What if the secret to creating a life you love isn’t about doing more, but about learning to follow your energy?

In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my own journey and sharing one of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned: Your energy is your greatest asset, and what lights you up is worth paying attention to.

From a life-changing Outward Bound wilderness adventure to the unexpected twists and turns that have shaped my life and career, I’m sharing how learning to trust what energizes me has opened doors to incredible opportunities, deeper connections, and a greater sense of purpose.

We’ll explore the emerging concept of Energy Intelligence™, why your energy matters more than you might realize, and how the things that naturally excite, inspire, and energize you can be powerful clues to the life you’re meant to create.

Because here's what I believe: You don't have to have it all figured out to take the next step. Sometimes, you just have to follow the energy.

If you've been feeling stuck, drained, disconnected, or simply wondering what's next, this episode is an invitation to get curious about what makes you feel most alive, reclaim your power, and start creating a life that feels as good as it looks.

I'm also sharing a little sneak peek into what's coming next, including some exciting ideas around The Energy Lab and the future of this podcast!

My hope is that you walk away with one powerful question: What lights me up, and what might be possible if I gave myself permission to follow it?

Let's dive in!

Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliams

Follow us on Instagram: @marliwilliams

Our Website: www.podcast.marliwilliams.com

Hire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!

www.marliwilliams.com

Really love the podcast and want to share it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.

Let's Lead Together and reach more people - we appreciate your support!!

Ever wondered how world-class athletes turn pressure into peak performance? In this powerful episode of the Podcast, former pro tennis player and transformational keynote speaker Jeff Salzenstein shares his proven framework, Own Your Zone, for unlocking high performance in leadership and life. Jeff reveals the three essential zones: restore the body, rewire the mind, and reconnect the heart, providing practical strategies for better sleep, mindset shifts, and emotional regulation. Discover why self-awareness is the ultimate leadership skill and how simple daily habits can boost your resilience, joy, and energy. Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or athlete, you’ll get actionable tips to manage stress, conquer self-doubt, and perform at your best under pressure.

Jeff's Bio:

Jeff Salzenstein is a passionate leader who believes in the power of a growth mindset, emphasizing continuous learning and personal development for both himself and his teams. Known for encouraging high energy and full ownership among colleagues, Jeff imagines success as a team where everyone feels empowered to operate at their best. With a vision that prioritizes people over processes, he inspires those around him to focus on holistic growth—balancing business achievements with personal well-being, emotional regulation, and authentic communication. Jeff’s story is about fostering environments where talent thrives and support flourishes, creating teams that are not only productive but also deeply connected and inspired.

Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliams

Follow us on Instagram: @marliwilliams

Our Website: www.podcast.marliwilliams.com

Hire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!

www.marliwilliams.com

Really love the podcast and want to share it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.

Let's Lead Together and reach more people - we appreciate your support!!

What if there was a way to multiply your joy and strengthen every relationship in your life? This episode of the Marli Williams Podcast unlocks the secrets of compersion—a word originally coined in the polyamorous world but here related to broader audiences. Marli sits down with her partner Liz to discuss the radical act of celebrating others’ happiness as if it were your own. They both share vulnerable moments and clever strategies for overcoming jealousy, comparison, and the fear of missing out (FOMO). Rather than focusing on resentment or competition, they spotlight how empathy, curiosity, and secure attachment can open up deeper connection—whether at home, among friends, or in your community. From the origins of compersion to real-life tips for practicing it daily, this conversation will inspire you to rethink what’s possible in your personal and professional relationships. Ready to boost your happiness and emotional intelligence? This is a must-listen.

Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliams

Follow us on Instagram: @marliwilliams

Our Website: www.podcast.marliwilliams.com

Hire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!

www.marliwilliams.com

Really love the podcast and want to share it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.

Let's Lead Together and reach more people - we appreciate your support!!

We are back baby! I took the summer off and we are diving back in with this fall kick-off episode about some leadership lessons I have learned from the late Dolly Parton. This episode is my reflection on key lessons from Dolly’s life: authentic self-expression, unwavering confidence, and the courage to live boldly. A key theme that emerged was the power of owning your story and gifts — without waiting for someone else to grant you permission. The episode explored how Dolly’s generosity, resilience, and humility impacted millions, not just through her music but also her philanthropy and infectious energy. I invite you to reflect on your own legacy, embrace your unique strengths, and lead with authenticity. Join the movement to honor Dolly by making your life meaningful and inspiring others every single day.

Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliams

Follow us on Instagram: @marliwilliams

Our Website: www.podcast.marliwilliams.com

Hire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!

www.marliwilliams.com

Really love the podcast and want to share it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.

Let's Lead Together and reach more people - we appreciate your support!!

What if this was the summer you stopped measuring your life by how much you accomplished, and instead started measuring it by how fully you lived?

For so many high achievers, summer comes and goes without ever truly slowing down. We tell ourselves we'll rest "when things calm down," but somehow that moment never arrives. Before we know it, we're heading into another season already feeling depleted.

In this solo episode, I'm sharing why I believe your energy is your greatest leadership asset—and why learning to manage it intentionally is one of the most important skills you can develop. I'll introduce you to the idea of becoming the Chief Energy Officer of your own life and explain why rest, play, adventure, and joy aren't distractions from success—they're what make sustainable success possible.

We'll explore:

• Why productivity isn't the same as fulfillment.
• How to stop living in constant output mode.
• The simple Energy Input/Output Loop that can help you recognize what's fueling you and what's draining you.
• Why your summer bucket list deserves a place on your calendar.
• Practical ways to recharge your energy so you can show up more fully for your work, your family, and yourself.

My hope is that this episode gives you permission to choose yourself for a little while. To go hiking. To paddleboard. To camp. To read the book. To take the nap. To laugh more. To create moments that leave you feeling more alive.

Because at the end of the day, success isn't just about what you accomplish. It's about the energy you have left to enjoy the life you're working so hard to build.

If you're ready to stop running on empty and start living fully charged, this episode is for you.

Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliams

Follow us on Instagram: @marliwilliams

Our Website: www.podcast.marliwilliams.com

Hire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!

www.marliwilliams.com

Really love the podcast and want to share it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.

Let's Lead Together and reach more people - we appreciate your support!!

Have you ever felt stuck in old habits, and aren't sure how to break free. This week's episode will help you unlock the secret to your leadership edge with guest expert Susan Drumm! Susan is a dynamic CEO advisor and "pattern recognition expert," pulls back the curtain on the power of pattern disruption in professional growth and personal fulfillment. Hear how her surprising journey—from Harvard Law School to stages of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art—influenced her revolutionary approach to executive coaching. She explores the concept of "playlist leadership" and how music and neuroscience can help you break free from old stories and reach your next level. Whether you're feeling stuck, curious about career change, or passionate about transformational leadership, this episode teases new strategies and tools to help you find what truly lights you up. Don't miss out on inspiration and actionable insights for leaders at every stage!

Susan Drumm's Bio:

Susan is a CEO Advisor, Leadership Coach, Pattern-Recognition Expert, and USA Today Best-Selling Author. Her mission is to help extraordinary leaders uncover and transform the patterns that hold them back so they can fully realize their vision. She help executives recognize and replace the subconscious patterns that sabotage leadership potential. Through pattern-recognition, music, neuroscience, and results-driven coaching, Susan guide leaders to adopt powerful new approaches that drive measurable change.

Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliams

Follow us on Instagram: @marliwilliams

Our Website: www.podcast.marliwilliams.com

Hire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!

www.marliwilliams.com

Really love the podcast and want to share it??

Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend.

Let's Lead Together and reach more people - we appreciate your support!!