Shorts: Main Character Energy Won't Move the Wheel

Taking Back Monday

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42:14

Episode Description: Jessica B. Harris may have been born and raised in New York City, but she has Tennessee roots through her father and has spent much of her life split between homes in the Northeast and the South – specifically New Orleans. For more than fifty years, she has been a college professor, a writer, and a lecturer, and her many books have earned her a reputation as an authority on food of the African Diaspora, as well as a lifetime achievement award from the James Beard Foundation. A few years back, Netflix adapted her book, High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America , into a 4 part docuseries. And I’m very proud to say that she’s a longtime contributor to Southern Living with a regular column called The Welcome Table. This episode was recorded in the Southern Living Birmingham studios, and Sid and Jessica talked about her mother’s signature mac and cheese, the cast-iron skillet she’d be sure to save if ever her house were on fire, and her dear friend, the late New Orleans chef Leah Chase. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Biscuits & Jam is produced by : Sid Evans - Editor-in-Chief, Southern Living Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer/Producer Jeremiah McVay - Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

about a year ago 5:58

MP3•Episode home

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa dives into “Main Character Energy” and what it really means to find purpose beyond just individual goals. Inspired by her experience at the Sphere in Las Vegas, where a powerful quote—"a billion spokes, all believing they're the center of the wheel"—challenged her perspective, she explores how that mindset affects both our planet and our workplaces.
Join her AI co-hosts as they break down why shifting from "me" to "we" in work can make all the difference. They discuss team dynamics, individual purpose, and the impact of each “spoke” working together towards something bigger. Tune in to see how this shift can reshape your Monday mindset and fuel a more connected work culture.

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

58 episodes

#Business #Alyssa Nolte #Leadership #Team Building #Sales Tips #Marketing #Productivity #Motivation #Innovation #Customer Success #Workplace Culture #Team Performance #MBA #Entrepreneur #Succession #Inspired Leadership

Shorts: Main Character Energy Won't Move the Wheel

Taking Back Monday

published about a year ago

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58 episodes

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Taking Back Monday

1
Stop Chasing Customers, Start Attracting Them feat. Charles Browne 36:41

11 days ago36:41

36:41

What if your customer growth problem isn’t a product issue but a people one? In this episode, Alyssa Nolte sits down with leadership strategist Charles Browne to unpack why so many organizations chase the wrong customers, build bloated offerings, and burn out their best people in the process. From his early days in martial arts and the Navy’s nuclear program to leading transformational change at Los Alamos, Charles shares how clarity, consistency, and personal values are the real accelerators of growth. They explore why high-performing teams start with empowered individuals, how to build trust through decision-making frameworks, and what happens when companies forget their core value proposition. If you’ve ever added more features to justify your price, or overloaded your customers with choices, you need to hear this. Key Takeaways: → Stop jumping to solutions. If you don’t define the real problem, even your best ideas won’t fix it. → Empowered teams and clear values create scalable momentum; micromanagement kills it. → Your customers don’t want more options...they want clarity, confidence, and connection. Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction to Charles 00:07 Charles' Origin Story 02:16 Current Roles and Responsibilities 03:39 Common Blind Spots in Leadership 06:57 Defining Leadership Roles 08:50 Customer-Centric Strategies 11:53 Personal Values and Leadership 16:24 Core Values in Organizations 19:29 Micromanagement and Organizational Values 19:42 Customer, Product, and Operations Focus 20:30 Southwest Airlines: A Case Study in Values 22:06 The Importance of Consistency in Leadership 25:33 Aligning Personal and Professional Values 28:40 Serving the Customer with Integrity 30:37 Identifying and Serving Your Ideal Customer 34:26 Final Thoughts and Resources Share your thoughts - send us a text It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries. Connect with Alyssa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/ Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/ Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod…

Taking Back Monday

1
Santa in the Bushes and Other Lessons in Letting Go feat. Rebecca Link 26:20

25 days ago26:20

26:20

What do falling holiday decorations, dirty dishes, and single parenthood have in common? For Rebecca Link, they became unexpected metaphors for letting go of perfection, surviving the unimaginable, and rewriting the rules of leadership. In this episode, Rebecca gets real about grief, toxic positivity, and what it actually takes to rebuild after everything changes. From therapy breakthroughs to the surprising power of delegation, she unpacks the invisible standards we chase and how to finally put them down. If you've ever felt like you’re failing at an impossible game, this one’s for you. Key Takeaways: Perfection is a myth - especially in grief, parenting, and leadership. Letting go of unrealistic expectations (like fixing Santa in the bushes) creates space for what actually matters. Delegation isn’t just a productivity tool - it’s a survival skill. Sometimes you’re not just offloading tasks, you’re reclaiming mental capacity and teaching others to step up. You don’t need to bounce back fast. Whether you’re dipping, swimming, or soaking in the “pool” of hard emotions, the magic happens when you stop pretending everything’s fine and start redefining what’s enough. Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:24 Rebecca's Origin Story 02:24 Navigating Trauma and Toxic Positivity 03:13 Challenges of Motherhood and Work-Life Balance 06:09 Coping with Loss and Redefining Life 14:00 Delegation and Leadership Insights 21:31 Finding Support and Resources 25:11 Conclusion and Contact Information Share your thoughts - send us a text It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries. Connect with Alyssa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/ Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/ Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod…

Taking Back Monday

1
The Death of Coffee’s for Closers: Helping Beats Hustling feat. Tom Whalen 25:47

5 weeks ago25:47

25:47

Tom Whalen didn’t set out to be in sales - he just needed a job. Fast forward a few decades, and he’s built his entire career (and even a college course) around it. In this episode, we talk about how modern sales has evolved past cheesy scripts and high-pressure tactics. From building trust with customers to staying human in hybrid teams, Tom shares real stories and practical wisdom on what it means to lead, teach, and sell in today’s world. Key Takeaways: Why reluctant sellers often make the best long-term sales leaders How to keep remote and hybrid teams connected through small, intentional rituals The real value of AI in sales (hint: it’s not doing your job for you) Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:21 Tom's Origin Story 04:09 The Evolution of Sales 08:57 Teaching and AI Interests 18:01 Team Dynamics and Remote Work 24:28 Conclusion and Contact Information Share your thoughts - send us a text It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries. Connect with Alyssa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/ Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/ Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod…

Taking Back Monday

1
Whole-Ass People: The Case for Purpose at Work and at Home feat. Luisa Anderson 22:50

7 weeks ago22:50

22:50

What do immigration law, spiritual awakenings, and Zoom meetings have in common? For Luisa Anderson, they all revealed one truth: we’re not meant to live fragmented lives. In this episode of Taking Back Monday , we talk about what it means to live and work in purpose - not just have purpose at work. From translating legalese for her immigrant community to launching a podcast after the end of a decade-long marriage, Luisa shares how she stopped compartmentalizing and started living as a whole-ass person. No more splitting yourself between work-you and real-you. It’s all one life - and it deserves to be a meaningful one. Key Takeaways: → Finding your “why” is meaningless until you feel it in your bones—purpose is lived, not borrowed. → Great leadership is translation: bridging not just language gaps, but cultural and emotional ones. → Remote work makes connection harder, but more important—don’t let convenience kill humanity. Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:16 Luisa's Origin Story 01:31 Challenges of Legal Translation 05:17 Finding Purpose in Work 07:42 The Importance of Communication in Leadership 09:42 Work from Home Dynamics 13:20 Louisa's Career Shift and Spiritual Awakening 16:46 Living a Purposeful Life 20:46 Closing Thoughts and Farewell Share your thoughts - send us a text It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries. Connect with Alyssa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/ Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/ Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod…

Taking Back Monday

1
Soft Skills, Big Impact: Leadership Lessons from the Wiz feat. Tajiri Brackens 27:33

8 weeks ago27:33

27:33

What does it take to build a workplace people actually want to be part of? Dr. Tajiri Brackens - aka the Workplace Wizard - joins us to unpack the underrated power of soft skills, intentional energy, and relationship-driven leadership. From decades of experience across industries (and a surprisingly brilliant take on The Wiz), Tajiri shares how simplicity, storytelling, and self-awareness can drive real results inside organizations. Key Takeaways: → Why relationships, not just results, are the secret to retention and performance → How to identify personality styles using candy (yes, candy!) to manage teams better → What it means to be an energy giver and how to spot when you're not Key Moments 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:42 The Origin Story 01:21 The Power of Relationships in the Workplace 06:17 The Workplace Wizard Concept 07:49 Simplifying Leadership and Training 10:41 Challenges in Organizational Change 15:37 Energy Management and Team Dynamics 19:11 Candy and Personality Types 22:31 Influential People and Resources 25:31 Conclusion and How to Connect Share your thoughts - send us a text It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries. Connect with Alyssa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/ Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/ Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod…

Taking Back Monday

1
Talk Less, Lead More: Building Rapport and Real Influence feat. Scott Harvey 26:46

9 weeks ago26:46

26:46

What do hostage negotiation and leadership have in common? A lot more than you'd think. In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Scott Harvey shares what 20 years in law enforcement taught him about communication, influence, and why good leadership starts with listening - not talking. Whether you’re leading a team, managing tough conversations, or just trying to show your people you give a damn, this episode is packed with practical advice and powerful storytelling. 3 Key Takeaways: → Silence without rapport feels like you don’t care, why trust is built long before it’s tested. → The best leaders talk less and ask better questions, influence comes from listening, not lecturing. → Feedback is a gift (when delivered with care), uncomfortable conversations are the most generous thing a leader can do. Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:14 Scott's Origin Story 00:31 Lessons from Law Enforcement 02:02 The Power of Communication 05:49 Leadership and Listening 17:37 Building Rapport in Remote Work 25:36 Conclusion and Contact Information Share your thoughts - send us a text It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries. Connect with Alyssa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/ Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/ Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod…

Taking Back Monday

1
The Courage to Take Back Your Life with Pamela Dale 30:23

10 weeks ago30:23

30:23

In this episode, Pamela Dale and Alyssa Nolte dive into why the dreaded “Sunday Scaries” are just a symptom of a larger problem: a work-life system that values conformity over individual fulfillment. Pamela shares her journey—from teaching ESL in Korea and struggling with self-doubt to building million-dollar funnels and becoming a sought-after coach. The conversation challenges the traditional mindset that equates success with a “good job” and instead champions the importance of following your true path, leveraging new tools, and setting your own priorities. Key Takeaways: Reframe the “Sunday Scaries”: Understand that Monday’s dread is a signal to rethink an outdated work culture and reclaim your time. Embrace Your Unique Journey: Your path doesn’t need to mirror the traditional route—use new tools and trust your instincts to build your personal brand. Align Work With Values: True fulfillment comes from pursuing goals that resonate with who you are, not from adhering to conventional expectations. Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Pamela 00:15 The Sunday Scaries and Modern Work Culture 02:29 Rethinking Education and Career Paths 06:02 Pamela's Journey: From ESL Teacher to Coach 10:12 The Power of Intuition and Unspoken Communication 12:53 Navigating Corporate Politics and Personal Growth 14:53 White Labeling and Initial Client Assessment 15:30 Mindset and Overcoming Challenges 16:12 Branding and Personal Presentation 17:40 Coaching and Accountability 18:15 The Dip and Perseverance 20:47 Balancing Business and Family 22:24 Empowering Women in Business 26:46 Health and Women's Bodies 29:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Share your thoughts - send us a text It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries. Connect with Alyssa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/ Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/ Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod…

Taking Back Monday

1
Redefining Hustle: Why Productivity Starts with Protecting Your Energy feat. Bob Mathers 25:36

11 weeks ago25:36

25:36

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa sits down with Bob Mathers—Customer Success coach, keynote speaker, and host of The Growth Mixtape—to talk about what happens when life forces you to rethink work. From personal wake-up calls to the everyday burnout creeping into modern careers, they unpack how to set boundaries, protect your energy, and find meaning in what you do (without losing yourself in the process). Key Takeaways: Burnout isn’t just about being busy—it’s about being misaligned. You need to know when you do your best work and protect that energy at all costs. Customer Success is breaking under the pressure of vague expectations. It’s time to stop carrying the weight of everyone else’s work and redefine the role. Life doesn’t wait for the perfect time to teach you what matters. Sometimes it takes a crisis to realize what truly deserves your time and attention. Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:26 Personal Stories of Overcoming Challenges 03:36 Work-Life Balance and Boundaries 07:38 Customer Success Insights 17:18 Productivity and Energy Management 23:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Share your thoughts - send us a text It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries. Connect with Alyssa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/ Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/ Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod…

Taking Back Monday

1
Why Hierarchies Kill Innovation: Focusing on Culture Isn't Enough feat. Dawn Holly Johnson 34:08

12 weeks ago34:08

34:08

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, host Alyssa Nolte sits down with transformation strategist Dawn Holly Johnson to unpack why traditional hierarchies are crushing innovation—and what to build instead. With over 20 years of experience across industries, Dawn shares how she helps companies design for value, scale with purpose, and create cultures that don’t just talk about empowerment—they live it. If you're tired of bureaucracy, burnout, and broken systems, this one’s for you. Key Takeaways: ➤ Structure drives behavior: Culture can’t thrive inside systems that were built to control, not empower. ➤ Process matters: Without well-designed systems, even the best teams struggle to deliver value. ➤ Purpose over profit: Alignment around mission—not just money—fuels better decisions and better results. Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction to Taking Back Monday 00:12 Journey into Lean Six Sigma 01:07 Common Issues in Leadership 01:32 The Impact of COVID-19 on Work Culture 01:49 Questioning Traditional Business Practices 02:09 Writing the Transformational Book 05:46 The Importance of Happy Employees 06:34 Challenges of Organizational Hierarchies 13:10 Empowering Teams and Building Trust 20:31 Aligning Purpose and Process 23:14 The Role of Process in Business Success 31:45 Gary Vee and Inspirational Leadership 33:08 Conclusion and Contact Information Share your thoughts - send us a text It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries. Connect with Alyssa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/ Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/ Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod…

Taking Back Monday

1
Customer Success Is Not Dead - It’s Evolving feat. Sabina Pons 24:25

13 weeks ago24:25

24:25

Customer Success isn’t dying—it’s evolving. In this episode of Taking Back Monday, host Alyssa Nolte sits down with Sabina Pons, CEO of Growth Molecules, to explore the shifting role of Customer Success in today’s business landscape. They discuss why Customer Success professionals need to embrace their role as revenue drivers, the power of storytelling in leadership, and how building strong relationships can lead to long-term customer retention—even when customers leave. Plus, Alyssa and Sabina dive into the importance of making work easy—for your customers, your team, and yourself. Whether you’re a Customer Success leader navigating change, a SaaS executive focused on retention, or an entrepreneur looking for inspiration to take back your Mondays, this conversation is packed with actionable insights from one of the industry’s most experienced voices. Key Takeaways: ➝ Customer Success isn’t dead—it’s evolving. The best CS teams are shifting from advocacy alone to driving measurable revenue impact. ➝ We’re all in sales. Whether or not a CSM owns renewals, every interaction influences retention and expansion. ➝ The best CS leaders make work easy. Reducing friction—for customers, teams, and partners—is key to long-term success. Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:11 Discussing Work Relationships 00:29 Sabina's Career Journey 02:25 Navigating Career Challenges 07:28 Transition to Consulting 12:03 Customer Success Insights 21:18 Leadership and Personal Growth 23:39 Conclusion and Farewell Share your thoughts - send us a text It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries. Connect with Alyssa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/ Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/ Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod…

Taking Back Monday

1
The One Thing Holding CS Back: How to Work Smarter, Not Harder feat. Alex Turkovic 23:50

14 weeks ago23:50

23:50

CS teams are stuck in a cycle of busy work, but what if the real problem isn’t the workload - it’s how they work? Alyssa Nolte and Alex Turkovic break down the one shift that can transform Customer Success: taking control of your workflow. They dive into the power of templatization, leveraging AI for efficiency, and why the best CS pros don’t wait for tools...they build their own. If you’re tired of playing defense in CS, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: Optimize for Future You – Investing extra effort today in templates, documentation, and repeatable processes saves exponentially more time in the long run. AI is Your Augmented Intelligence – AI won’t replace CS, but those who learn how to use it effectively will outperform those who don’t. Own Your Workflow – The best tools won’t save you if they don’t fit how you work. Build systems that work for you, not just what your company provides. Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:27 Introducing Alex and the Topic of Customer Success 01:36 The One Thing for Customer Success 03:41 Practical Tips for Efficiency 09:06 Using AI to Enhance Productivity 12:11 The Role of AI in Customer Success 14:27 Best Practices for Implementing AI 22:00 Tools and Hacks for Success 22:40 Connecting with Alex 23:24 Conclusion and Call to Action Share your thoughts - send us a text It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries. Connect with Alyssa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/ Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/ Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod…

Taking Back Monday

1
The House Always Wins: Why Ignoring Workplace Red Flags Will Cost You feat. Danielle Roberts 26:22

15 weeks ago26:22

26:22

You wouldn’t sit at a blackjack table, ignore the odds, and hope for the best—so why do leaders do that with their teams? Employee disengagement, customer churn, and burnout don’t happen overnight. The signs are there… if you’re paying attention. In this episode, Alyssa Nolte and Danielle Roberts break down why companies gamble with their people, customers, and bottom line—and always lose. We’ll cover: The "silent quitting" problem—when employees mentally check out before they actually leave Why leaders ignore red flags and how to train yourself to see them before they escalate How unspoken resentment leads to costly turnover and brand damage Lessons from companies that waited too long and the ones that course-corrected in time Simple strategies for getting ahead of problems instead of playing a losing hand If you're leading a team, running a business, or just tired of watching the same mistakes play out over and over, this episode is your cheat code. Stop rolling the dice with your company’s future—tune in now. Key Takeaways: Problems don’t appear overnight – Employee disengagement and churn have warning signs; leaders just need to pay attention. Ignoring red flags is costly – Avoiding tough conversations leads to turnover, brand damage, and lost revenue. Proactive beats reactive – The best leaders spot issues early and take action before they spiral. Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:15 Danielle's Origin Story 01:39 The Turning Point: Personal Loss and Career Shift 02:42 Founding Anti Career Coaching 04:19 Challenges in Modern Leadership 05:40 Empowering Self-Leadership 07:26 Building Trust and Belonging in the Workplace 18:25 The Importance of Culture Change 23:11 Inspiring Leaders and Final Thoughts 25:55 Conclusion and Farewell Share your thoughts - send us a text It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries. Connect with Alyssa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/ Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/ Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod…

Taking Back Monday

1
The Price of Ambition: What We Sacrifice in the Pursuit of Having It All feat. Angela Besignano 23:34

16 weeks ago23:34

23:34

For decades, women have been fighting for equality, breaking barriers, and proving they can do it all. But at what cost? In this powerful and eye-opening talk, Angie Besignano dives into the silent epidemic of burnout among high-achievers—why it happens, how it manifests, and what we can do about it. Drawing from her own experiences and years of coaching top executives, Angie explores the unrealistic expectations placed on professional women, the pressure to juggle multiple roles flawlessly, and the emotional toll of always striving for more. Through engaging storytelling and actionable insights, she challenges the myth that success must come at the expense of well-being and introduces the concept of “healthy selfishness”—a mindset shift that allows women to reclaim their time, energy, and purpose. Whether you’re a rising leader, a seasoned executive, or someone who feels like they’re constantly running on empty, this talk will leave you with the tools and permission to prioritize yourself—without guilt, without compromise, and without burning out. Key Takeaways: → Burnout Isn’t Just Work—It’s Overloading Every Role Juggling all the roles—leader, partner, parent—without prioritizing yourself leads to burnout. Identify where your energy drains before it takes over. → “Healthy Selfishness” Is a Power Move Success isn’t about doing it all—it’s about knowing when to say no. Choosing yourself first isn’t selfish, it’s survival. → Success Shouldn’t Feel Like Survival If ambition is draining you, it’s time to rethink success. Set boundaries, drop the guilt, and build a life that fuels you. Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:19 Meet Angie: A Longtime Friend and Coach 01:15 Angie's Journey: From Coaching to Burnout Advocacy 02:23 Understanding Burnout: Personal Experiences and Insights 05:16 Healthy Selfishness: Prioritizing Yourself 06:41 Historical Context: The Burning Bras Movement 08:11 Modern Challenges: Balancing Multiple Roles 12:14 Making Choices: Embracing Change and Self-Discovery 21:18 Conclusion: Taking Back Monday Share your thoughts - send us a text It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries. Connect with Alyssa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/ Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/ Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod…

Taking Back Monday

1
The High Cost of Exclusion: What Leaders Get Wrong About DEI feat. Joanne Lockwood 26:05

17 weeks ago26:05

26:05

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa Nolte sits down with Joanne Lockwood to tackle a hard truth...exclusion isn’t just an ethical issue; it’s a business risk. Joanne shares her journey from IT entrepreneur to inclusion advocate, breaking down what leaders think they’re getting right about DEI, and what they’re actually getting wrong. We discuss why performative diversity efforts fail, how exclusion quietly erodes company culture, and why belonging is more than a buzzword (it’s a competitive advantage). We also explore the concept of conscious inclusion—the practice of actively considering who’s missing from the conversation. Joanne offers a fresh perspective on why DEI initiatives shouldn't just be about compliance or PR but about creating positive people experiences that fuel engagement, innovation, and long-term success. If you think diversity is just a box to check, this episode will change your mind. Key Takeaways: Exclusion is expensive. A lack of belonging leads to disengagement, high turnover, and lost innovation. DEI isn’t a policy—it’s culture. Leaders must connect emotionally, not just logically, to create real impact. Who’s missing from the table? Conscious inclusion means proactively seeking out voices and perspectives you haven’t considered. Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:41 Joanne's Origin Story 02:29 The Journey of Gender Transition 04:01 Becoming an Advocate and Educator 08:20 Building Positive People Experiences 11:53 Creating Inclusive Cultures 16:58 Challenges and Conscious Inclusion 22:45 Leaders Standing Strong 24:36 Connecting with Joanne 25:38 Conclusion and Farewell Share your thoughts - send us a text It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries. Connect with Alyssa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/ Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/ Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod…

Taking Back Monday

1
Why Good People Leave: Toxic Bosses & Saying No to @$$holes feat. Lindsay White 26:35

18 weeks ago26:35