Two episodes ago, we talked about choosing your One Big Thing, Two Small Habit Tweaks, and giving yourself Three Months to make meaningful progress.

Last week, we talked about how to stay focused when motivation fades.

And this week, we're talking about something that matters even more than the goal itself:

The Who.

Because despite what the self-help industry often tells us, meaningful growth rarely happens in isolation.

Behind every major accomplishment, career change, creative project, business launch, fitness goal, and personal reinvention, you'll usually find a network of people helping make it possible.

In this episode, I introduce a concept from my book Beyond Potential called The Five P's:

• Proof
• Peers
• Professors
• Prodders
• Pillars

We'll explore how each of these roles can help you make progress on your summer goals, why support matters more than most people realize, and how to intentionally build the kind of community that helps you follow through.

If you've chosen your One Big Thing for the summer and want to give yourself the best possible chance of succeeding, this episode is for you.

• Why successful people rarely achieve their goals alone
• The research behind mentorship, accountability, and community
• How to identify the right people for your current season of growth
• Why "doing it yourself" is often the slowest path forward
• How to build your own Summer Success Team

📘 Beyond Potential: A Guide for Creatives Who Want to Re-Assess, Re-Define, and Re-Ignite Their Careers

📥 DM me the word RETREAT on Instagram for my free Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide:
@kkayaian

🎯 Interested in a 90-Minute, 1:1 Strategy Session?
DM me the word STRATEGY on Instagram (@kkayaian) and let's build a plan together.

Last week, I introduced my 1-2-3 Summer Framework:

One Big Thing.
Two Small Habit Tweaks.
Three Months to see what happens.

This week, we're tackling the question that determines whether any of it actually happens:

How do you follow through?

Because most people don't struggle with setting goals.

They struggle with June 14th.

The day the excitement wears off.

The day life gets busy.

The day the plan collides with reality.

In this episode, I share practical strategies for building momentum, creating consistency, and staying engaged with your goals long after the initial burst of inspiration has faded.

We'll talk about:

• Why most people build plans for their best days instead of their real lives
• The difference between motivation and systems
• The concept of activation energy and how to make starting easier
• Why "Never Miss Twice" might be the most useful rule you'll ever adopt
• How to track evidence instead of obsessing over outcomes
• Why recovery is a critical part of growth
• The surprising source of genuine confidence

If you've ever started a project with enthusiasm only to abandon it a few weeks later, this episode is for you.

My 90-minute Strategy Sessions are designed to help you identify your goals, create a realistic structure, and build momentum that lasts.

DM me the word STRATEGY on Instagram and I'll send you the details, or click here to book an appointment: 

📍 Follow me on Instagram: @kkayaian

📘 Get the book: Beyond Potential: A Guide for Creatives Who Want to Re-Assess, Re-Define, and Re-Ignite Their Careers

🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share with someone who is ready to make this summer count.

What happens when a high-achieving life is optimized for performance—but quietly hostile to connection?

In this episode of Tales from The Lane, I'm joined by Dr. Kimberly Horn—research psychologist, professor, health behavior scientist, and author of Friends Matter, for Life: Harnessing the 8 Tenets of Dynamic Friendship—for a powerful conversation about adult friendship, loneliness, and what meaningful connection really looks like when you're ambitious, capable, and carrying a lot.

We talk about why success can narrow your circle, why so many leaders mistake loneliness for burnout, and how high performers often become the "strong one" for everyone else while quietly feeling unseen themselves.

Dr. Horn shares the hidden costs of over-functioning, the difference between being well-networked and well-nourished, and why friendship should be treated as a real health intervention—not just a nice extra if there's time left over.

We also explore:

• the three friendship traps high achievers often fall into
• Why women leaders in particular can feel guarded and emotionally isolated
• How to "look sideways" for more resonant connection
• The role of reciprocity in healthy adult friendship
• How to recalibrate friendships as your life and identity evolve
• Dr. Horn's simple and practical 2-2-1 method for staying connected

This episode is an important reminder that while most of us were taught how to build careers, almost no one taught us how to build friendships that can evolve with us through the changing seasons of adulthood.

Links & Resources

• Get Dr. Kimberly Horn's book: Friends Matter, for Life
• Visit her website: https://www.drkimberlyhorn.com/
• Get my book: Beyond Potential
• Follow me on Instagram: @kkayaian
• Connect with me on LinkedIn: Kate Kayaian

If this episode resonated, share it with someone you care about—and send me a DM on Instagram with the word RETREAT for my free Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide.

In this episode as we dive deep into the concept of potential and challenge conventional notions of success by asking ourselves: "What if we met our potential self?" Together, we'll explore what it truly means to reach your potential as an artist and as an individual. From redefining success to setting actionable steps toward your goals, this episode offers practical insights and thought-provoking exercises to help you unlock your fullest potential. Don't miss out on this empowering conversation that will inspire you to embrace your unique journey and create a life filled with purpose and joy. We'll do it by: 

• Redefining "Potential": Exploring the concept of potential beyond traditional definitions and societal expectations.
• Balancing Artistic Pursuits with Life: Discussing the possibility of achieving potential without sacrificing other aspects of life.
• Defining Personal Best: Reflecting on what it means to reach your own personal best rather than comparing yourself to others.
• Imagining Your Potential Self: Exercises to visualize and describe the version of yourself that has achieved your aspirations.
• Setting Actionable Steps: Identifying the necessary steps to move closer to your potential self, both big leaps and small actions.
• Finding Joy in the Process: Emphasizing the importance of enjoying the journey towards your potential self.
• Being Purposeful and Joyful: Integrating purpose and joy into your pursuit of potential to create a fulfilling life.

Download your free Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide. 

Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Kate.  

If you enjoyed today's episode, please don't forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share it with your friends! 

Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews! 

Let's hang out!

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

Website: KateKayaian.com

In this episode of the Tales From The Lane Podcast, host Kate Kayaian delves into the critical topic of waiting for confidence before pursuing dreams and goals. Drawing from personal experiences and insights gained through coaching high-performing creatives, Kate explores why waiting for confidence is a common trap and why courage is the essential ingredient for progress. Listeners will gain practical strategies for mustering courage, overcoming fear, and taking action to pursue their aspirations.

Ready to break free from the paralysis of waiting for confidence? Join us in this inspiring episode as we reveal the secret to unlocking your potential: courage. Discover why confidence follows action, not the other way around, and learn practical techniques to strengthen your courage muscle. By the end of this episode, you'll be empowered to step into the arena of your dreams with newfound courage and determination.

Topics Discussed:

• The common trap of waiting for confidence before taking action
• Why courage is the key to progress and success
• Personal anecdotes illustrating the importance of courage over confidence
• Practical strategies for mustering courage in the face of fear
• The role of accountability in building courage
• Rewarding yourself for demonstrating courage and taking action

Download your free Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide. 

Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Kate.  

If you enjoyed today's episode, please don't forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share it with your friends! 

Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews! 

Let's hang out!

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

Website: KateKayaian.com

We've just started Quarter 2! Grab your free Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide and set your next 90 days up for Epic Success. 

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of "Tales from The Lane," where creatives thrive--with your host, Kate Kayaian. In this episode, we heard from Kensley Behel, president of The Musician's Health Lab, about her path from an injured and struggling student clarinetist to an advocate for better physical and mental health support for artists. 

You'll hear about:

• The mental hurdles she had to face when dealing with her playing difficulties
• How her part-time side job changed the course of her life and career. 
• How her ADHD brain has become her biggest superpower. 
• The common lack in arts education that she finds incredibly troubling. 
• What you can do if you suspect you might have ADHD. 

About Kensley:

Dr. Kensley Behel is a musicians' health researcher based in Colorado. As president of the Musicians' Health Lab Inc., she provides lectures around the globe to provide musicians the information needed to live a healthy life! On the side, she works as a freelance gymnastics journalist and has covered 6 World Gymnastics Championships.

Instagram: @kensleybehel 

Facebook and Youtube: @musicianshealthlab

Twitter: @kensleyanne

If you enjoyed today's episode, please don't forget to subscribe and share it with your friends!  

Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews! 

Let's hang out on socials: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

Website: KateKayaian.com

Welcome to Episode 16 of the Tales from The Lane podcast, where we talk about how to thrive in your creative life, find creative and artistic fulfillment, and leave a legacy you can be proud of. In a world where societal expectations and the fear of judgment often hold us back from pursuing our dreams, Today we are going to dive deep into the universal struggle of worrying about what other people think. In this episode, we'll address the fundamental question that plagues all artists and individuals alike: Why do we let the opinions of others dictate our actions, and how can we break free from this pattern? Let's explore the psychological underpinnings of this phenomenon and go over some practical strategies to overcome it.

Topics Discussed:

• The evolutionary origins of the fear of judgment
• The psychological impact of worrying about what others think
• Strategies for shifting focus from external validation to internal fulfillment
• Overcoming the fear of criticism and rejection
• Embracing authenticity and pursuing personal passions despite external pressures

This episode is for anyone seeking to liberate themselves from the shackles of external validation. Whether you're an artist grappling with creative self-doubt or simply someone navigating life's myriad choices, this episode offers a roadmap to reclaiming your autonomy and living authentically. Tune in to discover how to silence the noise of external judgment and embrace the freedom to pursue your passions unapologetically. 

If you enjoyed today's episode, please don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review, and share it with your friends! 

Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews! 

Let's hang out!

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

Website: KateKayaian.com

Hey there, friend, and welcome back to another episode of the Tales from The Lane podcast. I'm your host Kate Kayaian, a former cellist turned mindset and career coach for Creatives. I help Creatives of all kinds—Artists, Musicians, Dancers, Writers, etc. turn their ideas into reality, crafting a career and lifestyle that brings both artistic fulfillment and financial reward and is fully aligned with their values and dreams. 

Here on the Tales from The Lane podcast we talk about what those things look like, and how we can inch ourselves closer to them each and every day. The doors to both of my coaching programs, Profit Pivot and Creatives Leadership Academy are closed right now, but I do have 2 1:1 spots opening up this spring. If you're interested in working together or curious about working together, go ahead and book a 30-minute discovery call for the next couple of weeks, and we can discuss all the things! 

Today, we're going to talk about how to find more EASE in our work, and how that can help dig us out from underneath the burden of overwhelm, and make even the most stress-inducing tasks a little bit enjoyable. 

If you enjoyed today's episode, please don't forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share it with your friends! 

If you resonate with the themes discussed in this episode and are ready to explore how to align your creative aspirations with financial success, consider booking a discovery call with Kate HERE. Together, let's chart a course toward creative fulfillment and financial reward.

Also! Be sure to download your free Journaling Prompts to get your project ideas going! 

You might also be interested in 10 Habits of Successful Artists 

or the Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide

Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews! 

Let's hang out on socials: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

Website: KateKayaian.com

Hi and welcome back to The Tales From The Lane Podcast.  I'm your host, Kate Kayaian– a former cellist, and now a writer and coach for high-performing creatives. This is the show where we talk about how to create a life and career that you love– Ones that bring both creative fulfillment and financial reward.  

Today, in Episode 14, we're talking about Doing Less to Get More Done–How to decide what to do less of, and how to determine what, exactly, we should be getting done. 

By the end of this episode, you'll uncover the art of intentional productivity and unlock the keys to a more fulfilling and balanced creative life. Through practical strategies and insightful anecdotes, we'll unravel the myths of perpetual busyness and unveil the path to sustainable success. Join me as we redefine the metrics of achievement and embark on a journey toward greater clarity, purpose, and artistic fulfillment.

Key Topics Covered:

• Rethinking productivity: Challenging the myth of perpetual busyness and embracing the power of intentional action.
• The case for quality over quantity: Exploring how doing less can lead to greater artistic fulfillment and financial security.
• Strategies for streamlining your creative process: From identifying key areas for improvement to maximizing your impact with minimal effort.
• Navigating financial constraints: Practical tips for cutting expenses, charging more for your work, and leveraging your unique value proposition.
• Embracing specialization: Unveiling the benefits of niche expertise and finding the unifying factor in your creative pursuits.
• Crafting your vision with intentionality: Mapping out your path to success and prioritizing activities that align with your long-term goals.

If you enjoyed today's episode, please don't forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share it with your friends! 

If you resonate with the themes discussed in this episode and are ready to explore how to align your creative aspirations with financial success, consider booking a discovery call with Kate HERE. Together, let's chart a course toward creative fulfillment and financial reward.

Also! Be sure to download your free Journaling Prompts to get your project ideas going! 

You might also be interested in 10 Habits of Successful Artists 

or the Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide

Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews! 

Let's hang out on socials: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

Website: KateKayaian.com

Welcome to Episode 13 of Tales From The Lane, where we explore the intersection of creativity, growth, and fulfillment. I'm Kate Kayaian, your host and fellow journeyer through the artistic landscape. In this episode, we delve into the ever-relatable experience of finding yourself in a funk, that peculiar state where motivation seems elusive and progress feels stagnant. But fear not, because today, we're uncovering the hidden potential within these moments of discomfort and inertia. Join me as we explore how to turn your funk into your next breakthrough.

By the end of this episode, you'll gain valuable insights into navigating the lows of creative expression and emerge with a renewed sense of purpose and direction. Together, we'll uncover the transformative power of embracing discomfort and leveraging it as a catalyst for growth. So grab your favorite beverage, settle into your favorite spot, and let's embark on this journey of self-discovery and artistic renewal.

• Understanding the nature of artistic funk: Recognizing the signs and symptoms of creative inertia.
• Embracing discomfort: The role of acceptance and self-compassion in navigating challenging periods.
• Finding clarity through introspection: Practical strategies for reconnecting with your creative essence.
• Leveraging envy as a guide: Exploring the transformative potential of jealousy in uncovering unmet desires.
• The Artist's Way: Unpacking the wisdom of Julia Cameron's seminal work and its relevance in times of transition.
• Cultivating resilience: Five actionable steps for transforming your funk into your next breakthrough.
• Embracing the journey: Celebrating the process of creative evolution and the unexpected gifts that emerge along the way.

Join me as we embark on a journey of self-discovery and artistic renewal in Episode 13 of Tales From The Lane. Your next breakthrough awaits.

If you resonate with the themes discussed in this episode and are ready to explore how to align your creative aspirations with financial success, consider booking a discovery call with Kate HERE. Together, let's chart a course toward creative fulfillment and financial reward.

Also! Be sure to download your free Journaling Prompts to get your project ideas going! 

You might also be interested in 10 Habits of Successful Artists 

or the Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide

If you enjoyed today's episode, please don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review, and share it with your friends! 

Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews! 

Let's hang out on socials: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

Website: KateKayaian.com

Welcome back to The Tales From The Lane Podcast with your host, Kate Kayaian. In Episode 12, Kate delves into the often complex and nuanced world of seeking and providing help, particularly within the creative sphere. Through personal anecdotes and keen observations, Kate explores the dynamics of asking for assistance, giving support, and the underlying desire for connection that often accompanies these interactions.

In this episode, Kate Kayaian tackles the theme of "Help" from various angles, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities inherent in seeking and offering assistance within the creative community. Drawing from her own experiences as a former cellist turned writer and coach, Kate invites listeners to reflect on their own relationship with help and the societal expectations that shape it.

Key Topics Covered:

• Debunking the myth of the solitary artist: Kate challenges the notion that creative success is achieved in isolation, emphasizing the role of support networks and collaborative endeavors.

• The art of asking for help: Kate explores the discomfort and vulnerability often associated with seeking assistance, highlighting the importance of clarity and authenticity in communication.

• Navigating help etiquette: From distinguishing between asking for help and asking for a favor to setting boundaries around response times, Kate offers practical insights into effective help-seeking behaviors.

• Recognizing the deeper need for connection: Beyond practical assistance, Kate reflects on the underlying desire for human connection that underpins many requests for help, urging listeners to embrace vulnerability and foster meaningful relationships.

Conclusion:

As the episode draws to a close, Kate leaves listeners with a set of guiding principles for navigating the terrain of help with authenticity and grace. Encouraging a spirit of reciprocity and mutual support, Kate invites listeners to reflect on their own patterns of help-seeking and offering, ultimately fostering a culture of collaboration and connection within the creative community.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the dynamics of help and connection in Episode 12 of The Tales From The Lane Podcast.

If you resonate with the themes discussed in this episode and are ready to explore how to align your creative aspirations with financial success, consider booking a discovery call with Kate at KateKayaian.com. Together, let's chart a course toward creative fulfillment and financial reward.

If you enjoyed today's episode, please don't forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share it with your friends! 

Get my free Workbook: 10 Habits of Successful Musicians 

Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews! 

Let's hang out on socials: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

Website: KateKayaian.com

Profit Pivot is open for enrollment! If you are ready to stop making excuses and get your artistic project created and launched, join us for this 6-month hybrid experience. Find more details HERE.

Welcome to Episode 11 of the Tales from The Lane podcast. Today, we are joined by violinist Jessica Stinson, and we're talking about taking back control of our careers and making it look the way WE want it to look. 

In Jessica's case, that was to play the Atlanta-based gigs that she loved the most, to teach at the university level, and to be a part of a string quartet that was making an actual difference in both the music industry, and in larger, more important arenas as well. 

Hailed by both The State and Free Times as a "thrilling and spectacular" performer with "remarkably mature musicianship." Jessica currently serves as Acting Assistant Principal Second Violin of the Atlanta Opera Orchestra and also performs with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra.  A graduate of The University of South Carolina and Rice University, Jessica is a co-founder of Mosaic Quartet, an ensemble devoted to representing those who are marginalized in the classical music field, and serves on the faculty of the Georgia State University School of Music.

Jessica has been working with me since February 2022, when she knew her heart would burst if she didn't get this dream chamber ensemble off the ground. 

She did just that, and then some!

So go ahead and grab your favorite beverage, find a cozy spot, and let's dive in! 

Follow Jessica on IG @jstinsonviolin and Learn more about Mosaic Quartet at  https://www.mosaicquartet.org/

If you enjoyed today's episode, please subscribe, rate, & review, and don't forget to share it with your friends! 

Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews! 

Let's hang out on socials: 

Instagram

Tales from The Lane FB Community

Twitter (X)

KateKayaian.com

Doors are open for my 6-Month Guided Program, Profit Pivot! This program is perfect for any creative with an idea for an artistic project–a workshop, class, festival, ensemble, chamber music series, or artists retreat... Anything at all!

We take you step-by-step to get that project out of your head, and into the world

Enrollment in Profit Pivot closes on Friday, February 23rd, so get in there ASAP and check it out. Head over to KateKayaian.com for all of the details! 

Hello, friend, and welcome back to another episode of the Tales From The Lane Podcast. I hope you have had an incredible week. This is your host, Kate Kayaian, and this is the show where we talk about how Artists and Creatives can thrive instead of merely survive. We cover mindset obstacles like imposter syndrome and resistance, and we talk about tactics like time-blocking and how to create artistic projects. 

Mostly though, this is a place where, as a creative, you can gain the confidence to craft your career in the most fulfilling and aligned way. You can choose to ignore the old and now aged-out advice that you have to be a slave to your art at all costs, and that you MUST live in NYC,  or London, or Berlin, and that you MUST do things a certain tried and true way. There is just too much evidence to the contrary. This is a place where you get to do your craft at the highest possible level and do it on your terms. 

Often, getting from a tired-out career to this new, amazing career of your dreams requires working towards certain goals. And here we are in mid-February when we're looking in the rear-view mirror at our New Year's resolutions….sitting there on the dusty road, waving goodbye to us. 

Today we're talking about how we can keep ourselves from bailing on our goals. And the 3 things that you can do to stay the course and get to that Point B.

So go ahead and grab your favorite beverage, find a cozy spot, and let's dive in.

If you enjoyed today's episode, please don't forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share it with your friends! 

Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews! 

Let's hang out on socials: 

Instagram

Tales from The Lane FB Community

Twitter (X)

KateKayaian.com

Most high achievers don't struggle because they lack ambition, ideas, or discipline.

They struggle because their lives are full of tiny points of friction.

Small decisions.
Small interruptions.
Small logistical annoyances that quietly drain attention, energy, and momentum throughout the day.

In this episode of Tales from The Lane, Kate explores the concept of friction — and how seemingly minor obstacles can prevent us from doing the work that actually matters.

Through real-life examples and practical systems, she explains how removing small points of resistance can dramatically improve focus, follow-through, and clarity.

You'll learn:

• Why we often spend more time worrying about tasks than completing them

• How small systems reduce decision fatigue

• Where friction commonly shows up in daily life

• Simple strategies that make the right actions easier and the wrong actions harder

• Why progress often comes from removing obstacles, not pushing harder

Kate also shares practical examples from her own life and coaching work, including:

• Weekly "staff meetings" for teams of one

• Capsule wardrobes that reduce decision fatigue

• Task batching and time blocking

• Creating a junk-drawer workflow for loose ends

• Designing a simple shutdown routine for the workday

If you've been feeling busy but not making meaningful progress, this episode will help you identify the hidden friction points slowing you down—and remove them.

Because sometimes the fastest way forward isn't more effort.

It's less resistance.

Get the PDF that goes along with this episode: 

And if you're ready to design a life and career that actually fit who you've become, Kate would love to support you.

📘 Get the book: Beyond Potential
📞 Partner with Kate as your Strategic Coach –book a call to explore 1:1 coaching
📩 DM Kate the word RETREAT on Instagram at @kkayaian for her Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide

Profit Pivot is almost open for enrollment! If you are ready to stop making excuses and get your artistic project created and launched, join us for this 6-month hybrid experience. Find more details HERE.

Welcome to Episode 9 of the Tales from The Lane podcast. Today, we have the fabulous Laura Sinclair joining us to talk about her road from maxed-out public school music teacher to her present life, thriving as an active performer, business coach, speaker, and Suzuki teacher. 

The main catalyst for this career transformation has been her signature program, The Stress-Free Studio, where she helps other private lesson teachers create thriving studios that allow them to live their own lives to the fullest. 

Laura can be found on the concert stage with ensembles like the Naples Philharmonic, Atlantic Classical Orchestra, and Boca Symphonia, in the pit with National Broadway tours, and at private events around the globe with Elan Artists. 

She is passionate about helping other teachers develop smart business practices, and shares this not only through her program, The Stress-Free Studio, but at speaking engagements with arts organizations and higher education institutions.

Laura has been working with me since April 2020, when the pandemic shutdown helped her see that she needed to make some big changes to her life and career. 

We're covering all of the messy topics, from smashing the starving artist's mentality to the adverse effects of working 24/7. Finding alignment and artistic fulfillment in our work, and making a bigger impact in our careers. How she put together her Stress-Free Studio Program, and how the whole transformation has affected her and her family. 

So go ahead and grab your favorite beverage, find a cozy spot, and let's dive in! 

Follow Laura on IG at @viola_maverick and Learn more about her programs at  https://linktr.ee/lauraksinclair

If you enjoyed today's episode, please don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review, and share it with your friends! 

Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews! 

Let's hang out on socials: 

Instagram

Tales from The Lane FB Community

Twitter (X)

KateKayaian.com

Join us this week for Kate's 5-day Challenge, register for "Launch Your Legacy" and get going on that artistic project that has been gathering dust–waiting to be launched into the world. 

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of "Tales from The Lane," where creatives thrive, with your host, Kate Kayaian. In this more personal episode, Kate talks about her own path from languishing in depression to thriving in success and the 4 Crucial Truths she learned along the way. Join us as we unravel the wisdom gained through years of experience, unveiling the keys to unlocking personal growth, overcoming challenges, and embracing a life of purpose and fulfillment.

• How she discovered the "right" kind of schedule for her. 
• How she learned to use her scheduling to beat overwhelm. 
• How she shifted from a mindset of limitations to one of possibilities–and the doors that opened for her. 
• How to recognize the root cause of overwhelm in daunting tasks.
• Strategies for breaking down complex projects into manageable steps.
• What it took for her to find her courage and start overcoming her fears and self-doubt.
• How harnessing the power of courage will help you in pursuing goals and realizing aspirations.

Join us this week for Kate's 5-day Challenge, register for "Launch Your Legacy" and get going on that artistic project that has been gathering dust–waiting to be launched into the world. 

And If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to rate and review Tales from The Lane!––it's a quick and easy way to show support for the show! 

Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews! 

 "The No-Yes Spectrum" as mentioned in Episode 8

Let's hang out on socials: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

Website: KateKayaian.com

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of "Tales from The Lane," where creatives flourish under the guidance of your host, Kate Kayaian. In this episode, we heard from Cellist, Michal Shein about her path from insecure freelancer to a courageous force for change in her industry. 

You'll hear about:

The 1 important thing she did to get herself unstuck

How she came up with the idea and format for her amazing cello festival, Cellisimo. 

What she does to balance her work as a performer, a pedagogue, a festival director, and a mother. 

The environment that she put herself in so that she could truly thrive.

The thing she wants all of you to know about your ability to make your artistic dreams come true. 

Be sure to register for next week's 5-Day Challenge, "Launch Your Legacy"

In 5 days, you'll get that artistic project idea out of your head and onto the calendar, with everything you need to launch it into the world.  

Save your spot right here: https://mailchi.mp/katekayaian/launch-your-legacy

About Michal:

Israeli-Mexican-American cellist Michal Shein is a performer and master educator focused on curating cross-cultural performance projects and intensive educational initiatives. She is the Artistic Director of Cellisimo, a high level cello festival for Spanish speaking cellists with limited resources which includes masterclasses with world-class faculty, wellness sessions and community building. The festival, which is run in Spanish, has been described as "...one of the most important and unique festivals of its kind in Latin America''(- Álvaro Bitrán, cellist of the Grammy award-winning Cuarteto Latinoamericano). Michal is recognized for her pedagogical style that nurtures her students with effective pedagogical methods for holistic and high musical advancement.

Michal's cello students have been winners in competitions, and have received admission to top festivals such as BUTI Tanglewood, Brevard, YOLA Festival, Greenwood, NSO, as well as the BEAM program. Currently, she is on faculty at the Boston String Academy (an award-winning El Sistema-inspired string program), the New England Conservatory, and the University of Rhode Island. In addition to her diverse educational work, Michal maintains a career as a soloist, orchestral cellist, and chamber musician.

From 2008-2013 she was Principal Cellist of the chamber orchestra Discovery Ensemble, while also immersing in baroque playing and appearing with several baroque ensembles. She currently appears with many orchestras and ensembles in the Boston area including the Rhode Island Philharmonic, and Portland Symphony, among others. Some highlights of this past season were collaborations with Celebrity Series of Boston, as well as a new recording of arrangements of the Vivaldi sonatas with guitarist Adam Levin, which will be released in early 2024. Michal received her B.A. in Music from U.C. Berkeley and Master's in Music M.A. at New England Conservatory. Michal lives in an intentional cohousing community in Jamaica Plain, with her husband Jonas, an outdoor educator, and her young children Noam and Hadas.

Instagram: @michal.shein 

Facebook, Cellisimo Facebook Group, www.cellisimo.com

If you enjoyed today's episode, please don't forget to subscribe and share it with your friends! 

Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews! 

Let's hang out on socials: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

Website: KateKayaian.com

Join Kate for the upcoming  Launch Your Legacy 5-Day Challenge!

Welcome back to Tales from The Lane with your host, Kate Kayaian! Today, we're diving into a topic that might have crossed your mind—artistic legacy. No, it's not necessarily about becoming the next Mozart or Picasso; it's about the impact we leave behind with our craft.

Ever thought about what you want people to say about you and your art when you're not around? Kate's got you covered. In this episode, we're exploring how to be intentional about the legacy we leave as artists.

But wait, there's more! Kate's throwing down a challenge, and you're invited. Stick around to find out how you can launch your own legacy. It's not just a podcast; it's a roadmap to making your mark in the creative world.

So, whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting, grab a seat, tune in, and let's unpack the what, why, and how of building a legacy in the arts.

In this episode, discover the keys to intentional legacy-building as Kate shares personal insights and stories. Here's a sneak peek into what you'll learn:

• The Unexpected Legacy: Uncover why your impact on the world might be more significant than your artistry alone.
• Creating a Legacy: Explore practical steps to intentionally shape your legacy during the course of your artistic journey.
• Legacy Ideals: Understand the core values that will shape your legacy, both as an artist and a human being.
• Combining Passion and Purpose: Learn how to merge your artistic ideas with a broader purpose, leaving a lasting imprint on your community and industry.
• Launch Your Legacy Challenge: Kate invites you to a transformative 5-Day Challenge, providing actionable steps to identify and launch a project aligned with your unique legacy. Don't miss the chance to infuse purpose and intentionality into your artistic endeavors.
•  

Register for the Launch Your Legacy 5-Day Challenge!

You might also be interested in the pdf workbook: 10 Habits of Successful Artists 

or Kate's Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide

If you enjoyed today's episode, please don't forget to subscribe and share it with your friends! 

Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews! 

Let's hang out on socials: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

Website: KateKayaian.com

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of "Tales from The Lane," where creatives thrive under the guidance of your host, Kate Kayaian. In this episode, we explore the perennial question that often stalls our creative pursuits: When is the perfect time to start a new project? Whether you're feeling too young, too old, too busy, or just too confused, Kate delves into these challenges, offering insights, anecdotes, and a dose of motivation to kickstart your creative journey. Get ready to explore the myth of the "perfect time" and discover why, in most cases, the ideal moment is right now.

What You'll Learn:

• The four common challenges hindering creative ventures: feeling too young, too old, too busy, or too confused.
• Inspiring stories and insights debunking the myths around age, busyness, and confusion in pursuing new projects.
• Practical advice on overcoming mental barriers and taking the first steps toward your creative goals.
• Strategies for navigating life transitions and unexpected obstacles that might impact your creative journey.
• How to harness the courage to initiate change, embrace challenges, and embark on a fulfilling creative adventure.
  
  
  

Be sure to download your free Journaling Prompts to get your project ideas going! 

You might also be interested in 10 Habits of Successful Artists 

or the Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide

If you enjoyed today's episode, please don't forget to subscribe and share it with your friends! 

Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews! 

Let's hang out on socials: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

Website: KateKayaian.com

Episode 4: How to Start Making Real Progress: Growth Tasks Vs. Maintenance Tasks

04 How to Start Making Real Progress: Growth Tasks vs. Maintenance Tasks

Embark on a transformative journey in Episode 4 of the Tales from the Lane Podcast, where host Kate Kayaian unravels the art of making tangible progress in your artistic endeavors.

 Titled "How to Start Making Real Progress: Growth-Based Actions vs Maintenance Actions," this episode navigates the delicate balance between propelling your career forward and avoiding stagnation. As the New Year buzz lingers, Kate explores the key tasks that can make or break your artistic goals.

What You Will Learn:

• Unlocking Artistic Progress: Dive into the crucial distinctions between Growth Tasks and Maintenance Tasks, understanding how each plays a pivotal role in shaping your artistic trajectory.
• Avoiding Burnout: Explore the pitfalls of imbalance and learn why a harmonious blend of growth and maintenance is vital to achieving sustainable success without succumbing to exhaustion.
• Embracing Growth Without Fear: Discover practical strategies to overcome the fear of growth, ensuring that expanding your artistic horizons becomes an exhilarating rather than daunting prospect.
• The Challenge Ahead: Evaluate your task distribution, create a strategic list distinguishing Growth and Maintenance Tasks, and unlock the secrets to realizing tangible progress toward your Artistic Goals. 

Tune in for a roadmap to artistic fulfillment and achievement!

The No-Yes Spectrum on the Tales From The Lane Blog

Be sure to download your free Journaling Prompts to get started! 

You might also be interested in 10 Habits of Successful Artists 

or the Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide

If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to hit subscribe and share it with a friend! 

Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews! 

Let's hang out on socials: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

My Website

Ready to set yourself up for success this year? As busy creatives, it's easy to default to living day-by-day and dreaming about the far-off future. In today's episode, we're going to dive into the in-between. Looking at our Long-Term Goals, and then setting a plan in place for the next 90 days, we're able to get ourselves out of daily survival mode and make steady progress toward those big goals. 

I'll be taking you through the structure of the 4-day Quarterly Retreats I do every 3 months: 

• The questions I ask to properly assess the past quarter
• How I like to brainstorm new ideas
• What goes into my 90-day scheduling plan
• How to create 3 months of content in a day
• What I do to organize myself
• How making a few small tweaks can optimize your time for the foreseeable future 

Be sure to download your free Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide

You might also be interested in 10 Habits of Successful Artists 

If you enjoyed today's episode, please consider hitting subscribe and sharing it with a friend! 

Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews! 

Let's hang out on socials: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

Episode 02: Three Myths Holding You Back From Your Dream Career. 

In this episode of "Tales From The Lane: Where Artists Thrive," host Kate Kayaian explores the three myths that might be holding you back from pursuing your dream career in the artistic and creative realm. Drawing from personal experiences and reflections, Kate shares insights into these pervasive myths that often hinder creative individuals from taking bold steps in their careers. Whether you're an aspiring musician, artist, dancer, or writer, this episode is a roadmap to debunking these myths and unlocking your full creative potential. So, join Kate as she dismantles these barriers and provides practical advice for navigating the complex landscape of the arts.

What You'll Learn:

• Discover the three prevalent myths that may be hindering your creative career.

• Understand the impact of imposter syndrome on artists and creatives.

• Learn how to challenge the belief that someone else would have pursued your idea if it was genuinely good.

• Uncover the truth about gaining respect and recognition for your voice and opinions in the creative industry.

• Gain insights into self-selection and why it's crucial to break free from the notion that your career is predetermined by others.

• Explore practical strategies to overcome these myths and take control of your artistic journey.

• Hear real-life examples and experiences that demonstrate the power of defying these myths.

• Find inspiration to raise your hand, pursue your unique ideas, and shape the creative career you desire.

Join Kate Kayaian on this insightful episode as she empowers you to challenge these myths and thrive in your artistic endeavors. Listen now and embark on a journey towards a fulfilling and impactful creative career!

Be sure to download your free 10 Habits of Successful Artists 

You might also be interested in Kate's Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide

If you enjoyed today's episode, please consider hitting subscribe and sharing it with a friend! 

Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews! 

Let's hang out on socials: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

My Website

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of "Tales From The Lane: Where Creatives Thrive." I'm Kate Kayaian, your guide on this journey of artistic growth and fulfillment. Today, we delve into the intriguing topic of dreams versus reality and explore a powerful tool that can bridge the gap between them. Grab your favorite beverage, settle into a cozy spot, and let's unravel the secrets to turning your dreams into tangible realities.

What You'll Learn:

• Explore the dichotomy of dreams versus reality and their impact on your artistic journey.
• Discover the transformative power of journaling as a tool for success, a practice embraced by individuals from various walks of life, including successful luminaries like Bill Gates.
• Gain insights into Kate's personal journey of journaling, from early aspirations to living on the idyllic island of Bermuda.
• Learn the five actionable steps to transform your dreams into reality, starting with the unassuming but powerful act of journaling.
• Understand the importance of a daily brain dump and the freedom it provides for creative expression.
• Find inspiration in Kate's anecdotes and realizations, demonstrating how seemingly distant dreams can manifest in everyday life.
• Receive practical advice on journaling, including the recommendation to write freely, use prompts, and embrace the messiness of the creative process.
• Uncover the value of highlighting key elements in your journal entries, recognizing wishes and future casting as pivotal components.
• Explore how small, intentional steps can lead to significant transformations, bringing your dreams to fruition in unexpected and delightful ways.

Join Kate Kayaian in this thought-provoking episode as she shares wisdom, actionable steps, and personal experiences to help you bridge the gap between your dreams and reality. Listen now and embark on a journey of self-discovery and intentional living!

Be sure to download your Free Journaling Prompts to get started! 

You might also be interested in 10 Habits of Successful Artists or the Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide

If you enjoyed today's episode, please consider hitting subscribe and sharing it with a friend!

Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews! 

Let's hang out on socials: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

My Website

Welcome to "Tales From The Lane," the podcast where artists of all stripes come to thrive. I'm your host, Kate Kayaian, and each episode is a journey into the heart of creativity and success in the arts. Whether you're a musician, a dancer, a visual artist, or a writer, this podcast is your guide to unlocking your creative potential.

In every episode, we explore a range of topics, from the business of creativity to insightful questions that shape our creative paths to transformative experiences like immersive work retreats. Dive into practical insights and inspiring stories that will help you navigate the artistic landscape and take your career to new heights.

Join our community of thriving artists as we share wisdom, challenges, and victories. Subscribe to "Tales From The Lane," and together, let's build a space where creativity flourishes, and artists truly come to thrive.

Grab my popular Free Resource: 10 Habits of Successful Artists 

Visit my website

Join the Tales From The Lane Facebook group! 

If you feel like everyone around you is racing ahead – launching faster, reading more, doing more, moving more quickly – this episode is for you.

In this solo episode of Tales from The Lane, Kate explores a principle she first learned as a musician and now sees everywhere in life and work:

Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.

From music practice to reading, decorating a home, making decisions, deepening relationships, learning new skills, and building a business – Kate makes the case for moving more deliberately at the beginning so you can build something that actually lasts.

This isn't an argument for procrastination or hesitation. It's an invitation to think differently about momentum, mastery, and sustainable growth.

In this episode, Kate shares:

• What a career in music taught her about mastery and mistakes

• How slow decision-making can save you from fast mistakes

• How making one small change at a time creates lasting transformation

And if you're ready to design a life and career that actually fit who you've become, Kate would love to support you.

📘 Get the book: Beyond Potential
📞 Partner with Kate as your Strategic Coach –book a call to explore 1:1 coaching
📩 DM Kate the word RETREAT on Instagram at @kkayaian for her Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide

You did everything you were supposed to do.

You worked hard.
You built the career.
You earned the reputation.
You became successful by every conventional metric.

And now… something feels off.

In this solo episode, Kate explores one of the most disorienting experiences of mid-career success: realizing that you may have outgrown something that is still working.

You're still good at it.
People still respect you.
You're still being rewarded for doing it.

But the energy that once came from challenge, growth, and purpose has quietly been replaced by obligation.

Kate shares her own experience stepping away from a successful performance career in classical music—and introduces the idea of competence debt: the psychological, social, and financial cost that accumulates the better you become at something…making it harder and harder to consider doing anything else.

You'll learn:

• Why success can quietly lock you into identities that no longer fit

• How to recognize when you've outgrown a goal (even one you worked years to achieve)

• The difference between burnout and disinterest

• Why envying people who've made a pivot might be more meaningful than you think

• How to stop confusing past investment with future alignment

If you're a mid-career professional wondering what's next—and whether it's okay to want something different—this episode is for you.

📩 Want support figuring out your own next chapter?
Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Kate

📘 Learn more about designing your next season in Kate's book, Beyond Potential: A Guide for Creatives Who Want to Re-Assess, Re-Define, and Re-Ignite Their Careers

👋🏼 Come and say hello on Instagram! @KKayaian

What if the next level of your career isn't about doing more… but about designing better?

In this episode, I'm joined by Laura Sinclair—performer, educator, and coach (and a returning guest from Season 1, Episode 9)—for a conversation that goes way beyond music teaching. Laura has also been a 1:1 coaching client of mine for five years, and watching her build a values-driven, sustainable studio (while performing at a high level) has been nothing short of inspiring.

Yes, Laura's "Stress-Free Studio" work is centered on helping musicians build sustainable studios—but the real topic here is something every high achiever needs:

How to build a career that supports your life instead of swallowing it.

We talk about the invisible systems (and beliefs) that quietly create overwhelm, why "success" often starts to feel misaligned at a certain stage, and the practical shifts that help you move from survival mode into a more intentional, values-led way of working.

Whether you're a performer, executive, entrepreneur, educator, or creative leader, this episode will help you rethink what you're optimizing for—and how to redesign your workflow, boundaries, and offerings so your career actually fits the person you've become.

In this episode, we cover:

• The difference between being in demand and being in alignment

• Why burnout is often a systems problem—not a motivation problem

• How structure creates freedom (and why "the plan" matters more than perfection)

• The courage it takes to stop saying yes by default

• How to design work that supports both ambition and sustainability

Freebie from Laura: 5 Creative Solutions to Rescheduling Lessons
https://mailchi.mp/2ce708e36061/5creativesolutionstoreschedulinglessons

Learn more about Laura: https://linktr.ee/lauraksinclair
Instagram: @viola_maverick

And if you want my Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide, DM me the word RETREAT on Instagram: @kkayaian and I'll send it to you personally.

What happens to our friendships when our lives start to expand?

In this episode of Tales from The Lane, I'm joined by Dear Nina: Conversations about Friendship host Nina Badzin, whose podcast is ranked in the top 1% globally—and whose work sits right at the intersection of honesty, emotional maturity, and real-life friendship dynamics.

Together, we explore what happens to friendships during major life transitions: career growth, changing family structures, shifting priorities, and the inevitable reality that we can't take everyone with us into every season.

We talk about:

• Why friendships often feel strained during periods of growth
• How a single, honest conversation can sometimes change everything
• Redefining reciprocity so it doesn't become a silent scorecard
• Why proximity matters more than we like to admit—and what happens when it disappears
• The courage it takes to be the inviter instead of waiting to be included

This is a grounded, compassionate conversation for anyone navigating success, change, and the quieter emotional work that comes with it.

About Nina Badzin
Nina is the host of Dear Nina: Conversations about Friendship, a top 1% podcast focused on the realities of adult friendship. Her work helps people think more clearly, communicate more directly, and let go of unnecessary resentment in their relationships.

🎧 Learn more about Nina's work, and find her on Instagram, LinkedIn, or you can sign up for her Substack Newsletter.  

And if this episode resonates, you'll find deeper frameworks for navigating growth, change, and identity in my book Beyond Potential: A Guide for Creatives Who Want to Re-Assess, Re-Define, and Re-Ignite Their Careers.

You can also download my free Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide, a practical tool for stepping out of autopilot and intentionally designing your next season.

We tend to think of courage as something dramatic—big leaps, bold declarations, or burning it all down and starting over. But most of the courage that actually changes your life is much quieter than that.

In this episode of Tales from The Lane, Kate explores the non-obvious ways we flex our courage muscle—the small, often invisible decisions that compound over time and quietly reshape our careers, identities, and lives.

You'll hear about:

• Why saying no to the easy win can be one of the bravest choices you make
• The courage it takes to resist performative busyness and do deep, invisible work
• What it means to stay open when you don't yet have a clean title or identity
• Why being a beginner is essential for growth (and why high-achievers resist it)
• When quitting is wisdom—not failure
• How to listen to your intuition without needing to justify it to everyone else

This episode is for anyone who senses they're standing at the edge of their next chapter—and wants to build the courage to step forward, one intentional rep at a time.

If this conversation resonates, you'll find these ideas explored more deeply in Kate's book, Beyond Potential. And if you want support applying this work to your own life or career, Kate is opening a limited number of 1:1 coaching spots for 2026. Book a free 30-minute consultation call to see if you're a good fit, or head to Instagram and DM "Coach" @KKayaian.

In this episode of Tales from The Lane, Kate explores a question she's been asked repeatedly—especially in uncertain, chaotic times:

Is it selfish to focus on your own growth when the world feels like it's on fire?

Drawing on psychology, leadership, and her lived experience as both a conductor and a coach, Kate reframes self-actualization not as ego or individualism, but as responsibility. When individuals commit to becoming their best selves, they create stronger, more generous, and more resilient communities.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why self-actualization was never meant to be about narcissism or personal gain

• How pursuing your own growth can directly strengthen your workplace, neighborhood, or industry

• Three practical ways individual excellence fuels collective thriving

• A powerful orchestra metaphor that reframes leadership, contribution, and responsibility

If you've ever felt torn between personal ambition and caring deeply about the world around you, this episode offers a grounding, hopeful perspective—and a clear path forward.

Mentioned in this episode:

• The concept of self-actualization (Abraham Maslow)

• Kate's Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide

If this conversation resonated, share it with someone who's navigating their own next chapter. And if you'd like Kate's hugely popular (and free!) Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide, send her a DM on Instagram with the word RETREAT (@kkayaian).

If you want some help in becoming your best self, be sure to get a copy of Kate's best-selling book, Beyond Potential: A Guide for Creatives Who Want to Re-Assess, Re-Define, and Re-Ignite Their Careers. 

In this solo episode, we talk about what is REALLY standing between you and your dreams, and how to remove the obstacles. 

If you've been circling around the same goal for months (or years), telling yourself you'll begin "when you're less busy, when you're ready, or when you feel more confident about it," this conversation will hit home.

Using the metaphor of a solid block of marble, Kate shares eight common beliefs that disguise the real obstacles—fear, overthinking, avoidance, perfectionism, friction, clutter, and outdated identity patterns.

You'll learn:

• Why your dream doesn't require more time—but does require removing what's in the way

• How negative self-talk, uncertainty, and "busy brain" tasks masquerade as lack of motivation

• What Stoicism, hurricanes, and 75 Hard taught Kate about imperfect conditions

• The difference between rocking-chair tasks and true needle movers

• Why readiness, motivation, and discipline only show up after you begin

• How accountability, support, and reframing can help you start chiseling away

Whether your goal is to write a book, launch a project, shift careers, or simply feel less overwhelmed, this episode will help you chip away at the noise and find the sculpture underneath.

Connect with Kate:
Instagram: @kkayaian
Grab the book: Beyond Potential — your guide to building a life that fits who you've become.
Subscribe to The Weekend List
Work with Kate 1:1: Schedule a free discovery call today
Book Kate to Speak: www.katekayaian.com

Book a 1:1 Strategy Session with Kate! limited spots available, click HERE to schedule yours. 

This episode marks a major milestone: 100 episodes of Tales from The Lane!

Instead of celebrating with highlights or a "greatest hits" reel, Kate uses this moment as a pause—a chance to reflect on the identity shifts of the past year and to look intentionally ahead to 2026.

Coming on the heels of ThriveFest, the Quarterly Retreat, and a deeply personal 2025 Year in Review, this episode explores how goals evolve when they're set from clarity instead of pressure—and why Kate's word for 2026 is Amplify.

Inside this episode, Kate shares:

• Why 2025 wasn't about achievement, but transformation

• How identity shifts quietly shape the goals we're capable of holding

• What it means to amplify work that already resonates, instead of constantly reinventing

• Her intentions for the podcast, speaking, coaching, and Beyond Potential in the year ahead

• A practical framework for setting goals that feel true—not performative

If you're entering a new year craving alignment, agency, and momentum that doesn't come from burnout, this episode will help you ground your goals in who you've already become.

Ready to design 2026 with intention?
Kate is currently booking 1:1 2026 Strategy Sessions—focused, practical conversations to help you clarify priorities, build a realistic plan, and move forward with confidence.

Want more? Sign up to receive my weekly newsletter, The Weekend List, full of behind-the-scenes action, additional insights, and what I'm watching, reading, listening to, and trying out. And be sure to come and say hello on Instagram! I'm @kkayaian

Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer, and while many of us still think of summer as a season of possibility, adulthood has a way of turning it into little more than a blur of logistics, obligations, and unanswered emails.

In this episode, I share a simple framework for creating a summer that feels expansive, intentional, and deeply satisfying.

Rather than chasing another massive reinvention project, I invite you to focus on:

✔️ One Big Thing that would make your life feel larger, richer, or more meaningful

✔️ Two Small Habit Tweaks that support that goal

✔️ Three Months to see what happens

You'll hear why most adults stop giving themselves defining seasons, how small habits create lasting change, and why experimentation is often more powerful than certainty.

If you've been feeling stuck, restless, or ready for something more, this episode will help you design a summer that moves you closer to the life you actually want.

• Why summer still has the power to change us
• How to choose a meaningful "One Big Thing"
• The role of small habit changes in long-term growth
• Why high-achievers often get stuck before they start
• How experimentation creates clarity
• The difference between expansion and productivity
• Why intentional seasons matter

90-Day Strategy Sessions
Create a clear, personalized 90-day plan for your goals, business, career, or life.

Book a Strategy Session

Connect with Kate on Instagram

Get the Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide

DM me the word RETREAT on Instagram and I'll send it to you personally.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might be ready to design a more intentional summer.

Get your free copy of my Quarterly Retreat Guide– it's the perfect time to plan out your next 90 Days. 

In this episode of Tales from The Lane, I'm doing one of my favorite things of the year: a full, honest Year in Review.

This isn't a highlight reel or a greatest-hits episode. It's a thoughtful reflection on what 2025 actually held—what worked, what didn't, where I surprised myself, where I had to let go, and what only became clear with hindsight.

As I walk you through the year month by month, I share:

• The wins that mattered most (including publishing Beyond Potential)

• The lessons that came through challenge, rest, and recalibration

• Identity shifts that didn't make sense in the moment—but do now

• Why progress isn't always loud, linear, or visible

• And how rest, community, and trust compound over time

As always, this episode isn't really about me—it's an invitation for you to reflect on your year alongside mine.

Where did you grow?
What surprised you?
And what are you carrying forward into the next season of your life and work?

If you're heading into a new year feeling reflective, thoughtful, or quietly proud of how far you've come—even if it doesn't all show up on paper—this episode is for you.

Want more? Sign up to receive my weekly newsletter, The Weekend List, full of behind-the-scenes action, additional insights, and what I'm watching, reading, listening to, and trying out. And be sure to come and say hello on Instagram! I'm @kkayaian

Day 4 of the Quarterly Retreat Mini-Series: OPTIMIZE

You've planned.
You've created.
You've organized.

Today, we optimize.

Day 4 is where we take everything you've built this week and make it smoother, lighter, more efficient, and far easier to sustain. This is where you move from "scrambling and reacting" to feeling supported by your tools, systems, and environment.

Inside this episode, you'll:

• Refresh or update your website, LinkedIn, or public-facing profile so it matches who you are now

• Optimize your templates so you stop reinventing the wheel

• Clean up and clarify your social media presence

• Automate, streamline, and systematize the parts of life and work that drain your energy

• Design a workflow that frees up more time, space, and mental bandwidth

By the end of Day 4, you'll feel clearer, calmer, and more supported by the structures around you. This is the day that creates ease.

🎧 Listen now, and then spend the day setting yourself up for success. 

✨ Want support and structure? Download my free Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide to follow along and use it every quarter.

📍 And if you want to do this LIVE with me, join the Stay-At-Home Retreat sessions happening December 29, 30, 31 & January 2 from 11am-12pm ET via Zoom. Sign up via Thrivefest.

Let's optimize, together.
Happy Quarterly Retreating, friends!

Welcome to Day 3 of our Quarterly Retreat series inside Tales From The Lane!

If you've been following along, you've already:

• Day 1: Planned

• Day 2: Created

And today… We Organize.

This is the quiet power day. The one most people skip. But it's also the one that creates peace, reduces overwhelm, and makes everything you've mapped out actually work. Because clarity loves order.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why organizing isn't "busywork"—it's nervous system regulation

• How to create physical space so your ideas can thrive

• A simple approach for finally conquering your inbox

• The truth about digital clutter and decision fatigue

• Why that paper pile is draining your energy (and how to reclaim it)

By the end of Day 3:
Your space will support your work.
Your brain will feel lighter.
And your next 90 days will have room to breathe.

🎧 Listen now, and then spend the day setting yourself up for success. 

✨ Want support and structure? Download my free Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide to follow along and use it every quarter.

📍 And if you want to do this LIVE with me, join the Stay-At-Home Retreat sessions happening December 29, 30, 31 & January 2 from 11am-12pm ET via Zoom. Sign up via Thrivefest

Let's build the next 90 days with purpose.

Welcome back to Day 2 of our Stay-at-Home Quarterly Retreat mini-series!

If yesterday was about reflection, clarity, and direction, today is about rolling up your sleeves and building the things your next 90 days will need.

Today is all about Creation Mode.

Most of us do planning beautifully.
But then life happens…and suddenly everything becomes last-minute:
graphics, promo posts, emails, outreach, content, requests, rehearsals prep – you name it.

Today we break that cycle.

In this mini-episode, I walk you step-by-step through how to:
• Create assets that save you time later
• Stock your "visibility pantry"
• Build social posts, captions, emails + ideas
• Gather testimonials + proof of excellence
• Design graphics + templates to reuse
• Send bold outreach to move your career forward

This is the day where momentum begins.
This is where you build ease into your next quarter.

🎧 Listen now, and then spend the day creating what Future-You will be so grateful to have.

✨ Want support and structure? Download my free Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide to follow along and use it every quarter.

📍 And if you want to do this LIVE with me, join the Stay-At-Home Retreat sessions happening December 29, 30, 31 & January 2 from 11am-12pm ET via Zoom. Sign up via Thrivefest

Let's build the next 90 days with purpose.

Ready to step out of reaction mode and into intention? Today we're kicking off a special 4-part mini-series walking you through my Quarterly Retreat Strategy so you can step into the next 90 days grounded, organized, creative, and clear.

Most of us spend our lives reacting—putting out fires, responding to whatever shows up, and getting swept into urgency instead of alignment. This retreat is about reclaiming agency over your time, your energy, and your life—without needing to disappear to a fancy spa resort. You can do this right at home.

In this episode (Day 1: PLAN), you'll learn:
• How to create a "retreat environment" at home that signals your brain to slow down and think deeply
• The reflective questions that reveal what worked, what didn't, and what needs to shift
• How to design the next 90 days intentionally instead of reactively
• How to map goals realistically so life supports you—not overwhelms you
• Why how you want to feel matters more than what you accomplish

This is the foundation. Today we prep, we reflect, and we design the quarter ahead with clarity and intention.

✨ Want support and structure? Download my free Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide to follow along and use it every quarter.

📍 And if you want to do this LIVE with me, join the Stay-At-Home Retreat sessions happening December 29, 30, 31 & January 2 from 11am-12pm ET via Zoom. Sign up via Thrivefest

Let's build the next 90 days with purpose.

Today on Tales from the Lane, I'm joined by the Honourable Mari Manoogian—former Michigan State Representative and now Executive Director of The Next 50, an organization dedicated to empowering and equipping the next generation of leaders to shape the future they want to live in.

This conversation is honest, energizing, and deeply grounding. Mari pulls back the curtain on what leadership actually feels like when you're the youngest person in the room, when the stakes are high, and when stepping forward requires vulnerability, conviction, and courage.

We talk about:

• What courage really feels like (hint: it's rarely glamorous)

• Claiming leadership instead of waiting to be "granted" it

• Navigating power dynamics, criticism, and visibility

• Reinvention and knowing when it's time to evolve

• Why showing up—even when you're unsure—changes everything

Mari is smart, warm, grounded, and deeply committed to helping people lead with purpose and impact. You're going to walk away feeling inspired—and far more capable than you may realize.

Learn more about The Next 50 here:
👉 https://www.thenext50.us

Connect with Mari on social:
📸 Instagram: @marimanoogian
🔗 LinkedIn: @MariManoogian

Want more? grab a copy of my book, Beyond Potential: A Guide for Creatives Who Want to Re-Assess, Re-Define, and Re-Ignite Their Career. 

And if you're craving structure, clarity, and a grounded sense of direction for the coming months, don't forget to download my Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide—your free roadmap to reflect, reset, and realign with what matters most.

Thank you for listening, friends.
If this episode moved you, please share it with someone who needs encouragement to take the lead in their own life.

As we head into a new year, many of us are thinking about goals—what we want to do, accomplish, or finally finish. But what if the real work starts somewhere deeper?

In this episode of Tales from The Lane, Kate Kayaian explores the idea of identity shifts, and why before you can start talking about building better habits, or finding more discipline, we need to figure out WHO you need to be in order to reach those goals. 

You'll learn:

• Why behavior always follows identity

• A simple framework that can help you through the process. 

• The difference between evolution and identity "death"

• The three phases of an identity shift

• How to create your own Identity Blueprint for the year ahead

Kate also shares journaling prompts, mini case studies, and practical mantras with small actions to help you step into your next-level self—without risk of burnout or crippling perfectionism.

This episode is especially powerful if you're setting intentions for the new year, navigating reinvention, or feeling called toward something bigger, but unsure how to get there.

🎁 Download the free Identity Blueprint worksheet to go deeper with this episode.
📘 Learn more inside Beyond Potential: A Guide for Creatives Who Want to Re-Assess, Re-Define, and Re-Ignite Their Career. 
✨ Join ThriveFest: Holiday Edition for daily momentum-building actions.
👋🏼 Come say hello on Instagram:  @KKayaian

In a world where everyone is shouting for attention online, how do you share your story in a way that actually connects, and doesn't just add to the noise?

Today's guest has built an entire career around answering that question.

In this episode, I'm joined by Michelle Glogovac—podcast publicist, host of multiple shows (including Read the Damn Book), and author of How to Get on Podcasts. Known as THE podcast matchmaker, Michelle helps authors, entrepreneurs, and change-makers use podcast guesting as a strategic, human way to grow their visibility and impact.

We talk about:

• Why podcasts are one of the most powerful visibility tools for high achievers right now

• How to pitch yourself in a way that actually respects a host's time and energy

• Common mistakes people make when trying to get on podcasts (and what to do instead)

• How to craft and repeat your core stories without feeling like a broken record

• Reinvention, "failure," and what it really looks like to pivot into a new chapter

• Building community, saying yes to opportunities, and starting small—even if you're scared no one will show up

If you've been feeling the nudge to get more visible, start a show, or finally pitch yourself as a guest, this conversation will give you both mindset shifts and practical next steps.

Mentioned in this episode:

• How to Get on Podcasts by Michelle Glogovac

• Michelle's shows, including Read the Damn Book

• My book, Beyond Potential: A Guide for Creatives Who Want to Re-Assess, Re-Define, and Re-Ignite Their Career. 

If this episode resonates, will you share it with a friend who's sitting on a powerful story and needs a little push to put it out into the world?

Want more? Join us inside ThriveFest: Holiday Edition, grab your copy of Beyond Potential, and subscribe to The Weekend List for weekly behind-the-scenes stories and practical insights.

Follow Michelle:

Instagram: @michelleglogovac

TikTok: @thepodcastmatchmaker

Threads: @michelleglogovac

YouTube: @thepodcastmatchmaker

In a world that's speeding up, sloppier than ever, and overflowing with noise, excellence can feel like a lost art. But what if small, intentional acts of care are exactly what bring you back to yourself?

In this solo episode, Kate unpacks the idea of Finding Excellence in the Small Moments—not as a perfectionist mandate, but as a powerful form of self-respect, identity-building, and rebellion against mediocrity.

Inside, you'll learn:

✨ Why "how you do anything is how you do everything" is dangeroulsy unrealistic
✨ The real difference between excellence and perfectionism
✨ The psychology behind small, intentional habits
✨ How tiny acts—making your bed beautifully, writing a human email, completing a task all the way through—can change the way you feel in your life
✨ Why moments of beauty, care, and presence matter now more than ever

If you're craving grounding, clarity, and a sense of control amid the chaos, this episode will feel like a deep exhale.

Want more? Join us inside ThriveFest: Holiday Edition, grab your copy of Beyond Potential, and subscribe to The Weekend List for weekly behind-the-scenes stories and practical insights.

This week on Tales from The Lane, I'm joined by Dr. Kristen Strom — speaker, author, former English professor turned transformational wellness coach — for a deeply real, encouraging conversation about what it actually takes to stop surviving and start thriving.

Kristen built the career she thought she always wanted: PhD, professor, teacher educator, mom of three, leadership roles—all the boxes checked. But behind the scenes? She was exhausted, burned out, and increasingly disconnected from herself.

A single photo of her on a walk with her kids changed everything.

In this episode, Kristen shares:

✨ How success on paper can mask deep misalignment
✨ The moment she realized no one was coming to save her
✨ The 3 pieces of the wellness puzzle
✨ The Be–Do–Have framework and how it can change everything
✨ One small, smart step you can take today to shift your momentum

We also talk about the lies we tell ourselves ("later, later, later…"), the danger of thinking being busy means being fulfilled, and how to rebuild a life that aligns with who you've become—not who you were five years ago.

This is the perfect episode to listen to during Thrive Fest, where hundreds of us are taking small steps every day to reset our energy and reclaim our clarity. (Join us anytime!)

Resources & Links:
Join Thrive Fest: Holiday Edition
Get my book Beyond Potential: A Guide for Creatives Who Want to Re-Assess, Re-Define, and Re-Ignite Their Career
Connect with Kristen: IG: @dr_kristenstrom and @lifewithdrkristen, FBk: Dr. Kristen Strom; Linkedin: Dr. Kristen Strom

If you've been feeling stretched thin, stuck, or out of sync with your own life, this episode will feel like a deep breath. Kristen's story is proof that change doesn't require an overhaul—just one small, smart step at a time.

Why does one difficult email feel like it will consume your entire day… only to take six minutes once you finally send it?

In this episode of Tales from The Lane, we explore the difference between physical time and emotional time, and why so many high performers feel overwhelmed by tasks that objectively do not take very long.

Drawing from psychology, neuroscience, and her own life, Kate explains how emotional intensity distorts our perception of time, why avoidance makes tasks feel bigger and heavier, and how stress convinces us that we "don't have time" for things that may only take a few minutes.

This episode is especially for people who:

• procrastinate important but non-urgent tasks
• Feel mentally consumed by things they haven't started
• Struggle with overwhelm despite being capable and organized
• Constantly feel like there's "not enough time"
• Avoid emotionally loaded tasks until the last minute

Kate shares practical tools for recalibrating your sense of time, including:

• Separating emotional time from physical time
• Shrinking the entry point to difficult tasks
• Using time-boxing effectively
• Reducing emotional intensity before starting
• Building evidence that your brain's estimates are often wildly inaccurate

You'll also hear why timing ordinary tasks can completely change the way you think about overwhelm.

If you've ever spent all day dreading something that only took ten minutes to complete, this episode will hit home.

And if you're ready for deeper clarity, strategy, and momentum in your own life and work, Kate's 90-minute 1:1 Strategy Sessions are now open. Click here to book your time with Kate or DM the word STRATEGY on Instagram at @kkayaian for details.

👉 Download the Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide
A simple, powerful tool to help you step back, reset, and plan your next quarter with intention.

👉 Grab a copy of my book, Beyond Potential
A guide for high achievers who are ready to reassess, redefine, and reignite their careers.

👉 Explore my coaching packages
For ongoing support, accountability, and strategic guidance as you build a life and career that actually fits who you have become.

And if you are not already following along, come join me on Instagram (@KKayaian) for more behind-the-scenes insights, tools, and conversations about career growth and intentional living. 

Does life feel louder lately? Not just audibly, but mentally?
Between the news cycle, nonstop notifications, the group chats, and the never-ending list of micro-decisions—we're all running on cognitive overload.

In today's episode, Kate breaks down five powerful, practical strategies to help you turn down the volume, reclaim your mental space, and get your focus back.

You'll learn how to:
• Be intentional about the news you consume
• Reduce context switching and reclaim hours of lost time
• Build deep-focus "sauna time" into your day
• Decrease decision fatigue with systems and rituals
• Try a game-changing content-deprivation week

These tools will help you create more calm, clarity, and control—not by escaping your life, but by designing it more intentionally.

✨ Thrive Fest is officially underway!If you haven't joined yet, there's still time to hop in and start your 6-week reset.
Join here: https://mailchi.mp/katekayaian/dzlvsmt90k

📘 Get the book: Beyond Potential: A Guide for Creatives Who Aant to Re-Assess, Re-Define, and Re-Ignite Their Careers. Amazon, B&N, or wherever you buy books.

💬 Work with Kate 1:1  Book a free 30-minute consult call today.

Register for Thrivefest (it's free!) We begin on November 17th!

What does it really mean to show up—on stage, on camera, online—and feel authentic instead of performative? Certified coach, speaker, writer, and retreat leader Dayna Del Val joins Kate to unpack "audacious visibility": the blend of presence, clarity, and courage that helps leaders and creatives communicate with impact.

We get into:

• How to become audaciously visible without feeling salesy

• The #1 shift that makes talks and high-stakes conversations land (hello, audience-first delivery)

• Why storytelling rewires the stories we tell about ourselves—and how to change them

• Practical, theater-tested tips for on-camera confidence (Zoom and stage)

• The power of retreats and intentional time away to reconnect with your spark

• Navigating polarization with nuance (Dayna's podcast Brave Middle Ground) and building real connection again

If you're crafting a keynote, prepping for a TED-style talk, or simply want to feel more you in the room, this one's a masterclass in presence.

Resources mentioned: Dana's "10 Quick Tips to Be Confident & Camera-Ready,"

Rediscover Your Spark retreats (Edinburgh!)

links to Dana's website and podcast

Plus Kate's Thrive Fest (Holiday Edition) free community-wide advent calendar!

Most high achievers spend their lives mastering their side of the table—preparing, polishing, striving. But what happens when you switch sides? When you stop practicing only for the audition, for the interview, for the presentation…and step into the seat of the person on the other side?

This week, we're exploring one of the most underrated tools for accelerating your growth, confidence, and clarity: perspective-shifting.

From sitting on audition panels to interviewing other candidates, teaching what you're still learning, and even walking through your own audience or customer experience—putting yourself on the other side gives you information, insight, and confidence you cannot get any other way.

If you're serious about mastery, momentum, and meaningful success, this episode is your blueprint.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why your brain learns faster when you switch roles

• How sitting on the decision-making side sharpens your instincts

• 5 strategies to immediately adopt "the other side" perspective

• The psychological and neuroscience research behind perspective-taking

• How this simple shift builds humility, confidence, and emotional intelligence

This isn't about doing more—it's about seeing more.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

📘 Get my book Beyond Potential — a roadmap to building a life and career of sustainable excellence

🗓️ Book a free 1:1 call to explore what doors working with a coach might open for you! 

📩 Subscribe to The Weekend List — your weekly dose of grounded inspiration & strategy
https://katekayaian.com/newsletter

🎉 Register for Thrive Fest — Holiday Edition
Your daily, calm-but-powerful accountability ritual for a season that actually feels good

How do you rebuild momentum after a big change — in your work, your business, or your identity?

This week on Tales from The Lane, I'm joined by entrepreneur, coach, and leadership expert John T. Meyer (@johntmeyer_ on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram). We dig into what it really takes to create — and sustain — forward motion when life and work evolve.

John shares the story of rebuilding after selling his company, the power of discipline and consistency, and why true confidence doesn't come from results — it comes from becoming the kind of person who does what they say they'll do.

You'll learn:

• How to rebuild momentum after a big transition or pivot

• Why confidence and courage are different (and how to build both)

• How to design daily "non-negotiables" that actually work

• The surprising role of boredom in long-term success

• What it means to "filter the noise" and focus on what really matters

If you've ever felt like you're starting over — or stuck waiting for inspiration to strike — this conversation will help you take that next small step that leads to big momentum.

🎧 Listen now to Episode 86: Building Momentum — Identity, Confidence, and Doing the Boring Work with John T. Meyer.

🌟 Let's stay connected!
If this episode resonates, I'd love to hear your thoughts — tag me on Instagram @kkayaian and tell me your biggest takeaway.

For more ideas and behind-the-scenes insights on building a fulfilling, high-performing life, grab a copy of my book Beyond Potential — and be sure to subscribe to my free Friday newsletter, The Weekend List, where I share stories, strategies, and curated recommendations to help you thrive.

Do you ever end the day feeling like you were busy nonstop… but somehow didn't really get anything done?

Between the texts, the quick favors, the emails, the "just a minute" tasks—it's no wonder our focus feels shredded. Research from UC Irvine shows that after each interruption, it takes an average of 23 minutes to fully return to your original task. Multiply that by a few dozen interruptions, and there goes your deep work.

In this solo episode, Kate shares the simple system she uses to protect her focus without letting the rest of life fall apart. It's a daily practice that corrals distractions, clears mental clutter, and helps you end the day feeling both productive and peaceful.

You'll learn:

• Why "just a quick reply" can secretly cost you half an hour of focus

• What context switching does to your brain (and how to stop it)

• How to separate what's urgent from what's important

• The hidden power of batching micro-tasks

• How to close the workday with clarity and calm

This small mindset shift can change the way you work, lead, and live—no assistant required.

Mentioned:

• Gloria Mark's research on interruptions (UC Irvine)

• American Psychological Association on multitasking

• Cal Newport's Deep Work

• David Allen's Getting Things Done

• The Eisenhower Matrix

Keep going:

• 📘 Beyond Potential: A Guide for Creatives Who Want to Re-Assess, Re-Define, and Re-Ignite Their Careers

• ✉️ Sign up for The Weekend List, Kate's free Friday newsletter of stories, tools, and ideas to help you thrive

• 📲 Connect on Instagram: @kkayaian

Get your copy of Kate's book, Beyond Potential:  A Guide for Creatives Who Want to Re-Assess, Re-Define, and Re-Ignite Their Career. 

In today's episode, Kate sits down with author and executive coach Charlie Gilkey, founder of Productive Flourishing, to unpack the truth about why teams struggle — and how to fix it.

Charlie explains how small, everyday team habits can make or break performance, belonging, and joy at work. Together, he and Kate explore how power dynamics show up in every team (from Fortune 100 companies to small nonprofits), why "broken printers" are the real enemy, and how leaders can stop being the bottleneck in their own organizations.

Whether you lead a team or are part of one, this episode will help you build healthier, more productive relationships that actually make work work.

You'll learn:

• Why every dysfunctional team is doing something to each other — not to them.

• The three kinds of power that exist in every organization.

• How to use "interpersonal power" to make things better — even if you're not the boss.

• Why meetings aren't really the problem.

• How belonging habits create happier, more resilient teams.

Resources Mentioned:

• Team Habits: How Small Actions Lead to Extraordinary Results — by Charlie Gilkey

• Start Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done — by Charlie Gilkey

• Take the free Team Habits Quiz at productiveflourishing.com

Sign up for The Weekend List: Your perfect Friday pick-me-up: smart insights, fresh finds, and a dose of creative inspiration—delivered every week

And come and say hello on Instagram or LinkedIn