48. Stop Fixing Yourself: Why Owning Your Strengths Changes Everything with Kennedy Rogers
What if your greatest strengths could help you navigate life’s biggest challenges—and even shape the way you parent? Discover how understanding and leveraging your unique talents can transform your career, relationships, and family life. Join the conversation with Kennedy Rogers, Director of Strengths Leadership and Student Impact at Wichita State University, as we explore the power of CliftonStrengths, the intersection of ADHD and personal growth, and the freedom that comes from embracing who you truly are.HighlightsKennedy’s journey from discovering her strengths to leading others at Wichita State UniversityThe difference between CliftonStrengths and other personality assessmentsHow strengths-based approaches empower both individuals and parentsNavigating ADHD: reframing challenges as assetsThe “balcony and basement” concept—how strengths can help or hinder usParenting with intention and letting go of perfectionPractical ways to apply strengths in career, education, and daily lifeEncouragement for skeptics and those feeling lost or in transitionChapters00:23 — Kennedy’s work at Wichita State and her strengths journey01:14 — What is CliftonStrengths? How does it differ from other assessments?02:37 — The science and validity behind strengths-based tools04:31 — Strengths in times of transition and personal growth07:47 — ADHD and strengths: Kennedy’s personal story12:21 — The “balcony and basement” of strengths15:14 — Using strengths to find vocational direction17:46 — Kennedy’s path from sales to higher education21:57 — Parenting, education, and letting kids be themselves27:29 — Strengths-based parenting and letting go of societal expectations29:14 — Final thoughts, where to find Kennedy, and resourcesResources MentionedCliftonStrengths (Gallup StrengthsFinder):https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspxWichita State University:https://www.wichita.edu/Strengths-Based Parenting (Book):https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/253676/strengths-based-parenting.aspxConnect with Kennedy Rogers on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennedy-rogers-3187618a/Want to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.
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47. Embracing Resilience with Janice Perkins
What if the messiest chapters of your life are actually the foundation for your most powerful growth? Today, I sit down with Janice Perkins—executive coach, speaker, and all-around force of nature—to explore the real stories behind resilience, self-worth, and the power of community. From battling chronic illness and single motherhood to building a thriving business and finding love again, Janice shares the unfiltered truth about letting go of expectations, embracing imperfection, and duct-taping life together with humor and heart. If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying too much or not enough, this conversation is for you.HighlightsThe surprising power of sharing your story and bringing struggles into the lightHow Janice rebuilt her life after chronic illness, divorce, and career upheavalLetting go of perfectionism and learning to give yourself graceThe role of accountability partners, coaches, and inner circles in personal growthDaily practices for self-care and staying connectedWhy vulnerability is essential in both personal and professional lifeConfronting limiting beliefs and the myth of controlThe importance of risk-taking and trusting yourself in new chaptersChapters00:00 — Welcome and Introduction00:49 — Meet Janice Perkins01:32 — Building Confidence and Friendship02:46 — The Power of Sharing Stories04:26 — Janice's Journey Through Adversity07:05 — Parenting and Letting Go of Expectations09:33 — The Struggle with Control and Self-Worth12:45 — The Impact of Dr. Caroline Leaf's Work17:35 — The Importance of Accountability and Support Systems20:01 — Balancing Self-Care and Professional Life22:55 — Daily Practices for Personal Growth26:41 — Overcoming Fears and Limiting Beliefs29:25 — Reflecting on Life's Challenges and Lessons31:27 — Closing Thoughts and Where to Find JaniceResources MentionedDr. Caroline Leaf – Clean Up Your Mental MessI Have Capacity (Janice Perkins’ website)Janice Perkins on LinkedInThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der KolkWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.
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46. Balancing Act | Redefining Leadership and Ambition with Paige McPheely
Are you carrying a backpack full of expectations you never signed up for? Discover how redefining success, embracing help, and letting go of perfectionism can transform your work, your family life, and your sense of self. Join me as I talk with Paige McPheely, CEO and Co-founder of Base, about the real stories behind ambition, burnout, and the power of permission.HighlightsPaige’s journey from startup founder and mom of three to redefining what leadership looks likeThe “backpack of expectations” and how to let go of what’s weighing you downLiving and working in Spain: lessons from a different pace of lifeThe myth of “doing it all” and why asking for help is a leadership superpowerHow to distinguish between healthy ambition and hustle addictionOutsourcing creatively—yes, even your handwriting!Practical strategies for deep work, blocking distractions, and creating ritualsThe “glass balls and plastic balls” analogy for balancing work and familyWhy giving yourself permission is the most radical act of self-careThe power of morning pages and stream-of-consciousness writingChapters00:00 — Welcome & Introduction00:53 — Meet Paige McPheely: CEO and Co-founder of Base01:22 — Paige's Journey to Productivity02:05 — Rethinking Success and Expectations02:58 — Living in Spain: A Different Pace of Life03:54 — Balancing Leadership and Parenting05:45 — The Lie of Doing It All06:54 — Healthy Ambition vs. Hustle Addiction10:51 — Outsourcing: Creative Solutions10:51 — Managing Time as an Entrepreneur and Mother13:17 — Deep Work and Blocking Distractions15:02 — Juggling Parenthood and Professional Life20:25 — Reprogramming Stress and Overwhelm23:14 — The Importance of Giving Yourself Permission24:50 — Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources MentionedBase HQ — Find resources for hiring and working with executive assistantsLinkedIn: Paige McPheelyWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.
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45. Beyond Titles: Embracing Leadership at Kansas Leadership Center
Are you ready to rethink what it means to be a leader? What if leadership isn’t about titles or authority, but about the choices we make every day: in our families, our workplaces, and our communities? Join me and my COO, Kendra Moody, as we unpack our journey through the Kansas Leadership Center’s programs, share the lessons that changed how we lead, and explore how anyone can step into leadership, no matter their role.HighlightsThe difference between leadership and management—and why anyone can leadOur experience with the Kansas Leadership Center’s Path and Coaching IntensiveHow leadership is an activity, not a position or titleThe power of adaptive vs. technical challenges in business and lifeWhy giving the work back is so much more than delegationThe importance of slowing down to lead more effectivelyHow managed self and values shape our leadership choicesBuilding community and connection through KLC’s global reachEmbracing risk, imperfection, and curiosity as essential leadership skillsChapters0:00 – Welcome & Introduction0:42 – Partnership with Kansas Leadership Center1:12 – KLC Path and Certification1:41 – Coaching Intensive Experience2:15 – Leadership as an Activity3:43 – Leadership in Everyday Life4:49 – Global Reach of KLC6:00 – Adaptive vs Technical Challenges7:41 – Applying KLC Concepts in Business9:24 – Leadership is Risky11:44 – Asking Better Questions14:15 – Giving the Work Back17:38 – Slowing Down to Lead Effectively20:12 – Managed Self and Values22:17 – Final Thoughts and TakeawaysResourcesKansas Leadership Center: kansasleadershipcenter.orgBook: When Everyone Leads by Ed O’Malley and Julia Fabris McBride: LinkCovey Leadership Model: The Leader in MePriya Parker – The Art of Gathering: priyaparker.comIf you’ve partnered with KLC, taken their courses, or want to connect, reach out—we love hearing your stories and sharing this work!Want to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.
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44. When Goals Feel Chaotic
Are your goals inspiring you—or overwhelming you? Ever feel like your relationship with goals is more “complicated” than “motivating”? You’re not alone. Today, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about making progress when big ambitions feel heavy, and how the power of “quarter turns”—small, consistent tweaks—can transform your results in work, health, and life. If you’re ready to end the year strong without burning out, let’s talk about how to make your goals work for you, one simple step at a time.HighlightsReflections from the Global Leadership Summit and insights from John Acuff’s “All It Takes is a Goal”Real talk: how people describe their relationship with goals (spoiler: it’s not always positive)The concept of “quarter turns” and why small changes matter more than big overhaulsPersonal stories about family routines, health, and building better habitsThe difference between goals and results—and why focusing on effort is the real game-changerPractical tweaks for making progress, even when life feels chaoticEncouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed as the year wraps upChapters00:00 – Welcome & gratitude00:23 – Why talk about goals? Global Leadership Summit recap01:15 – Partnering with the Global Leadership Summit & John Acuff’s influence01:51 – Community impact and the GLS Next Leader program02:42 – Group discussion: “Describe your relationship with goals in one word”03:12 – Why goals feel heavy (and why that’s normal)03:57 – The real challenge: systems behind the goals04:22 – Dreaming vs. executing on goals04:54 – What I’m learning: the power of “quarter turns”05:20 – The “quarter turn” metaphor from cycling and life06:12 – How small steps add up (and why I used to resist them)06:43 – Learning from my team: consistency over perfection07:10 – Family routines: the “nightly three” for smoother evenings08:00 – Health changes: using a blood test to make better choices09:00 – The surprising impact of one small dietary tweak10:00 – Focusing on effort, not just results11:00 – Separating goals from results: a writing example12:00 – Why your goals should be in your control13:00 – Final encouragement: finish the year with small, meaningful steps14:00 – Wrap up & see you next weekResourcesGlobal Leadership SummitJohn Acuff, All It Takes is a GoalSubstack (for building a writing habit)Want to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.
"A LOT with Audra" is the podcast for women juggling big dreams and full lives. Each episode, host, Audra Dinell, Midwestern wife, mom and neurodivergent multi-six figure entrepreneur encourages women to embrace their many roles holistically by living a values-based life with confidence and joy. Through candid discussions, practical strategies and inspiring stories, this podcast is your guide to designing and achieving success without losing yourself in the process.
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