice vulnerability at work and home. This inner shift ultimately shaped his company’s culture and the relationships that led to AVL Growth Partners’ acquisition by Ampleo. A story about connection, curiosity, and saying what matters now.

About this episode

Founder and finance leader Chris Schwalbach opens up about shifting from a brain-first, value-proving style to a heart-led, relational approach. The pivot began in 2019 when outward success no longer matched his inner experience. Working with a coach, Chris uncovered an inherited belief that it is impolite to ask personal questions, saw why it served his family, and chose a different path. He practiced new muscles — asking human questions, building emotional vocabulary, and receiving appreciation without deflecting.

We trace how that inner work supported major business moves: hiring a CEO, stepping back in, and ultimately selling AVL Growth Partners to Ampleo. Chris committed to relationship building with no immediate agenda, meeting 100 people across the ecosystem. The eventual acquirer was a relationship planted eight years earlier. His takeaway is simple and practical: relationships are not a tactic — they are the point. We close with a challenge inspired by Walter Green’s “Say It Now” — tell people what they mean to you while you are both here.

Key takeaways

  • Authentic leadership is built in practice; expand your emotional vocabulary and reps.
  • Question inherited rules — helpful family beliefs may not serve your leadership today.
  • Calibrate depth; go one notch deeper while protecting safety and trust.
  • Change can disorient colleagues and family — name it, slow down, stay in dialogue.
  • Receiving is half of connection; when appreciation arrives, let it land.
  • Curiosity is a strategic asset — ask real questions without pre-editing.
  • Relationships create outcomes — plant seeds early, nurture often, release the timeline.
  • Protect time yet connect — make brief human check-ins part of meetings.
  • Keep a reconnection list; reach out to two or three people this month.
  • Say it now — express gratitude today rather than saving it for later.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Personal Growth and Authenticity

03:10 From Head to Heart: Shifting How We Connect

06:01 Unlearning Family Rules About “What’s Personal”

09:02 Asking for Help, Vulnerability, and Early Stumbles

12:06 How Change Lands at Home and Work

15:04 Calibrating Depth and Building Emotional Vocabulary

20:57 Presence, Listening, and Subtle Culture Shifts

21:46 CEO Experiment, Return, and Path to an Exit

22:52 Relationship Mapping: 100 Conversations, No Agenda

25:19 Curiosity and Trusting Your Voice

27:12 The Practice of Receiving Praise

29:05 Time Respect, Human Check-ins, and Team Norms

30:40 Intentionality in Leadership and People Systems

35:07 Relationships as the Point, Not the Tactic

39:29 Say It Now: Expressing Appreciation in Real Time

Guest

Chris Schwalbach is a serial entrepreneur, finance professional, board director, and the founder of AVL Growth Partners, a fractional accounting and CFO firm recently acquired by Ampleo.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cschwalbach/

Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator who brings real conversations about growth, leadership, and life to her podcast Life from Within.

Coaching and facilitation: https://kellydwyer.co

Resources mentioned

  • Chris on LinkedIn - /in/cschwalbach/
  • Small Giants by Bo Burlingham
  • Finish Big by Bo Burlingham
  • AVL Growth Partners
  • Ampleo
  • Walter Green’s Say It Now concept

Listen and subscribe

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Kelly

Instagram – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

Sign up for updates

]]>49679e05-cbd0-4dad-8925-947d69a43921Mon, 10 Nov 2025 03:30:00 -060043:43falsefull66Owning Your Work, Your Worth, and Your Well-Being with Kristin McGeeOwning Your Work, Your Worth, and Your Well-Being with Kristin McGeeOwning Your Work, Your Worth, and Your Well-Being with Kristin McGee

Episode 5 — October 26, 2025

“I want people to feel joy.”

About This Episode

What happens when a world-class teacher with decades of experience and who helped launch Peloton’s Yoga & Pilates programs bets on herself? Kristin McGee joins Kelly to talk about the brave, messy, very human leap from corporate star to founder of Kristin McGee Movement. It’s a story about owning your content, rebuilding confidence, and designing a business that supports both artistry and motherhood.

Kristin shares why a contract change at Peloton and the realities of single parenting pushed her to step into founder mode - and how she navigated a one-year non-compete while listening for the next right step. She gets specific about the unglamorous parts of entrepreneurship (choosing a white-label platform, wrestling with mics/lighting, learning to delegate editing and comms) and the mindset shifts that made it possible (“No one’s going to do it for me, and I don’t have to do it alone”).

We dig into movement as community: live classes where Kristin can coach form in real time, a chat space for recipes and questions, and 21-day challenges to build consistency. We also go deep on breathwork - how Pilates’ lateral breathing differs from yoga’s Ujjayi, and why that mattered in Kristin’s recovery from diastasis recti, which inspired a 21-day core program inside the app.

Finally, Kristin introduces her forthcoming book, The Treat Yourself Philosophy (“Truly Realizing Everything Is Already There”), and makes the case for small, daily treats as a path to healing, presence, and self-trust. From “pure healing energy” mantras to practical marketing discomforts, this is a masterclass in owning your work, your worth, and your wellbeing - without losing the joy.

Offer: Life from Within listeners get 30 days free on Kristin McGee Movement with code LIFEFROMWITHIN (good through November 26, 2025).

Bios

Kristin McGee is a nationally recognized yoga & Pilates teacher, speaker, mompreneur, and author. Across three decades, she’s taught thousands (including many celebrities), pioneered Peloton’s Yoga & Pilates program, and now leads Kristin McGee Movement.

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator who brings real conversations about growth, leadership, and life to her podcast Life from Within.

Topics & Timestamps

00:00 It’s Up To You

00:26 Episode Intro

00:53 What is Kristin McGee Movement?

04:04 Launching Yoga & Pilates at Peloton

08:48 Navigating Motherhood and Career

11:01 Embracing Change and Creativity

13:22 Building a Community and Ownership of Content

15:06 Overcoming Challenges in Entrepreneurship

16:43 Decision-Making and Self-Reflection

20:07 Stepping into Founder Mode

20:20 Building Confidence and Resilience

21:32 Launching the App and Marketing Strategies

23:23 Creating a Community and Organic Growth

25:04 Pilates Breath and Diastasis

28:35 The Treat Yourself Philosophy

32:36 Embracing Self-Care and Healing

36:28 Cultivating Inner Peace and Presence

38:34 30 Days Free on Kristin’s Platform

39:12 Rate, Follow, and Share

Resources Mentioned

Kristin’s site: https://www.kristinmcgee.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/kristinmcgee/

Book: The Treat Yourself Philosophy: A Guilt-Free Guide to Prioritizing You (pre-order at all major booksellers)

Offer: Life from Within listeners get 30 days free on Kristin McGee Movement with code LIFEFROMWITHIN(good through November 26, 2025).

Takeaways

  • Own your library, own your leverage: Leaving Peloton clarified the value of content ownership, creative freedom, and optionality (“Kristin’s version”).
  • Founder is a mindset: Confidence + consistency beat perfection. “No one’s going to do it for me” became Kristin’s operating system.
  • Decisions need space: A twice-daily 20-minute meditation practice helps her stop over-analyzing and feel for the next right step.
  • Build the team you need: Delegate editing, comms, and production so your genius (program design + teaching) stays front and center.
  • Community accelerates progress: Live classes, chat, and 21-day challenges create accountability and real-time coaching.
  • Breathe differently for different aims: Use lateral breathing in Pilates to engage the transverse abdominals - especially helpful in diastasis recti recovery.
  • Treats as daily medicine: Small, varied delights retrain self-trust and joy; Kristin’s mantra: “pure healing energy.”
  • Marketing with integrity: Balance organic word-of-mouth with clear, consistent invitations - people can’t join what they don’t know exists.

Listen, rate, subscribe, and share!

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Kelly

  • IG: @kd_lifefromwithin
  • LinkedIn: /in/kellydwyer/
  • Updates: lifefromwithin.com
  • Coaching: kellydwyer.co


]]>Owning Your Work, Your Worth, and Your Well-Being with Kristin McGee

Episode 5 — October 26, 2025

“I want people to feel joy.”

About This Episode

What happens when a world-class teacher with decades of experience and who helped launch Peloton’s Yoga & Pilates programs bets on herself? Kristin McGee joins Kelly to talk about the brave, messy, very human leap from corporate star to founder of Kristin McGee Movement. It’s a story about owning your content, rebuilding confidence, and designing a business that supports both artistry and motherhood.

Kristin shares why a contract change at Peloton and the realities of single parenting pushed her to step into founder mode - and how she navigated a one-year non-compete while listening for the next right step. She gets specific about the unglamorous parts of entrepreneurship (choosing a white-label platform, wrestling with mics/lighting, learning to delegate editing and comms) and the mindset shifts that made it possible (“No one’s going to do it for me, and I don’t have to do it alone”).

We dig into movement as community: live classes where Kristin can coach form in real time, a chat space for recipes and questions, and 21-day challenges to build consistency. We also go deep on breathwork - how Pilates’ lateral breathing differs from yoga’s Ujjayi, and why that mattered in Kristin’s recovery from diastasis recti, which inspired a 21-day core program inside the app.

Finally, Kristin introduces her forthcoming book, The Treat Yourself Philosophy (“Truly Realizing Everything Is Already There”), and makes the case for small, daily treats as a path to healing, presence, and self-trust. From “pure healing energy” mantras to practical marketing discomforts, this is a masterclass in owning your work, your worth, and your wellbeing - without losing the joy.

Offer: Life from Within listeners get 30 days free on Kristin McGee Movement with code LIFEFROMWITHIN (good through November 26, 2025).

Bios

Kristin McGee is a nationally recognized yoga & Pilates teacher, speaker, mompreneur, and author. Across three decades, she’s taught thousands (including many celebrities), pioneered Peloton’s Yoga & Pilates program, and now leads Kristin McGee Movement.

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator who brings real conversations about growth, leadership, and life to her podcast Life from Within.

Topics & Timestamps

00:00 It’s Up To You

00:26 Episode Intro

00:53 What is Kristin McGee Movement?

04:04 Launching Yoga & Pilates at Peloton

08:48 Navigating Motherhood and Career

11:01 Embracing Change and Creativity

13:22 Building a Community and Ownership of Content

15:06 Overcoming Challenges in Entrepreneurship

16:43 Decision-Making and Self-Reflection

20:07 Stepping into Founder Mode

20:20 Building Confidence and Resilience

21:32 Launching the App and Marketing Strategies

23:23 Creating a Community and Organic Growth

25:04 Pilates Breath and Diastasis

28:35 The Treat Yourself Philosophy

32:36 Embracing Self-Care and Healing

36:28 Cultivating Inner Peace and Presence

38:34 30 Days Free on Kristin’s Platform

39:12 Rate, Follow, and Share

Resources Mentioned

Kristin’s site: https://www.kristinmcgee.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/kristinmcgee/

Book: The Treat Yourself Philosophy: A Guilt-Free Guide to Prioritizing You (pre-order at all major booksellers)

Offer: Life from Within listeners get 30 days free on Kristin McGee Movement with code LIFEFROMWITHIN(good through November 26, 2025).

Takeaways

  • Own your library, own your leverage: Leaving Peloton clarified the value of content ownership, creative freedom, and optionality (“Kristin’s version”).
  • Founder is a mindset: Confidence + consistency beat perfection. “No one’s going to do it for me” became Kristin’s operating system.
  • Decisions need space: A twice-daily 20-minute meditation practice helps her stop over-analyzing and feel for the next right step.
  • Build the team you need: Delegate editing, comms, and production so your genius (program design + teaching) stays front and center.
  • Community accelerates progress: Live classes, chat, and 21-day challenges create accountability and real-time coaching.
  • Breathe differently for different aims: Use lateral breathing in Pilates to engage the transverse abdominals - especially helpful in diastasis recti recovery.
  • Treats as daily medicine: Small, varied delights retrain self-trust and joy; Kristin’s mantra: “pure healing energy.”
  • Marketing with integrity: Balance organic word-of-mouth with clear, consistent invitations - people can’t join what they don’t know exists.

Listen, rate, subscribe, and share!

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Kelly

  • IG: @kd_lifefromwithin
  • LinkedIn: /in/kellydwyer/
  • Updates: lifefromwithin.com
  • Coaching: kellydwyer.co


]]>aac95c4a-d6cf-4b41-8c66-460d8e7c1a8bMon, 27 Oct 2025 03:30:00 -060039:19truefull55Speak Up with Confidence: Lessons from "The Next Conversation" with Alessandra ZielinskiSpeak Up with Confidence: Lessons from "The Next Conversation" with Alessandra ZielinskiSpeak Up with Confidence: Lessons from "The Next Conversation" with Alessandra Zielinski

Episode 4 - October 13, 2025

About This Episode

In this episode, Kelly Dwyer and Alessandra Zielinski discuss the intricacies of communication, particularly in the context of coaching and leadership. They explore themes from Jefferson Fisher's book, 'The Next Conversation,' focusing on assertive voice, confidence, and the challenges of navigating difficult conversations. The conversation highlights the importance of preparation, understanding identity dynamics, and practical strategies for effective communication.


Bios

Alessandra Zielinski is a certified leadership coach with more than 20 years of experience across the private and nonprofit sectors. She helps leaders become more strategic, effective, and sustainable in their work, drawing on a rich global perspective shaped by living and working in seven countries. Alessandra teaches graduate courses on intercultural communication and consulting at American University and holds an MBA from Cornell, an MA in International Relations from Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar, and a BA from the University of Notre Dame.

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator who brings real conversations about growth, leadership, and life to her podcast Life from Within.


Topics & Timestamps

00:00 Intro to Confidence

00:14 What To Expect in this Episode

01:08 The Role of Confidence in Communication

05:54 Preparation for Difficult Conversations

08:27 Navigating Emotions in Conversations

10:57 Choosing Your Timing and the Rule of Three

15:39 Tricky Situations for Assertiveness

19:44 Understanding Defensiveness in Conversations

21:35 Tips and Phrases to Try On

23:25 Resources for Continued Learning

24:39 Thank you  - please follow and rate

Resources mentioned in this episode



Takeaways

  • Communication is a lifelong skill that requires continuous improvement.
  • Confidence is often a result of taking action, not a prerequisite.
  • Assertive voice can be cultivated through specific language choices.
  • Recognizing patterns in communication can help address issues effectively.
  • Bottling emotions can lead to negative consequences in interpersonal relationships.
  • Preparation is key to successful conversations and outcomes.
  • Identity dynamics play a significant role in how communication is perceived.


Listen, rate, subscribe, and share! 

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who’s navigating their own leadership journey.

Find us on your favorite podcast platform:

  • Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-from-within/id1840787981
  • Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5J1jDK3lgEnAfBwMsOgHvu?si=65aa3b39cd844443
  • Youtube - https://youtube.com/@lifefromwithinpodcast?si=liejuiW6gI7lJ45c


Follow Kelly

Instagram: @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellydwyer/

Sign up for updates: https://www.lifefromwithin.com/

Coaching and facilitation: kellydwyer.co


]]>Speak Up with Confidence: Lessons from "The Next Conversation" with Alessandra Zielinski

Episode 4 - October 13, 2025

About This Episode

In this episode, Kelly Dwyer and Alessandra Zielinski discuss the intricacies of communication, particularly in the context of coaching and leadership. They explore themes from Jefferson Fisher's book, 'The Next Conversation,' focusing on assertive voice, confidence, and the challenges of navigating difficult conversations. The conversation highlights the importance of preparation, understanding identity dynamics, and practical strategies for effective communication.


Bios

Alessandra Zielinski is a certified leadership coach with more than 20 years of experience across the private and nonprofit sectors. She helps leaders become more strategic, effective, and sustainable in their work, drawing on a rich global perspective shaped by living and working in seven countries. Alessandra teaches graduate courses on intercultural communication and consulting at American University and holds an MBA from Cornell, an MA in International Relations from Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar, and a BA from the University of Notre Dame.

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator who brings real conversations about growth, leadership, and life to her podcast Life from Within.


Topics & Timestamps

00:00 Intro to Confidence

00:14 What To Expect in this Episode

01:08 The Role of Confidence in Communication

05:54 Preparation for Difficult Conversations

08:27 Navigating Emotions in Conversations

10:57 Choosing Your Timing and the Rule of Three

15:39 Tricky Situations for Assertiveness

19:44 Understanding Defensiveness in Conversations

21:35 Tips and Phrases to Try On

23:25 Resources for Continued Learning

24:39 Thank you  - please follow and rate

Resources mentioned in this episode



Takeaways

  • Communication is a lifelong skill that requires continuous improvement.
  • Confidence is often a result of taking action, not a prerequisite.
  • Assertive voice can be cultivated through specific language choices.
  • Recognizing patterns in communication can help address issues effectively.
  • Bottling emotions can lead to negative consequences in interpersonal relationships.
  • Preparation is key to successful conversations and outcomes.
  • Identity dynamics play a significant role in how communication is perceived.


Listen, rate, subscribe, and share! 

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who’s navigating their own leadership journey.

Find us on your favorite podcast platform:

  • Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-from-within/id1840787981
  • Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5J1jDK3lgEnAfBwMsOgHvu?si=65aa3b39cd844443
  • Youtube - https://youtube.com/@lifefromwithinpodcast?si=liejuiW6gI7lJ45c


Follow Kelly

Instagram: @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellydwyer/

Sign up for updates: https://www.lifefromwithin.com/

Coaching and facilitation: kellydwyer.co


]]>fbcedd02-ae32-4136-bd79-e7bf752c9fa4Mon, 13 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -060025:08falsefull44Becoming a Visible CEO: Leading Through Chaos with Stephanie PostlesBecoming a Visible CEO: Leading Through Chaos with Stephanie PostlesLeading Through Chaos and Becoming a Visible CEO with Stephanie Postles

Episode 3 - September 29, 2025

"51% curiosity, 49% fear."

About This Episode

In this episode, Kelly Dwyer talks with Stephanie Postles, founder and CEO of Mission.org and RELVNT.com. Stephanie shares her journey from Google to entrepreneurship, the near-collapse of her company, and the limiting beliefs she overcame to step into the spotlight as CEO. She also discusses balancing personal life with business, the launch of her new media firm, and her insights on leadership, delegation, and visibility in today’s digital age.


Bios

Stephanie Postles is the founder and CEO of Mission.org, one of the world’s most-downloaded business and tech podcast networks, and CEO of RELVNT.com, a media strategy firm helping B2B brands show up where it counts—through trusted conversations, podcasts, and thought leadership. She’s worked with global brands like Salesforce, NYSE, Splunk, and General Mills, bringing a rare mix of creative content instincts and ROI-driven strategy. Before launching her own companies, Stephanie managed a $1B+ P&L at Google and began her career in finance at Fannie Mae.

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator who brings real conversations about growth, leadership, and life to her podcast Life from Within.


Topics & Timestamps

00:00 From Behind the Scenes to the Spotlight

08:01 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

12:53 Building Company Culture & Business Model

24:02 Launching Relvnt.com: A New Venture

26:32 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Course Creation and Growth

29:06 Delegation and Leadership: Finding Your Unique Ability

33:30 The Cost of Visibility: Balancing Help and Boundaries

37:46 Overcoming Fear of Visibility: Meditation and Authenticity

39:54 Identifying Unique Abilities: A Methodical Approach

45:21 Learn More

Resources mentioned in this episode



Takeaways

  • Mission.org started as a side project and grew into a major podcast network.
  • Facing near bankruptcy pushed Stephanie to step into being a visible leader, essential for founders in today’s digital landscape.
  • Curiosity can help overcome fear in challenging situations.
  • Personal challenges, including pregnancy and divorce, shaped her leadership journey.
  • The launch of Relvnt.com was a strategic move to separate business offerings.
  • Creating a podcast course was a response to demand from aspiring podcasters.
  • Delegation is key to scaling a business effectively.


Listen, rate, subscribe, and share! 

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who’s navigating their own leadership journey.

Find us on your favorite podcast platform:

  • Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-from-within/id1840787981
  • Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5J1jDK3lgEnAfBwMsOgHvu?si=65aa3b39cd844443
  • Youtube - https://youtube.com/@lifefromwithinpodcast?si=liejuiW6gI7lJ45c


Follow Kelly

Instagram: @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn

Sign up for updates

Coaching and facilitation: kellydwyer.co


]]>Leading Through Chaos and Becoming a Visible CEO with Stephanie Postles

Episode 3 - September 29, 2025

"51% curiosity, 49% fear."

About This Episode

In this episode, Kelly Dwyer talks with Stephanie Postles, founder and CEO of Mission.org and RELVNT.com. Stephanie shares her journey from Google to entrepreneurship, the near-collapse of her company, and the limiting beliefs she overcame to step into the spotlight as CEO. She also discusses balancing personal life with business, the launch of her new media firm, and her insights on leadership, delegation, and visibility in today’s digital age.


Bios

Stephanie Postles is the founder and CEO of Mission.org, one of the world’s most-downloaded business and tech podcast networks, and CEO of RELVNT.com, a media strategy firm helping B2B brands show up where it counts—through trusted conversations, podcasts, and thought leadership. She’s worked with global brands like Salesforce, NYSE, Splunk, and General Mills, bringing a rare mix of creative content instincts and ROI-driven strategy. Before launching her own companies, Stephanie managed a $1B+ P&L at Google and began her career in finance at Fannie Mae.

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator who brings real conversations about growth, leadership, and life to her podcast Life from Within.


Topics & Timestamps

00:00 From Behind the Scenes to the Spotlight

08:01 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

12:53 Building Company Culture & Business Model

24:02 Launching Relvnt.com: A New Venture

26:32 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Course Creation and Growth

29:06 Delegation and Leadership: Finding Your Unique Ability

33:30 The Cost of Visibility: Balancing Help and Boundaries

37:46 Overcoming Fear of Visibility: Meditation and Authenticity

39:54 Identifying Unique Abilities: A Methodical Approach

45:21 Learn More

Resources mentioned in this episode



Takeaways

  • Mission.org started as a side project and grew into a major podcast network.
  • Facing near bankruptcy pushed Stephanie to step into being a visible leader, essential for founders in today’s digital landscape.
  • Curiosity can help overcome fear in challenging situations.
  • Personal challenges, including pregnancy and divorce, shaped her leadership journey.
  • The launch of Relvnt.com was a strategic move to separate business offerings.
  • Creating a podcast course was a response to demand from aspiring podcasters.
  • Delegation is key to scaling a business effectively.


Listen, rate, subscribe, and share! 

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who’s navigating their own leadership journey.

Find us on your favorite podcast platform:

  • Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-from-within/id1840787981
  • Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5J1jDK3lgEnAfBwMsOgHvu?si=65aa3b39cd844443
  • Youtube - https://youtube.com/@lifefromwithinpodcast?si=liejuiW6gI7lJ45c


Follow Kelly

Instagram: @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn

Sign up for updates

Coaching and facilitation: kellydwyer.co


]]>87079239-bd86-41e8-bf93-b31105437258Mon, 29 Sep 2025 00:15:00 -060045:28falsefull33Tools for Resilience: Facing a Health Crisis and Career Crossroads with Justin ShumanTools for Resilience: Facing a Health Crisis and Career Crossroads with Justin ShumanTools for Resilience: Facing a Health Crisis and Career Crossroads with Justin Shuman

Episode 2 - September 29, 2025

Fear for my life was a gift.


About This Episode

In this conversation, Kelly Dwyer and Justin Shuman explore the profound impact of personal health challenges on career and self-perception. Justin shares his journey through a serious health diagnosis while also searching for a job, the fear and uncertainty it brought, and how he leaned on his community for support. They discuss the importance of cultivating relationships, the therapeutic practices that helped Justin cope, and the three filters he applies to career opportunities post-diagnosis. The conversation emphasizes resilience, the value of community, and the lessons learned from navigating unexpected challenges.


Bios

Justin Shuman builds and leads growth functions for mission-led healthcare companies and serves as Treasurer on the board of Uptown Health Clinic, a Denver-based community health center. His own health journey with valvular heart disease has deepened his compassion and persistence, shaping how he builds, leads, and connects.

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator who brings real conversations about growth, leadership, and life to her podcast Life from Within.


Topics & Timestamps

00:00 Navigating Career Challenges and Personal Growth

02:36 Facing Health Crises and Their Impact

04:52 Building Community During Tough Times

07:31 Shifts in Self-Perception and Identity

09:51 Finding Purpose in Career Transitions

12:10 The Importance of Trust in Leadership

14:39 Evaluating Job Opportunities with New Perspectives

16:37 Advice for Navigating Unexpected Life Changes

19:20 Moments of Redemption and Moving Forward


Resources mentioned in this episode



Takeaways

  • Health challenges can lead to significant personal growth.
  • Community support is vital during tough times.
  • Invest in relationships before you need them.
  • Self-perception can shift dramatically during crises.
  • Trust in management is crucial for emotional safety.
  • Job searches should align with personal values and mission.
  • Every challenge can lead to redemptive moments.


Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Find us on your favorite podcast platform:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Youtube


Follow Kelly

Instagram: @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn

Sign up for updates

Coaching and facilitation: kellydwyer.co



]]>Tools for Resilience: Facing a Health Crisis and Career Crossroads with Justin Shuman

Episode 2 - September 29, 2025

Fear for my life was a gift.


About This Episode

In this conversation, Kelly Dwyer and Justin Shuman explore the profound impact of personal health challenges on career and self-perception. Justin shares his journey through a serious health diagnosis while also searching for a job, the fear and uncertainty it brought, and how he leaned on his community for support. They discuss the importance of cultivating relationships, the therapeutic practices that helped Justin cope, and the three filters he applies to career opportunities post-diagnosis. The conversation emphasizes resilience, the value of community, and the lessons learned from navigating unexpected challenges.


Bios

Justin Shuman builds and leads growth functions for mission-led healthcare companies and serves as Treasurer on the board of Uptown Health Clinic, a Denver-based community health center. His own health journey with valvular heart disease has deepened his compassion and persistence, shaping how he builds, leads, and connects.

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator who brings real conversations about growth, leadership, and life to her podcast Life from Within.


Topics & Timestamps

00:00 Navigating Career Challenges and Personal Growth

02:36 Facing Health Crises and Their Impact

04:52 Building Community During Tough Times

07:31 Shifts in Self-Perception and Identity

09:51 Finding Purpose in Career Transitions

12:10 The Importance of Trust in Leadership

14:39 Evaluating Job Opportunities with New Perspectives

16:37 Advice for Navigating Unexpected Life Changes

19:20 Moments of Redemption and Moving Forward


Resources mentioned in this episode



Takeaways

  • Health challenges can lead to significant personal growth.
  • Community support is vital during tough times.
  • Invest in relationships before you need them.
  • Self-perception can shift dramatically during crises.
  • Trust in management is crucial for emotional safety.
  • Job searches should align with personal values and mission.
  • Every challenge can lead to redemptive moments.


Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Find us on your favorite podcast platform:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Youtube


Follow Kelly

Instagram: @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn

Sign up for updates

Coaching and facilitation: kellydwyer.co



]]>f1a6336f-fc13-4bfc-9b3b-6af99129f31bMon, 29 Sep 2025 00:15:00 -060025:00falsefull22Unlocking Purpose: Sobriety, Vision Quests, and Leadership with Laurel DonnellanUnlocking Purpose: Sobriety, Vision Quests, and Leadership with Laurel DonnellanUnlocking Purpose: Sobriety, Vision Quests, and Leadership with Laurel Donnellan

Episode 1 - September 29, 2025

Ask yourself, why am I working?

About This Episode

In this episode of Life From Within, Kelly Dwyer interviews Laurel Donnellan, founder and CEO of Compassionate Leaders Circle. Laurel shares her transformative journey from a successful career in hospitality to embracing sobriety and discovering her true calling through a Lakota vision quest. The conversation delves into the concept of 'soul work', the challenges of navigating career changes, and the impact of AI on the workforce. Laurel emphasizes the importance of purpose in work and encourages listeners to reflect on their motivations and aspirations.

Bios

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator who brings real conversations about growth, leadership, and life to her podcast Life from Within.

Laurel Donnellan is a compassionate leadership expert, founder of Compassionate Leaders Circle, and cohost of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast. With degrees from Cornell and Columbia, she has spent over 25 years developing transformational programs that build careers and organizations from the inside out.


Topics & Timestamps

00:00 God Shot and Introduction

01:20 The Journey to Sobriety

07:00 Finding Purpose Through Vision Quest

09:02 Soul Work

11:24 Navigating Business Challenges

14:11 Embracing Change and Purpose

18:23 Pivoting with Grace

23:09 AI and Turning Worry into Wonder

27:29 Why Am I Working?


Resources mentioned in this episode



Takeaways

  • Sobriety marked a powerful turning point in Laurel’s career and life.
  • A Lakota vision quest revealed her deeper sense of purpose.
  • Soul work is about aligning personal passion with meaningful contribution.
  • AI is reshaping the job market, but human connection and compassion remain essential.
  • Asking “Why am I working?” is a simple yet transformative question for leaders and professionals.


Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Find us on your favorite podcast platform:



Follow Kelly



]]>Unlocking Purpose: Sobriety, Vision Quests, and Leadership with Laurel Donnellan

Episode 1 - September 29, 2025

Ask yourself, why am I working?

About This Episode

In this episode of Life From Within, Kelly Dwyer interviews Laurel Donnellan, founder and CEO of Compassionate Leaders Circle. Laurel shares her transformative journey from a successful career in hospitality to embracing sobriety and discovering her true calling through a Lakota vision quest. The conversation delves into the concept of 'soul work', the challenges of navigating career changes, and the impact of AI on the workforce. Laurel emphasizes the importance of purpose in work and encourages listeners to reflect on their motivations and aspirations.

Bios

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach and facilitator who brings real conversations about growth, leadership, and life to her podcast Life from Within.

Laurel Donnellan is a compassionate leadership expert, founder of Compassionate Leaders Circle, and cohost of the Compassionate Leaders Circle Podcast. With degrees from Cornell and Columbia, she has spent over 25 years developing transformational programs that build careers and organizations from the inside out.


Topics & Timestamps

00:00 God Shot and Introduction

01:20 The Journey to Sobriety

07:00 Finding Purpose Through Vision Quest

09:02 Soul Work

11:24 Navigating Business Challenges

14:11 Embracing Change and Purpose

18:23 Pivoting with Grace

23:09 AI and Turning Worry into Wonder

27:29 Why Am I Working?


Resources mentioned in this episode



Takeaways

  • Sobriety marked a powerful turning point in Laurel’s career and life.
  • A Lakota vision quest revealed her deeper sense of purpose.
  • Soul work is about aligning personal passion with meaningful contribution.
  • AI is reshaping the job market, but human connection and compassion remain essential.
  • Asking “Why am I working?” is a simple yet transformative question for leaders and professionals.


Listen, rate, and subscribe! 

Find us on your favorite podcast platform:



Follow Kelly



]]>e1746354-48c3-4f79-a8ec-6d1f1b52c92cMon, 29 Sep 2025 00:15:00 -060028:48falsefull11Introducing Life From WithinIntroducing Life From Within✨ Welcome to Life from Within! ✨

This podcast is about the inner and outer work of becoming who you’re meant to be—at work, in leadership, and in life.

Hosted by executive coach and facilitator Kelly Dwyer, Life from Within is for growth-minded professionals and leaders who want to grow through career challenges, lead with integrity, and live with more clarity and confidence.

Through candid conversations and solo reflections, you’ll discover how to align your inner and outer worlds—and why that alignment changes everything.

🎧 Subscribe now to start your journey and go deeper at lifefromwithin.com

]]>✨ Welcome to Life from Within! ✨

This podcast is about the inner and outer work of becoming who you’re meant to be—at work, in leadership, and in life.

Hosted by executive coach and facilitator Kelly Dwyer, Life from Within is for growth-minded professionals and leaders who want to grow through career challenges, lead with integrity, and live with more clarity and confidence.

Through candid conversations and solo reflections, you’ll discover how to align your inner and outer worlds—and why that alignment changes everything.

🎧 Subscribe now to start your journey and go deeper at lifefromwithin.com

]]>f464733d-f360-4012-b649-33b85e5cd96eThu, 18 Sep 2025 19:39:00 -060001:21falsetrailer