What happens when fear shows up during life’s biggest transitions? In this final episode of 2025, I get raw about the boldest move I’ve made this year: stepping back to move forward.

From relocating my family to Asheville, to leading rapid growth at Cooler Heads, to reflecting on the motto “Be Bold. Be Confident. Be You.”, I share the highs, lows, and lessons that shaped my year.

I close out the season with a powerful reminder: tough times don’t last, but tough people do. Get ready to pause, reflect, and step boldly into 2026.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• Why I am pressing pause on new episodes until 2026
• The personal story of moving my family to Asheville and finding “home”
• How fear can either hold you back or catapult you forward
• The growth and impact of Cooler Heads and scalp cooling technology
• The milestone of scalp cooling becoming a Medicare-recognized treatment
• My guiding advice to my 18-year-old self: tough times don’t last, but tough people do
• How bold moves in dark times can lead to personal and professional breakthroughs
• What to expect from Bold Moves, Confident Choices in the new year

Stay Connected with Courtney Turich:

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A Team Dklutr Production

What happens when a layoff becomes your runway?

Christopher Bylone tells the story of walking out of corporate predictability and building Innovation Unbiased, a practice that treats belonging like both data and devotion. He shares the “belonging formula” and real examples of accessibility failing where it counts.

If you want practical steps to lead with heart and measure inclusion, this episode will challenge how you think about equity, bias, and the everyday choices that make people feel (or not) like they belong.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• Christopher’s turning point – how being laid off sparked the launch of his consulting business.
• Belonging is actionable – Christopher’s formula: equity + diversity × inclusion^accessibility.
• Equity as policies and practice – diversity as representation, inclusion as leadership behaviors, accessibility as real-world access.
• Why small design choices – like office layouts, send big messages about who belongs.
• Unconscious bias is inevitable – the goal is shifting to purposeful, unbiased behavior.
• Authenticity speeds opportunity – leaning into identity opens more doors, not fewer.
• Network nourishment matters – relationships fuel traction and transformation.
• Vulnerability is strength – childhood lessons shaped Christopher’s lifelong commitment to dignity.

Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode

• “Fear shows up on every bold move — the trick is making it ride in the backseat, not drive.” — Courtney Turich
• “Owning your path isn’t a destination; it’s the daily choice to show up as you.” — Courtney Turich
• “When someone dares to be authentic, they don’t make you less — they make the room better.” — Courtney Turich
• “Bold choices don’t wait for permission; they ask for practice.” — Courtney Turich
• “If you want people to belong, start by designing workplaces that would welcome you.” — Courtney Turich
• “Belonging isn’t a feeling you hope for — it’s an it you can measure and build toward.” – Christopher Bylone
• “Your bias may exist, but being purposefully unbiased means your behavior doesn’t harm others.” – Christopher Bylone
• “Equity is the policy; inclusion is the action; accessibility is the proof.” – Christopher Bylone
• “The day I was laid off I didn’t lose my job — I gained permission to make my work my purpose.” – Christopher Bylone
• “Humanity isn’t optional in business; it’s the metric we keep ignoring at our peril.” – Christopher Bylone

About Christopher

Christopher Bylone is the founder of Innovation Unbiased and host of I Know I Belong When…, where he amplifies bold voices and stories of inclusion and impact. A cancer survivor and lifelong advocate, he has led global belonging strategies at Krispy Kreme and IFF, driving ERGs, inclusive policies, and multimillion-dollar DE&I initiatives. From launching a Gay-Straight Alliance in college to shaping corporate ESG strategies, Christopher’s journey is rooted in resilience and authenticity. Living in the Charlotte Metro area, he’s also a proud dad of two and a leader who proves that belonging isn’t just a value—it’s a movement.

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What happens when your entire world shatters—and you have to rebuild from scratch?

In this powerful episode, Kathy Love shares her journey from devastation to discovering the life-changing practices of self-care, boundaries, and radical self-worth. She opens up about the darkest chapter of her life and how it eventually became the catalyst for growth and healing.

Courtney and Kathy dive deep into codependency, the myths around self-care, and what it really means to step into your best self. Get ready for wisdom, honesty, and tools you can start using today.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• Kathy shares how her first TED Talk happened just two weeks after her ex-husband went to prison.
• Why self-care is not indulgent—it’s essential for survival and thriving.
• The role of codependency in daily life, and how to recognize when it’s depleting you.
• Practical examples of saying “no” with compassion while saying “yes” to yourself.
• The power of retreats, community, and closing the gap between your best self and your daily life.
• Kathy’s advice to her 18-year-old self: turn the energy you give others back toward yourself.
• The importance of presence, deep breathing, and choosing to live in the now.

Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode

• “Every time I hear you go through that list, Kathy, I just keep reflecting on myself.” - Courney Turich
• “You were glowing today, and I see you living your best self, it makes my heart so full.” - Courney Turich
• “You’ve helped me in so many ways, my friend, and it’s only the beginning of our friendship.” - Courney Turich
• “I really hope this conversation helps everyone listening to start reflecting on themselves too.” - Courney Turich
• “Please, go be bold, be confident, and be you.” - Courney Turich
• “We are all codependent, what matters is when it starts depleting us.” - Kathy Love
• “The healing doesn’t take as long as it took to learn all these unhealthy behaviors.” - Kathy Love
• “Take the energy you give everyone else and spend it on yourself—you are enough right now.” - Kathy Love
• “I don’t have to separate my work from self-care; it’s all part of who I am.” - Kathy Love
• “Just take a breath—stay in the present moment where everything is just right.” - Kathy Love

About Kathy

Kathy Love is the Managing Editor at Outlier Magazine, and also the Chief Community Officer at The Outlier Project. Kathy is an author, self-care coach, Vice President at SomethingNew LLC, public speaker at TEDx, and the owner of Jack Saia LLC. Kathy is a business consultant and the founder/director of Ucan2, Inc. Kathy holds a certificate in Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Education from State University of New York Cortland.

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A Team Dklutr Production

What happens when life halts your dream career? Paden Sickles faced torn Achilles injuries and a rare heart condition that ended her 11-year military service… but not her mission.

In this episode of Bold Moves, Confident Choices, Paden shares how a search for better socks during grueling Army training turned into Sick Fit, a purpose-driven company now serving veterans, athletes, diabetics, and kids with sensory needs.

From losing $25,000 in a warehouse break-in to landing major deals, Paden proves grit and heart can turn setbacks into success. Get ready to be inspired to “go for it” no matter the odds.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• Military career cut short by injury and rare heart condition
• Built SickFit from a passion for better sock design and performance
• Serves diverse communities: veterans, athletes, diabetics, and autistic children
• Overcame theft of $25,000 inventory and still grew the business
• Uses meticulous R&D and user feedback to perfect product lines
• Emphasizes mentorship, community, and solving real problems
• Dreams big: partnerships with MLB, Costco, and more
• Inspiring story of resilience, purpose, and entrepreneurial courage

Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode

• "Your story is super inspiring—your mission never stopped, just the uniform changed." - Courtney Turich
• "Thank the naysayers; they fuel the fire for your next bold move." - Courtney Turich
• "Sometimes the first step is the hardest, but it’s where greatness begins." - Courtney Turich
• "When my body said stop, I chose a new mission: entrepreneurship." - Paden Sickles
• "Find a real problem and make sure it truly needs solving." - Paden Sickles
• "Dream bigger—there will always be people who back you." - Paden Sickles
• "We’re more than a sock company; every pair helps change lives." - Paden Sickles

About Paden

Paden Sickles dedicated 11 years of her life as an Army Engineer Officer, leading Soldiers and breaking barriers while shaping some of the first enlisted female combat engineers. During her service, she achieved countless accolades, including Air Assault, Expert Soldier, Spur Rides, and completing 100-mile challenges. Despite these achievements, she often tried to avoid graduations because it hurt too much to put her boots back on due to blisters and foot issues. This frustration drove her to action. Paden traveled the world, testing 87 different pairs of socks to learn how to engineer the perfect pair. She began conducting A/B tests during PT formations with her peers and leaders, swapping socks before long runs and rucks in the field. This hands-on experimentation laid the foundation for her vision while leading some of the most lethal Soldiers in the force. These injuries pushed Paden to reflect on her future, realizing that her physical health needed to become a priority. In February 2024, after serving her country with honor, Paden made the difficult decision to transition out of active duty.

Follow Paden

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A Team Dklutr Production

What if slowing down was the secret to speeding up?

In this bold and vulnerable conversation, Chris Schembra opens up about his struggles with imposter syndrome, listening, and curiosity, and how those very challenges have become tools for connection and transformation.

Chris shares how gratitude isn’t a magic fix but a practice of perspective that reshapes how we show up in life, work, and relationships. From corporate boardrooms to the dinner table, he reveals the frameworks and stories that remind us no one wants perfection they want realness.

You’ll walk away with practical tools, a renewed perspective, and an invitation to Chris’ challenge: host a dinner, ask one powerful gratitude question, and watch connection transform your world.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• Why slowing down creates space for creativity, clarity, and stronger connections.
• The paradox of imposter syndrome—and how to turn it into content and confidence.
• The practice of gratitude as a tool for shifting perspective, not a cure-all.
• How curiosity fuels leadership and why great leaders don’t need the right answers anymore.
• The power of vulnerability in building authentic relationships and trust.
• Chris’s “P.A.S.T.A.” framework for living with clarity and boldness.
• Why hosting a simple dinner can be life-changing for you and your community.
• The future of leadership in the age of AI: asking better questions, not knowing all the answers.

Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode

• “Gratitude doesn’t work on me but it gives me tools to keep going.” - Chris Schembra
• “Nobody wants to buy from a perfect person. They want to buy from someone who’s in the trenches with them.” - Chris Schembra
• “Leaders today don’t need the right answers, they need the best questions.” -Chris Schembra
• “If you’re not curious, you’re being left behind.” - Chris Schembra
• “You can’t hate someone you just passed the bread to.” - Chris Schembra
• “So many of us fight imposter syndrome daily, even the leaders we look up to.” - Courtney Turich
• “Curiosity really is the key to life and Chris, you embody that beautifully.” - Courtney Turich
• “No one can escape challenges, but we all have the choice to rise with resilience.” - Courtney Turich
• “In a world moving a thousand miles an hour, slowing down might be the boldest move of all.” - Courtney Turich
• “Be bold, be confident, and be you because your story is your strength.” - Courtney Turich

About Chris

Chris Schembra is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and founder of the 7:47 Gratitude Experience™, an evidence-based framework that has helped thousands of leaders and teams build stronger human connection at work and beyond. Dubbed “The Gratitude Guru” by USA Today, his mission is simple: to help people rediscover the power of gratitude, belonging, and authentic relationships in an era of disconnection.

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A Team Dklutr Production

What do you do when the ground shifts beneath your feet, when your career suddenly takes a turn you didn’t see coming?

In this powerful episode of Bold Moves, Confident Choices, host Courtney Turich sits down with Rich Bishop to explore how to navigate unexpected change, find strength in reflection, and build resilience when life doesn’t go as planned.

From late-night drives and pivotal self-talk to embracing the journey over the destination, Rich shares practical steps and hard-won wisdom to help listeners process setbacks, move forward with confidence, and create a future that’s even stronger than before.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• Why setbacks are opportunities for reflection and transformation
• The importance of allowing yourself to grieve, but not staying stuck there
• How writing down your thoughts helps release negativity and create clarity
• Surrounding yourself with supportive people who lift you up
• The danger of staying in commiseration vs. shifting to action
• How Rich validated his consulting path by seeking honest feedback
• Why the journey—not the destination, defines true success
• Practical reflection exercises to reframe challenges in real time

Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode

• “That is a very bold move. That is a pivotal move for sure.” - Courtney Turich
• “It’s very easy to fall into the trap of commiserating, but that doesn’t move you forward.” - Courtney Turich
• “Enjoy the journey. Don’t focus so much on that destination.” - Courtney Turich
• “Work smarter, not harder, that was a real light bulb moment for me.” - Courtney Turich
• “Go be bold, be confident, and be you.” - Courtney Turich
• “The journey itself is the point, not the destination.” - Rich Bishop
• “Don’t beat yourself up over the feelings you’re feeling. It’s normal.” - Rich Bishop
• “Writing it down gives your brain permission to let go.” - Rich Bishop
• “Too many people get stuck in commiseration, and it’s hard to get out once you’re there.” - Rich Bishop
• “You always eventually end up in a better place after the hard times.” - Rich Bishop

About Rich

Rich Bishop is a seasoned Revenue Operations Consultant with expertise in go-to-market strategy, finance, systems, and operations. With over 20 years of experience, he has optimized sales processes, streamlined operations, and broken down silos to drive growth and profitability across diverse industries.

Founder of Midgame Consulting, Rich combines hands-on expertise with a passion for helping companies and people grow. His strategies have successfully guided organizations like Nestle, Nextech Systems, and Biofourmis to improve lead management and overall performance.

Follow Rich Bishop

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A Team Dklutr Production

What happens when burnout pushes someone to their breaking point?

Melissa Cohen knows that moment all too well, and the bold moves she made afterward transformed her life. In this powerful conversation with Courtney, she shares the messy, honest truth about stepping outside your comfort zone and rebuilding confidence after setbacks. By saying “yes” to change, Melissa opened doors she never imagined possible.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, drained, or unsure of your next move, this episode is an invitation to take your first bold step toward renewal and possibility.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• How burnout can become the catalyst for bold transformation
• The power of stepping outside your comfort zone, even when it feels terrifying
• Why resilience is built in the messy middle, not the easy moments
• Melissa’s story of redefining success after exhaustion
• How confidence is a practice, not a destination
• The role of vulnerability in creating authentic connections
• Why saying “yes” to small opportunities leads to big shifts
• Practical advice for anyone ready to start over with courage

Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode

• “We need the twists and turns and drops in life to actually come back to the top.” - Courtney Turich
• “The boldest moves usually start with the smallest choices.” - Courtney Turich
• “We thought we had to have this linear path, like we had to climb the corporate ladder. But in reality, when we take a step back, it's far from the truth of what many of us have experienced today. ” - Courtney Turich
• “Your story is your greatest strength, don’t hide it, own it.” - Courtney Turich
• “We don't always have to stay doing the same thing that we've always done.” - Melissa Cohen
• “You don't have to know today what you're gonna be doing 10 years from now or even five years from now. Figure out what you wanna do for the next 18 months. ” - Melissa Cohen
• “We take it for granted sometimes how interesting people really are on the platform.” - Melissa Cohen
• “Three things people can do: One, just start, even without confidence. Two, make it about others, not just yourself. And three, never underestimate the power of a thoughtful comment." - Melissa Cohen
• “If you never fail at something, you never learn from anything. So don't be afraid to take chances.” - Melissa Cohen

About Melissa

Melissa Cohen, known as the Good Witch of LinkedIn, is a bestselling author, branding strategist, and former fashion executive who transformed personal loss into powerful reinvention. After a decade-long career with iconic brands like Ralph Lauren, Melissa lost her dream job during the height of the pandemic, but found her voice on LinkedIn. From a few hundred connections to becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice, she built a thriving business helping others grow their influence, craft authentic personal brands, and show up with confidence. Today, she’s a leading force in redefining how we connect, communicate, and build careers online.

Follow Melissa Cohen

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A Team Dklutr Production

What if the very things that once made someone feel like an outsider could become their greatest strengths?

In this powerful conversation, Stephen Oommen shares how growing up without belonging to any "tribe" taught him adaptability, empathy, and the ability to step into anyone's world. From facing racism and identity struggles to transforming defensive coping mechanisms into professional superpowers, Stephen’s story is both raw and inspiring.

The episode explores the “Chameleon Effect,” the belief that hurt people heal people, and the three questions every 18-year-old, and every adult, should ask themselves to discover their purpose and monetize their talents.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• Stephen’s boldest choice: becoming proud of who he is and fully comfortable in his own skin.
• How growing up between cultures and outside of every “tribe” shaped his empathy and adaptability.
• The Chameleon Effect: shifting from blending in as a defense to using adaptability as a superpower.
• “Hurt people heal people”, why healing yourself first is key to helping others.
• The three career questions everyone should answer: What are you naturally great at? Do you love it? Can you monetize it?
• Why passion alone isn’t enough, monetization matters.
• How basketball became his sanctuary, kept him grounded, and saved his life.
• Choosing to live the mamba mentality, being the best version of yourself every day.

Words of Wisdom: Standout Quotes from This Episode

• “Be a chameleon, and that doesn’t mean fake. It means adapt while staying true to yourself.” - Courtney Turich
• “Hurt people can heal people. Which side of the spectrum do you want to be on?” - Courtney Turich
• “Just because you’re passionate about something doesn’t mean the money will flow in, we’re told that, but it’s not always true.” - Courtney Turich
• “We all have to be the best versions of ourselves, because that’s how we connect with others.” - Courtney Turich
• “Be bold, be confident, and be you.” - Courtney Turich
• “The bold choice was becoming proud of who I am and comfortable with me.” - Stephen Oommen
• “Hurt people heal people, because you can’t help others heal until you’ve done the work yourself.” - Stephen Oommen
• “At first, being a chameleon was a defense mechanism. Now, it’s my superpower.” - Stephen Oommen
• “Find what you’re naturally great at, make sure you love it, and figure out how to monetize it.” - Stephen Oommen
• “Basketball was my sanctuary, it kept me grounded and saved my life.” - Stephen Oommen

About Stephen

Stephen brings over 25 years of GTM experience across entrepreneurship, finance, and tech leadership. With success in both B2B and B2C across diverse industries, he offers a rare, well-rounded perspective. As an award-winning seller and sales leader, he embodies The JOLT Effect with a customer-first, empathetic approach, shaped by his time on both sides of the deal. Now CEO of ExecuComm, Stephen helps companies refine GTM strategies to drive revenue. A passionate Go-to-Network advocate, he believes lasting business success is built on real relationships.

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A Team Dklutr Production