Today, we’re exploring a topic that affects all of us: change. Whether it’s in our careers, relationships, or personal growth, navigating change can be challenging—but what if we approached it like an improv scene? I’m thrilled to have Kat Koppett with us today. Kat is an expert in applied improvisation where she helps individuals and organizations harness the power of improv to think on their feet, adapt, and thrive in uncertain situations.

You’ll walk away with insights and practical tools to apply in both business and everyday life. You can reach Kat at: https://Koppett.com where you can find her books and links to the Improv theatre in New York. Here's the article helping you apply some of the expanded principles: https://goalsforyourlife.com/appied-improvisation

Make sure you’re getting all our podcast updates and articles! https://goalsforyourlife.com/blog Get them directly to your inbox here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com

Quick recap: Deborah and Kat Koppett discussed the application of improvisation principles in various aspects of life, including work, parenting, and personal relationships, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, resilience, and adaptability. They also explored the benefits of improvisation in personal and professional settings, highlighting its role in developing communication skills, creativity, and innovation. Next Steps: -Take an improv class to exercise spontaneity and comfort with discomfort. -Practice paying attention to thoughts, feelings and surroundings, then asking, “How can I accept and build with this? -Explore journaling or meditation as ways to increase self-awareness and acceptance.

CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 01:49 - Kat Koppett, Applied Improvisation Expert 03:07 - Kat's Journey to Improv Expertise 09:00 - Embracing Uncertainty in the Future 11:17 - Parenting as an Improv Scene 12:50 - Understanding Applied Improvisation 17:58 - Overcoming Fear of Going Off Script 22:45 - Cultivating Flexibility in Life 24:26 - Celebrating Failures for Growth 27:14 - Strengthening Your Resilience Muscles 32:50 - Improv's Benefits for Clients 34:33 - Boosting Creativity through Improv 41:06 - Navigating Change Effectively 45:30 - Finding Pat: A Personal Journey 46:56 - Thank You for Joining Us 47:58 - Outro

Welcome to today’s podcast, where we’ll explore a topic that’s at the heart of living a purposeful and resilient life: Building on a Strong Foundation. Just like a house needs a solid base to withstand storms, and as I recently found, a shower needs solid waterproofing, our lives require a foundation built on core values, integrity, and a commitment to growth. These elements shape the way we handle challenges, make decisions, and pursue meaningful goals. In this episode, we’ll dive into what it means to have a strong foundation, why it matters, and how we can cultivate one that supports us through life’s ups and downs.

Full article here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/strong-foundation

Get all our free weekly articles here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter

Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com

#personalbrand #personalbranding #yourcorevalues #definingyourcorevalues #corevaluessuccess

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - The Importance of a Strong Foundation
01:03 - Our Sponsor
01:37 - Core and Spiritual Values
04:15 - The Pillars of Trust
09:55 - Lifelong Learning
13:16 - Conclusion
13:59 - How to Strengthen Your Foundation
15:51 - Sign Up for Our Weekly Articles
16:06 - Trusted Resources at HalftimeSuccess.com
17:02 - Thank You for Joining Us

In this episode we explore how life-altering challenges can redefine not just who we are but how we approach our careers. Imagine facing a setback so profound that it changes every aspect of your daily life, like becoming a paraplegic, then a walking paraplegic. Through determination, adaptability, and grit, such challenges can open unexpected doors to new paths and purposes. In this conversation with Erica Sosna, a walking paraplegic, we share insights on how resilience in the face of adversity can transform limitations into opportunities, creating a career—and a life—that’s more meaningful than ever imagined.

A couple takeaways are: 1. Where you look is where you go. 2. Your focus and your attitude determine your experience. 3. Learn how to be uncomfortable.

Contact Erica at: https://www.TheCareerEquation.com and on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericasosna/

Make sure you’re getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter

Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com

#Resilience #CareerTransformation #LifeChangingChallenges #Inspiration #Mindset

#selfimprovement #jobmarket #womenhittingthewall #resilientprofessionals #careersetbacks

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Life Altering Challenges, Career Redefinition
01:06 - Goals for Your Life Podcast Sponsorship
01:47 - Erica Sosna’s Background and Experience
06:48 - Erica’s Accident Impact on Business and Life
11:50 - Education and Self-Talk During Recovery
12:55 - Balancing Personal and Professional Life
17:17 - Life-Changing Events: What Happens Next
23:07 - Typical Shifts in Others After Life Events
26:40 - Redefining Your Focus After Challenges
33:45 - Mindset Shifts: Helping Yourself and Others
36:24 - The Power of Gratitude in Recovery
37:40 - Understanding The Hero's Journey
40:10 - Personal Changes After Life Events
43:50 - What's Next: Future Plans and Goals
47:47 - Key Takeaway from the Discussion
50:37 - Contacting Erica for More Information
51:40 - Thank You and Farewell

The timeless lyrics from Fred Rogers’ beloved song “Won’t You Be my Neighbor” remind us of the simple yet profound value of being a good neighbor. Most listeners of this podcast probably remember Mister Roger’s Neighborhood that aired nationally between 1968 and 2001 and became a staple of children’s television, focusing on themes of kindness, empathy and community. In times of disaster, when uncertainty and fear can overwhelm us, the essence of these words becomes even more powerful.

Disasters test the strength of our communities and being a good neighbor means stepping up with kindness, support, and connection. It’s not just about asking, “How can I help?” but it’s showing up emotionally for for those around us in their greatest moments of need. In many ways, being a good neighbor is showing love with intentional actions that foster connection and make a difference. This is especially relevant as this airs with the recent disasters faced by many in California with so much loss by fire. Greg and I share a few thoughts that will hopefully inspire you to reach out to someone who needs a hug, encouragement or even a helping hand. See article at: https://goalsforyourlife.com/effect-of-kindness for more ideas on love and demonstrating care as a good neighbor.

Make sure you’re getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter

Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com

#communityconnections #kindness101 #community #lifelessons #mrrogers

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introduction
02:20 - Being a Neighbor
08:20 - Embracing Neighborly Value
10:40 - Nurturing Community Relationships
14:30 - How to Meet Your Neighbors
18:28 - Being a Giver
21:58 - Helping Those in Need
24:03 - Coping with Life's Overwhelm
26:34 - Closing Announcements
27:35 - Thank You for Joining Us

Have you ever felt stuck before you even started? Maybe it’s staring at a blank page, tackling a massive to-do list, or taking that first step toward a long-held dream. The fear of beginning or is something we all face—it’s that nagging voice that tells us the task is too big, the timing isn’t right, or we’re not ready. But here’s the thing: nothing great gets finished unless we find the courage to begin. In today’s episode, we’ll uncover what holds us back from starting, explore how to shift our perspective, and share practical steps to help you take action with confidence. It’s time to break through the fear and take that all-important first step.

Full article here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/fear-of-beginning

Get all our free weekly articles here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter

Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Fear of Starting
01:02 - Sponsored by GoalsYourLife.com
01:42 - Overcoming Fear of Starting
04:26 - Reframing Mindset
07:13 - Strategies to Overcome Fear
14:07 - Final Thoughts
15:14 - Outro

How many of us feel like we need time off? I can feel all the affirmative head nods at answering that question! Most of us take vacations. But what is entailed in a real career break with structured time off? Is it something that more employers and even small businesses should consider for some of their team members? What are the implications, both financially and with productivity? Also, what are the implications for the person taking a career break? Is it too risky? Is too much professional momentum lost for both the employer and employee? We answer some of those questions today in this interview with Laura Nguyen who has an extensive background in helping high-achieving leaders go from burned out to balanced.

Takeaways: 1. Take time to play, pause, plan and pursue. 2. Find your circle of trusted and truthful contacts that know how to ask the right type of questions for you to gain clarity. 3. It's possible to take a career break without sacrificing your professional momentum/trajectory and cultural attitudes towards career breaks have shifted significantly 4. Define one fun activity for this next week. Contact Laura at: https://lauranguyen.co or https://sollesolutions.com

Make sure you’re getting all our podcast updates and articles! Get them here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter

Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introduction
01:59 - Laura Nguyen's Background
06:43 - Career Break vs. Vacation
10:38 - Common Fears of Taking a Career Break
18:16 - Duration of a Career Break
20:40 - Overcoming Burnout and Hesitation
22:46 - Importance of Trusted Friends
27:01 - Long-Term Benefits of a Career Break
31:40 - Employer's Role in Career Breaks
34:54 - Mental Obstacles to Taking a Break
38:21 - Key Takeaway for Listeners
41:47 - How to Contact Laura
43:20 - Outro

Today we dive into the transformative world of angel investing—a dynamic force driving innovation and change. Angel investing refers to the practice of individuals, often called angel investors, providing financial support to early-stage startups and entrepreneurs in exchange for equity ownership. These investments not only fund groundbreaking ideas but also fuel economic growth, create jobs, and bring life-changing products and services to market. In this episode, we’ll explore with our guest Marcia Dawood, how angel investing impacts industries, communities, and even personal legacies. Marcia is especially passionate about helping women receive funding from angel investing. We will show why it’s more than just financial backing—it’s a catalyst for meaningful change.

Marcia Dawood is the author of Do Good While Doing Well, where she shares a lot of the resources given in this podcast. Find out more about Marcia at: www.marciadawood.com

Full article here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/angel-investing/

Get all our free weekly articles here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter

Aging often comes with misconceptions, but the truth is, it’s not a limitation—it’s a superpower. As you look in the mirror, you may see deepening lines around your eyes, additional wrinkles and even thinning hair. As you scroll through Instagram-perfect images, it’s hard NOT to feel like you’re too old, outdated and in no way, competitive. However, you have years of experience that have equipped you with wisdom, resilience, and a unique perspective that can’t be taught in a classroom or posted on a meme.

In this episode, we’re diving into how aging ENHANCES your value in life and work, showing why your accumulated knowledge and skills are your greatest assets. Whether you're navigating a career pivot, mentoring others, or chasing a lifelong dream, your experience can be the foundation for your most impactful chapter yet.

Full article here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/truth-about-aging

Get all our free weekly articles here: https://goalsforyourlife.com/newsletter

Resources with tools and guidance for mid-career individuals, professionals & those at the halftime of life seeking growth and fulfillment: http://HalftimeSuccess.com

00:00 - Aging is a Superpower
02:01 - Experience as Competitive Edge
05:35 - Networking Power and Influence
07:46 - Richer Perspective with Age
09:40 - Opportunity for Reinvention
12:02 - Importance of Mentorship and Leadership
14:25 - Age is Just a Number
16:03 - Get the Newsletter
16:39 - Thanks for Joining Us