In this episode, Mary talks with Adaku Mbagwu—a Nigerian-born, Tulum-based transformational guide and the self-proclaimed “first daughter disruptor.” Through her global community, Healed Hero, Adaku helps high-achieving firstborn daughters release generational pressure, perfectionism, and the invisible labor that keeps them exhausted—and build success that actually feels good.

What we cover

• Eldest-daughter dynamics across cultures (Nigeria, UK, Mexico)
• Invisible labor, hyper-independence, and why “strong” isn’t a life plan
• The Strategic Vulnerability Framework: awareness → sharing → receiving → magnetic authenticity
• Sibling dynamics, resentment loops, and how to repair without losing yourself
• Coaching case study: from stuck at $160K to $1M+ by unlearning “I must be needed”
• Practical scripts for asking for help (without feeling weak)

Guest: Adaku Mbagwu — Transformational Guide, Founder of Healed Hero

Host: Mary McCorvey — Experience Over Expectation (author & podcast host)

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Share this with an eldest daughter who does everything for everyone.

What if the stories you love could unlock the stories you’ve hidden? In this conversation, psychologist and author Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst shares how reading short, evocative narratives—and then pausing to reflect and respond—can surface long-stored experiences, deepen emotional access, and begin healing. We explore boys’ and men’s emotional development, why reassurance can accidentally shut down intimacy, and two simple tools anyone can use to reconnect with buried memories.

Guest: Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst — Psychologist, author, wife, grandmother; 50+ years helping people across the lifespan translate life experience into growth. Author of Read, Reflect, Respond: The 3 R’s of Growth and Change.

Host: Mary McCorvey, Experience Over Expectation—let go of the plan, live on your terms.

What if leadership isn’t about adding more “apps”… but upgrading your operating system?

In this episode of Experience Over Expectation, host Mary McCorvey sits down with executive & leadership coach Luann Horobin (MCC) to unpack vertical development—the shift from piling on skills to changing how you see and respond to the world.

We explore:

Why fear, certainty, and “I’m right” thinking lock us in old patterns

The Stretch: choosing the uncomfortable opposite to unlock new results

Moving from cortisol (defense) to curiosity (creativity & connection)

Building a map for change: awareness → stretch → new habits → new presence

Pivoting a business when the data says “stay” but reality says “change”

About Luann: Executive & Leadership Coach, transformationalist, and long-time guide to high performers navigating the “Is this all there is?” inflection point. Mantra: Changing minds, changing lives.

👉 Order Mary’s book Experience Over Expectation — out now.

👉 Connect with Luann https://luannhorobin.com

👉 Subscribe for more conversations on mindset, presence, and nonlinear living.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:30 What is vertical development?

05:40 Protective strategies & fear loops

10:50 The Stretch: doing the uncomfortable opposite

17:20 Pivot story: advertising → education

23:30 Building the map & new habits

26:30 How to reach Luann + closing

Hashtags: #Leadership #Mindset #VerticalDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #ChangeManagement #PersonalGrowth #PresenceOverPerfection #ExperienceOverExpectation