There’s this great idea that just about anything can be transformed from a challenge into a gift and opportunity.

For Joleigh Sherwood, it’s not just an idea…it’s a way to attack and create every day.

It’s how she overcame tragedy. It’s how she started her own national Nanny-matching business, and it’s her ceaseless piece of advice for just about everyone.

On this week’s show, Joleigh gives the step-by-step to a life that’s jam packed with possibility.

Segment 01 — Brother’s Passing

Joleigh’s brother passed away too early — and she transformed the tragedy into a catalyst for success in her own life. If you’ve faced the trauma of a loved one’s passing, this is a powerful listen.

Segment 02 — Landmark Communications

Joleigh is a big fan of how the “Landmark” organization teaches and shares intentional communications. Lots of chat about commitment, listening, layers and understanding.

Segment 03 — “There is no such thing as common sense…”

Joleigh’s favourite professor hit her with this quote as a way to remind her that so much in life is learned and absorbed — it’s not innate. “People do things differently — we are in the world because of the way we were brought up.”

Segment 04 — Surfing

Sure, living in California has a lot of perks — but the ability to hit the beach at any given moment and meld with the water is Joleigh's perfect everyday opportunity.

Leanne Velky’s LinkedIn profile reads “I build reg sites.”

But it should probably read, “I give great advice to anyone in transition.”

A couple of years back, Leanne decided to make some changes in her life, including taking the leap into a brand new business (for those of you in events, her colleagues call her “The Reg Queen.”).

If you’re starting your career, changing jobs or moving through any major transition in life…you want to listen to Leanne on The Playbook this week. She’s got some great advice for how to find the courage to take the leap — plus the one thing that you should do to your LinkedIn profile RIGHT NOW.

Segment 01 — Why Not Me, Why Not Now?

The one question Leanne asked herself to get out there and start a business — and why you should do it too.

Segment 02 — Change Your LinkedIn Headline to the Simplest Thing You Do

Leanne changed her LinkedIn profile headline on a whim — and then things got SERIOUSLY interesting.

Segment 03 — Permission Granted

Sometimes we all need the nudge of a little external validation to take the leap.

Segment 04 — Decide on Who You Want to Be

“I can’t keep milk in the house…” How being the worst at grocery shopping became a moment of empowerment.

My pal Jen Febel just published a new book — it’s called: “How to set boundaries (without feeling like a dick).”

Awesome topic, great twist.

Jen joins The Playbook recently for one of the best conversations ever. Here’s what you’ll learn to apply to your own career:

Segment 01 — My Coach

“Coaching” is “how.” “Therapy” is “why.” Jen describes what a good coach can bring to your life.

Segment 02 — My Choir

Belonging to “something” is something we all know is important and gratifying — but here’s how you can connect with people to change your life.

Segment 03 — My (NewNewNew Book)

Jen says a boundary isn’t the inflexible wall you think it is — and talks about how you can set, reset and understand boundaries for everyone’s benefit. Then I derail her, and we start talking about all sorts of stuff.

Segment 04 — My Husband

What is a partnership for? How do you connect? What can you give one another for a better life.

Possibly the most touching, most harrowing, most inspiring episode we have ever done.

I hit the floor at a massive conference in October, and go the chance to talk with two incredible leaders in the event space. Both Debbie Garcia and Nelia Nunes brought a showstopper insight for your career and your life.

Here’s what we learned:

Segment 01 — Debbie Garcia — The Pandemic
So many entrepreneurs took the Pandemic as a time to rethink, reshuffle and restart. Debbie shows how it’s done.

Segment 02 — Debbie Garcia — Emotional Regulation
It’s a tough world out there — but Debbie chose to start meeting it with a massive smile os possibility. Here’s how you can do it too.|

Segment 03 — Nelia Nunes — Supporting Her Daughter
When she was 11-years-old, Neil’s daughter had a seizure out of the blue. The journey forward was challenging, hopeful and full of learning. Nelia shares the experience, and lots of tips on how you can succeed in an impossible situation.

Segment 04 — My First Event
Think back to YOUR first job. What did that look/feel like? What did you learn? If you’re about to start something new, Nelia shows you how to look for the right things with which you can succeed.

Imagine you get the chance to install software on Prince’s laptop — Prince, as in the greatest musician of all time Prince.

In a situation like that you have to wonder, “how on earth did I get HERE?”

Marc Stevenson has the answer to that question — and more than a few stories about the world’s best musicians. This week, he shares his four Gamechangers to help you level up you career and take on the world.

Segment 01 — Expectations
This one’s a bit of a jaw dropper — Marc and his family are expecting a big inheritance. The plot twist fuels an extraordinary career.

Segment 02 — Beyoncé
Yes, there is a real Beyoncé story in this story, but it’s how Marc put himself in the position to hang with her that’s important.

Segment 03 — Getting Bought
Be a sell out — in the very best way possible. Marc talks about what it means to be attractive to buyers, and how you can keep learning.

Segment 04 — Corporate Adventures
What happens once you’ve spent your career on your own, and you go “inside” for a corporate gig? Marc shares the whole story in this extended segment (complete with TWO stories about Prince).

It's finally happening!

If you know the name Cynthia Richards, you know this is going to an Oprah-level episode (seriously, she gives me so many glow ups, it's nutty).

Cynthia is a powerhouse of inspiration, who co-founded the events agency Event Spectrum (Hi Zora!). Here, she shows how some of the indelible ideas of connection are STILL essential in our media drenched universe. LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE!

Segment 01 - Likeability
Are you truly, honestly likeable? Why? How? Be conscious of this simple idea, and everything changes.

Segment 02 - See People. Give to People.
This is really nine different ideas in one. We start with "remembering someone's name" and end with how you help the world around you.

Segment 03 - Values
What are your values and how do you live them? Now...look at your values again and push a little bit. Get beyond the obvious ones (honesty, integrity, accountability), and find out the most important part of you.

Segment 04 - Curiosity
You hear this all the time, but do you live this all the time? How does real world, real time curiosity work.

Julie Gropp is my energy doppelgänger, so you know that's going to be trouble.

Be sure to turn your radio down a tick or two to capture all the super insight of someone who knows who to practically de-escalate and break into the brains of those she works with. If you like real world mental health, this is your episode.

Segment 01 - Mental Clutter
Our brains are buzzing cities of information, distraction and attention. Here's how to deal with it all.

Segment 02 - Neruoscience Podcast
Julie found the neuroscience dream pop culture dream team – all hanging out together on one must listen Podcast.

Segment 03 - Owning Smarts
If you're smart, don't hide it. Sound obvious? It's interesting how many of us wallpaper over that stuff.

Segment 04 - The Commitment of Doing Nothing
Sure, we talk about "self care" and relaxation. Then we jump into the social media river and watch our anxiety spike. Here's an actual, honest-to-goodness guide to do less.

Every time I talk to Brandy Ryan, our 15 minute scheduled call turns into 90...and we have to force ourselves to stop talking to one another.

She's just that engaging, interesting and empathetic.

Brandy Ryan is a Creative Director who really really really takes the care and time to understand audiences. On this show, she shares great ideas on how she unlocks creativity...and how you can to:

Segment 01 - Walking
Need to solve a problem...walk it off (but not in the sports-y kind of way).

Segment 02 - Courage
It couldn't come at a worse time...

Segment 03 - Failure
Sure, we all SAY that failure is essential, but what happens when the rubber hits the road?

Segment 04 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Listen to this segment...and you'll want to watch it too.