Busyness might look like ambition — but for high achievers, it's often quietly costing more than they realize.
Behind the to-do lists, deadlines, and "I'll rest later" mindset lives a system running on overdrive — fueled by stress, pressure, and the belief that being busy means you're moving forward.

In this episode, Violetta unpacks the hidden link between busyness, self-worth, and performance capacity — and how to tell when productivity turns into protection. You'll learn the science of how repetition and neuroplasticity retrain your mind-body system for calm, focus, and sustainable success, and what real integration looks like when ambition meets regulation.

This conversation is about refining your edge — accessing deeper focus, energy, and fulfillment not by pushing harder, but by leading yourself differently.

🎙️ In This Episode, We Cover:

• The hidden link between busyness, self-worth, and performance capacity
• How to tell when busyness becomes a protective strategy instead of a productive one
• Why slowing down can be one of the most powerful strategies for high achievement
• The science of repetition and neuroplasticity in retraining your mental and emotional habits for calm and focus
• How to access deeper focus, energy, and resilience without pushing harder
• Why self-awareness alone isn't enough — and what real integration looks like
• The difference between relief and regulation — and why it matters
• A simple reflection practice to help you re-pattern your relationship with being busy
  
  

🎧 Get the Free 6-Minute Nervous System Reset Audio:
A body-based practice to release the inner load and reset your system — includes a 7-day guided journey to rewire your relationship with busyness.
👉 expandandimpact.com/reset2025

⭕️ Join the Next Virtual Women's Circle:
Live sessions where ambitious women come together to normalize a new way of leading, living, and creating impact in work and life.
👉 expandandimpact.com/womenscircleregistration

👉 Connect with Violetta on Instagram:
DM her directly — she reads every message.
instagram.com/expand_and_impact

You finally hit the milestone, achieve the goal, or land the thing you worked so hard for — and instead of soaking it in, you start overthinking, scanning for the next problem, or pushing yourself right back into overwork.

If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. High-achieving women everywhere are unknowingly interrupting their own joy. And the reason has nothing to do with how much you're holding — it's the deeper patterns running in your nervous system.

🎙️ In This Episode, We Cover:

• The hidden "joy blockers" that ambitious women mistake for discipline or drive.
• How the inner critic, outer critic, and defensiveness hijack your best moments.
• The trap of "If this, then that" thinking — and why it keeps you from ever feeling like you've truly arrived.

💡 Why This Matters

Most women think joy comes after the next milestone, the next solved problem, the next achievement. But that belief is the very thing that keeps you sprinting past the life you're already in.

The truth is: joy isn't a reward for doing more — it's a skill you have to learn to hold. Until you rewire the patterns running in your nervous system, you'll keep sabotaging the very ease, freedom, and connection you're working so hard to create.

This episode isn't just about spotting the problem — it's about seeing success in a way that finally lets you feel it.

🔗 Resources & Links

🎉 Join Grow Forward LIVE — a 2-day virtual event for ambitious women ready to lead, work, and live with grounded self-trust: https://www.expandandimpact.com/gf25

🎧 Get the free 6-minute Nervous System Reset Audio: www.expandandimpact.com/reset2025

👉 DM Violetta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expand_and_impact?igsh=MTZrbXltcXJ4dTBoOA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

In this episode of the Expand and Impact Podcast, Violetta Znorkowski shares the raw reality of what happens when carefully laid plans fall apart—and how nervous system regulation, emotional mastery, and self-leadership allowed her to stay present and steady, even when life dismantled every plan.

After selling all her belongings and leaving behind five years of a comfortable life in Australia to move to Europe with her partner, Violetta faced a year of intense uncertainty: visa struggles, financial strain, family health crises, legal threats, and stolen trust. And while most women would have spiraled under the weight of it all, she applied the same practices she teaches her clients—proving that it is possible to remain grounded and clear, even in the most destabilizing seasons of life.

🎙️In This Episode, We Cover:

• Control vs. Capacity: how attachment to certainty creates a hidden glass ceiling—and what to do instead.

• Urgency isn't ambition: why "do more, be more" is your survival system talking, and how to shift into steady, decisive action.

• The paradox of leadership: why slowing down often accelerates clarity, alignment, and sustainable impact.

• How to cultivate nervous system capacity so you can handle uncertainty without burning out.

• From "why" to "how": stop analysis loops and step into embodied skills that actually change your state.

• Presence under pressure: how to use breath and meditation as high-performance tools—not as clichés.

• Identity & success: how to want more without letting achievement define your worth (or drain your peace).

• Presence > productivity: why being fully present for your life is the real gateway to peace, freedom, and sustainable success.

• You can push through, but it's starting to cost your presence, health, or relationships.

• Change (even the good kind) spikes your anxiety or overthinking.

• You ride the highs, crash hard, then rebound again.

• You've built success on paper, but inside you're still sprinting to keep up.

• You want impact and leadership without it costing your peace.

…this conversation will meet you right where you are—and give you language and tools to move forward differently.

Most high-achieving women are praised for how much they can hold. They are often taught that the faster you move, the more you achieve. But what if holding more isn't the point? What if the real impact is learning to hold it differently?

Violetta reveals how the real growth happens when you pause, breathe, and build the inner steadiness to hold it all—the highs, the lows, and the messy middle.

Because success isn't just about what you achieve. It's about how fully you can be present to live it.

RESOURCES & LINKS:
⭕️ Join the Next Virtual Women's Circle (live sessions where ambitious women come together to normalize a new way of leading, living, and creating impact in work and life.) https://www.expandandimpact.com/womenscircleregistration

🎧 Get the free 6-minute Nervous System Reset Audio: expandandimpact.com/reset2025

🎉 Join the next Grow Forward live training: A powerful 2-day live event to break the burnout-fueled success cycle and grow into the leader you're here to be. https://www.expandandimpact.com/gf25

👉 DM Violetta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expand_and_impact?igsh=MTZrbXltcXJ4dTBoOA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

"Feel the fear and do it anyway." You've heard it. You've probably lived it. It sounds empowering — and maybe, for a while, it worked.

But what if always pushing forward isn't a sign of bravery… it's a sign of disconnection?

In this powerful return to the mic, Violetta Znorkowski unpacks the hidden ways fear shapes the decisions, drive, and direction of high-achieving women — especially those who've been praised their whole lives for being capable, strong, and determined. Drawing from a decade of leading outdoor expeditions and a year of personal upheaval, Violetta shares two real-life stories that show what happens when we confuse perceived fear with real danger — and how that misunderstanding creates burnout, performance addiction, and glass ceilings we don't even see.

If you've ever found yourself chasing goals that leave you empty…
If you've ever kept going when your body said stop…
If you're ready to lead from self-trust instead of fear...

This episode is your invitation to pause, rewire, and come home to yourself.

• Why "feel the fear and do it anyway" is actually harmful advice for high-achieving women

• The key difference between protective fear and perceived fear — and how to tell which one is leading you

• How urgency, proving, and perfectionism disconnect you from your inner truth

• A powerful story from Violetta's time leading a mountain expedition — and how one decision reshaped her relationship with fear

• The reflection questions that help you move from reaction to conscious choice

• What it really means to lead yourself from a regulated, embodied place

⭕️ Join the Next Virtual Women's Circle (live sessions where ambitious women come together to normalize a new way of leading, living, and creating impact in work and life.) https://www.expandandimpact.com/womenscircleregistration

🎧 Get the free 6-minute Nervous System Reset Audio: expandandimpact.com/reset2025

🎉 Join the next Grow Forward live training: A powerful 2-day live event to break the burnout-fueled success cycle and grow into the leader you're here to be. https://www.expandandimpact.com/gf25

👉 DM Violetta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expand_and_impact?igsh=MTZrbXltcXJ4dTBoOA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Ever feel like you’re constantly pushing forward but never quite feeling at ease? In this episode, Violetta dives deep into the topic of stress—not as a badge of honor, but as a sign we might be out of alignment with what truly matters. She kicks things off by exploring how stress shows up in our lives: racing thoughts, tightness in the body, and a tendency to overcommit. It’s not who we are, but a symptom of something deeper.

Jessica Bowser joins the conversation, sharing her journey of navigating burnout in both academia and the corporate world. As someone who always felt the need to "work twice as hard" due to internalized pressures and her biracial identity, Jessica talks openly about how this belief led her down the path of exhaustion. Together, they dig into:

• Reframing Stress: Seeing stress as a signal to check in with yourself, not a mark of ambition.

• Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs: Jessica’s insights on letting go of the pressure to be perfect and why that’s been key to her healing.

• Finding Ease in the Process: The importance of slowing down, taking a breath, and making space for what feels true.

• The Power of Enjoying the Journey: Jessica shares how she shifted her focus from constant striving to finding joy in the everyday moments.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Stress as an Alarm Clock: How to recognize when your stress might be a sign to realign your actions with your values.

• Challenging the High Achiever’s Mindset: Tips for releasing the need to prove yourself through overwork.

• Rediscovering Yourself: The power of slowing down to connect with who you are, beyond the expectations.

• Community and Connection: How surrounding yourself with supportive people can help you feel seen and heard.

Key Takeaways:

• Stress can be a helpful nudge to pause and realign with what feels right for you.

• Slowing down isn’t a setback—it’s a step towards clarity and fulfillment.

• Questioning limiting beliefs can open up new possibilities for a more authentic, joyful life.

• It’s not just about reaching the destination; it’s about finding joy in the process.

This episode offers a heartfelt, relatable look at how we can shift our relationship with stress and start living in a way that feels more aligned and fulfilling.

Timestamps

0:00 - 2:37 - Introduction to stress and its impact on high-performing women, featuring a personal story from Violetta

2:39 - 9:02 - Exploring common mindsets about stress and the belief that it’s necessary for success

11:34 - 16:18 - Jessica shares her evolving sense of identity and the impact of racial identity on her experiences

18:02 - 23:37 - Discussing burnout and the belief of needing to work twice as hard to be seen as equal

23:38 - 29:33 - Challenging perfectionism and learning the importance of being present with family

33:50 - 38:12 - Addressing limiting beliefs and aligning actions with true personal values

38:13 - 49:02 - Finding career alignment by reconnecting with core values and admitting dissatisfaction

57:13 - 1:00:06 - Shifting perspective from focusing on goals to embracing the journey and learning from setbacks

1:01:25 - 1:04:29 - Jessica reflects on her wellness retreat experience and Violetta wraps up with closing thoughts

STAY CONNECTED WITH JESSICA BOWSER NELSON

THE HIGH ACHIEVER'S ASSESSMENT

INSTAGRAM

LINKEDIN

Want to Work With Violetta?

Book a call Here

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Expand and Impact, LLC - Disclaimer

This podcast is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or any other qualified professional. We shall in no event be held liable to any party for any reason arising directly or indirecty for the use or interpretation of the information presented in

Ever feel like no matter how much you achieve, something still feels missing? In this episode, Violetta Znorkowski sits down with Dr. Sweta Chawla to talk about the journey from chasing success to truly feeling fulfilled. Dr. Sweta, a former professor turned leadership coach, shares how she moved from a life focused on external achievements to one led by her inner voice and values.

They dive into the power of letting go of labels and learning to trust yourself—exploring how to move from "doing more" to feeling like you are enough. If you've ever felt trapped in the cycle of busyness or worried about what others expect from you, this conversation will resonate.

Dr. Sweta also introduces her approach to leadership, helping others reconnect with what truly matters to them. Together, they explore practical steps for finding more balance, ease, and confidence in life, while letting go of the pressure to always achieve.

• Letting Go of Labels: Dr. Sweta shares why stepping away from labels and expectations can help us feel more free and fulfilled.

• Self-Compassion on the Journey: The importance of being kinder to yourself and taking a slower, more patient approach to personal growth.

• Leading from the Heart: How to follow your inner wisdom, rather than just pushing forward with goals.

• Redefining Success on Your Terms: How to create a definition of success that feels right for you, even if it doesn't match society's standards.

• Facing Fear and Doubt: Tips on dealing with the discomfort of big changes and how these moments can help you grow.

• Finding Strength in Community: Why connecting with like-minded people can keep you grounded and supported on this journey.

• Discover how heart-centered leadership can help you create a life that feels balanced and meaningful.

• Learn how to align your work and life with your true values for a more fulfilling path forward.

• Embrace self-compassion as a key to sustainable growth and feeling good about where you are.

• Find out how to let go of the pressure to achieve more, and instead focus on being true to yourself.

This episode is a must-listen if you're ready to lead a life with purpose, joy, and a sense of inner freedom.

Timestamps

0:00 - 5:00 - Introduction to Dr. Sweta and the topic of redefining success from the inside out

5:00 - 15:00 - Dr. Sweta's journey from identifying with her achievements and accolades to reconnecting with her heart

15:00 - 25:00 - The courage required to unlearn societal conditioning and trust your inner wisdom

25:00 - 35:00 - Practical insights on using seasonal planning, coaching support, and tuning into your body's signals

35:00 - 45:00 - Letting go of the pressure of time and linear goal-setting in favor of a more cyclical, flow-based approach

45:00 - 55:00 - The importance of allowing yourself to feel the resistance and discomfort of change, with support

STAY CONNECTED WITH Dr Sweta Chawla

WEBSITE:

Dr Sweta

INSTAGRAM:

drswetachawla

Want to Work With Violetta?

Book a call Here

====

Expand and Impact, LLC - Disclaimer

This podcast is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or any other qualified professional. We shall in no event be held liable to any party for any reason arising directly or indirecty for the use or interpretation of the information presented in this audio/video. Copyrite 2024, Expand

Have you ever questioned why you hold back your true voice, or felt disconnected from your own identity through the way you speak? In this episode, Violetta chats with Tracy Goodwin, an expert in the psychology of voice, as they dive into the powerful connection between voice, identity, and past experiences.

Tracy opens up about her childhood, where the phrase 'children should be seen and not heard' was common, shaping her relationship with her voice and creating a struggle to feel worthy of speaking up. Through her journey as an actor and voice coach, she eventually learned to embrace her authentic voice, and now helps others do the same.

The conversation sheds light on how we build ‘walls’ around our voices, using masks like people-pleasing and fear of judgment to hide our true selves. Tracy highlights how true connection comes not just from the words we say, but from the tone, presence, and authenticity behind them.

They also tackle how women, in particular, face unique challenges with their voices in professional settings, often feeling the need to be 'nice' and avoid conflict. This can lead to their contributions being undervalued, despite saying the same things as their male counterparts.

Tracy’s message is clear: reclaiming your voice starts with self-worth and vulnerability. It’s about showing up authentically, without seeking external validation, and embracing the power of presence. This episode invites you to explore how your voice reflects your inner world and encourages you to step into your true, authentic self.

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:05:19-00:09:15 – Tracy shares her journey from growing up silenced to embracing her voice coaching purpose.

• 00:11:16-00:15:08 – Tracy explains how she helps others strip away layers of protective masks to reveal their true voice, using an analogy of refinishing furniture.

• 00:19:12-00:21:47 – Discussion on how we communicate from wounds and fears, rather than empowerment, and the impact of subconscious blocks.

• 00:25:21-00:27:52 – Tracy explains the role of control and fear of judgment in shaping communication, particularly for women in professional settings.

• 00:34:04-00:38:17 – Tracy expands on societal expectations for women's voices, discussing how women often struggle to be heard or valued.

• 00:43:54-00:46:45 – Tracy shares her process for helping people identify and shed layers to reclaim their authentic voice.

• 00:50:38-00:53:07 – Tracy addresses challenges women face in finding their authentic voice and overcoming the pressure to be "nice."

• 01:01:22-01:04:40 – Tracy discusses the costs of silencing women's voices and how societal standards have influenced perceptions of how women should speak.

• 01:06:43-01:09:24 – Final reflections on embracing authenticity, reframing judgment, and the courage it takes to reclaim one's true voice.

STAY CONNECTED WITH TRACY

WEBSITE:

CAPTIVATE THE ROOM

INSTAGRAM:

Tracey Goodwin

Want to Work With Violetta?

Book a call Here

====

Expand and Impact, LLC - Disclaimer

This podcast is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or any other qualified professional. We shall in no event be held liable to any party for any reason arising directly or indirecty for the use or interpretation of the information presented in this audio/video. Copyrite 2024, Expand and Impact, LLC - All rights reserved.