In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Joanne Lockwood to tackle a hard truth...exclusion isn’t just an ethical issue; it’s a business risk. Joanne shares her journey from IT entrepreneur to inclusion advocate, breaking down what leaders think they’re getting right about DEI, and what they’re actually getting wrong. We discuss why performative diversity efforts fail, how exclusion quietly erodes company culture, and why belonging is more than a buzzword (it’s a competitive advantage).

We also explore the concept of conscious inclusion—the practice of actively considering who’s missing from the conversation. Joanne offers a fresh perspective on why DEI initiatives shouldn't just be about compliance or PR but about creating positive people experiences that fuel engagement, innovation, and long-term success. If you think diversity is just a box to check, this episode will change your mind.

Key Takeaways:

• Exclusion is expensive. A lack of belonging leads to disengagement, high turnover, and lost innovation.
• DEI isn’t a policy—it’s culture. Leaders must connect emotionally, not just logically, to create real impact.
• Who’s missing from the table? Conscious inclusion means proactively seeking out voices and perspectives you haven’t considered.

Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:41 Joanne's Origin Story
02:29 The Journey of Gender Transition
04:01 Becoming an Advocate and Educator
08:20 Building Positive People Experiences
11:53 Creating Inclusive Cultures
16:58 Challenges and Conscious Inclusion
22:45 Leaders Standing Strong
24:36 Connecting with Joanne
25:38 Conclusion and Farewell

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

What happens when you give everything to a job—only to realize you’re working for a toxic, gaslighting boss? Lindsay White knows this story all too well. After a 20-year corporate career in HR and strategic talent management, she made the bold decision to walk away from a job that was making her miserable. In this episode, we dive into what finally pushed her over the edge, the grief that comes with leaving behind a career path you thought was yours forever, and how she turned that moment into an entirely new future.

Lindsay also shares her no-BS philosophy on leadership, why self-awareness is the difference between success and failure, and how to build a workplace culture where people actually want to stay. Plus, we tackle the myth of the “natural-born leader” and why being charismatic doesn’t mean you’re cut out to lead.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a toxic work environment or wondered whether it’s time to bet on yourself, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Toxic Work Environments Take a Toll – Staying in a toxic workplace, especially under a gaslighting boss, can drain you emotionally and physically. Recognizing when enough is enough—and having the courage to walk away—can be life-changing.
• Leadership Is a Skill, Not a Personality Trait – Being a great leader isn’t about being the loudest person in the room or having natural charisma. True leadership requires self-awareness, intentionality, and the ability to create an environment where others can thrive.
• People Strategy Is the Missing Piece – Businesses focus on sales, marketing, and operations, but often neglect the most critical element: their people. A strong people strategy connects talent to business goals, fosters belonging, and ensures that culture is more than just a buzzword.

Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:31 Lindsay's Career Turning Point
01:25 Toxic Work Environment
02:20 The Decision to Quit
03:22 Transition to Coaching
05:41 Reflecting on Leadership
09:13 The Role of Coaching
16:49 Challenges in Coaching
22:41 Influential Thought Leaders
25:39 Conclusion and Contact Information

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

Is your Sunday ruined by the dread of Monday? In this episode, we’re tackling the Sunday Scaries and transforming them into an opportunity for growth and success.

Join Alyssa as she chats with Lori Rogers, founder of PositiveActivity.net, about the science-backed strategies that elevate happiness, productivity, and sales performance. Lori shares her journey of shifting from negativity to abundance, the life-changing power of the High-Five Habit, and the surprising hacks that make positivity a competitive edge in business.

Whether you're a team leader looking to energize your crew or an individual contributor battling burnout, this conversation will inspire you to rewrite your story, embrace optimism, and finally take back Monday.

Key Takeaways:

• The Morning Mindset Shift That Works: Learn how a seven-second habit from Mel Robbins’ High-Five Habit can transform your confidence and productivity every day.
• The 3-Minute Energy Hack: Discover Lori’s go-to activities, from dancing in the kitchen to a quick nature walk, that instantly shift your mood and get you back on track.
• The Subconscious Mind Trick: Find out why saying affirmations like “Clients are looking for me—it’s so easy!” 50 times a day for three days can rewire your mindset for success.
• The Secret to Joyful Selling: Hear the science behind how positivity can make you 31% more productive and sell 27% more—plus actionable steps to apply it in your sales process.
• How to Overcome the Sunday Scaries for Good: Lori’s practical advice on embracing Monday with optimism, even when the week ahead feels overwhelming.

If you skip this episode, you’ll miss game-changing insights into how positivity isn’t just feel-good fluff, it’s a proven tool for achieving more in business and life.

Key Moments:
00:00 Welcome to Taking Back Monday
00:09 Introducing Lori: Overcoming Negativity
00:53 Strategies to Shift Your Energy
03:21 Dealing with Post-Holiday Stress
06:48 Positivity in Sales and Business Growth
09:06 The Power of Positive Mindset
13:23 Laurie's Journey to Positivity
16:05 Taking Back Monday: Practical Tips
19:35 Recommended Resources and Final Thoughts
21:20 Connect with Laurie and Conclusion

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Jean-Pierre Dumas joins Alyssa to unpack the critical connection between employee experience (EX) and customer experience (CX). Jean-Pierre shares powerful stories from his leadership journey, including how a culture in crisis became a thriving, best-in-class team. Discover why your employees are your first—and most important—customers, and how investing in their happiness leads to better results for your business. Whether you're a leader navigating team dynamics or someone passionate about creating impactful work environments, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won't want to miss.

Key Takeaways:

• Your Employees Are Your First Customers
  Investing in your team's experience directly impacts their ability to serve customers. Happy, engaged employees create better customer outcomes and help build a thriving culture.
• Culture Fixes Start with Leadership
  When things go wrong in an organization, the problem isn't always with the people—it often lies in processes and systems. Effective leaders identify these gaps, address them transparently, and rally their teams for success.
• Action Creates Trust
  Whether from employee feedback or customer surveys, taking visible, meaningful action on input is critical to building trust and loyalty. Teams thrive when they see their voices matter.
  
  

Key Moments:
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:20 JP's Origin Story
01:59 Lessons from Early Career
03:24 Merging Teams: Challenges and Insights
06:03 Importance of Employee Experience
13:40 Remote Work and Pandemic Challenges
20:18 Taking Action on Feedback
26:03 Leadership and Team Building
33:51 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Sarah Ratekin, founder of Happiness is Courage, to explore how optimism and positive psychology can inspire courage, improve workplace culture, and combat the challenges of modern work. From addressing burnout and brain drain to redefining leadership accountability, Sarah shares data-backed insights and actionable strategies for creating workplaces where people and organizations thrive. Discover the power of laughter yoga, the importance of happy employees, and why courage grounded in happiness—not fear—is the key to a sustainable and successful future.

Key Takeaways:

• Courage Rooted in Happiness Creates Sustainable Success
  Traditional fear-based motivation may work in emergencies but isn’t sustainable. Tapping into happiness and optimism as sources of courage leads to more positive, long-lasting outcomes in both personal and professional settings.
• Happy Employees Drive Happy Customers
  Employee well-being is the foundation of organizational success. Companies that prioritize their people—not just their customers—see improved brand perception, better customer experiences, and a stronger market position.
• Laughter and Positivity Are Powerful Workplace Tools
  Techniques like laughter yoga harness the brain's natural chemistry to reduce stress, foster connection, and build resilience. Encouraging positivity and joy in the workplace isn’t just good for morale; it’s a strategic advantage.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:15 Understanding 'Happiness is Courage'
01:13 The Importance of Courage in Leadership
02:11 Addressing Employee Turnover and Engagement
03:51 The Link Between Happy Employees and Business Success
06:05 Challenging Traditional Corporate Mindsets
07:42 The Concept of Brain Drain
14:17 Military Experience vs. Corporate Culture
17:09 Exploring Laughter Yoga
20:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

Are you stuck in survival mode at work? In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa Nolte sits down with workplace trauma expert Rob Connelly to explore how professional environments can shape our responses to stress and adversity. Learn how trauma adaptations like fight, flight, freeze, and fawn show up in the workplace and what leaders can do to foster healthier, more productive environments. Discover the power of self-awareness, acceptance, and intentional growth to break free from the cycle of stress and build a thriving workplace culture. Whether you're an employee seeking to heal or a leader looking to inspire, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can start using today.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Professional Trauma: Trauma isn't the event itself but the adaptations your body and brain make to survive overwhelming situations. Recognizing these responses (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) is the first step to healing.
• The Role of Leadership in Workplace Healing: Leaders who invest in understanding their teams as human assets—not just resources—can cultivate environments that improve employee well-being and boost organizational success.
• Adaptation Happens, So Take Control: Change is inevitable, but you can either adapt reactively to stress or proactively toward growth. Embrace self-awareness, acceptance, and intentional action to thrive in your professional life.

Key Moments:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:21 Understanding Professional Trauma
03:24 Projecting Trauma onto Others
04:11 The Science Behind Trauma Responses
06:10 Acceptance and Mindset Shifts
12:02 Creating a Supportive Work Environment
13:19 The Business Case for Employee Well-being
20:35 Leadership and Self-awareness
21:59 Spotlight on Dan Goodman
23:01 Conclusion and Contact Information

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In the Season 2 premiere of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Elizabeth Solaru, a trailblazer whose journey spans microbiology, headhunting, and luxury cake artistry. Elizabeth shares her inspiring story of resilience, from cold-calling her way to royal connections to becoming a leading voice in luxury consulting. They explore the evolving meaning of luxury, the power of inclusivity, and how consumers now shape brand narratives. Elizabeth also highlights her groundbreaking book, The Luxpreneur, offering actionable insights for businesses aspiring to achieve luxury status. This episode is a masterclass in courage, adaptability, and redefining success—don’t miss it!

Takeaways:

• Resilience and Adaptability Drive Success:
  Elizabeth Solaru's journey from microbiology to luxury cake artistry exemplifies the power of pivoting when faced with challenges. Her story highlights how desperation can fuel innovation and bravery, proving that persistence and belief in your product are essential for success.
• Luxury is Personal and Inclusive:
  Luxury isn’t just about exclusivity and opulence—it’s about emotional resonance and personal meaning. Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of understanding your customer’s unique definitions of value, whether it’s comfort, security, or minimalism, and tailoring experiences to meet those needs.
• Consumers Shape Brands Today:
  The dynamic between brands and consumers has shifted dramatically, with consumers now dictating what they value through transparency, authenticity, and advocacy. Businesses, especially in luxury, must align with these expectations to remain relevant and competitive.

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa sits down with career coach and former professional dancer Shaté Hayes to explore what it means to build a life and career that truly lights you up. Shaté shares her journey from the dance floor to the corporate world, uncovering her passion for helping others find alignment in their work and personal lives. Together, they discuss how leaders can create happy, high-performing teams, the power of workplace chemistry, and why career fulfillment is about more than just a paycheck. Whether you're navigating a career change, managing a team, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with insights to help you take back your Mondays and find joy in what you do. Tune in to learn how to embrace creativity, align with your values, and build a life you love.

Key Takeaways:

1. Workplace Fulfillment Starts with Alignment: Career fulfillment is about aligning your work with your core strengths, values, and passions. It’s not just about tolerating a job but finding a role that lights you up from the inside out.
2. Leadership Shapes Team Chemistry and Success: Leaders have a responsibility to invest in their team's career growth, foster chemistry, and create an environment where individuals feel valued. Happy, engaged teams don’t just perform better—they also mirror the investment their leaders show in them.
3. Creativity Thrives Everywhere: Creativity isn’t confined to the arts. Whether solving problems in tech, designing processes, or leading teams, every role has a creative element. Recognizing and embracing this helps individuals and organizations unlock new levels of innovation and fulfillment.

Key Moments:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:16 Defining Career Fulfillment
03:16 Personal Journey to Career Fulfillment
07:36 Challenges in Career Coaching
11:12 Building Happy and High-Performing Teams
14:54 Inspirational Figures and Final Thoughts
16:41 Where to Find More Resources

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod