How do leaders use energy—not strategy—to gain a true competitive edge?
Dr. Alison sits down with energy strategist Faryl Moore to explore emotional capacity, boundaries, and embodied leadership in high-pressure environments.

In this episode of the (un)conversations® podcast, Faryl shares insights from more than 20 years of guiding corporate executives through burnout, misalignment, and energetic overwhelm. Together, they unpack how leaders can expand emotional capacity, cultivate embodied presence, and create energetic clarity that supports sustainable success.

You’ll also hear the three (UN)words shaping Faryl’s leadership journey— uncontainable, unwavering, unveiled—and how these principles help leaders release draining energy, set self-compassionate boundaries, and lead with grounded intention.

Whether you're a CEO, founder, or soul-curious seeker, this episode will help you understand the energetic side of leadership and step into your next level with clarity and confidence.

In This Episode

• How the (UN)word Effect supports deep self-discovery
• Why energy—not strategy—is often the missing leadership edge
• Breaking internal limitations and expanding personal capacity
• Why unwavering belief in purpose fuels transformation
• Understanding your unique energetic gifts
• Emotional awareness as a foundation for well-being
• Rethinking work-life balance and what true balance looks like
• Creating joyful, energetically supportive work environments
• Why each person’s leadership journey is deeply individual

Timestamps

(00:00) Welcome
(01:21) Meet Faryl Moore
(02:24) The (UN)word Effect
(03:45) How Faryl discovered her (UN)words
(07:53) Uncontainable
(10:41) Unwavering
(15:45) Unveiled
(26:05) Faryl’s journey to founding Moore Energy
(43:52) The role of energy in corporate leadership
(58:32) A new perspective on work-life balance
(1:03:42) Why awareness matters
(1:13:06) Tools for getting centered
(1:16:58) Final reflections
(1:25:45) Ask Dr. Alison
(1:37:10) The (UN)wrap up

About the Guests

Dr. Alison L. Schmidt, Ph.D.
Founder and host of (un)conversations®, Dr. Alison helps leaders and organizations (un)learn what no longer serves them and embrace authentic, courageous, purpose-driven leadership.
Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/

Faryl Moore
Energy strategist and founder of Moore Energy, supporting CEOs, founders, and soul-led leaders in expanding emotional capacity and cultivating energetic clarity.
Website: https://mooreenergyhealing.com/

Connect with Dr. Alison, CEO of Unconvention

Instagram: @alsphdbcc | @unconventionllc | @unconversationspodcast

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/
TikTok: @alschmidtphd

Podcast: https://www.unconventionllc.com/podcast

#LeadershipDevelopment #ConsciousLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #EnergeticLeadership #PersonalDevelopment #MindsetMatters #SelfAwareness #HighPerformanceLeadership #WomenInLeadership #PodcastEpisode

🎙️ What Does It Really Mean to Have Power—and Use It Ethically?

With Shanna Francesca | Cult Survivor, CEO & Leadership Scholar

What happens when you break free from a high-control environment—and rebuild your identity from the inside out?
In this powerful episode of (un)conversations®, Dr. Alison sits down with Shanna Francesca, a cult survivor turned CEO, leadership scholar, and change-maker. Together, they explore how unlearning psychological control becomes the foundation of ethical, human-centered leadership.

Shanna shares the three defining (UN)words—Unfettered, Unleashed, Unveiled—that reshaped her life, leadership, and sense of agency. From escaping indoctrination to challenging ego-driven cultures, this conversation reveals why real power exists beyond control and how curiosity, accountability, and respect drive meaningful change.

Perfect for leaders, survivors of high-control systems, innovators, and anyone committed to healing and leading with integrity.

✨ In This Episode

• How Shanna’s journey from cult survivor to CEO redefined her leadership

• Why trauma shapes leadership style—and how to rebuild with clarity and agency

• What it means to be Unfettered, Unleashed, and Unveiled

• How ego, hierarchy, and psychological control undermine performance

• The role of community, healing, and unapologetic self-expression

• Why ethical leadership is rooted in relationship—not authority

Timestamps

(00:00:00) Intro to the (un)conversations® Podcast
(00:01:41) The (UN)word Effect: Shanna’s Leadership Framework
(00:02:47) Choosing the “Un” Words
(00:03:25) Life Inside the Cult
(00:07:54) UNword #1: Unfettered
(00:10:40) Leaving the Cult & Reentering the World
(00:17:18) UNword #2: Unleashed
(00:18:49) UNword #3: Unveiled
(00:21:15) Reclaiming Personal Agency
(00:26:00) Childhood in a High-Control Environment
(00:35:01) Survivor → CEO
(00:36:50) Challenging Ideology & “Normal”
(00:41:06) From Broken to Empowered
(00:57:55) The Meaning of Concinnate
(01:05:47) Ethical Leadership, Culture & Innovation
(01:17:16) Collaboration Over Competition
(01:22:51) Final Thoughts + Shanna’s Upcoming Book
(01:24:24) Ask Dr. Alison
(01:28:37) The (UN)wrap Up & Outro

About the GuestsDr. Alison L. Schmidt, Ph.D.

Founder and host of (un)conversations®, Dr. Alison helps leaders and organizations unlearn what no longer serves them—and lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose.
Website: unconventionllc.com

Shanna Francesca – Founder & CEO, Concinnate LLC

A cult survivor, scholar, and leadership innovator, Shanna transformed trauma into a framework for ethical leadership built on Curiosity, Respect, and Accountability.
Website: concinnate.world/shanafrancesca

#shanafrancesca #concinnate #cultsurvivor #changemaker #authenticleadership #theunwordeffect #dralisonschmidt #unfettered #unleashed #unveiled #unconversationspodcast #unconvention #ceo #neurodiversity #personalgrowthjourney #ethicalleadership #consciousbusiness #trauma #workplaceculture #healingjourney #accountability #curiosity #organizationalchange #psychologicalcontrol

💥 Ready to Stop Playing Small? Step Into Your Most Powerful Chapter (with Cathy Derksen)

What if your most life-changing chapter begins after everything seems to fall apart?

In this inspiring episode of (un)conversations®, Dr. Alison sits down with Cathy Derksen, Founder of Inspired Tenacity, international speaker, publisher, and bestselling author who empowers midlife women to find unstoppable confidence and reinvent their lives on their own terms.

Cathy shares how her entire world “(un)raveled” in her mid-40s after a traumatic car accident pushed her to reevaluate everything. Within months, she left a toxic marriage, walked away from a high-stress career in medical genetics, and stepped boldly into the (Un)known—proving that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

If you’re a woman over 40 feeling stuck, craving a fresh start, or contemplating a career change, this conversation is your blueprint for purposeful reinvention, entrepreneurship, and personal transformation.

✨ In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The (UN)word Effect and how “unraveling” becomes the doorway to growth

• How to release toxic environments and reclaim your identity

• The story behind Cathy’s mantra: “Chin up, keep moving”

• How to build unstoppable confidence in midlife

• What it takes to shift from a career in medical genetics to running a purpose-driven business

• How collaborative book projects create visibility, community, and legacy for women

• Why Inspired Tenacity reflects the courage required to start over

Connect With the Host & Guest

Dr. Alison Schmidt, Ph.D. — Founder and host of (un)conversations®, Alison helps leaders and organizations unlearn what no longer serves them—and lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose.
Website: unconventionllc.com
Podcast: unconventionllc.com/podcast

Cathy Derksen, Founder of Inspired Tenacity, international speaker, bestselling author, and mentor to women seeking reinvention. Cathy has helped over 200 women become published authors, expanding their visibility, businesses, and legacy.
Website: inspiredtenacity.com

#CathyDerksen #InspiredTenacity #DrAlisonSchmidt #unconversationspodcast #MidlifeWomen
#MidlifeReinvention #UnstoppableConfidence #FindYourPurpose #LifeAfter40 #CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #WomenEntrepreneurs #PersonalGrowth #Empowerment #Storytelling

What Happens When You Mix a Pro Triathlete, Rock Musician & Rebel Brand Builder? (with Michael Marckx)

What do you get when a pro triathlete, rock musician, and boundary-breaking brand strategist—who has survived seven car accidents—refuses to quit?
You get Michael Marckx: Chief Branding Officer at Digital Union Marketing, creator of the world-famous Belgian Waffle Ride, and the mind behind some of the most iconic brand transformations of the last two decades.

In this high-energy episode of (un)conversations®, Dr. Alison Schmidt sits down with Michael to explore how the (UN)word Effect—being (un)usual, (un)reasonable, and (un)finished—drives authentic leadership, creative risk-taking, and breakthrough brand innovation.

From launching Spy Optic’s Happy Lens to leading reinventions at Adidas and Ocean Pacific, Michael shares the mindsets that fuel resilience, creativity, and visionary thinking—both on the bike and in the boardroom.

A must-listen for marketers, entrepreneurs, creatives, brand leaders, and anyone ready to defy the usual.

🔥 In This Episode:

• 🚴 The origin of the Belgian Waffle Ride—and why disruption creates community

• 💡 How being (un)usual builds real confidence and authentic connection

• 👓 Why taking (un)reasonable risks leads to breakthrough ideas

• 🗝️ How staying (un)finished keeps leaders and brands evolving

• 📘 Inside Michael’s Brand Bible Method and iconic brand turnarounds

• 🛹 The guerrilla marketing campaign at the Sydney Opera House that changed skateboard culture

• 🧘 How flow, belief systems, and metaphysical thinking fuel creativity and leadership

• 💥 The resilience behind surviving seven car accidents—and coming back stronger

Timestamp:

(00:00) Introduction to Disruption and Innovation
(02:50) The (UN)word Effect: Embracing Unusual Paths
(06:11) The Power of Being Unusual
(09:04) Unreasonable Leadership: Challenging the Norms
(11:56) The Journey of Being Unfinished
(14:46) Excellence in Athletics & Business
(18:04) The Impact of Unreasonableness
(20:59) The Psychic’s Prophecy & Career Shift
(23:53) Guerrilla Marketing Beyond the Box
(37:09) Choosing Optimism in Adversity
(38:36) Unconventional Success
(42:06) The Importance of Branding
(45:28) Brand Integrity
(49:18) Personal Branding
(52:14) The Sydney Opera House Story
(01:01:03) Flow in Life and Work
(01:05:36) Ask Dr. Alison
(01:13:52) The (UN)wrap Up & Outro

Host & Guest:

Dr. Alison L. Schmidt, Ph.D., Founder of (un)conversations® and Unconvention LLC, Alison helps leaders and organizations unlearn what no longer serves them—and lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose.
Website: www.unconventionllc.com

Michael Marckx, Chief Branding Officer at Digital Union Marketing, endurance athlete, musician, and visionary brand strategist. Michael specializes in resuscitating, transforming, and guiding brands through resets, repositioning, and long-term growth.
Website: www.digitalunionmarketing.com

#MichaelMarckx #DigitalUnionMarketing #BelgianWaffleRide #SpyOptic #GuerrillaMarketing #BrandStrategy #BrandingPodcast #MarketingPodcast #LeadershipPodcast #AuthenticLeadership
#BrandTurnaround #UnconventionalLeadership #Unfinished #Unusual #Unreasonable #DrAlisonSchmidt #unconversationspodcast #Unconvention #CXO

Could Financial Freedom Actually Begin With Emotional Freedom? (with Diana Greshtchuk)

What if the key to financial freedom isn’t just about numbers — but about emotional freedom, self-worth, and rewriting the way you see yourself?

In this empowering episode of (un)conversations®, Dr. Alison L. Schmidt sits down with Diana Greshtchuk, CEO of Fan Your Flame, financial empowerment coach, CPA, and your new financial best friend. After experiencing deep personal loss, Diana transformed her pain into purpose and now helps people heal their relationship with money — blending financial expertise with mindset, personal development, and transformational coaching.

Together, they explore how to break free from scarcity, overcome limiting beliefs, and build a healthier, more abundant financial life starting right now.
A must-listen for anyone ready to redefine what money means and step into true financial empowerment.

✨ In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How the (UN)word Effect brings clarity, confidence, and courage to financial decision-making

• Unlimited: Turning loss into strength and growth

• Undaunted: Embracing fear with humor and self-awareness

• Unparalleled: How Diana blends finance and coaching for lasting transformation

• Insights from the Show Her the Money documentary

• Why investing in yourself is the foundation of financial abundance

• Practical tools for shifting from scarcity to abundance

• How to begin healing your relationship with money today

Timestamps

(00:00) Welcome to (un)conversations
(00:25) Meet Diana Greshtchuk
(02:29) The (UN)word Effect
(06:34) Unlimited: A Journey of Loss and Growth
(14:19) Undaunted: Embracing Fear with Humor
(19:52) Unparalleled: Blending Finance & Coaching
(30:56) Show Her the Money Documentary
(45:14) Investing in Yourself
(59:42) Ask Dr. Alison
(1:03:03) The (UN)wrap Up & Outro

About the Host & Guest

Dr. Alison L. Schmidt, Ph.D. — Host

Founder and host of (un)conversations®, Alison helps leaders and organizations unlearn what no longer serves them — and lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose.
Website: www.unconventionllc.com

Diana Greshtchuk — Guest

Founder & CEO of Fan Your Flame, financial empowerment coach, CPA, and guide for individuals and entrepreneurs ready to transform financial chaos into confidence and clarity.
Website: www.fan-your-flame.com

#abundancemindset #financialempowerment #personaldevelopment #DrAlisonSchmidt #unconversationspodcast #unconvention #DianaGreshtchuk #FanYourFlame #ShowHerTheMoney #HealYourRelationshipWithMoney #FinancialHealing
#ScarcityToAbundance #MoneyMindset

What if the most game-changing innovations don’t come from executives at the top—but from the people doing the work every day?

In this powerful episode of (un)conversations®, Dr. Alison Schmidt sits down with Michael Bergmann, Founder of IncubatorU, former Nike leader, and author of Innovation from the Ground Up. With more than 30 years at Nike, Michael reveals how real innovation happens when doers are empowered, creativity is decentralized, and organizations embrace bottom-up thinking.

Michael breaks down his signature 5-Step Innovation Methodology—Imagine, Identify, Initiate, Implement, Integrate—and shows how these principles reshaped Nike’s tennis category, built global development teams, and now fuel his mission to develop employee-led innovation engines for companies everywhere.

From testing shoes as a teenager to transforming performance footwear, Michael’s story is a masterclass in courage, curiosity, and (un)conventional leadership.

🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• 🎾 Behind the scenes of transforming Nike’s tennis division

• 🧩 How design thinking + cross-functional collaboration solve real problems

• 👟 The story of the Teddy ToeDragger machine (yes, it’s real)

• 🏎️ What Formula 1 tires taught Michael about elite footwear design

• 🚀 How IncubatorU became a blueprint for employee-led innovation

• 🧠 Why innovation should start at the foundation, not the executive suite

• 🌟 The (UN)words shaping Michael’s journey: Unwavering, Uncharted, Unconventional

Whether you’re a creative leader, startup founder, or corporate intrapreneur, this episode will reframe how you think about progress—and give you the tools to drive it.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to (un)conversations
(00:28 ) Meet Michael Bergmann
(01:47) The (UN)word Effect
(03:16) Exploring (UN)words: Unwavering, Uncharted, Unconventional
(15:35) The Impact of Sports on Leadership
(17:31) Pushing Boundaries at Nike
(29:32) Innovative Solutions in Tennis Footwear
(56:16) The Birth of IncubatorU
(1:04:10) IncubatorU’s 5-Step Methodology
(1:09:17) The (UN)wrap Up + Why Innovation Starts from Within

About the Host & Guest

Dr. Alison L. Schmidt, Ph.D., Founder & CEO of Unconvention and host of (un)conversations®, helps leaders and organizations unlearn what no longer serves them and embrace authentic, courageous, purpose-driven leadership.
Website: www.unconventionllc.com

Michael Bergmann, Founder of IncubatorU, is a former Nike product innovation leader who specializes in bottom-up innovation, cross-functional collaboration, and employee-led transformation.
Website: www. incubatoru.com

#DrAlisonSchmidt #unconversationspodcast #theUNwordEffect #Unconvention #Innovation #MichaelBergmann #IncubatorU #Leadership #NikeProductDevelopment #EmployeeLedInnovation #TennisShoeDesign #Intrapreneurship #OrganizationalChange
#BottomUpInnovation #CreativeStrategy #CorporateInnovation #UnconventionalLeadership

Leadership, Legacy & Giving with Intention | Deborah Goldstein’s Uncommon Philanthropy Journey

What does it really mean to give with intention—and how can generosity become a conscious practice that shapes your legacy?

In this episode of (un)conversations®, Dr. Alison Schmidt sits down with Deborah Goldstein, Founder of Enlightened Philanthropy, to unpack the mindset, meaning, and magic behind purpose-driven giving. With more than 25 years in the nonprofit sector, Deborah has guided individuals, families, and next-generation leaders to build clarity around their values, deepen connection, and create impact that lasts.

Through the lens of the (UN)word Effect, Deborah shares how being (un)deterred, (un)prepared, and (un)common helped shape her path as a leader, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. This conversation challenges the myth that philanthropy is only for the wealthy—and shows how intentional generosity can transform lives at any level.

Whether you’re navigating family philanthropy, building a foundation, exploring nonprofit leadership, or seeking more meaningful ways to give, this episode offers a fresh, grounded, and inspiring perspective on legacy and leadership.

✨ Episode Takeaways

• 🌱 Giving with intention creates meaningful, lasting legacy

• 🧩 The (UN)word Effect as a tool for personal insight and self-leadership

• 💎 Philanthropy is for everyone—not just those with excess wealth

• 🚀 Being (un)deterred fuels purpose, resilience, and entrepreneurial courage

• 🤝 Vulnerability is the gateway to authentic (un)conversations

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to Disruptive Leadership
(01:10) The (UN)word Effect: A Journey of Self-Discovery
(07:22) Uncommon Paths: Embracing Uniqueness in Career
(16:37) Undeterred: Pursuing Dreams Against the Odds
(21:54) Navigating Internal Conversations & Leaping into Entrepreneurship
(32:31) Resilience in the Face of Doubt
(33:27) The Journey of Enlightened Philanthropy
(35:38) Embracing Unpreparedness in Business
(42:35) The Power of Understated Excellence
(46:10) Unwavering Commitment to Philanthropy
(55:11) Creating Meaningful Philanthropic Experiences
(1:03:05) The (UN)wrap up & Outro

About the Host & Guest:

Dr. Alison L. Schmidt, CEO of Unconvention and host of (un)conversations®, Alison empowers leaders and organizations to unlearn what no longer serves them—and lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose.
Website: www. unconventionllc.com
Deborah Goldstein, Founder of Enlightened Philanthropy, Deborah helps individuals and families bring clarity, intention, and heartfelt purpose to their giving—strengthening legacy, values, and connection across generations.
Website: www.enlightenedphilanthropy.com

#unconversationspodcast #theUNwordEffect #Unconvention #FamilyPhilanthropy #StrategicGiving #ConsciousLeadership #EnlightenedPhilanthropy #DeborahGoldstein #GivingBack #NonprofitLeadership #ImpactGiving #ValuesBasedGiving #IntentionalGiving #Leadership #PurposeDriven #WomenInBusiness #SocialImpact #LegacyBuilding #WealthWithPurpose #ExecutiveCoaching #CXOs

From Aerospace Engineer to Unapologetic Changemaker | Adriana Ocampo Senior’s (UN)scripted Journey

What happens when a Latina aerospace engineer climbs to the top of a global defense company—then makes the bold, (UN)CONVENTIONAL decision to walk away?

In this must-listen episode of (un)conversations®, Dr. Alison sits down with Adriana Ocampo Senior, founder of Transcend Influence Ascend (T.I.A.), to explore her extraordinary 30-year leadership journey from Colombia to BOEING—and beyond.

Adriana opens up about breaking barriers as one of the youngest female engineers in manufacturing in the 1990s, navigating corporate identity, and redefining what authentic success looks like. Through the lens of the three defining “UN” words—UNSTOPPABLE, UNCONVENTIONAL, UNAPOLOGETIC—she reveals the mindset shifts that drove her career, confidence, and calling.

Now, after leaving corporate life, Adriana is empowering minority and women-owned businesses to win government contracts, expand their influence, and build generational legacy through T.I.A.

This episode is a powerful blueprint for leaders, women in STEM, corporate trailblazers, and anyone ready to lead with courage, authenticity, and impact.

✨ Themes & Takeaways

• UNSTOPPABLE: Turning childhood dreams into a global aerospace career

• UNCONVENTIONAL: Breaking rules, boxes, and barriers as a Latina engineer

• UNAPOLOGETIC: Owning your brilliance and leading with authenticity

• DEI & Inclusion: Real talk about the future of equity and representation

• Life After Corporate: Reinventing identity after leaving BOEING

• Empowering Small Business: Helping MWBEs secure government contracts

• Legacy Building: What it means to lead boldly, visibly, and purposefully

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to (un)conversations®
(00:48) Meet Adriana Ocampo Senior
(03:02) The (UN)word Effect
(06:40) UNSTOPPABLE: Resilience & Early Career
(15:26) UNCONVENTIONAL: Being the Youngest Female Engineer
(21:00) Mentorship, Allies & Breaking Barriers
(31:04) UNAPOLOGETIC: Authenticity & Confidence
(35:58) Why I Quit Boeing: The Unscripted Journey
(37:00) Redefining Identity Beyond Corporate Titles
(45:30) Life After Corporate: Starting T.I.A.
(50:00) The Future of DEI
(57:20) Small Business Innovation & Legacy
(1:02:50) Final Reflections
(1:04:57) The (UN)wrap Up & Outro

About the Host & Guest:

Dr. Alison L. Schmidt, Founder of Unconvention and host of (un)conversations®, Dr. Alison helps leaders and organizations unlearn what no longer serves them—and lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose.
Website: www.unconventionllc.com

Adriana Ocampo Senior, founder of Transcend Influence Ascend (T.I.A.), Adriana leverages 30+ years of engineering leadership to help minority and women-owned businesses secure government contracts, scale sustainably, and lead with unapologetic influence.
Website: www.adrianaocamposenior.com

#AuthenticLeadership #LatinaVoices #LeadershipPodcast #PurposeDrivenWork #WomenInSTEM #TheUNwordEffect #DrAlisonSchmidt #unconversationspodcast #TIALtdCo #InspiringStories #Boeing #DEI #Diversity #EquityInclusion
#ExecutiveToEntrepreneur #UnconventionalPath #Unstoppable #UnapologeticSuccess #LeadershipLessons #LatinaLeader #AerospaceEngineer #WomenInBusiness #EntrepreneurJourney #MinorityOwnedBusiness #GovernmentContracts