Step into the Pivot

From functioning alcoholic to emotional freedom expert, Helen McConnell's life transformation began with a terrifying realization: "I'm going to lose it all." Though outwardly successful with the elegant BMW, beautiful condo, and executive career, Helen's inner world was crumbling under addiction. Her powerful pivot started with sobriety through AA, but something still felt missing.

The true revela...

Welcome to the finale of our two-part conversation with Jeff Acheson. 

A parable about saving starfish opens this profound conversation with Jeff, who shares his journey of transforming devastating personal loss into purposeful action. After losing his daughter Amber two years ago, Jeff founded Amber's Aces to partner with ROX (Ruling Our Experiences), an organization dedicated to building confidence and self-esteem i...

The moment Jeff Acheson's daughter Amber passed away two years ago, his world changed forever. What followed wasn't just grief, but a powerful transformation that's touching countless young lives today.

Through vulnerability and courage, Jeff illuminates the critical distinction between diagnosed mental illness and the broader spectrum of mental health challenges: self-esteem, confidence, and self-worth iss...

In this episode of Step Into The Pivot, Theresa and Dr. Ivi (Ivana) share deeply personal reflections on July 4th, and how the meaning of this holiday has shifted for each of them over time.

Theresa recalls the joy and innocence of childhood fireworks. For Dr. Ivi, the explosions once triggered traumatic memories from her war-torn childhood in Croatia. But instead of avoiding the pain, she chose a bold pivot: transforming the holida...

What happens when you realize the person you've been presenting to the world for decades isn't your true self? Jay Washington's powerful conversation takes us on a journey through authenticity, emotional growth, and unexpected life pivots.

The conversation takes a deeply moving turn as Jay shares his transition from being the fun uncle ("funkle") to becoming a father figure ("dunkle") for...

When we first met Lia Bliss at a business conference, she captivated the room with her LinkedIn expertise, delivering insights so valuable that attendees could barely keep up with their note-taking. Behind this polished presentation style lies a story of persistence and transformation that began with 20-hour shifts split between retail and bartending while supporting herself as a single mother.

The turning point came when ...

In this thought-provoking conversation with psychiatrist Dr. Xiaojue Hu, we explore how integrating spirituality with conventional psychiatry creates powerful new possibilities for healing.

Dr. Hu shares the remarkable story of her own unexpected spiritual awakening that occurred during her fourth year of psychiatry residency at NYU. Raised by atheist parents from communist China, she experienced a profound shift in consci...

Bill Harmon, seasoned retirement industry executive, broke through the polished corporate veneer to share a deeply personal story.

Bill takes us through the life-changing moment when his son William was born with Down syndrome, and the emotional rollercoaster that followed. After initially struggling with clinical, limitation-focused medical resources, Bill discovered a beautiful metaphor that changed his perspective forev...

What would happen if you woke up tomorrow fundamentally believing in your worthiness, regardless of your accomplishments? This question lies at the heart of our conversation with transformational leadership coach Toya Gavin, whose journey from burnt-out prosecutor to authentic coach reveals profound lessons about reclaiming our true selves.

Toya shares the vulnerable moment when she publicly admitted her burnout and depres...

Step into the remarkable journey of Melissa Terito, a dynamic guest who transitioned from a fulfilling teaching career to become a partner at a top CPA firm. In this episode, we explore how she navigated her career pivot, embracing the internal nudges that drove her towards a new path in accounting. With a deep appreciation for the skills acquired through her teaching background, Melissa discusses the unique ability to translate co...

This episode covers sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised. Please prioritize your well-being while listening.

What would you do if you had more courage? This question sits at the heart of our illuminating conversation with Dr. Margie Warrell, global thought leader on brave leadership and author of "The Courage Gap."

The courage gap affects us all, but particularly women. We explore how impost...

In this episode, we welcome the insightful Morgan Rysdon, who shares her inspiring journey of healing through trauma, loss, and the practice of the Alexander Technique. Morgan reflects on pivotal moments that shaped her, including her childhood experiences and the heartbreaking loss of her brother, leading her to embrace a path of resilience and choice.

Amidst profound sadness, Morgan discovered the Alexander Technique, wh...

Have you ever felt like life threw you a 40-pound bag of lemons? Join us as we welcome Chase Sterling, an Army veteran, who shares her incredible journey of resilience through life's unexpected turns. From navigating a challenging childhood in an abusive adoptive home to her courageous decision for early emancipation at 17, Chase's story is a testament to strength and adaptability.

Her journey continues with the...

Ever wonder what makes love last? This Valentine's Day, we’re thrilled to have Canadian psychologist Kathleen Henderson with us to unravel the mystery of successful relationships. Kathleen shares how addressing individual issues within the framework of couples therapy can be transformative. She emphasizes the power of slowing down emotional reactions to uncover underlying feelings, which can break cycles of misunderstanding.  ...

Discover the transformative power of mindfulness with Lauren Loehning, a trailblazer in financial services and co-founder of Money Well. Lauren shares her inspiring journey of integrating meditation into her bustling career and family life, revealing how the practice has been a game-changer in managing stress and finding clarity. With nearly a decade of Vipassana meditation under her belt and a completed teacher training program, L...

Jessica's journey is nothing short of inspiring, as she shares her remarkable story of resilience and leadership. From facing bullying as the only Black person in her family, to discovering the circumstances of her conception, and stepping into her own unwavering strength as a mother, Jessica's life has been a testament to overcoming adversity. Her unique experiences have fueled her commitment to equitable leadership, and...

As we usher in 2025, in this episode focused on creating new healthy habits, Theresa interviews Ivana, who's recently been through a major positive pivot:

Ivana has worked with the co-creators of Inner Bonding® Dr. Margaret Paul and Dr. Erika Chopich to create a brand new book, Inner Bonding Guided Journal! This journal is a concise introduction to an astonishingly powerful healing practice of Inner Bonding, and an a...

Amanda Dixon's journey is nothing short of inspiring as she takes us through her transition from tax professional to marketing expert after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Amanda faced the initial signs of MS with a nerve pain twinge in her shoulder, which led to her diagnosis in 2020, a pivotal moment that transformed her life. Her unwavering commitment to self-advocacy and listening to her body serves as a beacon of...

Karen Zander, an executive director at JP Morgan, courageously opens up about the complex and often untold journey of caring for aging parents, a reality many face but few discuss openly. Karen's personal story of managing her father's physical challenges and her mother's dementia and Parkinson's disease is likened to participating in an endless, uphill marathon. Her insights highlight the unpredictable nature o...