Did you know there’s an actual science to uncovering your hidden genius? It’s not about filling out a “dream job” worksheet—it’s about understanding how your brain is wired, identifying your natural aptitudes, and using them to thrive. This isn’t just a self-discovery exercise. It’s a game-changer for your career, your relationships, and how you show up in the world. Betsy Wills and Alex Ellison are redefining how we approach career discovery, proving that finding the right path isn’t just about landing a job—it’s about creating a life that aligns with who you actually are. ✅ Betsy Wills – Cofounder of YouScience, a groundbreaking psychometric assessment platform reshaping how we understand our talents. She’s also the Director of Marketing & Branding at Diversified Trust and a frequent lecturer at Vanderbilt University and NYU’s Stern School of Business. ✅ Alex Ellison – Founder of Throughline Guidance, a global college and career counseling practice. She’s a sought-after writer, speaker, and expert in college readiness and career development. ✅ Together, they co-authored Your Hidden Genius: The Science-Backed Strategy to Uncovering and Harnessing Your Innate Talents. Discovering your hidden genius isn’t just about career success—it’s about tapping into what makes you, you . Connect with Betsy & Alex: Website (Free Downloads): www.yourhiddengenius.com Book: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/your-hidden-genius-elizabeth-m-willsalexandra-ellison Related Podcast Episodes: How To Be You, But Better with Olga Khazan | 288 Finding Purpose Through Human Design with Emma Dunwoody | 228 195 / Finding (And Using) Your Voice with Amy Green Smith Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music…
Come walk with us on this journey as we share life experiences and have conversations meant to help each of us evolve… Act to Live is: A place where we observe everyday life, pose questions and cultivate and create psychological flexibility with our thoughts and behaviors; A place where we create conversations about how to find happiness and gratitude in daily life (you are a big part of these conversations and how Act to Live evolves); A place where we examine how effectively we can communicate with ourselves and others; A place where we discuss principles from mindfulness, positive psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, emotional intelligence and other psychological theories and principles in order to live well.
Come walk with us on this journey as we share life experiences and have conversations meant to help each of us evolve… Act to Live is: A place where we observe everyday life, pose questions and cultivate and create psychological flexibility with our thoughts and behaviors; A place where we create conversations about how to find happiness and gratitude in daily life (you are a big part of these conversations and how Act to Live evolves); A place where we examine how effectively we can communicate with ourselves and others; A place where we discuss principles from mindfulness, positive psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, emotional intelligence and other psychological theories and principles in order to live well.
Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Jaime begins by sharing a recent conversation with a friend which centered around the idea that some people may be driven by hope while others may be driven by faith. Jaime asks Scott his perspective on the idea and the two then delve into the meaning of both terms and the roles these entities may have in life. The duo arrives at the idea that perhaps these concepts allow us to make sense of, and even find comfort in, the uncertainties and unknowns of life. ACTion Event of the Week: Take some time to explore the concepts of hope and faith. What roles do they play in your life - particularly in more challenging situations. How might you focus on strengthening either of these skill sets? Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act to Live as we delve into the multifaceted topic of change! References: Unknown (2023). The psychology behind faith. PsychoLogs Magazine. https://www.psychologs.com/the-psychology-behind-faith/ Preston, C. (2021). The Psychology of Hope: Rebuilding in the face of ongoing adversity. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mental-health-in-the-workplace/202110/the-psychology-of-hope…
Quote: “Never help a child with a task that he feels he can succeed.” – Maria Montesorri “Development is a series of rebirths.” –Maria Montesorri Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime are joined by Kirsten Nichter. Kirsten is a special education teacher and parent coach. Through her experiences working with young children, Kirsten realized her passion for helping parents. Kirsten shares her story of becoming a parent coach, as well as guiding Scott and Jaime in exploring topics like self-compassion (as a parent), building resilience within oneself and their children, and more! ACTion Event of the Week: Each day, take a few minutes to answer the following two questions - What was your parenting win today? What is something that you are grateful for? Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act to Live as we explore HOPE and FAITH! Kirsten links: https://www.connectionsparentcoaching.com/ https://www.instagram.com/connectionsparentcoaching/ https://www.facebook.com/ConnectionsParentCoaching References: Chow, K. (2017). Building Resilience Through Play Based Learning. Housman Institute. Li W, Tan F, Zhou Z, Xue Y, Gu C, Xu X. Parents' Response to Children's Performance and Children's Self-Esteem: Parent-Child Relationship and Friendship Quality as Mediators. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 May 15;19(10):6012. Neff, K. (2015). Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself. Siegel, D. and Bryson, T. P. (2019). The Yes Brain: How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience in Your Child. Siegel, D and Bryson, T.P. (2020). The power of showingup: How Parental Presence shapes who our kids become how their brains get wired. Clinton, J. (2013). The Power of Positive Adult Child Relationships: Connection Is the Key. Harvard University.…
Quote: Trust is “the most effective way of relating to and working with others” and “one of the most powerful forms of motivation and inspiration.” -Stephen Covey Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime are joined by Dr. James Panico. James guides a thought-provoking discussion about trust. How is it defined? What role can it play in one’s life? What happens when trust is harmed? And more! ACTion Event of the Week: Think about those people in your life who you deeply trust. Take some time to reach out to them - in any way that you’d like - and let them know how much you value them and the trust you share! Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act to Live as we explore HOPE and FAITH! References: Trust. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/trust…
Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime take some time to share pieces of their unique stories. They then delve into the idea of stories - the ways stories differ depending on who’s living or viewing them, the ways stories can change (often unexpectedly) over time, and the impact time and space can have on one’s ability to tell a story. ACTion Event of the Week: Write YOUR story! Take some time to ponder and reflect. Then, sit down and start writing. Perhaps from the beginning…or maybe you choose to focus on a time or event that stands out most in your mind. Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act to Live as we explore HOPE and FAITH! References: Dibdin, E. (2022, March). The Mental Health Benefits of Journaling. Psychology Central. https://psychcentral.com/lib/the-health-benefits-of-journaling Dingfelder, S. (2011, January). Our stories, ourselves. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/01/stories McAdams, D.P. (2006). The Redemptive Self: Stories Americans Live by. New York: Oxford University Press. Sutton, J. (2018, May). 5 Benefits of Journaling for Mental health. Positive Psychology. https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/…
Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime introduce the theme of Season Six - exploration! Each episode will feature a single word meant for listeners to explore right along with the duo. Jaime and Scott begin the episode by defining exploration and the role it plays in their lives currently. They then discuss some ways that we can engage in self-exploration and a few of the benefits. ACTion Event of the Week: Take some time to think about an area of your life in which you’d like to explore. Then, dive in…in any way that feels right to you…write, meditate, talk with family and friends, etc. Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act to Live as we explore FAITH and HOPE! References: Bench, S. W., Schlegel, R. J., Davis, W. E., & Vess, M. (2015). Thinking about change in the self and others: The role of self-discovery metaphors and the true self. Social Cognition, 33(3), 169–185. Epstein, S. (2010). Demystifying intuition: What it is, what it does, and how it does it. Psychological Inquiry, 21(4), 295–312. Explore. (Retrieved 2024). Dictionary.com https://www.dictionary.com/browse/explore Hovde, M., & Wade, D. (2022). What Is The Purpose of Self-Exploration? Psychology Central.com https://psychcentral.com/blog/self-exploration-getting-to-know-thyself Sutton, J. (2023). 30 Best Self-Exploration Questions, Journal Prompts, & Tools. Positive Psychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/self-exploration/ Thomas, V. (2016). Using mental imagery in counseling and psychotherapy: A guide to more inclusive theory and practice. Routledge.…
Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime are joined by the amazing Kaludia Burian! Klaudia shares some of her journey to becoming an integrative nutritional health coach. She helps us to understand what a health coach is, what they do, and how they may be able to guide us in becoming the best and healthiest version of ourselves. Klaudia also provides some wonderful resources, so that we can all learn even more. ACTion Event of the Week: If you found yourself thinking, “I want to learn more about health coaching,” check out the resources below. To find a Nationally Board-Certified Health and Wellness coach in your area https://members.nbhwc.org/search/custom.asp?id=6956 Quick read from Forbes Health on 'What is a Health Coach'? Do I need one? (includes links to additional resources) https://www.forbes.com/health/body/what-is-a-health-coach/ To connect with Klaudia personally or request The Weekly Nibble https://mytulsinutrition.com Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act to Live as we explore our Zones…of regulation!…
Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime discuss a question they’ve been pondering for a while. Is it possible to love someone unconditionally? The duo talks about what unconditional love entails and contrasts it with conditional love. Jaime and Scott also talk about ways in which we might be able to cultivate unconditional love, which not so surprisingly, starts with learning to love ourselves unconditionally. In the end, Scott and Jaime decide that perhaps the best way to encompass the true spirit of unconditional love is being able to - not so simply - say “I love you” to another person without feeling the need to add to the statement. ACTion Event of the Week: Think about those in your life who you love unconditionally. What is it about those people and relationships that allow you to offer and share this love? Then, think about yourself - do you love yourself unconditionally? It can be difficult, and yet so important, to do so. After pondering these questions for a while, think about one way in which you can practice and strengthen your ability to unconditionally love yourself and others. Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act to Live as we explore loving kindness! References: Cuncic, A. (2022). What is Unconditional Love? Very Well Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/does-unconditional-love-make-for-healthy-relationships-4165457 Psychologs Magazine (2023). True Meanings of Unconditional Love. https://www.psychologs.com/true-meanings-of-unconditional-love/ Raab, D. (2020). The Secret of Unconditional Love. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-empowerment-diary/202002/the-secret-unconditional-love…
Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime talk about the concept of ‘holding space.’ The duo shares their thoughts about what it means to hold space for oneself and others. Scott talks about the ways in which mindful and intentional daily practice of holding space for himself helps him to be better able to hold space for others. Jaime talks a bit about how, at the moment in her life, holding space for herself seems much more difficult and more daunting than holding space for others. The two explore ways that we might be able to begin holding more space for ourselves especially in moments when it might feel difficult to do so. ACTion Event of the Week: Part 1: How would you define ‘holding space’ for yourself? How would you define ‘holding space’ for others? Part 2: Which one is more difficult for you? Why? Can you identify at least one thing that you find difficult? Part 3: What is the first step that you could take to begin ‘holding space’ for yourself? Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act To Live as we explore trust. References: Wilson, S. 5 Ways to Create Mental Space. Simplify Magazine. https://nosidebar.com/mental-space/…
Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott, Jaime, and Courtney explore the terms authenticity and vulnerability. What do they mean? What role can they play in one’s life? How do they interact? And, can you be one without the other? The three then talk about the benefits, challenges, and motivations behind being authentic and/or vulnerable. ACTion Event of the Week: Part 1: When you are being authentic and vulnerable, what does that look like? Part 2: Choose any situation/person and think about what might motivate you to be authentic and vulnerable? Part 3: What is the first step in this situation/with this person you can take to be authentic and vulnerable? Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act To Live as we explore empathy.…
Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime explore the power of friendship. They discuss what it means to be a friend, the qualities of friends, the varying roles that friends may play in one’s life, and those extra special friends that truly become ‘our people.’ ACTion Event of the Week: Think about those people in your life who you call your best friends/your close friends/your people. Reach out to them and let them know just how much they mean to you! Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act To Live as we discuss authenticity with a very special guest!…
Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime discuss impermanence. The duo starts small as they discuss the impermanence that exists in daily life and then dig deeper as they explore the impermanence that often accompanies things like change, loss, grief, and trauma. Jaime and Scott both share some of their own experiences and struggles with impermanence and discuss the lessons they learned along the way. ACTion Event of the Week: Think about an area of your life in which you are struggling with impermanence. Bring that impermanence to mind and then allow yourself to sit with it for a few minutes. What did you notice? What is a first-step you might take in your journey toward a greater respect and acknowledgment of impermanence? Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act To Live as we celebrate friendship! References: Nash Ph.D, J. (2016). How to Accept the Impermanence of Life: A Buddhist Take. Positive Psychology. https://positivepsychology.com/impermanence/…
Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime dive into the topic of neurodiversity - a term that is being talked about everywhere right now. Jaime shares some of her experiences as a parent of a child, who has been newly diagnosed as neurodiverse. And, Scott shares his thoughts, experiences, and reflections as someone who is also part of a neurodivergent population. The duo talk about the importance of getting to know an individual and truly understanding their wants, needs, and desires as they work to become the best version of themselves - a goal we all share. ACTion Event of the Week: Whenever you meet a new person - take the opportunity to really get to know them. Listen, learn, and figure out the ways that you can support them in their journey! Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act To Live as we discuss empathy! References: Morin, A. (ND). What is Neurodiversity? Understood. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/neurodiversity-what-you-need-to-know…
Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime talk about the human tendency to avoid pain and suffering. Scott introduces a book by Stutz and Micheals (The Tools, 2013) in which they term this tendency - staying in one’s comfort zone. Scott discusses the book's recommendation to “Bring It On” and allow ourselves to begin to move toward, sit with, and eventually walk through pain and suffering. Jaime and Scott talk about their own experiences and struggles with this very behavior. ACTion Event of the Week: Take a few minutes to think about something that causes you pain or suffering. As you sit, recite the affirmation “Bring It On” aloud. Notice what you think and feel as you do so. Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act To Live as we discuss empathy! References: Stutz, P. & Micheals, B. (2013). The Tools: 5 Tools to Help You Find Courage, Creativity, and Willpower--and Inspire You to Live Life in Forward Motion. Random House Publishing: New York, New York.…
Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime explore the ways in which we might use thoughts to avoid sitting with and working through something challenging in our lives. They talk about things we often tell ourselves in these moments and the stories we create. Things like “I don’t have enough time;” “I’ll deal with it later;” “I shouldn’t be upset about this;” “It’s not a big deal.” These thoughts often lead to further avoidance, and while not having to face something difficult might feel good in the moment, it often leads to more pain, suffering, and struggle as we continue on. Jaime and Scott wrap up the episode by talking a bit about the first steps we can take to get out of the maze. ACTion Event of the Week: Take a few minutes to sit quietly and focus on your breath. When doing so, allow yourself to bring to mind something that you are currently avoiding/is causing you pain and suffering. Hold this thing in your mind and sit with it for a few minutes (if you can). Observe your thoughts, feelings, and reactions. Are you able to sit with it or do you find yourself trying to escape? Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act To Live as we explore comfort zones!…
Summary: On this episode of Act To Live, Scott and Jaime explore the commonly used phrase - ‘stuck in a rut.’ As they work through a checklist, they talk about some of the signs that an individual might be stuck and struggling to move forward. Jaime and Scott then discuss the chronic nature of being stuck - something that often leads to one’s difficulty in taking steps to climb out. The duo wraps up the episode by discussing pointers for getting unstuck. ACTion Event of the Week: Look over the following checklist: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/surprise/201605/10-signs-youre-in-rut . If you find yourself in a rut, in one aspect of your life, take some time to think about and understand that rut. What does it look like? What are some of your thoughts? What are some of your emotions? What are some of your actions or inactions? Now, think about one little step you might be able to take as you work to climb out of that rut? Where do we walk next? Join us on the next episode of Act To Live as we explore thought mazes! References: Cherry, K. (2022). How to Get Out of a Rut. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-get-out-of-a-rut-4172608 Luna, T. (2016). 10 Signs that You’re in a Rut. Psychology Today.…
Welcome to Player FM!
Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.