What happens when you give everything to a role, ask for a fair raise, and get told no? For Madeline Miskie, that moment didn’t end the story—it rewrote it. We dive into how a voice teacher and yoga practitioner turned rejection into a values-led business that helps people reconnect with breath, body, and voice while honoring their worth.

We talk about the power of a “career portfolio” mindset and why diversifying your professional life can make courageous choices more possible. Madeline shares the pruning metaphor and the “fertile void”—clearing space so new growth can emerge. Instead of chasing titles, she mapped the real-world outcomes of each path and chose congruence: a life where inner values and outer work finally match. Along the way, she reframed personal development with practical tools—calming breath, forward folds, mantra and meditation—that dial down anxiety and make clear decisions easier to act on.

You’ll hear how a vocal injury shifted Madeline from achievement chasing to inner awareness, and how that inner work underpins her teaching today—holistic voice training, yoga for singers, nervous system regulation, and embodied communication. We unpack realistic goal setting too: removing barriers first, then building skills, and allowing timelines to flex. Whether you’re navigating burnout, seeking a raise, or contemplating a change, this conversation offers grounded strategies for self-worth, resilience, and sustainable growth.

If you’re ready to take one small step—five minutes of breath, a single journal page, or reaching out for support—this story will meet you where you are. Subscribe for more conversations on aligned careers and embodied confidence, and share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that a no can lead to a better yes.

Find out more about Madeline's online and in-person yoga and singing classes by visiting her website here:https://windsongvoiceandyoga.com/

Madeline is also available to share her beuatiful voice with you at an event. Find out more here:

Sign up for Madeline’s newsletter for monthly updates and low-cost classes. Email: Madeline@windsongvoiceandyoga.com.

Ready to break through your own “If Only”?
Let’s create your next powerful step together. Visit BrendaMcGregor.com to connect.

What if the belief that “aging is decline” is the very thing keeping you from the freedom you crave? We sit down with Kat Miller MA—counselor, TEDx speaker, and founder of Age Freely—to explore how dismantling internalized ageism can unlock joy, presence, and self-compassion at any age. Her spark came from her If Only of believing she did not matter “enough.” That admission opened a path through therapy, core wounds, and a radical shift in identity that many of us feel but don’t name.

Together, we challenge culture’s script on beauty, productivity, and relevance. Kat offers a fresh lens: declines give rise to expansions. When energy changes, presence deepens. When time feels finite, priorities sharpen. When “youthful beauty” fades, a richer, truer beauty—inside and out—comes into view. We dig into practical tools for making wisdom tangible, including Kat’s conversational card game, Older, A Renewable Life, which helps you reflect on how your view of love, forgiveness, and success has evolved over time.

If introspection feels daunting, Kat’s approach is gentle and actionable: start by asking why it feels daunting. Lower the stakes. Learn for joy, not mastery. Try the thing you’ve postponed for decades without turning it into a performance. We also walk toward impermanence and death with clear eyes, exploring belief systems, family conversations, and how preparation can reduce fear and create the conditions for a good death—so life now can be lived with more ease and intention.

This is a warm, honest conversation about aging as liberation rather than loss, about authenticity as a daily practice, and about turning hindsight into compassion instead of self-critique. If you’ve ever felt “too late,” “not enough,” or stuck inside someone else’s story of who you should be, this one’s for you. Listen, reflect, and share with someone who needs a kinder map for growing older. If this resonated, subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what belief about aging are you ready to retire?

Interested in connecting with Kat? Visit her website here- https://www.agefreely.com/

Are you interested in purchasing the conversational card game Kat mentioned? Find out more and order here- https://www.agefreely.com/the-older-game

Treat yourself and view Kat’s TedX talk here- https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=mcafee&p=kat+miller+ageing+freely&type=E210US978G0#id=1&vid=84dbcebab17436dfbc2149d1fb7a277c&action=click

Ready to break through your own “If Only”?
Let’s create your next powerful step together. Visit BrendaMcGregor.com to connect.

When life throws unexpected curveballs, it’s easy to spiral into regret and self-blame. But what if those painful moments were actually sacred invitations—to pause, heal, and transform?

In this deeply moving episode, Brenda L. Balding, a nurse and spiritual guide, shares how losing $60,000—including her late father’s estate—to a sophisticated scam became the beginning of her greatest spiritual awakening. Instead of staying trapped in anger and loss, Brenda found clarity, forgiveness, and purpose through what she calls The Sacred Pause.

She opens up about:

• A firsthand account of a week-long scam that preyed on compassion and intuition.
• How silencing her inner voice led to deeper self-awareness and spiritual growth.
• Two transformative healing frameworks she created:
• GRIEF: Grateful Rebirthing Internal Energy Flow — a process for transmuting pain into gratitude.
• PAUSE: Perhaps Another Unforeseen Solution Exists — a tool for stopping reactivity and opening to divine guidance.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Recognize and respond to the subtle signs of fraud by trusting your instincts.
• Transform regret into growth through mindfulness and emotional healing.
• Embrace forgiveness as a pathway to peace and spiritual freedom.

Brenda’s story is a profound reminder that even in our darkest hours, light can still find us—and lead us home to ourselves.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• 🌐 Connect with Brenda: linktr.ee/winblb2
• 🎁 Brenda’s Gift: tinyurl.com/lovesinnervaice
• 🧠 Learn About Havening: Medical News Today
• 💞 Learn About EFT: WebMD

Ready to break through your own “If Only”?
Let’s create your next powerful step together. Visit BrendaMcGregor.com to connect.

Ever been told that the secret to fixing overwhelm is just “better time management”? Or that burnout is simply part of being a high-achieving entrepreneur? In this episode, we’re challenging those myths head-on. Discover how purpose, integrity, and aligned values can completely transform how you manage your time, your business, and your energy.

My special guest, Alison Jones, is a leadership and wellness consultant with a master’s in organizational psychology and deep expertise in wellness and change management. As CEO of Wellness Society LLC and author of the bestselling book Character Leadership, Alison helps leaders and entrepreneurs turn overwhelm into clarity through purpose-driven strategy. Her approach to leadership and wellness is both compassionate and actionable—rooted in gratitude, integrity, and authentic growth.

If you’re ready to redefine productivity and create space for what truly matters, this conversation will inspire you to stop chasing balance and start building it with intention.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Master time management that prioritizes purpose over busyness and prevents burnout.
• Develop leadership skills that elevate your workplace culture and inspire others to perform at their best.
• Build resilience to navigate change and setbacks with confidence and calm.
• Embrace personal growth to unlock fulfillment and effectiveness in both business and life.

💬 Notable Quote:

“We can make more money, but we cannot make more time; so craft your life with purpose and gratitude for every moment you’re given.” — Alison Jones

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• 📧 Contact Alison Jones: Alison@wellnesssocietyus.com
• 🌐 Website: www.alisoncjones.com — Leadership development and wellness consulting.
• 📘 Book: Character Leadership
• 🌟 Program: Glow — Growing the Leadership of Women
• 🐘 Conservation Project: Support elephant and rhino conservation in Zimbabwe.
• 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: Alison C. Jones
• Would you like to learn more about the conservancy Alison visited in Africa? Find more information here-- https://www.imire.co.zw/

Ready to break through your own “If Only”?
Let’s create your next powerful step together. Visit BrendaMcGregor.com to connect.

Ever wondered why some of the most talented, hardworking professionals still hit a wall in their careers—despite doing everything right? In this inspiring episode, Dr. Vicki Johnson reveals how her biggest career breakthrough didn’t come from another award or all-nighter—but from something far more powerful: learning to ask for help.

As the founder and CEO of ProFellow, the leading resource for competitive fellowships and leadership programs, Dr. Johnson has guided thousands of professionals to over $500 million in funding and top-tier opportunities. Drawing on her own experience as a four-time fellowship winner and expert storyteller, she shares how storytelling, mindset, and authenticity can open doors that credentials alone never could.

From winning fellowships to landing dream jobs, Dr. Johnson’s message is clear: the key to standing out isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. Tune in to learn how embracing vulnerability, refining your personal narrative, and asking for support can propel your career forward faster than you ever imagined.

🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Stand out in competitive fellowship applications that can accelerate your career growth.
• Use storytelling to make your experience unforgettable to selection committees and hiring managers.
• Adopt an entrepreneurial mindset to turn obstacles into opportunities.
• Break through invisible barriers that hold you back from your full potential.
• Leverage the power of asking for help to fast-track your success.

💡 Master Strategies to Win Fellowships

Winning elite fellowships requires more than impressive credentials—it’s about positioning your unique story to align with each program’s mission. Dr. Johnson explains how clarity, persistence, and resilience can transform your approach and outcomes.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• ProFellow: www.profellow.com — Access resources, workshops, and group programs for winning fellowships and leadership opportunities.
• Dr. Vicki Johnson’s Website: www.drvickijohnson.com — Explore courses, 1:1 advising, and more.
• Pre-Order Dr. Johnson’s Book: Pitch Your Potential — Coming January 6, 2026! Learn the Match Me Formula for winning dream jobs and awards.
• Nasdaq Milestone Circles: nasdaqcenter.org/milestone-circles — Business accelerator program for women entrepreneurs.

💬 Notable Quote:

“There’s no such thing as unrewarded effort when you put in your highest effort.” — Dr. Vicki Johnson

Ready to break through your own “If Only”?
Let’s create your next powerful step together. Visit BrendaMcGregor.com to connect.

Challenges, Intuition, and the Stories We Hide

What if the real secret to magnetic leadership isn’t about being fearless—or even having all the answers—but about sharing the stories you once tried to hide? In this conversation, we dive into the unexpected: from altitude sickness and coaching wins to raw insights on intuition, self-awareness, and why authenticity is the one thing people remember long after the applause fades. There’s also a subtle shift most leaders overlook—one that changes everything about how we connect.

My special guest is Rachel DeAlto, keynote speaker, author, and recognized expert in communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence. With a law degree, a master’s in psychology, and features on major media outlets, Rachel blends research, personal insight, and practical strategies to help leaders and teams foster authentic relationships. Her books—Relatable and The Relatable Leader—offer roadmaps for creating trust, vulnerability, and stronger connections at work and beyond.

In this episode, you’ll discover how to:

• Use storytelling to inspire and build trust.
• Unlock intuition to break through fear and lead with confidence.
• Practice simple self-awareness tools that deepen real connection.
• Embrace authenticity as the key to meaningful, lasting relationships.

Resources from this episode:

• Visit Rachel’s website: racheldealto.com
• Purchase Rachel’s books: Relatable & The Relatable Leader
• Watch her TEDx talk: Being Authentic in a Filtered World
• Download The Age of Relatability whitepaper: Get it here
• Connect on LinkedIn: Rachel DeAlto

Ready to break through your own “If Only”?
Let’s create your next powerful step together. Visit BrendaMcGregor.com to connect.

If Only I’d Known Sooner: Navigating HR, Bipolar Disorder, and the Secret to Better Workplaces

Are you tired of launching communication initiatives, DEI trainings, or new HR strategies only to face the same burnout, misunderstandings, and resistance from leadership? You’re not alone. Many HR leaders, managers, and advocates for inclusion feel stuck between wanting real change and hitting the same barriers.

In this episode, I’m joined by Lindsay Mattes —HR leader, TEDx speaker, author, and founder of **Kinder HR**—who is redefining what workplace support can look like. With over 25 years in HR and her own late-in-life bipolar diagnosis, Lindsay brings both professional expertise and personal insight to the conversation. Her people-first, kindness-driven approach shows how empathy can become a powerful business strategy.

You’ll discover how to:

* Build trust and retention by infusing kindness into HR practices.

* Improve communication strategies that actually break down barriers.

* Leverage neurodiversity as a driver of innovation and collaboration.

* Reimagine HR by challenging outdated norms and embracing new perspectives.

* Find balance and resilience while navigating mental health challenges.

Lindsay’s story and strategies prove that meaningful workplace change is not only possible—it’s within reach when we lead with empathy.

Resources from this episode:

* Visit Lindsay’s website: https://kinder-hr.com/

* Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaykmattes/

* Read her book: *Don’t Be a D*ck-HR\* https://kinder-hr.com/book

* Watch her TEDx Talk: The Secret to a Better Workplace https://kinder-hr.com/speaking-engagements

* Book Lindsay for workshops or speaking: https://kinder-hr.com/speaking-engagements

Ready to break through your own “If Only”?
Let’s create your next powerful step together. Visit BrendaMcGregor.com to connect.

What if you could finally stop second-guessing yourself and fully show up as the real you—on stage, in business, and in life? In this episode, we explore how to move beyond self-doubt, quiet the inner critic, and embrace a new level of unfiltered confidence and freedom.

My special guest, Marci Brand, is a seasoned business development expert, speaker, and mentor with over three decades of experience. She founded a successful marketing consultancy in the apartment industry and served as president of the Howard County Business Women’s Network. Known for blending professional expertise with personal authenticity, Marci helps women leaders find their voice, navigate transformation, and step boldly into leadership with resilience and clarity.

Together, we dive into:

* Overcoming the “audience complex” to speak with confidence and genuine connection.

* Leadership insights that empower women to break barriers and amplify their impact.

* Time and stress management strategies to stay productive without burning out.

* Transforming personal loss into fuel for growth, strength, and renewal.

“Judging yourself is not doing anything positive for anyone, especially you.” — Marci Brand

If you’re ready to let go of outdated expectations and redefine success on your own terms, this conversation will inspire and empower you to step forward with confidence.

Resources:

Website: https://marcibrand.com – Learn more about Marci and her coaching & consulting services.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marci-brand-peformance-coach – Connect professionally and join the conversation.

Newsletter: https://marcibrand.substack.com – Get insights, resources, and inspiration delivered to your inbox.

Athena Powerlink: https://athenapowerlinkbaltimore.org – Discover resources to support women-owned businesses.

Howard County Business Women’s Network (BWN): https://mybwn.org – Explore networking and empowerment opportunities.

Ready to break through your own “If Only”?
Let’s create your next powerful step together. Visit BrendaMcGregor.com to connect.