The Women in the Arena – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, Kathryn Sandford, Co-owner and Director of M2M Coaching, shares her expertise on helping professional women over 40 navigate crossroads in their careers. Kathryn and host Paige Rene dive into self-promotion myths, personal branding, overcoming limiting beliefs, and crafting strategies for impactful leadership. Kathryn also reveals her transformative coaching programs and how women can position themselves for long-term success.

Takeaways:

1. Embrace self-promotion as a strength, not a myth.
2. Explore personal values to create clarity in your career goals.
3. Tailor your LinkedIn profile and career strategy to stand out.
4. Future-proof your career by staying aligned with your unique talents and purpose.

In this episode:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Kathryn Sandford and M2M Coaching.
[00:01:00] Kathryn's work with women at career crossroads.
[00:04:00] The "self-promotion myth" and its impact on women.
[00:07:00] Understanding and managing limiting beliefs.
[00:10:00] The power of unlearning societal rules.
[00:15:00] Identifying personal values and their role in leadership.
[00:20:00] Future-proofing careers through personal branding.
[00:28:00] Narrowing down transferable skills for career shifts.
[00:34:00] Kathryn’s programs: Personal Brand Cohort Group and Elevate.
[00:35:00] What it means to be a woman in the arena.

Resources

1. Connect with Kathryn Sandford on LinkedIn
2. M2M Recruitment
3. The Women In The Arena
4. Listen on Apple
5. Listen on Spotify
6. Watch on YouTube

Quotes

1. "Your CV gets you to the door, but your personal brand opens it and takes you into the future." - Kathryn Sandford
2. "Life comes first, and work follows. This is how we truly align ourselves." - Kathryn Sandford
3. "If you don’t ask, the answer is always no." - Paige Rene

Episode 35 | In this episode, Paige Rene unpacks her seven career pivots, sharing lessons on evaluating energy, refining vision, and taking action. 

From athletics to executive coaching, Paige’s journey reveals how reinvention builds on past experiences to inspire growth and confidence.

Takeaways:

1. Evaluate your energy by identifying projects that excite or drain you while listening to feedback about your strengths.

2. Refine your vision by revisiting and adjusting goals regularly to align with your evolving aspirations.

3. Take action by experimenting and moving forward, even when uncertain, to create clarity and progress.

In this episode:

[00:00:00] Introduction: Paige introduces the episode and her journey through seven career pivots.

[00:01:14] Pivot #1: From selling apartments to joining college athletics.

[00:03:15] Pivot #2: Discovering her calling in coaching through cognitive behavioral therapy and personal life coaching.

[00:05:15] Pivot #3: Niching down to elite mental training for athletes.

[00:06:28] Pivot #4: Embracing brand coaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[00:09:15] Pivot #5: Navigating the “flailing era” while refining her Elevate Framework.

[00:13:52] Pivot #6: Business coaching—identifying gaps in the online coaching space.

[00:20:07] Pivot #7: Focusing on executive performance and branding coaching for women in corporate spaces.

[00:23:00] Final Advice: Paige shares three key takeaways for pivoting with confidence.

Resources

1. The Women In The Arena

2. Listen on Apple Podcasts

3. Listen on Spotify

4. Watch on YouTube

5. Insights Coaching Program

6. Elevate Framework

Quotes

1. “You’re not stuck. These three takeaways are going to help you pivot in the direction that you're meant to go in.” – Paige on overcoming stagnation

2. “Your magic is all about you, what you do, what you bring to the table, and your gifts and strengths.” – Paige on understanding personal value

3. “Take action. Do something, for God’s sake. This is the mechanics. I’m telling you, you’ve got to move.” – Paige on the importance of taking bold steps

In this episode of "The Women in the Arena" podcast, host Paige Rene interviews Amanda, known as Simply Mander on Instagram, a nutritional therapy practitioner and fitness coach with a following of 116,000. Amanda shares her journey from feeling discouraged in competitive CrossFit to exploring boxing as a new challenge, discussing the pressures of maintaining a public image and the complexities of navigating personal life events, such as her divorce and coming out, in the public eye.

The conversation also touches on the realities of performance-enhancing drugs in sports and the importance of being authentic and unapologetically oneself despite societal pressures or the expectations of others. Amanda's story is a testament to finding strength and empowerment in staying true to oneself and overcoming challenges in both professional and personal arenas.

Takeaways:

1. Amanda's journey highlights the importance of staying true to oneself amidst societal pressures and expectations. Her transition in professional focus and personal revelations underscores the empowerment that comes from embracing one's authentic self.

2. The discussion reveals the complexities of managing a public persona online, where social media offers both opportunities for connection and challenges related to privacy and scrutiny.

3. Amanda's story is a testament to resilience, showing how overcoming personal and professional hurdles, including confronting societal taboos and changing athletic paths, leads to growth and self-discovery.

In this episode:

[00:59] Amanda discusses her reluctance to be labeled just as a fitness influencer and shares her professional background as a nutritional therapy practitioner, detailing her diverse coaching roles from CrossFit kids to strength and conditioning at a boxing gym.

[02:03] The conversation shifts to Amanda's exploration of boxing, highlighting her desire for a new challenge and discussing the transition from CrossFit due to feelings of discouragement.

[03:08] Amanda traces her entry into the fitness world back to an initial interest in law enforcement, detailing how safety concerns and a crossover with first responders led her to CrossFit and ultimately to a career in fitness and nutrition.

[04:02] Paige asks Amanda about her participation in the 2024 CrossFit Open, leading to a discussion on the impact of focusing on strength training and Amanda's curiosity about her competitive standing.

[05:20] The conversation delves into the realities of performance-enhancing drugs in competitive CrossFit, with Amanda sharing insights into the prevalence of PEDs and the impact on her motivation and perception of fairness in the sport.

[11:06] Amanda talks about the ups and downs of sharing her life publicly, touching on the balance between connection and negativity on social media, and the personal impact of public scrutiny and online bullying.

[14:20] Paige and Amanda discuss the challenges of maintaining authenticity and privacy online, particularly in relation to personal relationships and life events, with Amanda sharing her experiences navigating a public divorce and coming out.

[18:43] Amanda reflects on feeling empowered by being unapologetically herself, despite societal and personal challenges, emphasizing the strength in authenticity and self-acceptance.

[20:21] Amanda shares the motivation behind her decision to come out publicly, highlighting the desire to reclaim her narrative and the importance of speaking her truth in the face of speculation and rumors.

[22:48] Paige and Amanda discuss the importance of aligning with one's core beliefs and morals, with Amanda sharing insights from navigating her divorce and the realization that surrounding environments and relationships must reflect one's true self for genuine happiness and fulfillment.

[25:56] Amanda defines what being a "woman in the arena" means to her, encapsulating the episode's themes of empowerment, authenticity, and resilience in the face of societal expectations and personal challenges.

Resources

1. The Women In The Arena

2. Rise Facebook Community

3. Listen on Apple Podcasts

4. Listen on Google Podcasts

5. Listen on Spotify

6. Watch on YouTube

7. Amanda’s Instagram

8. Simply Mander YouTube

9. Amanda’s TikTok

10. Simply Mander's Website

11. Black Iron Nutrition Website

Quotes

1. "Being a woman in the arena is saying like, 'Hey, I can show up and I can do this too. And I can be me and I can just crush it being a woman.'" - Amanda, Guest

2. "If you're in a place where you feel like the people around you don't really know the real you, or don't really love the real you, or you don't really align morally with like, your surroundings...it's probably not where you're supposed to be." - Amanda, Guest

3. "You have to just be like, okay, I don't care. I don't care what anyone says about it. Like I'm gonna try to do it and you just have to literally like go for it." - Amanda, Guest

In this compelling episode, host Paige Rene delves into the inspiring journey of Jill Lister, the visionary founder of Set Sail Marketing. From her early days as a natural connector to her leap into entrepreneurship, Jill shares invaluable insights into building a successful social media marketing agency that specializes in organic growth for small businesses nationwide.

Balancing motherhood with her entrepreneurial spirit, Jill discusses the challenges and triumphs of managing a growing business and a growing family. This episode is a treasure trove of strategic advice, personal growth, and the importance of being present, making it a must-listen for aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike.

Takeaways:

1. Strategic Focus on Organic Social Media Growth: Jill Lister emphasizes the power of organic social media marketing in driving business growth. By focusing on creating engaging, relevant content tailored to specific target markets, Set Sail Marketing helps clients achieve significant results without relying on paid advertising.

2. The Importance of Selectivity in Client and Team Building: Jill shares insights into the meticulous process of selecting the right clients and building a competent team. She underscores hiring slow and firing fast, ensuring team members align with the company's values and goals, and vetting clients to establish fruitful, respectful working relationships.

3. Continuous Learning and Adaptation: The episode highlights Jill's commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation, both personally and professionally. By actively seeking new knowledge through podcasts, engaging with business coaches, and staying abreast of industry changes, Jill exemplifies the growth mindset essential for entrepreneurial success.

4. Creating Communities for Growth: Jill discusses the launch of the Set Sail Supercharger community and The Carolina Women's Collective as platforms for collaboration, networking, and mutual support among businesses. These initiatives reflect her belief in the power of community to foster growth, innovation, and collective success in the business world.

In this episode:

[00:55] Jill introduces Set Sail Marketing and its focus on social media marketing management for small businesses, detailing how they assist clients with strategy, content creation, and revenue growth through social media.

[01:35] Discussion on whether Set Sail Marketing serves local or nationwide clients, with Jill explaining their reach and client base.

[02:03] Jill addresses common challenges small businesses face with social media, emphasizing the pitfalls of spreading efforts too thin across multiple platforms.

[03:20] Strategies for choosing the right social media platforms for businesses, considering target demographics and content types.

[04:18] Jill recounts her entrepreneurial journey, from early signs of her connector role to launching her business amidst the demand for social media help during COVID-19.

[09:00] Advice for women seeking their passion in work, emphasizing exploration and understanding personal preferences.

[10:18] Transitioning into motherhood as a business owner, Jill shares the lack of resources for navigating entrepreneurship and motherhood simultaneously.

[12:01] Jill discusses her experience leading her team and managing client expectations shortly after giving birth, highlighting the importance of client selection.

[13:26] Ad break featuring Paige's online community for women leaders.

[14:25] The significance of choosing the right clients and team members for a harmonious business environment.

[15:00] Detailed hiring process for Set Sail Marketing, focusing on values and creative capabilities.

[17:27] Jill's favorite aspect of her work: developing strategic solutions for clients and witnessing the impact on their businesses.

[18:11] Focus on organic social media growth versus paid advertising, with success stories of organic reach outperforming paid ads.

[22:49] How motherhood has influenced Jill's approach to business, emphasizing presence and prioritization.

[23:46] Introduction of the Set Sail Supercharger community as a resource for businesses seeking to improve their social media presence.

[25:32] Personal strategies for maintaining enthusiasm and creativity in business, including listening to podcasts and engaging with business coaches.

[29:39] Future plans for Set Sail Marketing and launching The Carolina Women's Collective for wider business and social impact.

[32:50] Jill reflects on the pride and fulfillment of being a woman in the business arena.

[33:50] How listeners can connect with Jill and Set Sail Marketing online.

Resources

1. The Women In The Arena

2. Rise Facebook Community

3. Listen on Apple Podcasts

4. Listen on Google Podcasts

5. Listen on Spotify

6. Watch on YouTube

7. Set Stail Marketing Agency

8. Connect with Jill Lister

Quotes

1. "Once you start feeding the beast with paid ads, you have to continue down that route. Our secret sauce is in that organic growth." - Jill Lister, Guest
2. "Growing slow is so much more than growing fast." - Jill Lister
3. “Growing slow is so much more than growing fast." - Jill Lister, Guest
4. "Hire slow and fire fast. Every time I've hired really fast, it's never worked out." - Jill Lister, Guest
5. "The ROI on investing in yourself is endless." - Paige Rene, Host

In this episode of The Women in the Arena, Paige discusses the second part of the "20 High Achieving Women Commandments," focusing on commandments eleven through twenty. Paige shares insights on personal growth, leadership, and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of starting with what you have, the role of generosity in expansion, and the power of belief in attracting money and opportunities. She talks about the significance of saying no as an affirmation of self-priority, the necessity of action preceding success, and how discipline leads to freedom. 

Through examples and personal experiences, Paige illustrates the impact of confidence, consistency, and maintaining optimal energy in achieving one's desires. This episode is a comprehensive guide for women aiming to elevate their personal and professional lives by adhering to these foundational principles.

Takeaways:

1. Begin with the resources at your disposal, no matter how modest, and grow from there.

2. Consistent action and discipline is important in achieving personal and professional goals. Discipline leads to freedom and that consistency, even in small wins, accumulates into significant achievements over time.

3. Match your energy with your aspirations to foster success. Your energy not only drives goal achievement but also draws in supportive opportunities and connections.

In this episode:

[02:29] Commandment 11: "You don't get dreams that aren't yours" - Discussing the uniqueness of individual dreams and combating imposter syndrome.

[03:37] Commandment 12: "Money and opportunity are always coming to me" - Paige shares insights on money mindset and attracting abundance.

[04:44] Commandment 13: "Saying no to somebody else is saying yes to yourself" - The significance of setting boundaries for personal growth and prioritization.

[06:04] Commandment 14: "Your action and behavior have to come before your success" - Emphasizing the importance of proactive actions towards achieving success.

[09:43] Paige introduces the "Rise Facebook Community" for women leaders, encouraging listeners to join for support and inspiration.

[15:09] Commandment 18: "Your energy attracts your desires" - Highlighting the power of positive energy in attracting desired outcomes and relationships.

[19:26] Commandment 20: "Discipline equals freedom" - Paige reflects on how discipline in various aspects of life leads to greater freedom and fulfillment.

[21:59] Conclusion and invitation for listeners to share which commandments resonated the most, emphasizing self-belief and the continuous journey of growth.

Resources

1. The Women In The Arena

2. Rise Facebook Community

3. Listen on Apple Podcasts

4. Listen on Google Podcasts

5. Listen on Spotify

6. Watch on YouTube

7. Yeti Microphone

8. JLab Microphone

Quotes

1. “Your action and behavior has to align with where you want to go, and it comes before your success.” - Paige Rene, Host

2. "Discipline equals freedom.” - Paige Rene, Host

3. “I'm a big proponent of starting with what you can until you expand.” - Paige Rene, Host

4. "It's always really helpful to have some core beliefs that ground you and remind you who you are." - Paige Rene, Host

In an empowering episode, host Paige Rene interviews Carol Chumney, a figure of resilience and determination. Carol's multifaceted journey from an aspiring politician to a circuit court judge exemplifies the challenges and triumphs faced by women in leadership.

Reflecting on her beginnings in politics to nearly becoming Memphis's first woman mayor, Carol opens up about combating gender bias, embracing persistence, and the importance of mentorship. Her insights are encapsulated in her book, "The Arena: One Woman's Story," offering lessons on navigating leadership as a woman.

This episode is a beacon for anyone aspiring to make a difference, highlighting the essence of standing firm in one's convictions and the collective endeavor required to shatter glass ceilings in politics and beyond. A must-listen for those interested in leadership, gender equality, and inspirational women's stories!

Takeaways:

1. Persistence in the face of adversity teaches us that challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones to greater achievements and personal growth.

2. Overcoming gender bias is essential for creating equitable opportunities and fostering environments where everyone's contributions are valued and recognized.

3. The significance of mentorship and role models cannot be overstated, as they provide guidance, inspiration, and a roadmap for navigating the complexities of professional and personal life.

4. Leadership rooted in community service and justice emphasizes the responsibility of leaders to serve the greater good, advocate for fairness, and drive meaningful change in society.

In this episode:

[00:28] Paige introduces guest Carol Chumney, discussing her background as an author, circuit court judge, former state legislator, trial attorney, city councilwoman, and her near-success in becoming the first female mayor of Memphis.

[00:57] Carol shares her early interest in politics and her journey through various political roles.

[01:32] The inspiration behind Carol's career trajectory, including her family's influence and her participation in student government.

[02:09] Discussion on gender bias and glass ceilings, with Carol sharing personal experiences from her political career.

[04:34] The impact of media and press on public perception and political campaigns, especially concerning female candidates.

[05:38] Carol’s advice for women facing resistance in male-dominated fields.

[10:42] Carol talks about the next steps in her career, including her current role as a circuit court judge and the possibility of writing another book.

[17:27] Explanation of the book title "The Arena: One Woman's Story" and the significance of Theodore Roosevelt's "The Man in the Arena" speech.

[20:13] Carol shares her most proud aspect of the book, focusing on the future and potential changes in media representation of women in politics.

[24:02] How to access Carol's book "The Arena: One Woman's Story," including availability on Amazon, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and Carol's website.

[25:57] Carol reflects on what it means to be a woman in the arena, emphasizing growth, learning, and the importance of support from others.

Resources:

1. The Women In The Arena

2. The Arena: One Woman's Story

3. Order “The Arena: One Woman's Story”

4. Rise Facebook Community

5. Listen on Apple Podcasts

6. Listen on Google Podcasts

7. Listen on Spotify

8. Watch on YouTube

Quotes

1. "Sometimes I won, sometimes I lost. But I never quit." - Carol Chumney, Guest

2. “If you aspire to be in politics or you aspire to be an entrepreneur or whatever the case may be, and you don't have that network around you, take the responsibility to go find those people and give yourself permission and give yourself evidence that there are women out there that are doing what you want to do.” - Paige Rene, Host

3. “What really gets to be great is when there's so many women doing these jobs that then all that goes away, and it's really just who's the most qualified.” - Carol Chumney, Guest

Listen now as Paige Rene unveils the first segment of the "20 High Achieving Women Commandments," a cornerstone of her coaching through the six-step Elevate Framework. Amidst reflections on personal and client growth, Paige shares invaluable lessons that resonate deeply with her audience. 

The dialogue traverses the significance of betting on oneself, embracing where one currently stands, the clarity of goals for achieving desired outcomes, and the strategic approach to life by playing on the offensive. Paige also discusses the art of balancing aspirations, the endless possibilities of starting anew, breaking generational cycles, and the wisdom in slowing down for greater acceleration.

Highlighting the mantra "It's either this or something better," she encourages a perspective shift towards optimism and gratitude in the face of setbacks. This episode is a testament to Paige's dedication to empowering women to embrace their potential, offering a roadmap for navigating life's challenges with resilience and grace.

Takeaways:

1. Believing in yourself is paramount for triumph, as it serves as the pivotal element for realizing your personal and professional aspirations.

2. A blend of meticulous goal-setting and agility to adapt plays a crucial role. Success involves not just having clarity of vision but also the flexibility to navigate and adjust to the unpredictable challenges in your life.

3. Embracing optimism when faced with hurdles is essential. Setbacks are not obstacles but catalysts for growth and stepping stones towards even greater achievements in your journey.

In this episode:

[01:20] Paige shares her connection to the commandments, emphasizing their significance in her own life and the lives of her clients. She highlights the importance of visual reminders and the impact of sports on her coaching framework.

[3:30] Paige dives into the concept of being "relentlessly consistent" as her guiding principle for the year, discussing the importance of emotional stability in both personal and professional life.

[9:35] Discussion on the first commandment: the safest bet is on yourself. Paige elaborates on trusting one's intuition and the power of betting on oneself.

[11:07] The second commandment, "Start with where your feet are at," highlighting the value of leveraging existing networks and resources.

[12:30] Exploring the third commandment, "Muddy goals equal muddy results," stressing clarity in goals for clear outcomes.

[14:27] Paige talks about the fourth commandment, "You are meant to play your life on offense, not defense," encouraging proactive living and intentionality.

[17:13] The fifth commandment, "You can have it all, but you can't do it all at once," is discussed, underlining the importance of focus and delegation.

[18:00] Introduction of the sixth commandment, "Anyone who counts you out doesn't know how to count," emphasizing self-belief and consistency.

[18:45] Paige shares the seventh commandment, "There are no limits to how many times you can start again," offering encouragement for perseverance and resilience.

[21:01] The eighth commandment, "You get to break generational patterns," is explored, highlighting the opportunity for personal growth and change.

[22:03] Discussion on the ninth commandment, "In order to speed up, you have to slow down," advising on the necessity of rest and grounding practices for productivity.

[23:25] Closing with the tenth commandment, "It's either this or something better," Paige encourages optimism and trust in the process.

Resources

1. The Women In The Arena

2. Rise Facebook Community

3. Listen on Apple Podcasts

4. Listen on Google Podcasts

5. Listen on Spotify

6. Watch on YouTube

Quotes

1. “I just want this year to be relentlessly consistent. Knowing that you can't ride the emotional highs and lows... if we can stay relentlessly consistent to the things that ground us, the things that we know make us feel good, the things that keep us moving forward, it keeps us off of that emotional roller coaster of highs and lows.” - Paige Rene, Host 

2. "The safest bet is on yourself. And you can just sit here and tell me, when's the last time you went all in on you... That is why it's helpful to remind the women myself and the women that I work with that the safest bet is on yourself and that it's okay to bet on yourself, right? It's okay to go all in for you." - Paige Rene, Host

3. "There are no limits to how many times you can start again... The past is not a predictor of the future unless your action doesn't change. So just know that you can start over as many times as you want." - Paige Rene, Host

In this empowering episode of the Women in the Arena podcast, host Paige Rene dives deep into the inspiring story of Ulrika Belline, the passionate owner of CrossFit Commence. Ulrika shares her transformative journey from being a CrossFit enthusiast to realizing her long-held dream of gym ownership.

Throughout the conversation, themes of life balance, overcoming challenges, and fostering community spirit within the fitness realm emerge vividly. Listeners will be treated to an intimate exploration of what it takes to pursue personal and professional dreams while balancing family life and personal passions. 

Ulrika's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and community support in achieving one's goals.

Takeaways:

1. It’s crucial to ask for help and lean on your community; no one achieves their dreams alone.

2. Balancing personal life, family commitments, and business is challenging but necessary for long-term success and happiness.

3. Persistence and flexibility are key in realizing your dreams; be prepared to adapt and keep pushing forward even when obstacles arise.

In this episode:

[1:01] Paige Rene kicks off the episode with a warm welcome, setting the tone for an inspiring conversation about turning dreams into reality. She introduces the episode's theme, focusing on the journey of Ulrika Belline from a CrossFit enthusiast to becoming the owner of CrossFit Commence, highlighting the essence of perseverance and community in achieving one's goals.

[3:36] The conversation shifts to Ulrika Belline's unexpected entry into gym ownership. Ulrika shares the serendipitous moment that led her to inquire about purchasing CrossFit Commence, marking the beginning of her journey. This moment underscores the importance of seizing opportunities and the unpredictable nature of fulfilling one's dreams.

[8:39] Ulrika delves into the challenges of balancing personal life, family responsibilities, and her new role as a gym owner. She discusses the strategies she employed to manage these different aspects of her life, providing listeners with insights into maintaining harmony between personal aspirations and family commitments.

[15:51] The discussion transitions to the pivotal role of community in Ulrika's success. Ulrika emphasizes how the support and camaraderie within the CrossFit community have been instrumental in the growth of CrossFit Commence. She shares stories that illustrate the power of a supportive community in overcoming obstacles and achieving business milestones.

[20:26] Paige and Ulrika explore the significance of setting and refining goals, as well as the role of persistence in navigating the journey towards gym ownership. Ulrika reflects on the evolution of her goals, from her initial steps in the CrossFit world to realizing her dream of owning a gym, highlighting the iterative process of goal setting and achievement.

[25:57] Addressing the financial realities of entrepreneurship, Ulrika candidly discusses the learning curve associated with managing the business side of CrossFit Commence. She shares a particularly enlightening moment when she first encountered the unexpected costs of credit card processing fees, showcasing the often-overlooked aspects of running a business.

[31:42] The conversation takes a reflective turn as Ulrika recounts how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted CrossFit Commence. She shares the adaptations and innovations that were necessary to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, emphasizing resilience and the importance of community support during uncertain times.

[37:15] Looking to the future, Ulrika outlines her plans for expanding CrossFit Commence, including introducing new programs and equipment. She expresses her excitement for hosting community events and competitions, underscoring her commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive fitness community.

[42:30] In a moment of vulnerability and inspiration, Ulrika offers advice to aspiring gym owners and individuals pursuing their passions. She stresses the importance of staying true to one's vision, being open to learning, and the transformative power of embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.

[47:49] Paige reflects on the key takeaways from the conversation, reinforcing the themes of community, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams.

Resources

1. The Women In The Arena

2. Listen on Apple

3. Listen on Spotify

4. Watch on YouTube

5. Connect with Ulrika on LinkedIn

6. CrossFit Commence

Quotes

1. “It's about forging consistent, long-term fitness, not just elite fitness.” - Ulrika Belline

2. “Balance is finding the time to spend on yourself when you have a family, which is really hard.” - Ulrika Belline

3. “Community isn’t just a place, it’s the heart of every successful venture.” - Ulrika Belline

4. “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.” - Paige Rene

This episode is full of positivity and good vibes as Paige takes us to the transformative world of the Enneagram, a tool she heralds as crucial for both personal and professional evolution.

Paige recounts her own enlightening journey with the Enneagram, highlighting its distinct ability to unveil our deepest motivations, a feat beyond the reach of conventional personality tests.

Throughout the episode, Paige explores the myriad ways the Enneagram enriches lives. She talks about its role in enhancing relationships, boosting self-awareness, and sharpening communication skills across a spectrum of life's facets, from personal growth to workplace dynamics.

The episode is rich with insights into how the Enneagram helps bridge the gap between stimulus and response, offering a deeper understanding of oneself and others.

Takeaways:

1. The Enneagram is more than a personality test; it's a motivation assessment tool that provides deeper self-awareness and understanding of others.

2. Understanding your Enneagram type can significantly improve personal relationships and professional interactions by highlighting core motivations and behavioral patterns.

3. The Enneagram offers a unique perspective on personal development, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and the ability to adapt one's natural responses to various life situations.

In this episode:

[1:01] Paige discusses the Enneagram, a tool she finds incredibly impactful both personally and professionally. She explains how the Enneagram changed her coaching style, improved her relationships, and shifted her focus from being right to understanding others. Paige shares her recent experience conducting an Enneagram workshop for the governor's office.

[9:30] Paige narrates her personal discovery of the Enneagram and its impact on her life. She emphasizes the Enneagram's role in her personal growth, navigating relationships, and understanding her family dynamics. Paige highlights how the Enneagram acts like a manual for understanding others.

[13:40] Paige describes her journey of integrating the Enneagram into her entrepreneurial endeavors. She details how the Enneagram assists in motivating clients and tailoring her coaching approach to their specific needs and drives.

[18:10] Paige offers insights into the complexities of the Enneagram, including the concept of wings, growth and stress paths, and different decision-making styles among the Enneagram types. She explains how these nuances make the Enneagram a valuable tool for self-awareness and understanding others.

[23:45] In this segment, Paige talks about the practical applications of the Enneagram in leadership and team dynamics. She highlights its usefulness in conflict resolution, communication, and enhancing workplace relationships, demonstrating the Enneagram's versatility in various professional contexts.

Resources

1. The Women In The Arena

2. The RHETI Test — The Enneagram Institute

3. The Road Back to You by Suzanne Stabile and Ian Morgan Cron

4. The Path Between Us by Suzanne Stabile and Ian Morgan Cron

5. Listen on Apple Podcasts

6. Listen on Google Podcasts

7. Listen on Spotify

8. Watch on YouTube

Quotes

1. "The Enneagram is a way to help you create distance and more of a gap between the stimulus and the response because you understand what your natural inclination is and why you naturally respond in a certain way." - Paige Rene, Host

2. "Understanding your Enneagram type... is really useful for... helping you get where you want to go and understanding your natural inclinations, your tendencies, and your motivations." - Paige Rene, Host

3. "The Enneagram explains why we think, feel, and behave in a certain way... it's like having access to a manual of other people in my life." - Paige Rene

Paige welcomes 2024 with an insightful conversation featuring her hometown friend Grace Casey, founder of Paper Clouds. 

In this episode, Grace unveils the genesis of her craft kit company during the unexpected free time of 2020, stemming from her long-standing passion for art that took a backseat to a corporate career. Grace shares the challenges of navigating the business landscape, from overcoming administrative hurdles to embracing consistent growth. 

The duo delves into the success of Paper Clouds' resin craft kits, highlighting the appeal and community-building potential of these creative offerings. Grace candidly discusses the struggle of balancing priorities as a mom, wife, and business owner, emphasizing the need to focus on essentials amid myriad business opportunities. She also recounts her organic expansion, bringing in part-time employees to fill skill gaps and contribute to Paper Clouds' growth. 

This episode is a captivating journey through the entrepreneurial highs and lows, offering a glimpse into the dynamic world of creative business ownership and life as a woman leader. 

Takeaways:

1. Sometimes, all you really need to do is take action. Overcoming procrastination and self-doubt often involves realizing that you can make progress simply by doing.

2. In the hustle of life and business, understanding the importance of prioritizing essentials is crucial. Focus on what truly matters, cutting out non-essentials to streamline efforts and achieve meaningful goals.

3. Recognize the value your work or passion can bring to others. Whether through craft kits or any endeavor, providing genuine value builds a community and fosters connections, turning your passion into a meaningful contribution to people's lives.
   

In this episode:

[1:10] Paige and Grace dive into 2020–a year of unexpected free time for many. Grace shares how her passion for art, which she initially set aside for a corporate career, resurfaced during the pandemic. She opens up about the challenges of starting a business amid uncertainty, highlighting her decision to seek guidance by enrolling in Paige's coaching program.

[4:26] Paige delves into the challenge of building momentum, asking Grace how she navigated uncertainty. Grace shares that while creative aspects flowed naturally, she initially procrastinated for months, fearing the complexity of administrative tasks which later turned out to be more manageable than anticipated.

[15:38] Grace highlights the triumph of Paper Clouds' resin kits, detailing the enchanting transformation of epoxy resin from liquid to solid, crafting stunning coasters and jewelry trays.She shares her vision of fostering a sense of community through workshops, and meeting diverse requests—from individual crafters to corporate events seeking unique team-building experiences.

[19:20] Grace gets candid about the struggle of narrowing down priorities while navigating business growth and personal life. She acknowledges the challenge of steering clear of "shiny things” and looks forward to how motherhood can help her prioritize the ‘essentials’.

[25:24] Grace recounts how she organically expanded by bringing in two part-time employees–a friend with superior sales skills and a Chicago-based Instagram follower eager to be part of Paper Clouds. Paige wraps up the conversation by exploring the big-picture hopes and dreams for Paper Clouds over the next five years.

Resources

1. The Women In The Arena

2. Listen on Apple Podcasts

3. Listen on Google Podcasts

4. Listen on Spotify

5. Watch on YouTube

6. Grace Casey

7. Paper Clouds

Quotes

1. “Sometimes you probably think, it's not necessary, right? Like I have a million other things to do, especially if you have a family. So, why invest? But really, it's like the ultimate form of self care because you're helping yourself de-stress, you're helping yourself create dopamine, and creativity can come in so many different forms.” - Grace Casey, Owner & Founder of Paper Clouds

2. “I feel like our ideas are given to us for a reason. And it's not meant for anybody else. So it's our job to see it through..” - Paige Rene, Host

3. “I'm definitely still learning. It's going to be a big learning process once there's a little crying baby in the mix as well. It's honestly been a little daunting thinking about how I'm going to manage everything with a child. But I was listening to your earlier podcast episode with Nicole Calhoun, and she was talking about how she has three boys, runs a yoga studio and also had another job. And I was like, ‘Okay, you know what? Women do this. I can do it. We can do it.’” - Grace Casey, Owner & Founder of Paper Clouds