Episodes

  • 321: How to Be a Likeable Badass

    321: How to Be a Likeable Badass
    Jan 8 2026
    What if the very traits you've been told to soften, like being collaborative or agreeable, are actually essential to your success, not obstacles to it? In this episode of Finding Brave, we explore why so many professionals, especially women, feel trapped between being liked and being respected, and what it really takes to be both. In this episode, Kathy Caprino speaks with Alison Fragale, an organizational psychologist, professor at the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School, and bestselling author of Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve. Drawing on her extensive research on status, power, negotiation, and influence, Alison helps individuals understand how respect is formed and how it can be intentionally built without compromising your authenticity. In our conversation, Alison breaks down the two core dimensions that shape how others evaluate and perceive us: warmth and competence. She explains how our behaviors signal, or fail to signal, competence, how feedback like "you're too nice" is often misunderstood, and why pulling back on warmth is rarely the right answer. Through powerful examples from her research, consulting career, and personal experience, she reveals how small behavioral shifts can dramatically change how others perceive your authority and credibility. This episode offers practical, science-backed insight for anyone navigating leadership, visibility, or influence at work. If you have ever felt misunderstood or unsure of how to show up fully and effectively while being your true self, this conversation will give you a new lens and and transformative ways forward. Key Highlights From This Episode: Introducing Alison Fragale and her research on status, power, and influence. [01:00]Lessons from Alison's early consulting career at McKinsey and how career dissatisfaction can drive self-awareness and meaningful change. [04:44]The science behind status, why respect matters, and the "likeable badass" framework. [12:51]Understanding the two key ways people evaluate others: warmth and competence. [14:35]How gender bias shapes status and perception in the workplace. [17:26]Ways that feedback like "you're too nice" often miss the point, what it's actually communicating, and how to signal capability without sacrificing warmth or authenticity. [21:28]Why asking for advice, not feedback, leads to clearer insight and stronger allies. [25:37]Alison's personal story about self-deprecation and learning from direct feedback. [28:07]Unpacking key distinctions between power and status, and their effects. [33:32]Final takeaway: How talking up others builds status and influence, and is one of the most rewarding, fruitful and joyful things we can do. [37:50] For More Information: Alison Fragale Alison Fragale on LinkedIn Alison Fragale on YouTube Alison Fragale on Instagram Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Alison's book, Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve ——————— READY FOR A HUGE SHIFT TO ACHIEVE MORE SUCCESS, IMPACT AND FULFILLMENT IN YOUR CAREER? Work with Kathy and get hands-on, transformative CAREER & LEADERSHIP GROWTH COACHING SUPPORT today! Join me today in one of my top-requested career and leadership growth 1:1 coaching programs and take 20% off the price this week with coupon code 'FBRAVE20 as my thank-you for tuning in! Visit my Career Help page, or click the links below for more information and to register today and save 20%: – Jumpstart Your Career Success (3 sessions) – Career & Leadership Breakthrough program (6 sessions) – Build Your Confidence, Success and Impact (10 sessions) ——————— GOT A BURNING CAREER OR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH QUESTION? Ask me on Hubble I'm thrilled to be an Advisor on the terrific Hubble Expert Advisory group, a curated and knowledge-packed platform for thoughtful and helpful conversations and honest advice on life, work, startup and business growth and navigating professional, career and leadership challenges. I often hear from people worldwide seeking guidance on careers, leadership, executive, and personal growth, and making a bigger impact. Now, connecting with you and answering your questions is easier than ever—Hubble lets you book a one-off call or recurring sessions with me in just seconds. Book some time with me here on Hubble - I'd love to support your top goals: https://app.hubble.social/kathycaprino ——————— Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today! In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here. If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible. Kathy's Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free ...
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    42 mins
  • 320: Be Yourself at Work: Show Up, Stand Out, and Lead from the Heart

    320: Be Yourself at Work: Show Up, Stand Out, and Lead from the Heart
    Dec 18 2025
    What does it really mean to be yourself at work without hiding, performing, or shrinking to fit expectations? In this Finding Brave conversation, we explore why authentic presence is not a soft skill or a personal indulgence, but a powerful leadership practice that builds trust, connection, and impact in today's fast-moving, emotionally complex workplaces. Today's inspiring guest is Claude Silver, the world's first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, where she partners with CEO Gary Vaynerchuk to shape culture and leadership at scale. A sought-after speaker and the author of Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart, Claude brings a deeply human lens to leadership that is grounded in emotional intelligence, courage, and self-awareness. Her work challenges the outdated belief that professionalism requires emotional distance or self-erasure. In this wide-ranging and deeply personal discussion, Claude shares formative stories from her own life that shaped her understanding of authentic presence. Together, Kathy and Claude unpack what authenticity looks like in real moments at work, from navigating difficult conversations to noticing the inner "song" that shapes how we show up. Claude breaks down her three emotional pillars, namely, emotional optimism, emotional bravery, and emotional efficiency, and explains how emotions can guide more grounded and courageous leadership. The episode also explores why leading with heart matters more than ever in an AI-driven, always-on world, and how taking up space, asking for what you need, and speaking honestly can transform both individual careers and workplace cultures. Listen in and consider what might shift if you gave yourself permission today to be fully seen and fully heard at work! Key Highlights From This Episode: Introducing Claude Silver and what's missing from how we talk about authenticity. [00:59]Why being authentic is a privilege and the power of knowing yourself. [06:40]How early experiences with dyslexia shaped Claude's self-image and personal growth. [10:18]A pivotal Outward Bound moment that revealed the power of changing the "song" in your head. [13:56][18:05] What authentic presence really looks like beyond theory and performative professionalism.[23:27] Claude's three pillars: emotional optimism, emotional bravery, and emotional efficiency.[30:47] Leading with heart in an AI-driven world that often feels rushed, disconnected, or dehumanizing.Why taking up space, speaking honestly, and being fully human changes work and culture. [33:35] For More Information: Claude Silver Claude Silver on LinkedIn Claude Silver on Instagram Links/Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode: Claude Silver's book, Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart What it means to be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Kathy's Finding Brave interview with Andre Solo on "Being Highly Sensitive is a Super Power: Embrace and Leverage It" and Kathy's article "How I Found Out I'm a Highly Sensitive Person and Used It To Change My Life" ——————— READY FOR A HUGE SHIFT TO ACHIEVE MORE SUCCESS, IMPACT AND FULFILLMENT IN YOUR CAREER? Work with Kathy and get hands-on, transformative CAREER & LEADERSHIP GROWTH COACHING SUPPORT today! Join me today in one of my top-requested career and leadership growth 1:1 coaching programs and take 20% off the price this week with coupon code 'FBRAVE20' as my thank-you for tuning in! Visit my Career Help page, or click the links below for more information and to register today and save 20%: – Jumpstart Your Career Success (3 sessions) – Career & Leadership Breakthrough program (6 sessions) – Build Your Confidence, Success and Impact (10 sessions) ——————— GOT A BURNING CAREER OR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH QUESTION? Ask me on Hubble I'm thrilled to join the Hubble Expert Advisory group, a space for thoughtful conversations and honest advice on life, work, business and career challenges. I often hear from people worldwide seeking guidance on careers, leadership, personal growth, and making a bigger impact. Now, connecting and answering your questions is easier than ever—Hubble lets you book a one-off call or recurring sessions with me. Book some time with me here on Hubble - I'd love to support your top goals: https://app.hubble.social/kathycaprino ——————— Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today! In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here. If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible. Kathy's Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free ...
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    37 mins
  • 319: A Talent for Giving: Creating a More Generous Society for All

    319: A Talent for Giving: Creating a More Generous Society for All
    Dec 4 2025
    The world around us has transformed dramatically—but has philanthropy kept up? For our Finding Brave guest today, John Studzinski, American-British investor and humanitarian and the author of the new book A Talent for Giving: Creating a More Generous Society that Benefits Everyone, this question isn't academic—it's deeply personal. His philanthropic journey began humbly, volunteering at a soup kitchen as a teenager. Today, he's recognized globally for transformative work addressing homelessness through London's Passage Day Centre and championing emerging artists through the Genesis Foundation. In the U.S., he serves on the boards of The J. Paul Getty Trust, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies (FAPE) and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. In this inspiring conversation, John shares his views on how the true meaning of philanthropy has been lost and how it needs to transform to inspire the next generation to make a more meaningful impact. John tells us about his book and how it has helped inspire individuals to spend the gift of time serving the common good. From the power and importance of human connection to the essential need for empathy, John shares the critical lessons he hopes readers will take from his book. We discuss why giving is not very beneficial unless we understand how, at the same time, to receive. John walks us through how he manages his time in order to be of service to his communities the way he does. John goes on to explain what he believes would happen to humanity if people stopped giving and caring about the community. And he teaches us that so much of our dignity is dependent on what we've given instead of what we've spent or kept. If you have the desire to contribute in new ways and give of your talents and abilities to support the common good, this conversation will inspire you to action. Every person on this planet has authority that can be used for the common good, and leveraging those strengths and talents for the benefit of our communities is not only rewarding but deeply instrumental and meaningful. Key Highlights From This Episode: A bit about John's book, A Talent for Giving, and how it's a call to action to serve the common good with your talents. [04:48]How John's faith inspires him to give to the community, and why he always tries to put himself in another person's shoes. [12:47]John discusses how he stewards his time and manages to do everything that he does throughout the day. [16:27]Why empathy is a critical piece in giving, how John wants everyone to read his book, and the most important thing to learn from it. [18:23]The concept of shame, setting boundaries around giving, and how giving is only beneficial if you can receive. [24:30]What would happen in the world if everybody stopped caring about the common good and giving back. [28:55]John tells us about his process of dictating his book and which chapter surprised him the most. [33:30]The first place listeners can start if they want to give back to their community today. [38:23] For More Information: John Studzinski on LinkedIn Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: John's book, A Talent for Giving: Creating a More Generous Society that Benefits Everyone John's book on Audible Genesis Foundation Genesis Foundation on Instagram Genesis Foundation on Facebook Genesis Foundation on X PIMCO ——————— GOT A BURNING CAREER OR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH QUESTION? Ask me on Hubble! I'm thrilled to join the Hubble advisory group, a space for thoughtful conversations and honest advice on life, work, business, and career challenges. I often hear from people worldwide seeking guidance on careers, leadership, personal growth, and making a bigger impact. Now, connecting and answering your questions is easier than ever—Hubble lets you book a one-off call or recurring sessions with me. I help with: Career, leadership, and executive coachingCommunication and relationship skills trainingPersonal branding and thought leadership strategyWomen's leadership growth and advancementKeynote speaking and workshops on confidence and self-trust growth, visibility, thriving through uncertain times, and making a positive impact You'll also learn how to recognize and close the 7 damaging confidence gaps that block thousands of professionals from reaching their highest and most rewarding potential. Book some time with me here on Hubble - I'd love to support your top goals: https://app.hubble.social/kathycaprino ——————— Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today! In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here. If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving it a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way ...
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    47 mins
  • 318: How Organizations Need to Change Their Narrative In Challenging Times

    318: How Organizations Need to Change Their Narrative In Challenging Times
    Nov 13 2025
    Everybody wants to believe in something, but the truth is, if you're a leader who shies away from asking tough questions, you're making it harder for people to believe in you. In this Finding Brave episode, we are joined by Matthew Pollard, known as the Rapid Growth Guy and storytelling expert responsible for five multi-million dollar business success stories. He is the author of The Introvert's Edge and has been featured in Forbes and listed by Global Gurus as one of the Top 30 Sales Professionals. In this conversation, we explore what it truly means to lead through authentic, compelling story, not spin. Matthew unpacks how great leaders don't just communicate vision; they shape a living narrative that helps their people see themselves in it. From uncovering the real problems beneath the surface, to crafting stories that evolve and help scale growth through the organization, Matthew shares a framework for growth rooted in empathy, iteration, and truth. We discuss how data can illuminate emotion, why so few leaders understand the why behind disengagement within their teams and workforces, and how fear often blocks the path to authenticity. Ultimately, Matthew shows that leadership isn't about control; it's about giving your people something real to believe in. In today's economy, leaders owe it to their teams to inspire growth and risk-taking, challenge the status quo, and use the power of a compelling story playbook to unite everyone behind a shared purpose they're proud to support. Key Highlights From This Episode: The role of leaders in shaping a strong narrative within their organizations. [04:00]Matthew's method of supporting leaders to identify key problems and tell their story. [06:52]How stories grow in impact through iteration and an organization-wide playbook. [13:58]Using data points as a strategic tool to understand people's emotions. [19:20]Why there often a gap in knowledge about the emotional reasons employees leave an organization. [25:20]Understanding how crucial it is to lead with humanity and empathy. [29:18]How Matthew deals with a fearful response leaders have to creating authentic experiences. [34:43]What it looks like to give your people something they can truly believe in. [38:35] For More Information: Matthew PollardThe Introvert's EdgeMatthew Pollard on LinkedInMatthew Pollard on InstagramMatthew Pollard on X Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Episode 69 with Matthew Pollard: 7 Ways to Leverage Your Introvert Edge in BusinessEpisode 159, where Kathy and Matthew discuss Networking: The Introvert's Edge to Networking ________________ ARE YOU FACING A BIG DECISION IN YOUR LIFE OR CAREER RIGHT NOW? Join Kathy Caprino and David Jurasek in their FREE online workshop "Making Your Big Life Decision: A Workshop and Map For Brave Action" - November 21, Noon to 1:30 pm EST Are you standing at a crossroads right now with a big decision to make — wondering which path would be best in your career, relationship, or life? I'm truly thrilled to invite you to a brand-new FREE live online workshop on November 21 that I'm leading with my esteemed colleague and deeply powerful therapist and community leader, David Jurasek, on "Making Your Big Life Decision: A Workshop and Map For Brave Action." We'll be sharing empowering tools and strategies (and a proven map) to navigate the terrain in making a critical decision in your life or career, and help you move from confusion and self-doubt to clarity and confident action — so you can finally pursue the direction that's right for you. And we're happy to take your questions and work with you directly, right on the call. Join us to receive support in taking the next powerful step in your life. Learn more and register at IntegrityTherapy.org/biglifedecision. Spots are limited. Hope to see you there! ——————— Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today! In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here. If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible. Kathy's Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free Resources Kathy's TEDx Talk, Time To Brave Up & Free Career Path Self-Assessment Kathy's Amazing Career Project video training course & 6 Dominant Action Styles Quiz ——————— Sponsor Highlight I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today! Audible Offer Amazon Music Offer Quotes: "As leaders, we need to inspire people to not just be extrinsically motivated, but intrinsically motivated." — @matthewpollard_ [0:04:59] "A lot of times, people don't know the problems ...
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    42 mins
  • 317: How to Attract Great Investors For Your Products and Business

    317: How to Attract Great Investors For Your Products and Business
    Oct 30 2025
    Protecting your ideas is a critical step for attracting excellent aligned investors. In this episode of Finding Brave, I sit down with intellectual property expert and attorney David Postolski, senior partner at Gearhart Law, to demystify what it really takes to secure funding and safeguard innovation. Drawing on his extensive experience helping inventors, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals, David shares how a strong IP strategy serves as both protection and proof of your business's credibility. A registered patent attorney and professor at Temple University, Parsons School of Design, and Radzyner Law School, David teaches emerging leaders how to navigate intellectual property, ethics, and regulation in today's innovation economy. He is also the author of several books, including Marketing Your Invention, Product, or Journey and IP Strategies for Medical Device Technologies: Be Your Own Incubator. His work spans patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, all of which are essential tools for creators seeking to turn ideas into sustainable businesses. In this in-depth conversation, David unpacks how startups can strengthen investor confidence through IP, what to watch for when choosing partners or consultants, and why skipping early legal groundwork often leads to costly setbacks. He shares a client story that shows how clear agreements and solid contracts are as critical as creativity when launching a brand, and explains that taking these steps early not only prevents legal issues but also builds a foundation of trust with investors and collaborators. From patents and trademarks to investor readiness and due diligence, this episode offers a practical roadmap for anyone turning ideas into impact. Tune in to hear David's vital insights on protecting your ideas and attracting investors! Key Highlights From This Episode: An introduction to David Postolski, the four main forms of intellectual property, and why investors see them as key assets. [03:30]David's journey into IP law and how his early experiences shaped his career path. [06:34]Typical clients and the common challenges inventors and startups face when launching ideas. [09:19]Why choosing the right partners and advisors can make or break your business. [12:45]The high cost of skipping clearance searches and the risks of ignoring trademarks. [14:48]Why researching investors and tailoring your pitch is essential before seeking funding. [18:24]The importance of spending strategically and aligning every cost with ROI. [21:59]A costly lesson: a startup that almost lost logo ownership by skipping a simple contract. [25:05]Key lessons for founders on protecting ideas and preparing for investment success. [27:39]How to join the Entrepreneurial Strategy Series and connect with the Gearhart Law community. [35:06] For More Information: Gearhart Law David Postolski on LinkedIn David Postolski on Instagram David Postolski on X Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: David's latest book, Marketing Your Invention, Product, or Journey David's book on medical device legislation, IP Strategies for Medical Device Technologies: Be Your Own Incubator David's book on employee contracts, Employment Contracts and Agreements: A Guide for Corporate Counsel Gearhart Law Events Gearhart Law's Entrepreneurial Strategy Series Finding Brave Episode 80, with David Postolski, What Entrepreneurs Need to Understand to Protect Their Intellectual Property ——————— Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today! In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here. If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible. Kathy's Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free Resources Kathy's TEDx Talk, Time To Brave Up & Free Career Path Self-Assessment Kathy's Amazing Career Project video training course & 6 Dominant Action Styles Quiz Kathy's Speaking programs and Media/Press work ——————— Sponsor Highlight I'm thrilled that both Audible.com and Amazon Music are sponsors of Finding Brave! Take advantage of their great special offers and free trials today! Audible Offer Amazon Music Offer Quotes: "In my world, it is best to have at least one of the four forms of intellectual property. The four forms [of intellectual property] are: patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets." — @davidpostolski [0:03:45] "At the end of the day, [investors] want to know that they are investing in not just you as a person, but your registered form of intellectual property; they want to know that you went through a process and were awarded a federal right in patent, trademark, or copyright." — @davidpostolski [0:04:29] "...
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    37 mins
  • 316: Taking the Brave Leap to Live Your Life Purpose

    316: Taking the Brave Leap to Live Your Life Purpose
    Oct 16 2025
    Why would someone walk away from a lucrative, 15-year career in software engineering? For Jeffrey Allen, it came down to one thing: learning to prioritize the "spirit mind" over the "material mind." That perspective shift gave him the inner clarity—and the bravery and courage—to finally move into a life and career of deeper purpose. Jeffrey is a spiritual teacher and energy healer whose work has empowered thousands of people, through Mindvalley's Healing Programs and through his own courses, trainings and years of individual and group work with thousands of people around the globe. His mission is to make access to our higher consciousness and to energy healing practices available to all—helping people release pain, deepen relationships, and live with genuine purpose. Alongside his wife, Hisami, he co-created Awakening Your Spirit Mind, a five‑week online training designed to help people reconnect with their true essence, tune into their connected consciousness beyond logic, and live more from joy and inner wisdom. Today, we weave together themes of career, leadership, personal growth, and performance as well as deep healing and growth, in a discussion about making the brave leap to deeper purpose in our lives and work. Jeffrey details his own transition from a successful 15-year career as a software engineer to a renowned energy healer and teacher - a move propelled by a "visceral" feeling of emptiness despite great outward success. He urges us to heed our inner guidance, observing that we're in an energy climate today where people are becoming more authentic, so our desires and priorities naturally evolve through growth and change. The discussion underscores the power of recognizing our two minds: the material mind, rooted in logic yet tangled with emotion and regret, and the spirit mind, which offers universal wisdom, a peaceful presence, and love. Jeffrey goes on to explain the difference between material mind spirituality and spirit mind, why our beliefs should be based on our experiences, and details a three-step (plus a bonus fourth) process to shift out of your material mind. Join this riveting conversation to discover how you, too, can take a brave leap to fully live your life purpose. Key Highlights From This Episode: Introducing the title, topic, and guest for today's conversation: the brave leap to live your life purpose. [01:25]What it takes to honor our deep callings and the brave leap to purpose. [07:20]A discussion unpacking our internal guides and guidance, and how listening to our internal guidance shifts us to experience integrated awareness. [14:30]Reframing what we experience as "mistakes" we've made, as an energetic breakthroughs instead. [26:10]The power of two minds: the material mind versus the spirit mind. [30:00]Jeffreys helps explain the difference between material mind spirituality and spirit mind spirituality. [38:30]Why your beliefs should be based on your own experiences. [42:50]The spirit mind: a holistic, unconditional love observation space. [43:30]Three steps to shift out of your material mind. [46:20]The fourth step to finding the beautiful moments every day in life and why that's essential to our best lives. [53:20] For More Information: Jeffrey Allen Jeffrey Allen on Facebook Jeffrey Allen on Instagram Jeffrey Allen on YouTube Jeffrey Allen on LinkedIn Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Explore Jeffrey and Hisami's courses on Energy Training, Awareness Training, and Spirit Mind Training. Visit Dr. Joe Dispenza for more information about his work. Follow this link for more information on Mindvalley Personal Development Programs. Jeffrey and Hisami Allen's Course - Awakening Your Spirit Mind: Jeffrey Allen lives in Tokyo with his wife, Hisami, and together they've created a transformational course and community called Awakening Your Spirit Mind. This deeply inspiring and life-affirming program encompasses the concept of "Spirit Mind Living" - and teaches participants with detailed chapter lessons, videos, visualizations, meditations and more to help participants reconnect with their true essence and remember how consciousness truly works - and how to open yourself up to a whole new mindset and lifestyle to navigate the massive collective energy shift happening on the planet right now. What is Spirit Mind Living? Learn more HERE To register for the course, click HERE ——————— Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today! In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here. If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible. Kathy's Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your LinkedIn Profile To Great Success & Other Free Resources Kathy's TEDx Talk, Time ...
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    59 mins
  • 315: FAWNING: Why the Need to Please Makes Us Lose Ourselves

    315: FAWNING: Why the Need to Please Makes Us Lose Ourselves
    Oct 2 2025
    On the surface, you may look like the model employee, partner, or friend: always dependable, always agreeable. But beneath the surface, you may be carrying a lifetime of survival strategies that keep you invisible in your own life. This is the story Dr. Ingrid Clayton knows both personally and professionally, and it's the story she helps so many of us begin to rewrite. Dr. Ingrid Clayton is a licensed clinical psychologist with advanced degrees in transpersonal and clinical psychology. She has maintained a thriving private practice for more than fifteen years and writes the popular Psychology Today blog, Emotional Sobriety, which has been read by over a million people. Her latest book, FAWNING: Why the Need to Please Makes Us Lose Ourselves—and How to Find Our Way Back, unpacks the subtle but profound ways we abandon ourselves by prioritizing others' approval. In our conversation, Ingrid reflects on her own experience as a childhood trauma survivor and how it revealed the fawning response: the instinct to please and appease in order to stay safe. Unlike fight, flight, or freeze, fawning resembles caretaking, compliance, and endless yeses, but it often leaves us feeling resentful and disconnected from our own needs. She explains how this adaptation becomes ingrained in the nervous system, how it shapes our relationships and careers, and why breaking the cycle can feel like stepping into the firing line. Yet within that discomfort lies the path to healing. Ingrid offers tangible practices for reclaiming your agency: pausing before you agree, noticing where resentment signals self-abandonment, and daring to let your voice be heard even when it shakes. Listen in to discover how to stop surviving on others' terms and begin living on your own! Key Highlights From This Episode: An introduction to Dr. Ingrid Clayton and her new book on fawning. [02:17]Ingrid's personal story of childhood trauma and survival. [04:40]Defining the fawning response and how it differs from fight, flight, or freeze. [06:19]The spectrum of trauma responses and how conditioning reinforces fawning. [12:16]Signs of an ongoing fawning trauma response and why conflict feels unsafe. [15:02]How fawning embeds in the nervous system and what it takes to heal. [19:59]What happens in the body during the fawning trauma response. [22:22]Fawning behaviors and skills, where they originate, and why they're so common. [26:43]Practical grounding tools to restore safety through your body, senses, and curiosity. [32:05]How to get in touch with a psychologist in your area and find Dr. Clayton online. [37:50] For More Information: Dr. Ingrid Clayton Dr. Ingrid Clayton on Instagram Dr. Ingrid Clayton on Facebook Dr. Ingrid Clayton on YouTube Dr. Ingrid Clayton on TikTok Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Check out Dr. Ingrid Clayton's new book FAWNING: Why the Need to Please Makes Us Lose Ourselves—and How to Find Our Way Back, and her Emotional Sobriety blog. Explore Dr. Clayton's other titles, Believing Me: Healing from Narcissistic Abuse and Complex Trauma, and Recovering Spirituality: Achieving Emotional Sobriety in Your Spiritual Practice. Listen to Kathy's interview with Andre Sólo, Being Highly Sensitive Is a Superpower — Embrace and Leverage it. Read more about trauma and the nervous system in The Body Keeps the Score. Find a psychologist in your area with Psychology Today's nationwide directory ——————— Join Kathy starting October 15, 2025, in her brand new monthly "The Most Powerful You" Group Coaching Program! Over the years, many graduates of my courses and readers of my books and articles, and other professionals have told me: "I wish there were a way to keep my momentum going — with supportive guidance, community, and accountability all year long." This program is the answer to that wish. Beginning October 15th, 2025, you'll meet monthly online in a small, global group for 12 months of live 60-minute coaching calls where you'll: Celebrate wins and breakthroughsBring real-life challenges for direct support and guidanceRevisit and apply core success and growth principles from my courses, articles, and 500+ interviews with top expertsLearn from peers, insights, and encouragementSort through key decisions in front of youLeave with clear, actionable steps to move you forward fast in your life and career You'll also get: A private Facebook group for ongoing supportCall recordings if you miss a sessionExclusive perks (with upfront payment), including additional curated resources, free access to Kathy Caprino AI, LinkedIn support, and two private coaching calls with me This is a space for professionals who are ready to grow their confidence, impact, and fulfillment — with consistent and uplifting support all year long. 👉 Learn more and join here: The Most Powerful You Group Coaching Program (If you prefer private, 1:1 support, explore my 6-session Career & Leadership Breakthrough program and other ...
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    41 mins
  • 314: You Are Not Your Trauma: How You Can Heal Your Life Experience

    314: You Are Not Your Trauma: How You Can Heal Your Life Experience
    Sep 18 2025
    What if the parenting behaviors you dislike most in yourself aren't really "you"? What if they're trauma responses your brain learned long ago to survive, and what if you could change them? In this episode of Finding Brave, Dr. Robyn Koslowitz explores how trauma shapes our parenting and what we can do to change the cycle. Dr. Koslowitz is a trauma expert, child psychologist, and author of the new book Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle and Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be. She treats children, adolescents, and families at the Center for Psychological Growth of New Jersey, and hosts the Post-Traumatic Parenting YouTube channel and podcast. In this conversation, she explains how trauma responses can surface in family life through yelling, dissociating, or people-pleasing, and why social media often deepens parents' shame instead of easing it. She introduces the concept of the "trauma app," which rewires the brain, and shows how children, unlike bosses or spouses, can reveal these hidden patterns. This episode is a powerful reminder that healing is possible and that parenting can become a path to breaking cycles and reclaiming emotional presence. Tune in to learn how Dr. Koslowitz's insights and practices can help you move beyond trauma and become the parent you always wanted to be! Key Points From This Episode: Introduction to Dr. Robyn Koslowitz and her book Post-Traumatic Parenting. [02:19]Why parents often judge themselves harshly for yelling, dissociating, or people-pleasing. [05:01]How social media can amplify shame and harm post-traumatic parents. [07:41]Dr. Koslowitz's definition of trauma: something that is too big to metabolize, shakes your sense of self or safety, and is faced alone. [10:29]The "trauma app" metaphor and how our brains create default responses to feel safe. [15:34]Why trauma strategies may work at work or in marriage but fail with children. [21:00]Recognizing both the costs and hidden "superpowers" of trauma responses. [23:24]Parenting as a path to healing and breaking cycles for the next generation. [27:43]Three practices for parents: undoing shame, journaling new narratives, and learning parenting skills. [30:34]How to access post-traumatic parenting resources. [35:04] For More Information: Dr. Robyn Koslowitz Dr. Robyn Koslowitz on LinkedIn Dr. Robyn Koslowitz on Instagram Dr. Robyn Koslowitz on Threads Dr. Robyn Koslowitz on X Post-Traumatic Parenting Podcast Post-Traumatic Parenting on YouTube Center for Psychological Growth of New Jersey Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Check out Dr. Robyn Koslowitz's new book Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle and Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be ——————— Join Kathy starting October 15, 2025 in her brand new monthly "The Most Powerful You" Group Coaching Program! Over the years, many graduates of my courses and readers of my books and articles, and other professionals have told me: "I wish there were a way to keep my momentum going — with supportive guidance, community, and accountability all year long." This program is the answer to that wish. Beginning October 15th, 2025, you'll meet monthly online in a small, global group for 12 months of live 60-minute coaching calls where you'll: Celebrate wins and breakthroughsBring real-life challenges for direct support and guidanceRevisit and apply core success and growth principles from my courses, articles, and 500+ interviews with top expertsLearn from peers, insights, and encouragementSort through key decisions in front of youLeave with clear, actionable steps to move you forward fast in your life and career You'll also get: A private Facebook group for ongoing supportCall recordings if you miss a sessionExclusive perks (with upfront payment), including additional curated resources, free access to Kathy Caprino AI, LinkedIn support, and two private coaching calls with me This is a space for professionals who are ready to grow their confidence, impact, and fulfillment — with consistent and uplifting support all year long. 👉 Learn more and join here: The Most Powerful You Group Coaching Program (If you prefer private, 1:1 support, explore my 6-session Career & Leadership Breakthrough program and other private coaching programs.) And don't forget to leverage Kathy Caprino AI – my digital career coaching tool – for instant access to answers and guidance about your most pressing career and leadership growth challenges. ——————— Order Kathy's book The Most Powerful You today! In Australia and New Zealand, click here to order, elsewhere outside North America, click here, and in the UK, click here. If you enjoy the book, we'd so appreciate your giving the book a positive rating and review on Amazon! And check out Kathy's digital companion course The Most Powerful You, to help you close the 7 most damaging power gaps in the most effective way possible. Kathy's Power Gaps Survey, Support To Build Your ...
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    39 mins