Would you consider yourself to be a lifelong learner? Are you constantly seeking to broaden your horizons and delve deeper into your passions? For Ruth Gotian, learning has always been a compulsion. The desire to know more and have a greater understanding of her passions has always driven her. She’s here to share how you can dig deeper into your passions and keep the knowledge train moving.

Dr. Ruth Gotian is a Chief Learning Officer and Assistant Professor of Education in Anesthesiology. She has made it her life’s mission to better understand the high achieving mind, and distill their habits into educational materials for adults everywhere. Her work has taken her across the globe to speak on optimizing our success, leadership development, and mentoring. 

She is currently in the process of researching the most successful people of our generation in order to learn about their habits and practices to help others optimize their success. But it’s her passion for knowledge that has taken her this far. 

Listen as she shares why we should all complete our own passion audit and then work with highly engaged mentors to bring our passions and work together. Mentors are one of the most important pieces of ongoing success, but not just any mentor will do. She shares the best way to create a mentor group and what specific characteristics you should look for. 

Dr. Gotian is a joy to listen to because she has truly found the best way to marry her passions into work that fulfills her life. If you’d like to do the same, then you won’t want to miss a moment of this chat!

Show Notes:

• [01:03] Welcome back and thank you for tuning in!
• [02:18] Ruth Gotian is here to chat about continuing your learning. Listen as she shares how she made her way to adult learning. 
• [03:55] What does it mean to meet your overt and covert goals? 
• [06:24] Learn more about the passion audit. 
• [09:20] Why the third column of the audit is so important. 
• [10:15] What kinds of characteristics does one need to create the work of their dreams? 
• [11:19] How to put together a very effective mentoring team. 
• [14:08] Can you use LinkedIn to connect with leaders in your space? 
• [18:05] How does Ruth find time to continue her own learning? 
• [21:28] Do children still like to read actual books or are they eReaders? 
• [23:41] Ways that you can surround yourself with knowledge and learning. 
• [24:45] Connect with Ruth.
  

Links and Resources:

• Ruth’s Website
• Passion Audit
• Mentoring Team Handout
• Ruth on LinkedIn
• Ruth on Instagram
• Ruth on Twitter

DISCLAIMER: Women Worldwide Note: This interview reflects a discussion with Helio Fred Garcia about his book, Words on Fire. The interview is not intended to be a complete analysis or reflect the express views of the Women Worldwide Network and show sponsors. Rather, we hope our network will digest the information thoroughly and, regardless of political views, raise your voices by casting your vote in the November 3rd election.

The words you speak and share have the power to change lives. This is true of everyone but even more so of our leaders and politicians. Helio Fred Garcia has spent his life studying the power of language because of his own experiences as a child. He knows first hand how words can change the world. 

Fred came to America as an immigrant with little knowledge of the English language, a hard to pronounce name, and a very heavy accent. He was bullied to the point of terror and worse. But all it took was the help and guidance of one amazing teacher and he learned the language and found his place in the world. 

It was as he was learning his new language that he realized the true power of words. He has since studied the patterns of speech used in the highest courts of the country and realized that many of the things being said today are reminiscent of scary times in history. 

Listen as we chat about the power of incendiary language and how it is affecting us today. Fred shares examples from his book of moments in recent history that were directly responsible for loss of human life and barbaric treatment of those wishing to come to America. 

Fred has so many amazing insights to share, but the most important is his view on how each and every one of us can stand up to the leaders who are still using incendiary language to incite the population. Listen in to learn more.

Show Notes:

• [01:03] Welcome back to Women Worldwide.
• [02:00] Helio Fred Garcia is back to chat about his book Words on Fire.
• [03:01] How did he find himself drawn to the power of communication, words, and reputation? 
• [06:03] What drove him to write his most recent book? 
• [08:46] How can the normal person recognize verbal patterns that denote future acts of violence? 
• [11:52] Fred shares things that you can do to address negative verbal patterns.
• [16:53] How does social media play into the change in politics as usual? 
• [18:23] What changed to bring our government to its current place? 
• [25:51] Will younger generations be able to confront the incendiary language? 
• [29:34] Fred shares a parting bit of advice.
  

Links and Resources:

• Words on Fire by Helio Fred Garcia
• Logos Consulting Group
• Fred on LinkedIn
• Fred on Twitter

I recently posed a question to my social media community asking them what was holding them back. It was very interesting to note that while I got a bunch of likes and hearts, there were very few comments. 

Now that could mean one of two things. Either everyone is killing it and taking risks and putting themselves out there to learn and grow in life and business. OR it didn’t feel like a safe space to really dig into the things that are holding you back. 

If you’ve been experiencing those feelings of doubt and unease, then I have three tips to help you overcome your blocks and barriers. 

First, look internally to understand and then scale those barriers. There’s so much noise out there, but that noise is a distraction from the truth of your personal blocks. Look internally and work on your internal voice. 

In that same vein, stop being so hard on yourself. When you take risks, you will make mistakes. That’s how you learn and the best way to grow. Allow yourself the grace to take the risk and if you fall, just remember to get back up.

Then always listen to your internal GPS. If an opportunity comes your way and you feel excited about it, then don’t listen to the voices that later make you doubt yourself. Your initial gut feeling was likely right and that opportunity should be yours.

So, what’s holding you back? How can you overcome it? 

Show Notes:

• [01:03] Welcome back to Women Worldwide. 
• [02:03] Why people may not have responded to my question about what’s holding them back. 
• [03:07] Don’t look at the external. Look internally to overcome your barriers. 
• [04:23] Stop being so hard on yourself. Mistakes pave the path to true learning. 
• [05:36] Listen to your inner GPS. 
• [07:29] Hear a quick recap of the three tips.

How would it feel to look at the difficulties in your life and see them as possibilities for a better future? Susanna Mittermaier is a Pragmatic Psychologist who is focused on helping her patients see challenges as a route to a better tomorrow. 

These challenges could be everything from living with depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, etc. to simply not having the coping mechanisms necessary to deal with the noise of the world. She helps doctors, teachers, parents, therapists, social workers, and patients to see their differences as advantages and to empower them to know what they know. 

Once you realize that your challenges are a gift and that you have a ton to offer the world, possibilities seem to be everywhere. This is really the basis of Pragmatic Psychology. We are responsible for creating our lives and living them with joy and ease. 

Listen as Susanna shares how to move beyond the trauma and leave drama behind so that you can reach a world of endless possibility. She also shares why listening to your body is one of the most productive things you can do and that taking a break is necessary. 

Susanna has so many amazing nuggets of wisdom to share on how to shift your thoughts from being mired in the mistakes of the past to seeing the choices you have in your future.

Show Notes:

• [02:21] Susanna Mittermaier is the founder of the Pragmatic Psychology approach. 
• [03:26] Why she chose psychology and how she founded Pragmatic Psychology.
• [05:00] What is the first step toward making a true change in one’s life? 
• [06:48] How to disentangle awareness versus feelings. 
• [08:51] Learn more about Susanna’s book. 
• [11:53] More and more people are choosing not to settle with the drama. Enter pragmatism and moving toward possibilities.
• [15:09] Choice by choice you’ll find you see possibility versus problems.
• [16:51] Does Susanna have moments where she feels the stress and drama? 
• [18:02] How does she stay in focus to accomplish things each day? 
• [19:39] Do you have to relax for long stretches or can it be small increments throughout the day? 
• [22:28] What is the best way to step away from challenges and look at them as possibilities? 
• [23:21] Connect with Susanna.
  

Links and Resources:

Susanna’s Website

Pragmatic Psychology Website

Susanna on Instagram
Susanna on Facebook

Susanna on Twitter

Susanna on YouTube

It doesn’t matter how prevalent video and images become, words are still the best way to express yourself. Rea Frey has been putting pen to paper and fingers to keys for many years writing and having her work published. She has been published by one of the 5 big publishers and is helping her clients to write and publish books of their own.

Rea started writing when she entered a poetry contest and won. It wasn’t until years later when she was experiencing a huge medical trauma that she really dug in and started honing in her craft and her stories. Fast-forward several years later and she began to study the world of publishing and how and why it works the way it does.

Since then she’s created courses, published more works, and helped other writers to find their way in the world of publishing. She’s sharing her tips and advice on the best way to start writing and to be sure that you’re viewing your book properly in the grand scheme of things. It is a product to be sold, and you’re the one responsible for selling it.

Learn why it’s necessary to build a platform and engage with your readers before your book even launches (because email lists aren’t just for big and small business owners.) If you want to be taken seriously as an author, then writing a fantastic book is just the first step. 

Rea is an inspiration and her story is definitely an amazing one for all aspiring writers who are seeking to become published authors. Success doesn’t come overnight, so just keep writing and putting your words out there. 

Show Notes:

• [02:06] Why writing is so important to self-expression. 
• [03:25] How did Rea find her clarity and learn to express herself through words? 
• [05:55] Why Rea created her program for aspiring writers and authors. 
• [07:33] What kinds of fears do her clients share with her? 
• [09:58] Writing the book is just the first step. Learn more. 
• [11:49] Has Rea sought out help with her own writing as she has evolved as a writer? 
• [13:34] Learn more about Rea’s most recent book.
• [14:56] How did she find clarity to write this book? 
• [17:56] Does she ever feel stressed when it comes to her career? 
• [20:31] Why boundaries have been necessary during this time. 
• [21:55] Rea shares her last bit of advice on finding clarity.
• [22:57] Connect with Rea.
  

Links and Resources:

Rea’s Website

Writeway

Rea on Instagram
Rea on Twitter
Rea on Facebook

Rea on LinkedIn

Can aromatherapy really help you fight off environmental diseases, aging, and illness? Yes! According to science and the experiences of many, they really can. Linda Oviatt is a Certified Aromatherapist and author who has spent the last several years studying, learning, and sharing everything about essential oils and their place in our health.

Contrary to popular belief, essential oils are everywhere. They’re in the foods we eat, the liquids we drink, and in many of the products we use. But not all essential oils are made equal. Linda is sharing why big box store essential oils are a bastardization of true therapeutic oils and what you can do to better inform yourself.

She also gives us a rundown of the three major schools of thought on essential oils and the best way to use them and why it all depends on you and your history. For many, essential oils are thought of when diffused, but you can also gain benefit when the oils are used on your skin or ingested.

Linda is truly knowledgeable about all things aromatherapy and her insights are extremely useful. She even shares the one big hold up when she first started studying aromatherapy and how she’s overcome it. If you’ve been interested in living a more holistic lifestyle using natural remedies for sickness, pain, and other ailments, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Show Notes:

• [01:10] New Jersey is starting to reopen!
• [03:03] Welcome Linda Oviatt to chat about aromatherapy and health. 
• [04:44] Did she go through any education process? 
• [05:39] Do people typically understand aromatherapy right off the bat? 
• [07:20] Learn more about the benefits of aromatherapy.
• [08:19] What is the right way to use essential oils? 
• [10:53] Is a diffuser a good way to introduce essential oils into your life? 
• [12:50] Which oils go with which benefits? 
• [15:54] Where does massage come into play? 
• [18:04] Why you should stay away from essential oils in the big box stores. 
• [20:55] The biggest lesson she has learned in her career with oils.
• [22:15] What keeps Linda feeling vibrant and healthy every day? 
• [23:52] Linda’s final piece of advice regarding health and aromatherapy. 
• [25:01] Connect with Linda.
  

Links and Resources:

Inspired, Informed, & Infused by Linda Oviatt

Linda’s Website
Linda on Facebook

Linda on LinkedIn
Linda on Instagram

Linda on Twitter

lindasoviatt@gmail.com 

Why is it important to start and engage in difficult conversations? Because without them change is impossible. Nassim Abdi spent 12 years as an educator in topics around diversity and inclusion and the intersections between gender, race, and other identities as they relate to systems of discrimination or disadvantage. 

She was later cast in a Netflix-featured film, Secret Ballot, and realized that the Q&A sessions she had were one of her favorite aspects of creating the film. She was engaged and the questions, while difficult, generated amazing conversations. 

It was then that she decided to create StoryBolt, a marketplace platform that enables attitude-changing conversations around the topics of Diversity and Inclusion, using the power of documentary storytelling. Stories are what reach into our hearts and demand action. StoryBolt uses storytelling to generate action through discussion and consideration. 

Listen as we chat about Nassim’s transition from educator to entrepreneur and why her time in the lecture hall helped her find success in front of the camera. Nassim shares tips for the first steps you should take when starting your business, and why it is so important to understand that you cannot build a successful business all on your own. 

We must have the hard conversations. No matter if you own your own business, you lead a team of people, or you’re preparing to one day lead, you have to be willing to be an agent of change. Listen in to learn more.

Show Notes:

• [01:36] Let’s talk about being the boss!
• [03:00] Why did Nassim become an entrepreneur and why StoryBolt? 
• [03:58] What types of topics did Nassim teach on when she was an educator? 
• [06:02] How Nassim’s film experience influenced StoryBolt.
• [07:13] Did any of her skills from teaching in the classroom transfer to entrepreneurship? 
• [09:36] Has Nassim had any AHAs as she’s grown in her business? 
• [12:30] What steps did Nassim take in the beginning that really helped her business? 
• [15:31] Why you shouldn’t dabble with your finances per Nicole Rodrigues. 
• [18:09] How does Nassim stay focused with everything going on? 
• [21:31] The app that Nassim uses to stay on top of networking. 
• [23:50] What can you do to keep your passion and be the boss in your business? 
• [25:23] Connect with Nassim.
  

Links and Resources:

• StoryBolt
• Nassim on LinkedIn
• Lunch Club
• Episode Sponsor: NRPR and Nicole Rodrigues
  
• Beverly Hills Boss by Nicole Rodrigues

NRPR Group is a strategic positioning agency that helps businesses, celebrities, entertainment companies, consumer products, and more to build successful brand platforms and reach their business objectives.

For so many women, managing finances is something that they’ve decided they are bad at. What if you were able to switch that mindset and make money a strength? Pam Hopman has spent the last several years helping people to overcome their money mindset blocks and finally feel as if they have the skills and knowledge needed to manage their own finances. 

Pam has been dedicated to helping others properly manage their money since helping her sister-in-law find her way after the loss of her husband. She’d never been the one to manage her household’s finances and amidst the grief of loss felt completely overwhelmed. Pam later went on to help other family members to reset after loss as well and realized that she truly enjoyed helping people gain a greater knowledge of their finances.

She has since been licensed in several different areas of finance and wealth management and now has a mastermind devoted to helping others gain clarity around their finances, managing their wealth, and beating back the money stories that have been ingrained through money moments. 

If you’re tired of feeling like you’re “bad” at money, take a minute to listen to this amazing conversation. Don’t just listen though, implement Pam’s tips and just keep learning.

Show Notes:

• [01:45] We’re chatting all about managing money and how to get better at it.
• [03:12] Welcome Pam Hopman and learn how she became involved in helping others with their money. 
• [06:07] How can women change the narrative around their ability to manage money? 
• [08:56] What steps do women need to take to start changing their money mindset? 
• [10:12] Pam explains what a money moment is and how it affects our mindset.
• [12:13] Should you change your money personality or become better about the personality you are? 
• [14:00] How can you approach becoming more involved with the finances for your family? 
• [16:21] What keeps Pam focused and motivated each day? 
• [17:34] Why do people choose not to become better with money? 
• [18:57] How does Pam stay up to date in her field? 
• [21:00] Pam shares a final bit of advice on how to get better with money.
• [21:52] Connect with Pam.

Links and Resources:

• The Hopman Group
• The Hopman Group on Facebook
• The Hopman Group on LinkedIn
• Wealth Amplified

According to rainn.org, every 9 minutes Child Protective Services confirms another instance of childhood sexual abuse. What can we do to stop the pernicious spread of abuse? Patricia Eagle joins me to share her story and ways that you can be the voice for children everywhere. 

Patricia was sexually abused by her father from the time she was 4 until she was 14. She tried to tell her mother, but she grew up in a time when the victims of sexual abuse were unlikely to be believed. Instead of receiving help, she was slapped down and told she was a liar. 

She has spent her entire life healing, growing, and learning to love herself again. It wasn’t until recent years however, that she wanted to tell her story on a broader stage. She wrote her book to tell her story but to also bring light to the things that we should all be on the lookout for with our children and the young ones in our lives. 

So, what can you do to stop childhood sexual abuse? Bring greater awareness to the issue. Voice your concerns when things seem off with the children in your life. Be aware of how the perpetrators of sexual abuse act. Don’t let the conversation stop. 

We can end childhood sexual abuse but only if we keep talking about it.

Show Notes:

• [01:55] Learn more about the statistics behind sexual assault in America.
• [03:04] Welcome Patricia Eagle to the show to share her story and her experience. 
• [04:50] How did Patricia get to a place where she could open up about her story? 
• [07:26] Who did she first talk to about the things that happened to her? 
• [10:56] Patricia shares how we can move past the stigma around mental health. 
• [15:15] What is a healthy way for family members to help victims? 
• [18:32] The landscape of help and support has changed significantly. 
• [20:39] It’s important to remember that you have to learn to trust and listen to yourself. 
• [23:59] You can’t take care of others unless you take care of yourself.
• [25:48] Patricia shares how you can move forward with empathy and hope. 
• [28:00] Connect with Patricia.

Links and Resources:

• RAINN
• Patricia’s Website
• Being Mean by Patricia Eagle
• Patricia on Facebook
• Patricia on Instagram
• Patricia on LinkedIn

Creating a compelling and authentic story that is still factual and entertaining is not an easy skill to master. In this era of fake news and inauthentic reporting, it’s important to bring things back to a safe space of truth. Michele Weldon has been an authority in the world of journalism for over 40 years and she’s here to share why storytelling remains an important thread in our lives. 

Michele started her writing career at a very young age by publishing her own monthly newspaper for her friends and family. She continued developing her writing chops and in highschool wrote teen stories for the local newspaper.

She later went on to study journalism and make her way into the world of reporting. She has since written six non-fiction books with the sixth coming out in September of 2020. Her long and storied career has only been possible because of her desire to create truthful stories with impact. 

Her thoughts on journalism today and why layering your writing are extremely thought-provoking, but her views on how to better your writing are invaluable. Take care of your mind and body and your writing will benefit as well. Listen in to learn more about creating your own writing habits and why storytelling remains imperative to our lives and businesses.

Show Notes:

• [02:14] Michele Weldon is here to share more about delivering authenticate and accurate stories. 
• [03:20] What put Michele on the path of becoming a storyteller and author? 
• [05:18] Learn more about her book Act Like You’re Having a Good Time. 
• [06:37] Who would benefit the most from her book? 
• [07:54] What did her writing process look like and was it difficult to write her book? 
• [09:47] Does she ever get stuck in writer’s block? 
• [11:09] Learn more about writing in layers. 
• [13:26] How are journalists handling truth today? 
• [15:35] Her first tip for all aspiring journalists and storytellers. 
• [16:44] Does she find herself reading more during this time? 
• [18:53] Why reading is the key to improving your writing. 
• [20:45] What does Michele do to keep refreshed and motivated? 
• [24:22] A parallel to seeing is listening and both help with your writing.
• [25:15] Michele shares her advice on the first steps to take when finding your dream. 

Links and Resources:

• Michele’s Website
• Michele’s Books
  Act Like You’re Having a Good Time by Michele Weldon
• micheleweldon@msn.com
• Michele on Twitter