The Live Into Your Best Life Podcast

Leaps of Faith: Embracing Change and Empowering Leadership

Special Guest:  Natasha Speets
 
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In this episode of "Live Into Your Best Life," I had the pleasure of welcoming Natasha Speets, a remarkable leader and founder of a global training organization. Our connection dates back to 2020, when Natasha served as my teacher, inspiring me with her ability to cultivate a community of positive, like-minded individuals.
Natasha's journey began as a teacher for children with special needs, eventually evolving into a coach and trainer specializing in leadership and agile methodologies. We explored her unique experience using dolphins as therapy animals, highlighting how interactions can significantly influence personal development. Natasha advocates for self-awareness and empathy in leadership, emphasizing the importance of recognizing rather than eliminating biases.
We dived into the crucial distinctions between management and leadership, discussing the delicate balance leaders must maintain between control and empowerment. Natasha illustrated how starting with a clear vision and taking small steps fosters confidence and collaboration within teams. In the current leadership crisis, where meaningful change often conflicts with organizational pressures, empathy and understanding of the broader ecosystem are vital.
The conversation also touched on my own journey into Agile coaching. Recognizing a gap between my coaching skills and Agile methodologies, I immersed myself in Agile literature and sought to create an online community for discussion and growth. The pandemic accelerated this initiative, allowing me to reach a wider audience. However, I soon realized the necessity of building a dedicated team to tailor our programs effectively.
A memorable anecdote involved coaching someone navigating a challenging relationship with their cat. Instead of focusing solely on the cat's behavior, we explored deeper emotional issues, reinforcing that true coaching is about personal growth.
As we wrapped up, we emphasized the importance of open communication in parenting, building a foundation of knowledge for our children, and encouraging them to make informed decisions. I encouraged listeners to follow their passions and make smart decisions, always keeping an open heart and mind. Join us as we continue this journey of growth and exploration together.
Check out all the great work Natascha is doing at https://theagilecompany.org/ and connect with her on LinkedIn. 
 

Empowering Career Growth: Strategies with Kate Wade

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In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kate Wade, the founder of Get Her Hired, an executive resume writing service dedicated to helping individuals secure executive positions. With her experience as a former executive at a Fortune 200 company, Kate shares her inspiring journey and mission to empower 10,000 women and supportive men in achieving their career goals.
We dive deep into Kate’s approach to resume writing and job searching, where she emphasizes the importance of a clear, no-nonsense strategy. Kate reflects on her corporate experiences, discussing the trust and connections she built, as well as the challenges she faced, including her unexpected layoff in 2018. She highlights the value of resilience and the grieving process associated with job loss, stressing the significance of consistent effort in honing one’s skills.
Throughout our conversation, we address the necessity of diverse career paths and overcoming workplace biases, particularly ageism and gender bias. Kate advocates for a fact-based approach to showcasing accomplishments, providing clients with strong marketing materials that illustrate their impact and results. We celebrate the power of connection and community in navigating professional challenges, while also discussing the importance of networking and being open to career pivots.
I share insights into my coaching process, focusing on transparency and empowerment. I believe clients are capable of self-discovery but often need guidance to see their potential. Our process begins with in-depth interviews to assess clients’ situations and aspirations while prioritizing confidentiality.
We also tackle the impact of AI on job searching and recruitment. Kate highlights that AI tools can level the playing field, but warns against homogenization, where reliance on AI leads to generic content. We emphasize the importance of crafting resumes that resonate with human readers and the power of leveraging personal networks.
Join us for a thought-provoking episode filled with actionable insights on navigating the job market, embracing authenticity, and strategically using technology to achieve career success!
Connect with Kate and get hired:
https://getherhired.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katewade-getherhired/

Embracing Change: How Small Choices Lead to Big Transformations

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Welcome back to Live Into Your Best Life! I'm your host, Paulie Skaja, and today, we're diving into one of the most important, yet challenging concepts: change. Many of us crave different outcomes in our lives—more energy, better health, stronger relationships—yet often resist the very changes needed to bring them about. It’s a journey I've personally embraced, especially as I work toward improving my health alongside a naturopathic doctor.
In this episode, I share my own struggles with food sensitivities and the tough realization that I had to make difficult but rewarding adjustments. For me, that means avoiding all products with cow’s milk and American flour. Small slip-ups can mean restarting the process, but it's taught me valuable lessons about commitment, consistency, and self-compassion.
Key Takeaways:
If you want change, you must choose change. Simply put, doing the same things won’t get you different results. Progress requires stepping into the uncomfortable.
Accountability is essential. Whether it's a friend, mentor, or a healthcare practitioner, having someone to keep you accountable can make all the difference.
Self-reflection is a powerful tool. Ask yourself honestly: “What am I willing to do or stop doing to reach my goals?”
Small setbacks aren't failures. They’re just part of the journey, and every new day is a fresh chance to recommit.
Reflecting on our choices, big or small, is essential to moving closer to the life we desire. Think about an area in your life where you want to see change. What adjustments are you willing to make? Take it one step at a time, be gentle with yourself, and allow the journey to unfold. Embrace every choice as a step toward living your best life.
Tune in, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.
 
 

Embracing Change: The Journey of a Digital Nomad

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In this inspiring episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I had the pleasure of speaking with Diane Gombert, an experienced trainer and consultant dedicated to helping small and medium-sized businesses assess their change readiness. Diane, a digital nomad originally from France, shares her incredible journey of balancing work and travel while emphasizing the significance of self-awareness and intention in achieving personal and professional growth.
Throughout our conversation, Diane highlights the importance of being clear about one’s intentions, which leads to improved outcomes and communication. We delve into her experiences overcoming imposter syndrome and her aspiration to inspire those from small towns who may feel they have little to contribute. She shares her practical approach to setting and achieving goals, while continuously exploring new opportunities.
Diane’s love for languages shines through as she shares her fluency in French, Spanish, English, and Portuguese, and even discusses her unique experience of creating a hybrid language with a friend. She passionately describes her travel lifestyle, typically residing in one location for three to six months, with her current base in Portugal. Despite the challenges of constant relocation, Diane cherishes the connections she makes, celebrating the beauty and kindness of people worldwide.
Diane also stresses the importance of assimilating into local cultures by participating in community events and forming friendships with locals. She acknowledges the privilege of her travel experiences as a European Union citizen while recognizing the disparities faced by others without such advantages.
As we explore her consulting work, Diane reveals her focus on clients who are ready to embrace change and assess their practices. Her greatest lesson from her journey? The importance of listening to oneself and seeking help when needed. She encourages young people to remain curious and challenge assumptions, knowing there are always multiple perspectives.
To connect with Diane, listeners can find her on LinkedIn or visit her website, coachtomanage.com. Join us for an episode filled with insights on living intentionally, embracing change, and fostering continuous improvement in life!

Words Matter

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In this episode of "Live Into Your Best Life," host Paulie Skaja explores the profound impact of our words and actions on others. Paulie shares a personal story from a friend who years later remembered a single impactful message from a podcast episode, illustrating how even small words can resonate long into the future.
Paulie highlights the ripple effect of our communication and behavior, noting that what we say and do can significantly influence those around us, sometimes in ways we might not immediately realize. Whether it’s a chance remark overheard or a thoughtful gesture, these moments can provide the inspiration or answers someone needs.
She encourages listeners to be mindful of their words and actions, aiming to be positive role models. Paulie acknowledges that perfection isn’t attainable, but the key is to continuously strive for improvement, own up to mistakes, and make amends where necessary.
The episode concludes with Paulie urging listeners to reflect on the impact of their words and actions, and how they might help others grow over time. She invites feedback and encourages listeners to share the podcast, subscribe, and keep working towards their best lives.

Magic, Sales, and Resilience: How Magic Brad Turned Setbacks into Success

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In this captivating episode of Live Into Your Best Life, I, Paulie Skaja, have the pleasure of interviewing Magic Brad, a renowned magician and sales expert, who has successfully blended his love for close-up illusions and comedy with effective business strategies. From his early fascination with magic as a child to performing at churches, hospitals, and eventually for major corporate clients like Marriott Hotels and 3M, Brad takes us on an inspiring journey of resilience and innovation.
 
Throughout our conversation, Brad opens up about the pivotal moments in his career, including producing the Great Minnesota Event Show and working alongside his business partner Rick to organize expos and home shows. Brad's journey hasn’t been without challenges—he shares his experiences of overcoming bankruptcy, homelessness, a stroke, and the pandemic that brought the events industry to a halt. Despite these setbacks, Brad adapted and rebounded by diving into digital marketing and creating new opportunities for himself and his clients.
 
Brad emphasizes the importance of forward-thinking strategies, breaking down large visions into manageable, actionable steps using analogies to make complex projects easier to execute. He also highlights the power of niching down and targeting ideal clients by joining specialized associations like BOMA and ASAE. By understanding his audience and focusing on specific markets, Brad became the go-to expert in his field, proving the effectiveness of a focused approach.
 
As we wrap up the episode, Brad offers invaluable insights on leveraging technology for automation and delegation, freeing up time to build meaningful relationships with clients. His story is a testament to persistence, adaptability, and the importance of keeping a positive mindset. To connect with Brad: 
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/magicbrad
Web: MagicBrad.com
 
Key Takeaways:
Break down big goals into manageable steps.
Network strategically with key associations.
Niche down to become an expert in your field.
Overcome setbacks with resilience.
Use automation to boost productivity.
Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to inspire others to live into their best life!
 

Embrace Change: Navigating Life's Journey with Clarity and Flexibility

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In this episode of "Live Into Your Best Life," host Paulie Skaja explores the art of planning and flexibility in achieving your goals. Paulie emphasizes the importance of understanding your current situation and clearly defining where you want to go. Using the analogy of planning a vacation, she illustrates that having a detailed plan is crucial for making meaningful progress.
Paulie discusses the need for adaptability as you navigate your journey. Plans may change based on new information or opportunities, and being flexible can lead to better outcomes. Effective communication with those involved in your journey is key, whether they are family members, colleagues, or friends. Keeping everyone informed ensures alignment and support.
In this episode, Paulie also touches on the challenges of communication in the modern world, particularly the pitfalls of relying too heavily on technology. She shares insights from her recent home renovation, highlighting the importance of keeping all parties updated to avoid misunderstandings.
Additionally, Paulie announces her latest book, "Live Into Your Best Life: 52 Weeks of Micro Wins to Help You Transform Your Life," inspired by her podcast and coaching work. Check it out as a resource to help you make positive changes in your life.
Paulie encourages listeners to be honest with themselves about their starting point and to set clear, achievable goals for the near future. Regularly reassessing progress and being open to change are essential for long-term success. She wraps up by reminding her audience to keep their supporters informed and engaged, as accountability and support can greatly enhance success. Connect with Paulie on social media for updates and ongoing inspiration.
Tune in to learn how to navigate your journey with clarity and flexibility, and take actionable steps toward living your best life.
 

What If

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In this episode of Live Into Your Best Life, host Paulie Skaja explores the concept of "what if" and how it can either propel us forward or hold us back. She delves into the impact of naysayers and the internal "what if" scenarios that often paralyze us with fear. Paulie reflects on the idea of "shoulds" from previous episodes, explaining how these are influenced by external expectations rather than our own desires.
Using the metaphor of crabs in a bucket—where one crab's attempt to escape is constantly thwarted by the others—Paulie illustrates how negative influences and self-doubt can prevent personal growth. She encourages listeners to reframe their "shoulds" and "what ifs" by focusing on what aligns with their true aspirations rather than external pressures.
Paulie challenges listeners to consider the positive outcomes of their "what if" scenarios. For instance, if you're contemplating a career change or a new relationship, she suggests imagining the potential success and growth rather than fixating on the risks of failure. By playing out these scenarios, you can better assess their likelihood and impact.
The episode encourages embracing the unknown and taking actionable steps toward your goals. Paulie invites listeners to dream big and explore their potential, urging them to view "what if" as a springboard for possibility rather than a stumbling block.
Tune in to Live Into Your Best Life for more insights on navigating life’s uncertainties and making empowered choices. Don't forget to subscribe and share the podcast with those who might benefit from a fresh perspective on living their best life.

Mirror Mirror

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In this solo episode of Live Into Your Best Life, host Paulie Skaja explores the concept of "Mirror, Mirror"—the idea that the behaviors and situations we encounter in others reflect what’s happening within us. Paulie explains how those little frustrations and annoyances, whether during everyday moments like driving or in the workplace, can provide valuable opportunities for self-reflection and growth.
She encourages listeners to pause when feeling triggered and ask, "What can I learn from this?" Recognizing that the behaviors we find irritating in others often mirror our own past actions gives us a chance to improve ourselves. Paulie also reminds us to celebrate when we see these behaviors in others that we've already overcome, as it’s a testament to our personal growth.
The discussion extends to professional settings, where Paulie talks about people who exaggerate or present misleading versions of themselves. Instead of calling them out, she suggests modeling authenticity and relying on real data to inspire others to follow suit. The episode underscores the idea that the reflections we see in others—whether positive or negative—are powerful tools for self-development.
Paulie concludes by encouraging listeners to fully embrace and honor the positive feedback they receive. By recognizing the greatness others see in us, we can continue to grow while also helping others see their own potential.
This episode is packed with practical insights on how to use reflection to foster continuous self-improvement and lead a richer, more fulfilling life.

Embracing the Journey: Navigating Grief and End-of-Life

Special Guest Angie Kyllo
 
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In this episode of the Live Into Your Best Life podcast, host Paulie Skaja welcomes Angie Kyllo, a former colleague who has transitioned from project management in the medical field to becoming a certified end-of-life doula. Angie shares her inspiring journey, which began about a year ago after hearing a podcast about end-of-life doulas. Her personal experience with her husband's terminal illness highlighted gaps in hospice care, prompting her to seek a role where she could offer more comprehensive support.
 
Angie explains the role of an end-of-life doula, emphasizing the importance of providing personalized support to individuals and families as they approach death. This support includes both practical tasks and emotional guidance during and after the dying process. Her personal experience with loss deeply influences her approach, focusing on continuing support beyond the immediate aftermath of death.
 
The discussion highlights how Angie's project management skills—such as listening, organizing, and coordinating—have seamlessly translated into her doula work. She envisions integrating these skills further and hopes to teach others to become doulas while advocating for more open conversations about death in society.
 
Paulie reflects on her own experiences with grief, sharing how support from a priest helped her family cope with her mother's passing. Both Paulie and Angie stress the importance of recognizing and addressing ongoing grief rather than assuming it ends with the funeral. They discuss how grief can resurface unexpectedly and how societal norms sometimes overlook the ongoing need for support.
 
The episode also touches on preserving family stories and memories as a way to honor loved ones. Angie and Paulie share personal anecdotes about maintaining connections with deceased family members through storytelling. They emphasize the value of end-of-life planning and organizing important documents ahead of time to ease the burden on loved ones.
 
Finally, the conversation offers advice on approaching sensitive topics like end-of-life planning with family members and highlights the benefits of involving an end-of-life doula. They encourage listeners to embrace change, follow their own paths, and honor their true selves, concluding with information on how to connect for further support and advice.
 
To learn more and work with Angi, contact her at CoachAngi.com