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What if your burnout isn’t about doing too much—but about allowing the wrong withdrawals? We step into the fourth quarter with a sharper lens: a daily deposits-versus-withdrawals audit that exposes invisible drains, restores peace, and helps you choose the rooms where your impact will be felt. From calendar chaos to meaningful tradeoffs, we share the simple tie-breaker that ends second-guessing: pick the commitment where your presence creates the greatest change, not the one with the flashiest optics.

Denise takes us behind the curtain of persona and replenishment, naming why high-energy performers get quiet offstage and why that boundary is part of the work. Then the moment we’ve been waiting for: announcing her debut book, The Only One in the Room: How to Transform Differences into Strengths, Communicate with Impact, and Lead with Confidence—featuring a foreword by Stephen M. R. Covey. The book blends candid stories, practical tools, and interactive exercises to help you claim your voice, communicate with intention, and lead with calm confidence. Whether you’re introverted, the youngest at the table, the only woman, the only person of color, or simply the quietest thinker, your difference can be your superpower.

We also zoom out to the cultural noise and remember this truth: there’s still more good than evil. That perspective fuels our 2026 planning—what to launch, what to celebrate, and what to cut. If you’re craving clarity, this conversation offers a blueprint: audit your energy, choose impact over attention, honor your need to replenish, and build a vision that aligns with your values. Ready to protect your peace and amplify your voice? Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs the reminder, and leave a review with your Q4 non-negotiable—we’ll feature our favorites next week.

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

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What if the power you chased in a suit was really waiting in your own story? We sit down with Ugochi to trace a remarkable arc—from Igbo roots and a childhood split between Nigeria and the U.S., to UTC’s global rotations in Norway and Switzerland, to the Kellogg network that turned brand into belonging. Along the way she faces a familiar corporate paradox: high performance without a clear path to the role she envisioned. Her answer becomes a masterclass in agency—stop assuming effort equals elevation and start negotiating the path, assignment by assignment, with the leaders who can open doors.

The conversation turns intimate as Ugochi describes choosing education through personal darkness, flying Lagos–Miami for class weekends, and following the signals that brought her back to herself. That light leads to a different kind of leadership: stepping in as CFO/CSO of her family’s home healthcare company. She shares practical rules that keep love and performance intact—clean role lines, business-first hours, and a united front that refuses hearsay. It’s a blueprint any founding team can copy when relationships and revenue collide.

Then, an unexpected blossom: Oviko Gallery. Seeded years earlier by her love for Nigerian artist Chike Onuora, what started as a handful of canvases becomes a curated space in St. Augustine dedicated to elevating African talent. We unpack how scrappy action, expert help, and a ready room turned into a platform that fuses culture, commerce, and community. Through it all, gratitude anchors the story: the waves never stop, but the boats stay synchronized when vision holds. Press play for a candid, energizing journey that might nudge you to ask for your path, protect your energy, and step fully into your morning.

If this conversation moves you, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s at a crossroads, and leave a review to help more listeners find the light.

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

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Watch and listen on YouTube: Proven Not Perfect™️

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What happens when decades of corporate identity suddenly vanish? Natalie, founder of HerCSuite, reveals the rarely discussed "glass cliff" moment that follows leaving a high-powered career and how to transform this potential crisis into opportunity.

The traditional career ladder is being replaced by something far more interesting: the portfolio career. Rather than following a single track, today's professionals—especially women in the second half of their careers—are crafting multifaceted professional lives that align with their values, financial needs, and deeper purpose. Through HerCSuite's network and programs, Natalie guides women transitioning to board roles or entrepreneurship while helping them navigate the identity shifts that inevitably come with professional evolution.

Our conversation unpacks the five crucial steps to designing your next chapter: clarifying your values, determining your "freedom number," exploring your options, understanding your human design, and creating your roadmap. We discuss how the concept of pivoting has transformed from something requiring explanation on a resume to something employers now expect and value. Throughout, Natalie emphasizes that successful transitions aren't about deciding whether your new path is "better" than your old one—it's simply different, with its own unique opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

Whether you're contemplating your next move or supporting someone who is, this episode offers practical wisdom for anyone navigating today's non-linear professional landscape. As Natalie reminds us with her powerful mantra: "We make our own C-Suite." Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn or visit HerCSuite.com to continue your journey.

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

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Ever feel overwhelmed by conflicting health advice? One expert tells you to track your sleep while another warns that tracking causes anxiety. Someone swears by protein supplements while others caution about hidden metals in those same products. With so many voices claiming to know the "right" way to be healthy, where do you even begin?

Dr. Eva, an orthopedic surgeon turned personal trainer and sports nutritionist, cuts through the noise with revolutionary insights about fitness after 40. The game-changing revelation? Your body can't tell the difference between work stress and workout stress. That high-intensity exercise class you're forcing yourself to attend might actually be working against your goals if you're already maxed out on stress from career demands and family responsibilities.

The conversation upends conventional wisdom about exercise intensity, revealing why "comfortable cardio" in Zone 2 (where you can still hold a conversation) may be far more effective for fat burning than the punishing HIIT workouts many of us have been programmed to believe are necessary. Through her own body composition testing, Dr. Eva demonstrates how high-intensity exercise during periods of high life stress actually increased her body fat percentage while reducing muscle mass—the exact opposite of what she was working toward.

Beyond exercise, we explore the truth about protein sources (hint: whole foods trump supplements), the importance of including adequate carbohydrates and healthy fats (especially critical for hormone production after 40), and practical strategies for prioritizing nutrition in impossibly busy schedules. The simple act of planning and prioritizing your own nourishment isn't selfish—it's necessary.

For those seeking the fountain of youth, Dr. Eva's prescription is clear: lift heavy weights three days a week to increase muscle mass and boost metabolism, combine with Zone 2 cardio for heart health and fat burning, and eat balanced meals featuring whole foods. This approach works with your changing body rather than fighting against it, creating sustainable results that actually improve with age.

Ready to transform your relationship with fitness and nutrition? This conversation might just be the permission slip you've been waiting for to work smarter, not harder, on your health journey.

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

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What happens when God calls you to lead the very church where you grew up? When Reverend Dr. Erin Skipworth felt the calling to pastoral ministry, she never imagined she would one day become the first female pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in York, Pennsylvania—the congregation her father led for 50 years and where she spent her childhood sitting in the pews.

In this soul-stirring conversation, Dr. Skipworth reveals how her early career in corporate marketing unexpectedly prepared her for ministry leadership. "I believe God was always preparing me for this transition," she reflects, sharing how lessons in organizational culture, people management, and authentic leadership became invaluable tools in her pastoral toolkit. Her story beautifully illustrates how seemingly unrelated professional experiences can be divine preparation for unexpected callings.

The transition from being known as "the pastor's daughter" to becoming "the pastor" presented unique challenges. With remarkable wisdom, Dr. Skipworth discusses how she navigated changing relationships with congregation members who had known her since childhood, establishing appropriate boundaries while maintaining authentic connections. Her insights offer valuable guidance for anyone stepping into leadership roles where personal and professional worlds intersect.

Dr. Skipworth also explores the evolving landscape of ministry in the digital age. Unlike pastors of previous generations, today's church leaders can leverage social media and technology to connect with their congregations in new ways—creating both opportunities and challenges for authentic ministry. Her thoughtful approach to balancing transparency with appropriate privacy serves as a masterclass in digital-age leadership.

At the heart of our discussion lies a powerful message about soul care and heart condition. "Our ministry and the things that we desire flow from the heart," Dr. Skipworth emphasizes, recommending spiritual practices and resources that nurture inner wellbeing. Whether you're leading a congregation, a corporation, or simply seeking to live purposefully, her wisdom about tending to your inner life will resonate deeply.

Ready to be inspired by a journey of faith, leadership, and authentic calling? Listen now and discover how God might be preparing you for your own full-circle moment.

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

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Watch and listen on YouTube: Proven Not Perfect™️

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What if dreaming small could actually lead to greater impact than chasing grandiose visions? Liz Bohannon challenges conventional wisdom about success, ambition, and fulfillment in this thought-provoking conversation about finding meaning in a noisy world.

Bohannon shares her evolution from an externally successful but internally lonely achiever to a community-focused entrepreneur who champions the power of starting where you are. She introduces her revolutionary concept of "dreaming small" - not as a limitation but as a permission to pursue the things that genuinely light us up without the paralyzing pressure of world-changing expectations.

With fascinating research and personal insights, Liz explains why "owning your average" might be the most liberating mindset shift you can make. She reveals how praising inherent talent over effort actually hampers growth and why embracing our ordinariness paradoxically leads to extraordinary results. Her perspective frees us from the exhausting pursuit of specialness and invites us into authentic contribution.

The conversation takes a compelling turn toward community as Bohannon makes a powerful case for social health as the missing pillar of human flourishing. With eye-opening statistics showing that regular friend connections provide happiness equivalent to a $150,000 annual raise, she illustrates how our individualistic pursuit of success undermines what truly makes us thrive. From suburban design to workplace expectations, she traces how we've systematically dismantled the community structures that once provided belonging and purpose.

Perhaps most refreshing is Bohannon's nuanced take on gender and achievement. Rather than advocating for women to simply climb higher on existing ladders, she envisions a world where success is redefined for everyone - where men feel empowered to prioritize family and community alongside career, and where "having it all" means having what truly matters.

Ready to reimagine success on your own terms? Listen now and discover how aligning your daily choices with your deepest values creates a life of authentic impact - no matter how small it might seem to others.

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

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Have you ever noticed that some people consistently achieve their goals while others struggle to make progress? The difference often comes down to a single mindset shift – staying locked in without settling for less.

Right now, we're in the "August harvest" – that critical midpoint of 2025 when we need to evaluate our progress against the goals we set in January. Many of us started with clear objectives and visions of where we'd be by now. Some are right on track, but others may feel they've fallen short. This conversation tackles how to recalibrate and finish strong regardless of where you stand today.

The secret lies in three powerful principles. First, "keep the main thing the main thing" – identify your single most important priority that resonates in your heart, not just your head. Write it down, visualize it, and treat it as your bullseye. Second, commit to ruthlessly eliminating distractions. This means becoming relentless with the word "no" and recognizing that anything not directly aligned with your main thing is simply a distraction – period. Finally, acknowledge progress daily, even when it seems minimal. Sometimes, maintaining focus and commitment for an extended period is progress worth celebrating.

This mindset shift transforms how you approach your goals and fosters greater accountability to yourself and responsibility for your unique talents. In our distraction-filled world, being intentional about your time is an act of self-respect and purpose. Join our Proven Not Perfect community as we lock in, refuse to settle, and commit to making the remainder of 2025 our most purposeful and productive time yet. And stay tuned – we've got some amazing guest conversations coming in September that you won't want to miss!

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

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Ever wonder what teens are actually saying when they spout seemingly random phrases like "skibbity toilet" or greet each other with words like "mango"? This special episode features an enlightening conversation with my brilliant 14-year-old niece Carsyn that might forever change how you perceive Gen Z communication.

Recorded during our pre-Beyoncé concert excitement, our discussion takes an unexpected turn from Renaissance Tour merchandise tips to decoding what adults often dismiss as "brain rot" language. Carsyn brilliantly explains that what appears to be linguistic nonsense actually serves as a sophisticated tool for instant connection. These random phrases aren't about excluding adults or representing diminished language skills—they're innovative shortcuts to community building in a world where meaningful connection feels increasingly rare.

The most profound moment comes when Carsyn observes, "People are so used to being different that they don't even care about coming together." This wisdom from a high school freshman suggests something remarkable: perhaps today's teens are intuitively developing communication patterns that prioritize unity over division. While older generations might focus on precise language and careful self-expression, Gen Z understands that sometimes, the content matters less than the connection itself.

This episode will leave you with unexpected hope for our collective future. If Carsyn's generation values connection enough to invent entirely new ways of creating it, perhaps they truly will be the ones to "pull us all back together." Listen now and discover why those seemingly random phrases your teen uses might actually represent something beautiful about their approach to human connection.

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

Follow me on Facebook at: Proven Not Perfect™️

Watch and listen on YouTube: Proven Not Perfect™️

Join the community for ideas and events at www.provennotperfect.com.

I'd love to hear what you think!