In a world where people feel more isolated and overlooked than ever, belonging isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a leadership superpower. In this short but powerful episode, keynote speaker and discomfort-zone navigator Anne Bonney (https://YourChangeSpeaker.com) breaks down what it really means to create belonging for others—and how to do it with intention, whether you’re leading a team or simply showing up in your community. Forget forced team-building or hollow “you matter” posters. Belonging is built in the micro-moments—the small, genuine signals that say: “You’re safe here. You matter. You don’t have to pretend.” Whether you’re a manager, teammate, parent, or barista—this episode gives you concrete, real-world tactics to help people feel seen, heard, and accepted just as they are. If you want to be the kind of person others feel safe around, trusted by, and connected to—this episode is your playbook. 🙌 🔑 Key Takeaways: Belonging starts with small signals. A smile, remembering someone’s name, or inviting quieter voices into the conversation can make a huge impact.You can’t demand belonging—you invite it. Create low-pressure, low-risk ways for others to show up authentically.Extend belonging beyond the workplace. From your neighborhood to your coffee shop, tiny actions ripple outward into big culture shifts.🎧 Ready to level up your impact and build connection that actually sticks? Press play and start building belonging—one real moment at a time.Anne Bonney, CSP®, was born to talk—just ask any of her childhood teachers who wrote "talks too much" on her report cards! Now, she’s turned that chatter into a powerhouse career, jet-setting around the globe to help overwhelmed professionals build resilience in the discomfort of change. A dynamic keynote speaker, energizing conference Emcee, two-time author, and host of the hit podcast Dancing in the Discomfort Zone, Anne lights up both virtual and in-person stages with her high-energy, relatable style. After 20 years of crushing it in corporate and nonprofit leadership positions, she now uses her hard-earned experience and fiery passion to ignite YOUR courage to build resilience in change and challenges, tackle tough conversations, and lead with emotional intelligence. 

What do unicycling in Japan, teaching English, and building a career in motivational speaking have in common? Joe Fingerhut, that’s what! (www.joefingerhut.com) In this upbeat, laugh-filled, wisdom-packed episode, Anne chats with speaker, author, and eternal curiosity-chaser Joe Fingerhut to explore what it really means to turn limitations into launchpads.Joe’s life is proof that bold action, authentic storytelling, and relentless curiosity can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures—and yes, that includes falling off a unicycle a few (dozen) times. Whether you're a speaker, parent, or just someone itching to shake things up, this convo will spark fresh perspective and practical inspiration.🚴‍♂️🔥 Key Takeaways:Turn “I can’t” into “How can I?” Joe shares how mindset flips unlock surprising opportunities.Success starts with curiosity. Explore Joe’s six-step process to unlock potential (and contagious joy).Raise brave kids. Joe talks parenting with purpose, adventure, and growth mindset.Think like a pro. Strategic tools (like QuickBooks!) and goals helped Joe level up his speaking business and his life.Real stories connect. Joe breaks down how vulnerability and authenticity build trust and impact.👉 Tune in to laugh, learn, and maybe even get inspired to try something weird, wonderful, and a little uncomfortable. Like… a unicycle. Or chasing that big dream you’ve been shelving.For more from Joe, check out his website www.joefingerhut.comor on the socials @joefingerhut (FB, IG, Linkedin) Joe Fingerhut is founder of the global “How Can I?” movement, inspiring people to unlock potential and possibility.  In the 8 years after college, Joe Fingerhut traveled to 30 countries on 6 continents, then settled home in St. Louis, Missouri, and pursued a series of dream jobs, including: DJ, magician, uncicyler, and motivational speaker.  Joe loves any adventure with his wife and two kids, but especially looks forward to their month in Japan every summer.  

What do unicycling in Japan, teaching English, and building a career in motivational speaking have in common? Joe Fingerhut, that’s what! (www.joefingerhut.com) In this upbeat, laugh-filled, wisdom-packed episode, Anne chats with speaker, author, and eternal curiosity-chaser Joe Fingerhut to explore what it really means to turn limitations into launchpads.Joe’s life is proof that bold action, authentic storytelling, and relentless curiosity can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures—and yes, that includes falling off a unicycle a few (dozen) times. Whether you're a speaker, parent, or just someone itching to shake things up, this convo will spark fresh perspective and practical inspiration.🚴‍♂️🔥 Key Takeaways:Turn “I can’t” into “How can I?” Joe shares how mindset flips unlock surprising opportunities.Success starts with curiosity. Explore Joe’s six-step process to unlock potential (and contagious joy).Raise brave kids. Joe talks parenting with purpose, adventure, and growth mindset.Think like a pro. Strategic tools (like QuickBooks!) and goals helped Joe level up his speaking business and his life.Real stories connect. Joe breaks down how vulnerability and authenticity build trust and impact.👉 Tune in to laugh, learn, and maybe even get inspired to try something weird, wonderful, and a little uncomfortable. Like… a unicycle. Or chasing that big dream you’ve been shelving.For more from Joe, check out his website www.joefingerhut.comor on the socials @joefingerhut (FB, IG, Linkedin) Joe Fingerhut is founder of the global “How Can I?” movement, inspiring people to unlock potential and possibility.  In the 8 years after college, Joe Fingerhut traveled to 30 countries on 6 continents, then settled home in St. Louis, Missouri, and pursued a series of dream jobs, including: DJ, magician, uncicyler, and motivational speaker.  Joe loves any adventure with his wife and two kids, but especially looks forward to their month in Japan every summer.  

Ever had a bold idea or dream and immediately heard, “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” or “What if it doesn’t work?” Cue the naysayers. 🙄In this episode with your host Anne Bonney (https://YourChangeSpeaker.com), we’re unpacking the well-meaning, fear-fueled advice that often shows up just as we’re about to take a leap. (pair those with the voice of doubt already yelling "WTF ARE YOU DOING???", and NOT doing something starts to look pretty tempting.) The truth is, most naysayers aren't out to sabotage your dreams—they're trying to protect you. But if we’re not careful, their fear can become your hesitation... and that’s when dreams stall.Let’s shift the way we hear those voices. Instead of caving to pressure, what if we got curious about the why behind their doubt—and then made our own empowered choices anyway?🎙️ This episode dives into:Why naysayers often come from a place of love (but their advice isn’t always helpful)How to tell the difference between real red flags and projected fearsTools to stay grounded in your vision—even when others can’t see it yetIf you’ve ever second-guessed yourself because someone else did first, this one’s for you. Hit play and get ready to reframe the noise so you can keep moving forward with confidence.Anne Bonney, CSP®  (https://YourChangeSpeaker.com), is a high-energy keynote speaker, engaging emcee, and transformational workshop facilitator specializing in resilience, change leadership, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication. Known as the go-to authority on embracing change and thriving through discomfort, Anne delivers unforgettable and fun keynotes and corporate trainings—both in-person and virtually—that spark confidence, connection, and resilience in audiences around the world.With over 20 years of experience in corporate and nonprofit leadership, Anne brings practical, real-world strategies that empower teams to navigate change, lead with emotional intelligence, and tackle tough conversations head-on. She's the author of two impactful books on leading through change and host of the top-rated Dancing in the Discomfort Zone Podcast (you're here now!  You already know that!), where she interviews people (some thought-leaders, some regular people who have experienced challenges) and shares content to help YOU get more comfortable being uncomfortable and build your resilience in transition and uncertainty! Anne’s unforgettable presentations blend humor, heart, and high-energy storytelling—drawing on her wildly diverse experiences: from growing up overseas, training animals, and climbing Kilimanjaro to running marathons on all seven continents, singing opera, and entertaining troops in Iraq. She might even surprise your audience with a custom song on her guitar!Whether you’re planning a leadership retreat, sales kickoff, association event, or hybrid conference, Anne Bonney is the motivational speaker who will light up your stage, fire up your people, and leave them ready to embrace change, boost resilience, and lead boldly.

Ready to trade safe and expected for wild and extraordinary? In this bold and inspiring episode, Steve Fredlund (https://stevefredlund.com/) takes us on a journey from buttoned-up actuary to gorilla-hugging nonprofit founder (ok, he didn't HUG the gorilla...listen in to find out what he actually did!).  He's a professional speaker, and author of Do the Unright Thing. Spoiler alert: the magic didn’t happen when he followed the "rules"—it happened when he didn’t.Steve’s story is a masterclass in what can happen when you ditch the “right” path and say yes to discomfort, curiosity, and the road less traveled (literally—he starts off with a life-changing story from deep in the Rwandan jungle 🦍).Whether you're stuck in a career that looks good on paper but feels wrong in your gut, or just craving more meaning in your life, this episode will fire you up to color outside the lines.🔥 Key Takeaways:Extraordinary doesn’t live in your comfort zone—you have to be willing to do the “un-right” thing to find it.Impact starts with listening. Steve shares how trusting local leadership transformed his nonprofit work in Rwanda.Growth and courage go hand-in-hand—especially when you’re letting go of security to pursue your passion.“Un-right” choices don’t guarantee success, but they open the door to magic.Living your own life means rewriting the rules—and maybe tearing up the whole rulebook.👉 Tune in for inspiration, unforgettable stories, and a nudge (okay, maybe a shove) to follow your own “un-right” path.Want more from Steve?  Check out the interwebs!https://stevefredlund.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefredlund/Watch him speaking in person! - https://youtu.be/wTz3Flwwhf4Grab Steve's book.  https://www.amazon.com/Do-Unright-Thing-Memoir-Pleaser/dp/B0CRVJQMGWSteve Fredlund is a breakthrough expert and founder of The Safari Way, a global movement to help individuals, teams and organizations breakthrough the “good” to reach the extraordinary. His 30 years as a corporate actuary, nonprofit executive, entrepreneur, and leader of African safaris combine into award-winning keynotes, transformational trainings, and bestselling books.

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a mental game of tug-of-war between what you should do and what you actually want to do? Welcome to the club, my friend—membership: basically everyone. In this episode, your host Anne Bonney (https://YourChangeSpeaker.com) dives into the oh-so-human struggle between following the path society (or family or convention) paved for us… and the one that lights our own fire.This isn’t about being reckless or rebellious (we’re not talking illegal shenanigans here), but about tuning into the quiet inner voice that whispers, “There’s more for you.”🎙️ Buckle up for a real-talk ride through:Why “should” can feel safe—but suck the soul out of your decision-making.How to spot when you’re making choices to please, impress, or perform.Several juicy self-reflection questions to help you break free from the Should Shackles.The unexpected power of asking, “Whose voice is in my head right now?”Why saying “yes” to one thing might mean saying “no” to another.If you've ever ignored your gut in favor of playing nice, blending in, or keeping the peace—you’re gonna want to hear this.👉 Press play and give yourself permission to go against the grain!Anne Bonney, CSP®, is a high-energy keynote speaker, engaging emcee, and transformational workshop facilitator specializing in resilience, change leadership, emotional intelligence, and courageous communication. Known as the go-to authority on embracing change and thriving through discomfort, Anne delivers unforgettable and fun keynotes and corporate trainings—both in-person and virtually—that spark confidence, connection, and resilience in audiences around the world.With over 20 years of experience in corporate and nonprofit leadership, Anne brings practical, real-world strategies that empower teams to navigate change, lead with emotional intelligence, and tackle tough conversations head-on. She's the author of two impactful books on leading through change and host of the top-rated Dancing in the Discomfort Zone Podcast (you're here now!  You already know that!), where she interviews people (some thought-leaders, some regular people who have experienced challenges) and shares content to help YOU get more comfortable being uncomfortable and build your resilience in transition and uncertainty! Anne’s unforgettable presentations blend humor, heart, and high-energy storytelling—drawing on her wildly diverse experiences: from growing up overseas, training animals, and climbing Kilimanjaro to running marathons on all seven continents, singing opera, and entertaining troops in Iraq. She might even surprise your audience with a custom song on her guitar!Whether you’re planning a leadership retreat, sales kickoff, association event, or hybrid conference, Anne Bonney is the motivational speaker who will light up your stage, fire up your people, and leave them ready to embrace change, boost resilience, and lead boldly.

What if joy was the key to economic recovery? That’s exactly what consumer strategist and data whiz Lisa W. Miller (https://www.lwm-associates.com/) discovered when the world turned upside down in 2020. Instead of getting stuck in fear and uncertainty, Lisa had a bold realization: When joy is greater than fear, everything starts to turn around.Armed with this insight, she launched the Journey Back to Joy research project, gathering a staggering 78,000+ surveys over five years. Her groundbreaking data didn’t just track what makes people happy—it became a leading economic indicator, landing her on the pages of The Wall Street Journal and NBC Nightly News.💡 Joy vs. Fear: The surprising connection between happiness and economic recovery. 💡 Data that Predicts the Future: How Lisa’s research became a crystal ball for businesses. 💡 The Youth Crisis: What her data reveals about job satisfaction and social connection. 💡 The “Joy Wave” Hypothesis: Can joy really be contagious? Lisa says yes! 💡 The Power of Connection: Why human interaction beats digital convenience every time.If you’re ready for a fresh, data-backed perspective on happiness, business, and the economy, this episode is a must-listen! 🎙️✨

 When the Job Hunt Drags On: Laurie’s Journey from Unemployed to UnstoppableJob searching is rough—but nine months of rejection? That’s next-level tough. In this episode, Laurie gets real about what it’s like to be a seasoned professional suddenly feeling unemployable in a brutal job market. From self-doubt to ageism to the soul-crushing sting of rejection emails, she shares the highs, the lows, and the surprising lessons she learned along the way.But this story isn’t just about struggle—it’s about resilience, reinvention, and the power of knowing what truly matters. Tune in for a candid, insightful, and (yes) hopeful conversation about bouncing back when your confidence takes a hit.🔹 Title vs. Happiness: Why Laurie chose work-life balance over a bigger, shinier role. 🔹 Ageism Alert: The unexpected factor that made her job search even harder. 🔹 Rejection Overload: How she handled the emotional toll of constant “nos.” 🔹 Network = Net Worth: The real MVP in her job hunt (hint: it wasn’t online applications). 🔹 Lessons in Leadership: What this experience taught her about hiring, culture fit, and passion.If you’ve ever struggled with job search burnout or wondered why the heck you’re not landing offers, this one’s for you! 

What do business strategy, leadership coaching, and fronting a metal band have in common? Amber Swenor! (https://www.amber-swenor.com/)  This powerhouse entrepreneur and rockstar joins us to talk about the wild, sometimes uncomfortable journey of living authentically—even when the world expects you to fit into a neatly labeled box.From trying to play by the rules in pageants (until she unleashed a bold, unexpected musical number) to navigating the messy middle of transitioning her business, Amber gets real about what it takes to own your voice. She also dives into how writing her book, Unleashed, helped her heal generational wounds and step into her power.If you’ve ever struggled with embracing your true self—at work, in life, or on stage—this episode will leave you inspired to turn up the volume on YOU. 🎤💥Key Takeaways:🔹 The courage to live authentically, even when it’s uncomfortable 🔹 Navigating the messy middle of transitioning businesses and finding focus 🔹 The value of involving a team in defining core values and culture 🔹 The personal growth and healing that has come from entrepreneurial challenges 🔹 The power of looking back on moments of courage to inspire the presentWant more from Amber?https://www.soul-seed.com/ https://www.amber-swenor.com/https://www.facebook.com/amber.swenor/https://www.facebook.com/MorningstarMetalBandhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amberswenor/A heart-centered metalhead business strategist is a real thing—and you’re about to meet her! My guest today is Amber Swenor, a leadership coach, business strategist, speaker, musician, and author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Unleashed: A Been There Rocked That Guide to Radical Authenticity in Life and Business, which was named the 2023 Most Inspirational Book of the Year. As the founder of an award-winning brand strategy agency, Amber scaled the business to over $1M in revenue in under five years. She then embraced the discomfort of transformation to align more deeply with her purpose, rebranding as Soul Seed Strategy. Today, Amber empowers leaders to step into their authenticity, align their businesses with their soul’s purpose, and create thriving teams and

What happens when you embrace life’s uncertainties and rewrite the rules as you go? In this episode of Dancing in the Discomfort Zone, Anne Bonney chats with Carmen Mims (https://www.relaxathand.com/), a fearless adventurer and holistic wellness practitioner who turned depression into discovery and boundaries into breakthroughs. From a silent Vipassana retreat to life-changing moments in Thailand, Carmen shares how stepping out of her comfort zone reshaped her perspective, her career, and her relationships.🔑 Key Takeaways:How discomfort can reveal your true path.The unexpected career nudges that led Carmen to massage therapy.Insights from a transformational trip to Thailand and leading her own retreat.Why setting boundaries is a superpower.Ready to redefine your relationship with fear and discomfort? Hit play and step into the zone of personal growth!

Fasten your seatbelt—this episode is about to take off! Anne Bonney welcomes Emma Henderson (www.emma-henderson.com), a former airline captain, leadership expert, and charity founder, to share her journey of resilience, leadership, and making a difference. Emma’s story takes you from the skies to the frontlines of the pandemic, with lessons that will inspire you to lead with humanity, humility, and humor.What You’ll Discover in This EpisodeHow a 10-Year-Old Girl Dreamed of Flying High:Emma’s fascination with aviation began at age 10 with a chance encounter at an airport. Find out how her unconventional path led her to the captain’s seat in a male-dominated industry.Grounded but Not Defeated:A neurological disorder once clipped her wings, but Emma turned failure into fuel for growth. Curious about what she learned from being grounded? Tune in to hear her take on resilience and the value of embracing setbacks.The Birth of Project Wingman:When the pandemic grounded planes, Emma co-founded a charity that brought airline crews together to support frontline medical staff. Discover how this initiative grew into a nationwide movement, complete with mobile lounges and even an MBE from the Queen!Leadership Lessons from 35,000 Feet:Emma’s time as a captain taught her the power of decision-making, teamwork, and leading under pressure. She now shares her principles of "Grounded Leadership" that prioritize humanity, humility, and humor.Life Beyond the Skies:From writing her book Grounded to planning a new project about pandemic resilience, Emma’s story is still unfolding. Could her leadership insights change how you approach challenges?Plans Over Resolutions:Emma’s philosophy? Purposeful plans beat fleeting resolutions every time. How does this approach shape her leadership style and personal growth? Listen to find out!Why You Need to Tune InThis episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and plenty of surprises. Emma’s story isn’t just for aspiring pilots—it’s for anyone who wants to rise above setbacks, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact.🎧 Ready for takeoff? Hit play now to uncover Emma’s secrets to resilience, grounded leadership, and turning challenges into opportunities to soar.Want more from Emma?www.linkedin.com/in/emma-henderson-speakerwww.emma-henderson.comBook: https://www.emma-henderson.com/store/p/nv1ngu6mup4daujb7r8i0yc9csrwdwUntil September 2020 Emma was one of fewer than 500 female airline captainsin the world and had made her mark on the industry as a Peer Support Mentor,Brand Ambassador, Fear of Flying presenter, and had become known asCaptain Emma in ITVs fly on the wall documentary Inside the Cockpit.It was this platform and the niche she had carved for herself as a natural andempathetic leader, that allowed her to launch Project Wingman in response tothe global pandemic, mobilising thousands of grounded aircrew across thecountry to provide well-being support to frontline NHS staff.Now, an award winning CEO of the charity she founded, and with an MBE to hername, Emma draws on her experiences over more than three decades in the airdeliver lessons that transfer from the flight deck to the board room, inspiring allwho hear her with

Get ready for a dynamic dive into unlocking human potential with Speaker and executive performance coach Cindra Kamphoff (https://cindrakamphoff.com/)! In this upbeat episode, Cindra reveals her inspiring journey from competitive athlete to a sought-after mindset mentor for high-profile clients—including the Minnesota Vikings. With a mix of personal anecdotes, practical tips, and a spunky attitude, she shows how embracing fear and discomfort can actually fuel your growth.What you'll hear in this episode:Fear Facts: Discover why courage isn’t about the absence of fear, but about moving forward in spite of it.Learn, Burn, Return: Learn this simple yet powerful method to process mistakes quickly and bounce back stronger.Control What You Can: Find out how focusing on what’s within your control—your attitude, preparation, and effort—can lead to high performance.Purpose-Driven Performance: Explore how defining your purpose can guide your decisions and supercharge your performance in sports, business, and everyday life.Whether you're chasing excellence on the field, in the boardroom, or in your personal endeavors, this episode offers lively insights and actionable strategies to help you perform at your peak. Tune in for a fun, insightful, and downright spunky conversation that might just change the way you think about fear, growth, and success!Want more from Cindra? www.cindrakamphoff.comwww.freementalbreakthrough.comwww.mentallystronginstitute.comLink to her podcast: https://cindrakamphoff.com/podcast/We also mentioned Richard Leider's book, The Power of Purpopse: https://richardleider.com/books/the-power-of-purpose-3rd-edition/ Dr. Cindra Kamphoff is an award-winning keynote speaker and certified mental performance coach for leaders, athletes, and championship teams. She has provided mental training for the Minnesota Vikings for four years, working one-on-one with the players. Cindra worked with the United States Olympic Track and Field team while they were in Tokyo working with the athletes one-on-one to help them train their minds. She is the author of an Amazon bestseller, Beyond Grit: Ten Powerful Practices to Gain the High Performance Edge and the corresponding workbook. She is the owner of the Mentally Strong Institute, a firm that provides mental training to leaders and athletes. Her podcast, The High Performance Mindset podcast, has over 2 million downloads and is ranked in the .5% of all podcasts where she interviews thought leaders about mindset.

Tired of feeling let down by life’s curveballs? Whether it’s annoying experiences or frustrating people (you know the ones), Anne’s got the ultimate mindset hack to help you rise above the chaos!   Learn how to stop sweating the small stuff, sidestep disappointment, and take on life with a fresh perspective. This episode is your fast pass to a frustration-free mindset—don’t miss it! Your host Anne Bonney, CSP® (https://YourChangeSpeaker.com), was born to talk—(just ask any of her childhood teachers who wrote "talks too much" on her report cards!) Now, she’s turned that chatter into a powerhouse career, jet-setting around the globe to help overwhelmed professionals build resilience in the discomfort of change. A dynamic keynote speaker, energizing conference Emcee, two-time author, and host of the hit podcast Dancing in the Discomfort Zone, Anne lights up both virtual and in-person stages with her high-energy, relatable style. After 20 years of crushing it in corporate and nonprofit leadership positions, she now uses her hard-earned experience and fiery passion to ignite YOUR courage to build resilience in change and challenges, tackle tough conversations, and lead with emotional intelligence.

What does it take to develop true bravery? In this episode of Dancing in the Discomfort Zone, Anne Bonney sits down with Jill Schulman—Marine Corps veteran, corporate leadership expert, and positive psychology researcher—to explore how bravery is built, not born. Jill shares actionable insights on stepping out of your comfort zone, balancing optimism with realism, and creating a "bravery muscle" that grows stronger over time.Meet Jill SchulmanFormer Marine turned corporate leader and entrepreneur, Jill now focuses on the science of bravery.Her journey includes research in positive psychology and her upcoming book, a parable packed with lessons on courage and resilience (coming in 2025!).A Peek into Bravery-BuildingJill outlines her three pillars of bravery:Brave Mindset: Cultivate self-trust and beliefs that prepare you for challenges.Brave Actions: Take meaningful, smart steps beyond your comfort zone.Brave Relationships: Build a supportive network to guide and cheer you on.But there’s so much more to discover! Jill shares relatable stories, from small personal wins to overcoming workplace negativity, all while emphasizing the power of evidence-based strategies.Why Listen?This episode isn’t about motivational fluff—it’s a masterclass in blending positive psychology with real-life bravery. You’ll learn how to take action, create meaningful connections, and shift your mindset to tackle life’s challenges head-on.🎧 Tune in to uncover Jill’s practical tips, surprising insights, and the one concept from positive psychology that’s often overlooked but absolutely essential. Ready to build your bravery? Press play now!Want more from Jill?jillschulman.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jillaschulman/https://www.instagram.com/jillschulmanhttps://breakthroughleadershipgroup.com/Jill Schulman is a former USMC officer, leadership expert, happiness scientist, and keynote speaker who specializes in helping individuals and teams unlock their potential through the science of bravery. With a diverse background spanning military service, corporate leadership, and academia, Jill combines research-based insights with real-world experience to empower others to push limits, embrace bold goals, and elevate their impact—all while enhancing well-being and life satisfaction.

 🚦 Stuck in Hesitation Nation? 🚦 You know you need to act, but fear’s got you frozen like a deer in the headlights!  What if it doesn’t go as planned? What if you fail? Sound familiar? This week, Anne’s dishing out her secret sauce for finding those 3 seconds of courage to punch fear in the face, shake off the doubt, and take action! Whether it’s a bold decision, a tough conversation, or just getting off your butt and going to the gym, this episode is your kickstart to GO MODE! Tune in for the boost you didn’t know you needed! 💥 #Courage #ActionSteps #PodcastPower Your host Anne Bonney, CSP® (https://YourChangeSpeaker.com), was born to talk—(just ask any of her childhood teachers who wrote "talks too much" on her report cards!) Now, she’s turned that chatter into a powerhouse career, jet-setting around the globe to help overwhelmed professionals build resilience in the discomfort of change. A dynamic keynote speaker, energizing conference Emcee, two-time author, and host of the hit podcast Dancing in the Discomfort Zone, Anne lights up both virtual and in-person stages with her high-energy, relatable style. After 20 years of crushing it in corporate and nonprofit leadership positions, she now uses her hard-earned experience and fiery passion to ignite YOUR courage to build resilience in change and challenges, tackle tough conversations, and lead with emotional intelligence. 

 In this episode of Dancing in the Discomfort Zone, Anne Bonney dives into an insightful conversation with productivity powerhouse and author Marcy Rader. Together, they tackle the challenges of finding balance, reclaiming your workday, and prioritizing mental health for long-term success. If you’ve ever felt like you’re juggling too much, this episode is your golden ticket to a healthier, more sustainable approach to productivity.Meet Marcy Rader: From Burnout to BalanceAnne kicks off the episode with her trademark energy, introducing Marcy Rader, a wellness expert with a knack for transforming overachievers into balanced high-performers. Marcy shares her personal journey from an overworked professional with Hashimoto’s disease and burnout to an advocate for health-powered productivity. Through vulnerable storytelling, she reveals the wake-up call that shifted her focus: realizing her relentless hustle was negatively impacting her health, relationships, and overall happiness.What Is Health-Powered Productivity?Marcy explains her revolutionary concept of health-powered productivity, emphasizing that true efficiency comes from prioritizing well-being. She recounts her struggles with nonstop travel and competitive athletic pursuits, which led to a tipping point of physical and emotional exhaustion. Her message? Productivity isn’t just about getting more done—it’s about thriving while you do it.Key Insights from Marcy’s New Book: Reclaim Your Work DayMarcy’s new book, Reclaim Your Work Day, is packed with actionable strategies to help you take control of your time and energy. Whether you’re an individual contributor, manager, or C-suite executive, the book offers practical tips tailored to your role. Highlights include:Email and Chat Management: Learn how to avoid anticipatory stress by setting boundaries and working offline.Sustainable Meetings: Tips to run efficient, meaningful meetings that don’t drain your energy.Time Off and Habits: Discover the importance of stepping away and developing habits that support your well-being.Customizable Solutions: From employees to executives, Marcy’s strategies adapt to everyone’s needs.Marcy also introduces her “Reclaim Your Work Day Live” service, designed to bring these principles into the workplace through training and support.The Hidden Danger of Anticipatory StressEver felt like you’re always “on call,” even during downtime? Marcy dives into the concept of anticipatory stress—the pressure that builds when employees (or their families!) expect constant availability. She offers actionable tips to combat this phenomenon, like setting clear boundaries and leading by example as a manager.A Mindset Shift for a Healthier LifeOne of the most powerful moments in the episode comes when Marcy discusses her TEDx talk, The Relentless Pursuit of More. She shares how a high school student connected with her message, proving that vulnerability and authenticity can inspire change. Marcy encourages listeners to rethink their relationship with productivity, recognizing the importance of saying no, setting boundaries, and focusing on what truly matters.Why You’ll Love This EpisodeIf you’ve ever struggled with burnout, battled the “always-on” culture, or wondered how to balance career ambitions with personal fulfillment, this episode is for you. Anne and Marcy keep it real, delivering practical advice with humor and heart.Tune In and Reclaim Your Day!🎧 Don’t miss this empowering conversation! Hit play now and start your journey to health-powered productivity. And don’t forget to grab your copy of Marcy Rader’s Reclaim Your Work Day—your guide to a healthier, happier work-life balance. Want more from Marcey? &nbs

Master Your Mind Through Mastering the Cognitive TriadNegative thoughts, negative feelings, negative actions—sound familiar? It’s a vicious cycle, right? Well, Aaron Beck nailed it back in the 1960s with his concept of the Cognitive Triad, which explains how our thoughts, emotions, and actions are all connected in a big feedback loop. But here’s the kicker: it works for positive thoughts too! 🎉💡 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeIf you’ve ever felt stuck in a spiral of negativity, this episode is your golden ticket to freedom! Anne Bonney dives into:The Cognitive Triad 101: What it is, how it works, and why it’s the key to unlocking better emotional intelligence.Positive Thinking FTW: How to flip the script from negative to positive and create a cascade of good vibes, less stress and better results.Emotional Intelligence Hacks: Why some people struggle to control their emotions and how you can level up your EQ like a pro.The Magic Question: The one game-changing question to ask yourself when negativity creeps in.A Fun, Actionable Exercise: A simple (and fun!) practice you can do anytime to defuse negativity so you can communciate better and strengthen relationships.🙌 Why It MattersWhen you take control of your cognitive triad, you’re not just managing your emotions—you’re transforming your relationships, your communication skills, your internal experience and ultimately, your life. The best part? You can keep improving your emotional intelligence forever. Yep, no expiration date here!🔥 Why This Episode is a Must-ListenLet’s face it: emotional intelligence isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a superpower. And if you’re tuning into this podcast, you’re already ahead of the curve! 🎧 Anne’s got the insights, strategies, and humor to make this concept stick and inspire you to take action.👉 Don’t Miss Out!Hit play now and learn how to harness the power of the cognitive triad to conquer negativity, spark positivity, and own your emotions. Because when you master your mind, the rest of your life falls into place. 💪For more from Anne go to Https://YourChangeSpeaker.com Anne Bonney, CSP®, is an electrifying keynote speaker, energizing emcee, a fun interactive workshop facilitator, and the go-to authority on resilience in change. With two books on embracing and leading through change, the wildly popular Dancing in the Discomfort Zone Podcast, and expertise in virtual, in-person, and hybrid presentations, Anne has mastered the art of igniting courage, confidence, and resilience in even the most overwhelmed audiences. After 20 years of crushing it in corporate and nonprofit leadership positions, she now lights up stages around the globe, helping teams and leaders embrace change, boost resilience, conquer tough conversations, and lead with emotional intelligence.You’d better turn on the AC because this “ball of fire” delivers a blazing mix of humor, practical strategies, and unforgettable stories that will transform the way you approach challenges. Anne draws from her whirlwind of experiences—growing up overseas, running a marathon on every continent, climbing Kilimanjaro, training animals, singing opera, entertaining troops in Iraq, and even volunteering at an elephant sanctuary—to bring hilariously relatable insights that connect with any audience.  She might even bring her guitar and sing a custom song!  This sparky redhead is a mindset-shifting motivator who will fire you up to embrace powerful change, inspire your team, and transform your organization. Don’t miss the chance to experience Anne’s energy and wisdom—you’ll leave laughing, learning, and ready to take on whatever comes your way!

🎉 Bend, Don’t Break: Unlocking the Power of Cognitive Flexibility with Dr. Matt Zakreski! 🎉Life’s curveballs got you stuck? Rigid responses dragging you down? Fear not! In this electrifying episode of Dancing in the Discomfort Zone, your fearless host Anne Bonney teams up with the brilliant and oh-so-relatable Dr. Matt Zakreski, a clinical psychologist who’s rewriting the playbook on neurodivergence, empathy, and how to seriously level up your cognitive game.🤯 What’s Cognitive Flexibility, Anyway?It’s your secret weapon for navigating life like a ninja—flipping perspectives, breaking free of assumptions, and seeing possibilities where others see problems. Anne and Dr. Matt break it all down with humor, heart, and a big ol’ dose of real talk.🧠 Brains of All Shapes and SizesDr. Matt, the ultimate cheerleader for “different brains” (think autism, ADHD, giftedness, and dyslexia), serves up insights that’ll make you rethink what it means to truly understand others. Spoiler alert: It starts with ditching the neurotypical mold and leaning into empathy.🔍 Stay Curious, My FriendsCuriosity isn’t just for cats—it’s your cognitive superpower! Anne and Dr. Matt share jaw-dropping examples of how asking “What else could be true?” can defuse tension and open doors you didn’t even know existed.😬 When Setbacks StrikeDr. Matt spills the tea on a hilarious bartending blunder and how his manager’s rigid response made things worse. He flips the script with a better, more flexible way to handle failure, turning facepalm moments into gold-star growth opportunities.  Perfect for all you people leaders out there.💡 Game On: Practical Hacks for Everyday LifeHere's our favorite part of the episode. Try Dr. Matt’s “Guess the Story” game, where you dream up alternative explanations for people’s behavior. It’s like CrossFit for your empathetic brain—minus the burpees.  (thank goodness because burpees are terrible.)💎 Key Takeaways to Transform Your Life:Cognitive flexibility = empathy, adaptability, and next-level success.Curiosity isn’t optional; it’s essential.Failures? They’re just the universe’s way of handing you a learning moment.Perspective-taking is the cheat code for better relationships and smoother sailing through life’s challenges.So, what are you waiting for? Smash that play button, grab your favorite beverage, and get ready to dance through discomfort with Anne and Dr. Matt. Because life’s better when you bend instead of break. 💃🕺Want more from Dr Matt?https://www.drmattzakreski.com/https://vimeo.com/drmattzakreskihttps://www.facebook.com/drmattzakreski/https://www.instagram.com/drmattzakreskiGo get Dr Matt's book; The Neurdiversity Playbook.  https://www.drmattzakreski.com/the-neurodiversity-playbookMatthew "Dr. Matt" Zakreski, PsyD is a professional speaker and clinical psychologist who specializes in working with neurodivergent (gifted, 2e, ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, etc.) people. He has spoken nearly a thousand times all over the world about supporting neurodivergent people in all walks of life, from schools to college

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!  I've had a few people recently ask me, "Why do you call it Dancing in the Discomfort Zone podcast?".  It's a great question, and I can't believe that in 317 episodes, I've never explained that!  So we dedicated this podcast to explaining why we call it that!If you want a little more on my feelings about Embracing the Unfamiliar, check out my TedX talk.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSL6tVD__poAnd if you want more about your host, Anne Bonney, go to https://AnneBonney.ninja.  (.com will work too, but where's the fun in that!)Anne Bonney, CSP®, is an electrifying keynote speaker, energizing emcee, a fun interactive workshop facilitator, and the go-to authority on resilience in change. With two books on embracing and leading through change, the wildly popular Dancing in the Discomfort Zone Podcast, and expertise in virtual, in-person, and hybrid presentations, Anne has mastered the art of igniting courage, confidence, and resilience in even the most overwhelmed audiences. After 20 years of crushing it in corporate and nonprofit leadership positions, she now lights up stages around the globe, helping teams and leaders embrace change, boost resilience, conquer tough conversations, and lead with emotional intelligence.You’d better turn on the AC because this “ball of fire” delivers a blazing mix of humor, practical strategies, and unforgettable stories that will transform the way you approach challenges. Anne draws from her whirlwind of experiences—growing up overseas, running a marathon on every continent, climbing Kilimanjaro, training animals, singing opera, entertaining troops in Iraq, and even volunteering at an elephant sanctuary—to bring hilariously relatable insights that connect with any audience.  She might even bring her guitar and sing a custom song!  This sparky redhead is a mindset-shifting motivator who will fire you up to embrace powerful change, inspire your team, and transform your organization. Don’t miss the chance to experience Anne’s energy and wisdom—you’ll leave laughing, learning, and ready to take on whatever comes your way!

As the end of 2024 comes careening towards us like the ground does for a skydiver who just realized their parachute isn't working, we here at Dancing in the DZ Podcast want to THANK YOU for your loyalty and for listening, and let you in on what we have planned in 2025 to continue to help you become stronger and more resilient with whatever mess 2025 has in store for us.Happy Holidays, and we'll see you next year.