Summary:

In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, Lori sits down with longtime friend and Coca-Cola Senior Director, Matt Wemple, to unpack a career journey that’s anything but linear. From aspiring rock star to law enforcement hopeful, to discovering his calling in consumer packaged goods, Matt shares how a life-changing experience at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics sparked his pivot into global brand leadership.

Matt opens up about the power of timing, skill, and luck in shaping opportunities, and how he navigated setbacks, detours, and doubts to rise inside one of the world’s most iconic companies. Today, he leads Coca-Cola’s commercial strategy for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America, a once-in-a-lifetime role that combines his love of sport, brand building, and global connection.

This episode isn’t just about career moves—it’s about values. Matt reflects on his father’s influence, his commitment to service and mentorship as a board member of Stoked, and the belief that true leadership means producing more than you consume.

If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “behind,” or wondered how to keep pursuing joy while chasing big goals, Matt’s story will remind you that your path doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Timing, Skill, and Luck
• Why success often requires all three—and how to recognize when opportunity knocks.
• Permission to Pivot
• Career shifts aren’t derailments; they can be the training ground for your defining role.
• Produce More Than You Consume
• Why service and contribution are at the heart of sustainable leadership.
• Create Your Own Playbook
• You don’t need an Ivy League résumé to lead at the highest level.
• Leadership Is Service
• Mentorship, allyship, and community impact matter as much as titles.

🔎 Mentioned in the Episode:

• Matt’s pivotal experience at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics
• Leading Coca-Cola’s FIFA World Cup 2026 strategy across North America
• Stoked nonprofit: mentoring youth through board sports Learn more >
• The mindset of “produce more than you consume”

✨ Reflection Prompts:

• Where in your career have timing, skill, and luck intersected?
• What “pivot” in your life once felt like a setback but turned out to be a stepping stone?
• How are you producing more than you consume in your leadership and life?

🧠 Who This Episode Is For:

• Professionals navigating career pivots or unexpected detours
• Leaders seeking to align ambition with values and service
• Executives striving for impact beyond the title
• Anyone inspired by stories of resilience, reinvention, and JOY in leadership

📩 Want to Go Deeper?

• Learn more about Stoked: stoked.org
• Connect with Lori on LinkedIn for more leadership insights
• Book a Leadership Strategy Call with Lori: loripine.com

🎧 Subscribe to The JOY CEO Podcast

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💡 Episode Summary:

In this honest and empowering solo episode, Lori Pine unpacks a leadership reality few talk about—the “joy dip.” Even the most accomplished leaders can find themselves momentarily diminished when comparing their journey to someone else’s highlight reel. Drawing from her own humbling moment at a world-class workshop, Lori gives language to that subtle but powerful feeling of disconnection from our worth.

The “joy dip” isn’t a sign you’re failing—it’s a natural part of growth. Lori shares a practical playbook to move through it: name the dip to stop the shame spiral, take inventory of your real accomplishments, lean on your support network, shift your focus to serving others, and remember that joy isn’t just a reward at the finish line—it’s the fuel that powers you to lead with authenticity and courage.

If you’ve ever felt like your light dimmed in the shadow of someone else’s success, this episode will help you reclaim your brilliance and lead from a place of joy again.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Name It to Tame It

Identifying when you’re in a “joy dip” interrupts the spiral of self-doubt and comparison.

Do a Brag Inventory

List your genuine accomplishments—big and small—to reconnect with the truth of your impact.

Borrow Strength from Your Circle

Lean on mentors, peers, and friends to remind you of your value when you temporarily forget it.

Serve to Shift Your Focus

Helping others breaks the inward focus that fuels comparison.

Joy Is the Fuel, Not the Finish Line

Understand the need for the pause.

Waiting for joy until you “arrive” limits your leadership energy—practice it now.

🔎 Mentioned in the Episode:

• Lori’s personal experience at a high-caliber leadership workshop
• “Brag Inventory” practice for self-validation
• Support networks as confidence amplifiers
• Joy as a sustainable leadership driver

✨ Reflection Prompts:

• When was the last time you experienced a “joy dip”?
• What story were you telling yourself in that moment—and was it true?
• How might you use joy as a daily leadership practice, not just a celebratory feeling?

🧠 Who This Episode Is For:

• Leaders navigating comparison or self-doubt despite outward success
• Executives and entrepreneurs seeking to sustain their leadership energy
• Coaches and mentors guiding others through confidence dips
• Anyone who wants to lead more authentically by rooting their work in joy

📩 Want to Go Deeper?

• Try the “Brag Inventory” exercise this week
• Share your “joy dip” story with a trusted peer or mentor
• Follow Lori on LinkedIn for more leadership insights
• Book a Leadership Strategy Call with Lori: loripine.com

🎧 Subscribe to The Joy CEO Podcast

⭐️ Leave a review to help other joy-centered leaders find the show

📲 Share this episode with someone who could use a reminder of their brilliance

💡 Episode Summary:

In this heartwarming and flavorful conversation, Lori sits down with her dear friend and culinary entrepreneur Stacey Hawkins to explore how joy, friendship, and purpose can transform your life—and your dinner table. From corporate burnout to building a thriving spice and seasoning brand, Stacey shares her journey of reclaiming her energy, her kitchen, and her calling.

This episode is more than a business success story—it’s a recipe for fulfillment through self-care, nourishing food, and real connection. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, uninspired, or stuck in survival mode, this one’s for you.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

From Burnout to Breakthrough

Stacey’s pivot came after years of corporate hustle left her drained. Her comeback? A spice business built on health, heart, and helping others rediscover joy through cooking.

Nourishment Is More Than Food

Cooking became Stacey’s love language—not just for herself, but for others. She believes food is medicine, memory, and connection.

You Don’t Need to Be a Chef to Cook with Confidence

With simple techniques and powerful seasonings, Stacey demystifies healthy cooking for busy professionals.

Purpose Doesn’t Always Start with a Plan

Stacey’s path unfolded through curiosity, courage, and a few unexpected turns. Her story is proof that purpose often grows from passion—one small action at a time.

Friendship as Fuel

Lori and Stacey’s sisterhood is a thread of support, joy, and truth-telling. Their bond reminds us that we’re not meant to walk (or cook!) alone.

🔎 Mentioned in the Episode:

• Stacey Hawkins Seasonings – Stacey’s signature spice line that helps people cook healthy with ease.
• “Kitchen Confidence” – Stacey’s approach to making cooking approachable for anyone.
• Lori & Stacey’s Friendship Origin Story – A chance meeting that turned into a lifelong bond.
• From Hustle to Health – Stacey’s transition from corporate stress to soulful entrepreneurship.

✨ Reflection Prompts:

• What’s one meal that made you feel truly loved or cared for?
• Where in your life are you craving more nourishment—physically, emotionally, or spiritually?
• How can you bring more joy and intention into your daily routines (even the messy ones)?

🧠 Who This Episode Is For:

• Women recovering from burnout or career fatigue
• Busy professionals who want to eat better without extra stress
• Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking purpose through passion
• Anyone longing for deeper friendship and joyful self-care

📩 Want to Go Deeper?

• Explore Stacey’s spice blends and recipes at staceyhawkins.com
• Try cooking one simple, nutritious meal this week with intention
• Follow Lori on LinkedIn for more conversations about joyful leadership
• Book a coaching session with Lori: loripine.com

🎧 Subscribe to The Joy CEO Podcast

⭐️ Leave a review to help other heart-centered listeners find the show

📲 Share this episode with a friend who could use more flavor, friendship, and fulfillment in her life