No More Mondays

Ever felt like what you're saying isn't what others are hearing? Welcome to the gap between intention and perception. Today, Lili Foggle joins us to explore how saying what you mean is a vital skill, especially when the stakes are high.

Lili, a communications expert and interview coach, sheds light on why there's often a mismatch between what we say and what's understood. Through her insights, we dive into bridges that gap, emphasizing authenticity, curiosity, and intention in every interaction.

In this episode, we explore: - How internal context affects external communication - The role of audience-driven speaking - Why high-stakes conversations often feel like marketing - The challenges smart people face in articulating their thoughts - Balancing preparation with conversational agility - Avoiding assumptions and embracing curiosity - The power of intentional communication and trust

The key takeaway? Ownership changes everything. In communication, this means recognizing our role in how messages are perceived. By becoming more intentional and curious, we foster genuine connections that machines can't replicate.

Lili Foggle is a renowned communications expert focused on helping individuals articulate their value and excel in interviews. Her passion is evident in her work as she helps others find clarity and confidence in their voice. Connect with her at [Website/LinkedIn details if available].

Good communication isn't just about getting the right words out; it's about fostering understanding. Let's strive to say what we mean, mean what we say, and ensure our words truly connect.

Until next time, remember: humans still matter.

In a world where selling often feels forced, Julie Jones offers a perspective that aligns authenticity with business growth. Forget the old, tired scripts. Discover the power of conversational curiosity in transforming sales from icky to insightful.

Julie Jones is a sales coach who focuses on clarity and integrity. In this episode, we explore:

- Shifting the narrative from manipulation to genuine engagement - The role of curiosity in sales conversations - Practical ways to maintain integrity while meeting client needs - How language impacts client trust and decision-making - Strategies for leadership in sales conversations - Designing offers that align with client needs - The importance of a clear value proposition - Ways to create offers tailored to different client journeys - How presence and intentionality can reshape sales

Julie Jones helps business owners embrace an authentic approach to sales that aligns with their values. You can find Julie hosting 'The Simple Profitable Practice' podcast and engaging with practitioners on Facebook and LinkedIn.

As we wrap up, embrace the power of words to transform not just sales, but relationships. Remember, clarity is key, curiosity is powerful, and selling with integrity is not only possible—it's the way forward.

What can the outdoors teach us about ourselves that our everyday lives can't?

As we wrap up our The Outdoors Change Us series, Angie revisits a question she asked all three guests — Spencer Jones, Linda Clark, and McKenzie Johns:

What has being outside taught you that work never could?

Their answers reveal three surprisingly different lessons: learning to trust yourself, recognizing when you need others, and getting comfortable simply being with yourself.

In this Midweek Momentum, Angie explores how stepping outside our familiar environments can challenge our assumptions, reveal capabilities we didn't know we had, and help us discover parts of ourselves that might otherwise remain hidden.

Because changing your environment doesn't automatically change your life. But it might create the conditions for something new to emerge.

This week's question: What part of you needs different conditions in order to emerge?

Ever wonder why you feel a tug towards certain places? For McKenzie Johns, the mountains and rivers of Colorado were more than just destinations—they were catalysts for change.

McKenzie's story began in a small Connecticut town, where life felt scripted and predictable. It took a spontaneous hiking adventure for her to realize that her spirit was meant to roam free. This episode delves into how the outdoors can offer rebirth and how embracing such changes leads to self-discovery.

In this episode, we explore: - The powerful pull of place and purpose - McKenzie's journey from a dark place to self-fulfillment in Colorado - The unexpected connections made on a thru-hiker's journey - How stillness in nature allows us to face our inner selves - Balancing family expectations with life choices - The lessons learned from a high-energy, deaf cattle dog

McKenzie Johns has embraced an outdoor-centric life, discovering her voice, purpose, and strength in the process. Connect with McKenzie and witness the adventures she continues to undertake in the majestic landscapes she calls home.

Living intentionally, the outdoors offers a profound way to become who you've always meant to be.

When did everything we do become something we have to be good at?

We spend our working lives chasing goals, measuring progress, and optimizing performance. But somewhere along the way, that same mindset started creeping into the things we supposedly do for fun.

Inspired by a recent No More Mondays conversation with Linda Clark about leadership, uncertainty, and lessons from the outdoors, Angie explores why we need spaces in our lives where achievement isn't the point.

From mountain biking to hobbies that somehow become competitive sports, this Midweek Momentum is a reminder that enjoying improvement isn't the same as requiring achievement.

Sometimes the point of the thing is just the thing.

This week's question: When was the last time you did something you enjoyed without needing to turn it into an accomplishment?

Leadership often feels like kayaking a wild river—thrilling but uncertain. The key isn't control, but adaptability. This week, Linda Clark brings her invaluable insights into leading with presence and purpose, drawn from her adventures outdoors.

Linda shares her unique perspective on how embracing unpredictability in nature can shape a more human-centric, effective leadership style. Her journey from executive to adventurer offers a model for growth and resilience.

In this episode, we explore: - The illusion of control in leadership - Confidence vs. certainty in decision making - The importance of adaptability and preparation - Redefining failure in leadership contexts - How to create supportive leadership environments - Ecosystemic thinking and its application in modern organizations - The balance of adaptation and self-abandonment - Harnessing collective strengths in teams

Linda is not just an executive and leadership coach but a real-world adventurer whose stories are both engaging and enlightening. You can find Linda on LinkedIn or visit her website at linda-clark.com.

Leadership isn't about perfection; it's about navigating uncertainty with grace. As we continue to adapt, remember—humans still matter, and every leader has the potential to be a great guide.

When was the last time you deliberately did something that made you uncomfortable?

Following Angie's conversation with Spencer Jones, this Midweek Momentum explores what the outdoors can teach us about leaving our comfort zones — and why we don't need a mountain, trail, or big adventure to practice being uncomfortable.

Discomfort is a capacity we can build. Try something you might suck at. Speak up. Ask for something. Walk into the room where you don't know anyone. Do the thing you'd rather avoid.

Because the more willing we are to choose manageable discomfort, the better prepared we may be for the discomfort life chooses for us.

We often underestimate what we can achieve until we face an unexpected challenge, but adding a little adventure to your life can provide an intentional proving ground for hidden potential.

Stepping outside our comfort zone can reveal the best parts of who we are. In today's episode, we explore how adventure can teach resilience, self-reliance, and the art of being present as Angie Callen chats with Spencer Jones, an adventurer who turns outdoor experiences into life lessons.

His work focuses on helping leaders and individuals rediscover their capabilities through intentional retreats and outdoor activities.

In this episode, we explore: - The transformative power of stepping outside your comfort zone - How adventure challenges self-limiting beliefs - The role of mentors and guides in navigating new experiences - The balance between rest and adventure - Lessons from nature: presence and perspective - The intersection of adventure and leadership development

Adventures aren't just thrilling; they're transformative. They teach us resilience, adaptability, and a new way of seeing the world—and ourselves.

About Today's Guest: Spencer Jones is a speaker, author, and founder of Jones and Four, helping people live life to the fullest through adventure. His philosophy centers around using challenges to unlock personal growth. Learn more at jonesandfour.com.

Remember, life is what you make of it. Choose to seek what challenges and changes you for the better.

What's something you know about yourself… but somehow keep having to learn again?

After three conversations about self-leadership, Angie looks back at what Ebony McNeil, Corinne Crabtree, and Jay Abbasi said when asked what they still have to relearn about themselves — from seeking validation to remembering their own capability to navigating rejection and criticism.

Because growth doesn't mean the old thoughts never come back. Sometimes it means recognizing them faster, questioning what no longer serves you, and choosing differently.

So, what do you need to unlearn — or maybe just remember?

What if embracing failure was the key to success? In a world where certainty is a luxury, Jay Abbasi joins us to explore the art of being wrong. This conversation dives deep into resilience and adaptability as necessary tools in both our professional and personal lives.

Jay's not new to the concept of change. Moving from a leadership role at Tesla to becoming a coach and speaker, he's mastered the growth born from disruption. This episode is an invitation to redefine failure as a path to insight and potential.

In this episode, we explore:

- Why humans tend to resist change and the consequences of this resistance - The transformative power of acknowledging our failures - Strategies to develop a mindset that thrives on uncertainty - How our devices may be feeding our fear of being wrong - Jay's personal journey through loss and unexpected hardships - Harnessing boredom as a backdrop for creativity and self-discovery - The true meaning of resilience: balancing energy, space, and choice

Life's hurdles are opportunities in disguise, urging us to look beyond our fears. Jay Abbasi's approach to personal growth challenges us to embrace the discomfort of being wrong.

Guest Bio: Jay Abbasi is a former leader at Tesla turned speaker and coach, focusing on helping individuals and organizations cultivate resilience and adaptability. He's the founder of Persuade on Purpose and host of the Unstuck podcast, sharing insights on personal and professional development.

Discover more about Jay's work through his upcoming book, Unstuck podcast, and SOS newsletter available at jayabbasi.me.

Remember, uncomfortable moments are merely steps to a more aligned path. Trust the process, and let the art of being wrong guide you forward.

Coming off of my conversation with Corinne Crabtree earlier this week has me stopping to look at many of my habits. Where am I self-sabotaging? Where have I given myself too much grace? Where am I being too hard on myself? What's the happy medium!?

So many questions as we find the fine line between excuses and punishment...but it's possible. It's possible to be the best version of yourself while also living life a little! Trust me!

Have you ever felt like you know exactly what you should do, yet find yourself not doing it? In this enlightening episode, join me, Angie Callen, and Corinne Crabtree, as we explore why self-awareness often doesn't lead to self-action.

Corinne is renowned for her work in behavior change and weight loss, but her insights go far beyond just the scale. We uncover the complexities of habits, brain function, and the voices in our heads that get in the way.

In this episode, we explore: - The critical gap between knowing and doing - How our brain's wiring impacts behavior change - Emotional eating as a metaphor for deeper issues - Strategies for self-coaching and accountability - The importance of small, sustainable changes - Navigating the tension between discipline and self-compassion - Recognizing and challenging unhelpful mental narratives

The takeaway? Change isn't about doing a complete life overhaul overnight. It's about managing the stories we tell ourselves and building a foundation of small successes.

Corinne Crabtree is not just an expert in weight loss; she's a master of turning thought into action. Her approach involves understanding emotional and mental patterns, making her a guide for anyone seeking purposeful change. You can follow her work and get helpful resources at nobisweightloss.com.

Remember, humans still matter—and that starts with you. Take ownership, defy mediocrity, and embark on your journey to change.

"That's just who I am."

But is it?

After my conversation with Ebony McNeil about character, accountability, and who we're becoming, I kept thinking about the difference between knowing yourself and deciding you can't change.

In this More Work Mondays, I'm digging into the tension between authenticity and growth — and why being yourself doesn't mean every current version of you deserves permanent protection.

Plus, I'm introducing something new for this season of No More Mondays: three-episode arcs that let us explore one big idea from different perspectives, with MWM as my chance to reflect on what I'm still thinking about after each conversation.

This first arc: self-coaching and learning to lead yourself.

Who are you becoming in a world that constantly tells you who to be? In this episode, Angie Callen sits down with Ebony McNeil, founder of The Forge, to explore the nuanced journey of self-coaching and identity.

Ebony isn't just asking men to become more successful in the classic sense. He's challenging them to be intentional about their growth, dismantling societal expectations, and crafting a future where ownership changes everything.

In this episode, we explore: - The impact of societal messages on identity - How social media skews perceptions of manhood - Ways to cultivate positive, realistic imagery of masculinity - The interplay between internal identity and external influence - Tools for defining and reinforcing personal values - The importance of community in personal growth - Ebony's insights on personal validation and self-worth

Ebony McNeil is the passionate founder of The Forge, dedicated to fostering intentional growth in men through character, connection, and leadership. You can learn more about him through The Forge's programs and events.

Who we become is shaped by both internal reflection and external support. As Ebony and I discussed, the journey is ongoing, but one thing is clear:

Humans still matter. Mediocrity is expensive. Ownership changes everything.

More on this episode at https://careerbenders.com/episode-273/

Shannon Arner and her husband Jerry had a successful pet care business — and it was killing them. In 2017, Shannon found herself sitting in the surf on the coast of North Carolina, mentally and physically done. In the weeks that followed, they sold the business, sold the house, sold most of their stuff, and moved into a 500 square foot tiny home on the coast. People thought they'd lost their minds. What they'd actually found was their lives.

Shannon is the co-founder of Arner Adventures, a blog and community dedicated to helping others simplify, downsize, and design a life that actually fits them. She joins Angie to talk about the real face of burnout, what the healing period after a major life reset actually looks like, how minimalism reduces mental clutter (not just physical), and how to define adventure on your own terms — even if that just means trying a new restaurant.

In this episode:

• What burnout actually looks like when you've hit the wall
• How Shannon and Jerry sold everything in 30 days and didn't have a plan
• The healing period: sunshine, rainbows, and getting to know each other again
• Minimalism as a mental health tool — physical clutter and mental clutter are connected
• Defining adventure for yourself (it doesn't require hang gliding)
• Done is better than perfect — and why waiting for the perfect moment keeps you stuck
• The 30-day declutter challenge at arneradventures.com
• Book recommendation: Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols

Connect with Shannon: Website + free resources: arneradventures.com Also listen: Angie's episode on the Arner Adventures podcast

In this episode of No More Mondays, Angie Callen welcomes Justin Schenck, an entrepreneur, podcast host, and speaker who shares candid insights about the mental fortitude required to build a sustainable business. They dive into the realities of rock bottom moments, how investing in yourself can be a turning point, and why grounding your work in purpose is essential for long-term growth. If you've ever struggled with setbacks or the roller coaster of entrepreneurship, this conversation offers refreshing, authentic perspectives.

In this episode, we explore: - Facing and embracing rock bottom as a catalyst for growth - The importance of investing in yourself before the money comes - Building authentic, long-term relationships over transactional ones - Managing the highs and lows without losing focus - Defining your why beyond just financial goals - How setbacks can become breakthroughs - The role of community and live events in business growth - Setting daily habits to nurture body, mind, and relationships - Designing your life first, then aligning your business to support it - Recognizing when ego blocks entrepreneurial progress

This episode reminds us that modern work and leadership are about resilience, values, and connection. It reveals how having a clear purpose and a supportive community helps leaders navigate uncertainty and build businesses that matter.

Justin Schenck is an entrepreneur and the host of the Growth Now Movement podcast. He is known for his no-nonsense approach and deep commitment to helping others turn their struggles into impactful growth. Justin's work centers on mindset, purposeful leadership, and authentic connection. You can learn more about Justin and his upcoming Growth Now Summit Live event at growthnowsummit.com.

At its core, this episode reinforces a vital truth: humans still matter. By investing in ourselves and each other, we create a world where business and purpose coexist authentically.

Career crossroads don't discriminate by age or seniority—even executives at Google face them. Eric Nehrlich's journey from a physics student to a Google executive, and eventually to executive coaching, is a compelling story of burnout, choice, and reclaiming personal agency.

In this episode, we explore: - The unexpected career pivots from physics grad school to tech startups - The financial and leadership pressures during Google's Great Recession era - Recognizing burnout and the physical toll of overwork - Challenging traditional career narratives and societal expectations - The power and consequences of owning your choices - The process of thoughtfully building a coaching business alongside a corporate career - Moving from opportunity-driven to intention-driven career decisions - The role of accountability and one small step experiments in change - The necessity of focus and saying no to good things to do great work - Balancing personal values, family, and professional ambitions

This conversation underscores the importance of adapting with self-awareness and intention in the evolving landscape of work and leadership.

Eric Nehrlich is an executive coach, author of "You Have a Choice: Beyond Hard Work to Meaningful Impact," and a former Chief of Staff at Google. His coaching practice helps leaders cut through complexity and find clarity to navigate career and life challenges.

At No More Mondays, we believe humans still matter—even in high tech, high stakes environments. Eric's story reminds us that meaningful impact comes from values-driven choices and embracing change with courage.

What if happiness isn't a reward for success, but its foundation? In this episode, Ashish Kothari shares his journey from corporate consulting to founding the Happiness Squad, a movement aimed at democratizing human flourishing. Despite a seemingly perfect career and life, Ashish faced anxiety and burnout that led him to rethink what real success means.

Why does this matter? We live in a world more complex and fast-paced than ever, often leaving us disconnected from ourselves and others. Ashish explains how science-backed practices in mindfulness, positive psychology, and neuroscience can help us reclaim joy, meaning, and presence.

In this episode, we explore: - The myth that success leads to happiness, and how happiness actually drives success - Personal reflections on anxiety, burnout, and the search for meaning - The power of relationships as the core of human flourishing - Harvard's Adult Development Theory and why complexity overwhelms us - Practical mindfulness micro-practices anyone can do daily - The role of community in combating loneliness and sustaining happiness practices - Breathwork and presence techniques for stress reduction - The vision and launch of the Happiness Squad community - The significance of intention setting as a daily happiness tool - How embracing our inner worlds can change our outer experience

This conversation reminds us that leadership and meaningful work start with values that honor human connection and individual well-being. Ashish Kothari, founder of the Happiness Squad, brings a human-centered approach rooted in his lifelong journey across cultures and corporate landscapes. His mission is to touch a billion lives with the joy and science of flourishing.

Remember, humans still matter, and thriving is possible when we learn to hardwire happiness from the inside out.

Perfectionism and imposter syndrome are often hidden forces that drain energy, fuel self-doubt, and push many of us to overwork just to feel worthy. In this episode, Heather Whelpley shares her personal story of being a lifelong overachiever who realized she was trapped by rules she never consciously chose — rules about success, worth, and productivity that stem from cultural and gender expectations.

This conversation matters because it speaks to the silent struggle so many face in modern work environments where proving and pleasing are mistaken for leadership and value. Heather reminds us that true freedom and authentic impact come from rewriting those stories and beliefs.

In this episode, we explore: - The roots of imposter syndrome and how it shows up differently across identities - The exhausting cycle of perfectionism and unrealistic self-expectations - How imposter syndrome overlaps with perfectionism in work and entrepreneurship - Why recognizing imposter feelings as experiences, not diagnoses, frees us - The role of self-compassion as the antidote to the inner critic - The cultural and gendered origins of the "rules" we follow - Steps to name and interrupt imposter syndrome and perfectionism - Creating new, values-driven beliefs about worth and success - The importance of community and external support in recognizing your gifts - The balance between taking feedback and listening to your inner knowing - Heather's journey to freedom from perfectionism and writing her books on the subject - The ongoing practice of deciding which rules to follow and which to break

Heather Whelpley is a speaker, author, and coach specializing in helping women break free from perfectionism and the pressures of overachievement to create their own rules for life and leadership. Her work blends personal stories with practical wisdom to encourage authenticity, self-compassion, and freedom. You can find Heather's books, coaching, and resources at heatherwhelpley.com and connect with her on LinkedIn.

This episode is a reminder that humans still matter, and that leadership starts from embracing our worth beyond what we do.

Halfway through the year is a critical time to check in on those goals we set with so much hope in January. On this episode of No More Mondays, Angie Callen welcomes Julie Ellis—entrepreneur, leadership coach, and author of Big Gorgeous Goals—to share her philosophy on setting ambitious goals that inspire, challenge, and ultimately fulfill us.

Julie helps us understand the difference between conventional goals like SMART goals or to-do lists and what she calls 'big gorgeous goals'—those audacious, inspiring goals that push us beyond our comfort zones and invite creativity and persistence over time. They explore why so many people get stuck, how fear of failure, judgment, and even success can sabotage our progress, and the essential role of delegation, systems, and accountability partners in reaching these goals.

In this episode, we explore: - The distinction between typical goal-setting and big gorgeous goals - Why creating space and disconnecting from constant busyness is critical for vision - The fears that hold us back and how to face them - How to build systems, processes, and teams that support ambitious goals - The importance of accountability and community in sustainable success - Reflecting on success and fulfillment as evolving concepts - Midyear recalibration: how to assess and adjust your goals realistically - Practical questions to get unstuck and move forward - The power of analog reflection in a digital age

This conversation connects with the themes of modern work, values-driven leadership, and human potential. Julie's story of building a successful business, going through a major transition, and redefining her own goals brings authenticity and hope for anyone needing a fresh perspective.

Julie Ellis is an entrepreneur, leadership coach, speaker, and author of Big Gorgeous Goals. She has built and exited a multi-million-dollar business and now dedicates her work to helping others set and achieve inspiring goals by acknowledging fears and building intentional supports.

Find Julie and her book at julieellis.ca and on LinkedIn.

Remember: Humans still matter, and your big, gorgeous goals can transform not just your work, but your life.