Gen X Career Reinvention: Quiet Grief, Identity Shifts & Practical Next Steps with Shelley McIntyre

In this episode, host Avik Chakraborty speaks with Melissa Llarena, author of Fertile Imagination and creator of fertileideas.com. Melissa shares her journey of rediscovering her imagination, initially cultivated in childhood, and its impact on her life and business. She discusses how parents and professionals alike can reawaken their imagination through mindfulness, stillness, and creativity, offering practical strategies to expand one’s thinking. The conversation explores how imagination is vital for problem-solving and innovation in leadership roles, especially in a fast-evolving world. About the Guest: Melissa Llarena is an author, speaker, and imagination expert, with her latest book Fertile Imagination guiding readers on how to rediscover and cultivate their creative potential. Growing up in Queens, New York, Melissa honed her ability to think beyond her immediate surroundings. Now, as a mother and entrepreneur, she helps others stretch their imagination and use it as a tool for success. Through her website and coaching, Melissa empowers people to unlock new possibilities in their personal and professional lives. Key Takeaways: Reawakening Your Imagination: Melissa emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, stillness, and reflection to reawaken the imagination, especially for parents and busy professionals. The Role of Play in Creativity: Engaging in playful activities, such as storytelling or performance classes, can help expand one’s creative thinking and lead to personal fulfillment. Imagination in Leadership: Leaders can tap into their imagination to think outside the box and approach challenges with innovative solutions, as demonstrated by high-level executives like Beth Comstock. Mindfulness Practices: Implementing regular mindfulness practices and journaling can help create the mental space necessary for creative ideas to emerge and thrive. Stretching Your Ideas: Sharing and collaborating with others can help grow and refine imaginative ideas, amplifying their potential impact. Special offer From Melissa - bit.ly/imagineaplan (Freebie) Get her free anti-burnout 30-day networking resource for mompreneurs! This mom-friendly planner links your vision to daily actions, helping you stay focused and energized as you build profitable relationships. Set yourself up for a successful year and an even bigger one ahead! It also sees to it that you replenish your energy to prevent burnout. ($97 value, helps avoid a $2,400 trip to the ER from exhaustion)   Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch, * DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik  * Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ * Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymind Stay Tuned And Follow Us! * YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylife * Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/  * Threads - https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.club * Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind * LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/  #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

3 Loka 202423min

In this episode, we sit down with Alex Montas, founder of The Remarkable Agency and a growth marketing expert who has generated over $200 million in revenue for major U.S. brands such as Verizon, Bloomberg, and Ben Labs. Alex shares his journey from banking at Citibank to leading growth marketing for billion-dollar companies. He offers actionable insights on adopting a revenue-focused mindset, achieving sustained business growth, and balancing entrepreneurial challenges. Whether you're an entrepreneur or looking to grow in your career, this episode will provide invaluable lessons on maximizing market opportunities and driving results. About the Guest: Alex Montas is a growth marketing expert and founder of The Remarkable Agency. With over two decades of experience, Alex has developed a unique approach that merges data-driven strategies with creative solutions, helping businesses thrive. He has held senior marketing roles at Verizon and Ben Labs, where he advanced from Head of Growth to CMO. Alex’s expertise in revenue generation and his ability to adapt to market needs have made him a sought-after consultant and leader in the marketing industry. Key Takeaways: Revenue-First Mindset: Focus on identifying what the market needs and adapt your business strategy to address it. Falling in love with your product or profession can hinder growth—always prioritize what leads to revenue. Adaptability is Key: Alex highlights the importance of continuously assessing the market for opportunities and aligning your skillset to meet those demands. This adaptability has been a key driver in his promotions and career growth. Two Types of Marketers: Alex differentiates between quantitative marketers and creative/brand-driven ones, emphasizing the growing demand for revenue-focused, quantitative marketers in today’s market. Emotional Resilience in Entrepreneurship: Managing emotions is as critical as business strategy. The highs and lows of winning or losing deals can affect mental health, and maintaining balance is essential for long-term success. Quick Wins: Alex stresses the importance of delivering fast, tangible results for clients. He adapts his approach based on immediate market needs, offering short-term projects that yield rapid revenue boosts, which builds trust and long-term relationships. This episode offers a deep dive into growth marketing, mindset, and strategies that drive both personal and professional success. Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch, DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik  Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymind Stay Tuned And Follow Us! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylife Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.club Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/ #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

2 Loka 202420min

In this empowering episode, Doris shares her unique journey from being a young mother at 19 to becoming a prominent leader in corporate America. With a wealth of experience managing diverse teams, Doris discusses the challenges she faced as a minority woman in leadership roles, emphasizing the importance of building connections and treating everyone with humanity. She draws parallels between leadership in the workplace and parenting, highlighting how the principles of effective leadership can be applied at home. Doris offers invaluable insights on fostering collaboration, extending grace to others, and developing strong bonds with her children through structured individual development plans. About the Guest: Doris is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in corporate management, having held various positions such as district manager and senior director of field leadership development. She believes that true leadership begins at home and emphasizes the significance of humanity in guiding teams and nurturing relationships. A mother of four, Doris incorporates her leadership skills into her parenting style, fostering personal growth and connection within her family. Key Takeaways: Leadership Begins at Home: Doris emphasizes that her first leadership role was as a mother, illustrating how personal experiences shape leadership styles. Building Relationships: She shares how cultivating strong relationships and establishing trust are crucial, especially when managing diverse teams or navigating generational differences. Faith as a Leadership Tool: Doris discusses how her faith informs her leadership, helping her extend grace to others and maintain a focus on family as a priority. Collaboration through Communication: Effective collaboration requires open-ended conversations, where team members feel encouraged to share their thoughts and insights. Transferring Leadership Skills to Parenting: Doris applies corporate leadership strategies, such as individual development plans, to nurture her children's growth and success. Advice for Women of Color in Leadership: Building relationships is essential for young leaders, particularly women of color, in navigating corporate landscapes and achieving success. Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch, DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik  Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymind Stay Tuned And Follow Us! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylife Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.club Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/ #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

2 Loka 202419min

In this enlightening episode, Avik Chakraborty welcomes Dr. Dean and HollyKem Sunseri, who share their transformative journey toward emotional recovery and healing. They discuss their collaborative work, which centers around love, compassion, and achieving inner peace. Drawing from Dr. Dean's book, A Roadmap to the Soul, the conversation delves into the three essential aspects of the self: the true self, the wounded child, and coping behaviors. Listeners will learn about the practical steps to balance these elements and find a pathway to emotional healing and self-discovery. About the Guest: Dr. Dean Sunseri is a seasoned author and mental health expert dedicated to helping individuals discover their true selves. He has developed a unique framework that guides people in navigating their emotional journeys. His wife, HollyKem Sunseri, brings a distinct perspective with her intuitive understanding of emotional dynamics, particularly through her experiences with dyslexia. Together, they blend their expertise to create a holistic approach to healing and personal growth. Key Takeaways: Understanding the Self: The episode highlights the importance of recognizing the three components of the self: the true self, the wounded child, and coping behaviors, which are crucial for emotional healing. The Power of Compassion: Compassion plays a vital role in the healing process, enabling individuals to address their emotional pain with understanding and love. Effective Strategies for Balance: Listeners will gain insights into practical methods to cultivate inner peace and emotional resilience by integrating the three aspects of their being. Personal Growth through Shared Experiences: Dr. Dean and HollyKem emphasize the significance of sharing personal journeys to foster connection and encourage others in their healing processes. Roadmap to Inner Peace: The conversation introduces a structured approach for individuals seeking to achieve a healthier mind and a more fulfilling life, making the journey toward emotional wellness more accessible. Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch, DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik  Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymind Stay Tuned And Follow Us! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylife Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.club Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/ #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

2 Loka 202423min

In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty is joined by entrepreneur Eric Burns to discuss the transformative power of failure and how neuroscience can help build the discipline needed to achieve big life goals. Eric shares his personal journey, from working as a firefighter to building a successful real estate private equity firm. Together, they explore how reframing failures as lessons can shape personal growth and professional success. About the Guest: Eric Burns is a Cincinnati-based entrepreneur and founder of Flowers Capital, a real estate private equity firm. With a background as a firefighter, Eric has navigated the emotional and professional highs and lows of entrepreneurship. His story highlights how persistence and learning from setbacks can lead to long-term success. Passionate about mindfulness and self-reflection, Eric inspires others to push beyond failures and find their true potential. Key Takeaways: Reframing Failure: Failure is not the end but a learning opportunity. Every setback provides valuable lessons for personal and professional growth. The Neuroscience of Discipline: Discipline plays a crucial role in achieving big goals. Understanding the neuroscience behind it helps in creating sustainable habits. Emotional Investment in Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurs often have deep emotional connections to their businesses, making failures feel personal. Learning to separate emotions from outcomes is key to long-term success. Accountability: Holding yourself accountable for mistakes without internalizing them as personal failures can help you improve and prevent future setbacks. Learning Through Struggle: Every challenging situation offers a chance to grow. Reflecting on difficult experiences helps to refine strategies and improve decision-making in the future. Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch, DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik  Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymind Stay Tuned And Follow Us! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylife Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.club Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/   #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

2 Loka 202422min

In this insightful episode, Avik Chakraborty is joined by Tom Emery, a seasoned executive and leadership coach with a wealth of experience in human resources. As a former Chief People Officer for a multinational corporation, Tom shares his journey from working in HR at Sainsbury’s to leading HR transformations in complex, high-pressure environments. He delves into the challenges of balancing leadership demands with empathy, how he founded his company Hex to support HR professionals, and the importance of aligning personal purpose with professional leadership roles. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the evolving role of the CHRO, leadership strategies, and tips for navigating the complexities of HR leadership. About the Guest: Tom Emery is an executive and team coach, keynote speaker, and thought leader in human resources. With a career spanning over a decade in HR, including senior roles in multinational companies, Tom has a deep understanding of organizational culture, leadership development, and transformation. He is the founder of Hex, a company dedicated to helping HR leaders and teams unlock their full potential. Tom’s expertise in balancing strategy, empathy, and vision makes him a sought-after consultant and speaker in the HR field. Key Takeaways: Align Leadership with Purpose: CHROs must clearly define their purpose and ensure their actions and decisions align with it. Understanding your 'why' is crucial in leading authentically. Balancing Strategy and Empathy: Successful HR leaders strike a balance between strategic decision-making and empathy, ensuring they listen and understand multiple stakeholder perspectives while maintaining boundaries. Commercial Acumen is Key: To be an effective HR leader, one must have a strong understanding of the business’s operations, how it generates revenue, and the market it operates in. Handling Complex Stakeholder Needs: CHROs must navigate conflicting priorities from various stakeholders while staying true to their core responsibilities and asserting boundaries when necessary. Leadership is Lonely but Impactful: Leadership roles, especially in HR, can be isolating, but they provide a unique opportunity to shape organizational culture and support individuals in reaching their potential. Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch, DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik  Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymind Stay Tuned And Follow Us! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylife Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.club Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/ #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

2 Loka 202422min

In this inspiring episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Sid Sriram, CEO of Next Gen AI Solutions, who shares his incredible journey of balancing a demanding tech career with competitive bodybuilding. Sid bootstrapped his business while working three jobs, all while training as a bodybuilder. The episode delves into the importance of discipline, resilience, and mindfulness, as Sid discusses how these elements helped him succeed in both business and fitness. Listeners will gain valuable insights on pushing past mental and physical boundaries, finding balance, and harnessing mindfulness for overall well-being. About the Guest: Sid Sriram is a self-made tech entrepreneur and CEO of Next Gen AI Solutions. His path to success has been marked by perseverance, as he bootstrapped his company while working multiple jobs and competing in bodybuilding. Sid’s unique ability to balance his high-performance career with his bodybuilding endeavors is grounded in discipline, resilience, and mindfulness. His journey serves as a powerful testament to overcoming challenges and achieving success through a mindful approach to life and work. Key Takeaways: Discipline and Resilience: Sid's success in both tech entrepreneurship and bodybuilding is rooted in his disciplined mindset and ability to stay resilient in the face of challenges. Balancing Multiple Roles: Learn how Sid juggled working three jobs, running a startup, and training for bodybuilding competitions without compromising his performance in any area. The Power of Mindfulness: Sid discusses how mindfulness practices play a pivotal role in managing stress, improving focus, and maintaining balance in his demanding life. Pushing Beyond Boundaries: Sid emphasizes the importance of pushing mental and physical limits to grow, and how mindfulness helps in overcoming self-imposed restrictions. Holistic Success: Success isn’t just about professional achievement or physical fitness—Sid’s story highlights how mental well-being and mindfulness are critical to thriving in all aspects of life. Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch, DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik  Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymind Stay Tuned And Follow Us! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylife Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.club Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/ #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

2 Loka 202417min

In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Thomas Brown, an advocate for suicide awareness and mental health. Thomas shares the deeply personal story of losing his brother to suicide in 2001, and how this tragic event inspired him to embark on a 7,000-mile bicycle journey across the U.S. in 2012. Through his podcasts Inner Monologue and Stages, and his book 2012: A Bicycle Odyssey, Thomas reflects on his mental health struggles, personal transformation, and the healing power of art and movement. Together, Avik and Thomas discuss the challenges of coping with grief, the role of therapy, and finding purpose through advocacy. About the Guest: Thomas Brown is a mental health advocate, podcaster, and author. After the loss of his brother to suicide, Thomas embarked on a journey of healing that led him to create two mental health-focused podcasts, Inner Monologue and Stages, where he shares stories of trial, triumph, and personal reflection. His book 2012: A Bicycle Odyssey chronicles his transformative 7,000-mile bike ride across the U.S. in honor of suicide awareness, blending his passion for advocacy with the healing power of art. Key Takeaways: The Impact of Loss: Thomas’ journey highlights the profound emotional toll that suicide can have on families, and how grief and healing are deeply personal experiences. Therapy as a Tool for Healing: Thomas’ path to recovery was significantly shaped by therapy, which helped him process not only his brother’s death but also other childhood dynamics contributing to his codependency and mental health struggles. The Healing Power of Art and Movement: Thomas shares how his 7,000-mile bike ride and artistic endeavors, such as filmmaking, played crucial roles in his personal healing and advocacy for mental health. Community and Connection: By bonding with others who have experienced similar losses, Thomas found solace, understanding, and a shared sense of purpose in raising awareness for suicide prevention. Embracing Adventure and Self-Discovery: Thomas’ cross-country journey gave him a deeper appreciation for the diversity of life and culture in the U.S., and inspired a lifelong commitment to personal growth and learning. This episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative potential of turning pain into purpose. Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch, DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik  Subscribe To Newsletter: https://healthymindbyavik.substack.com/ Join Community: https://nas.io/healthymind Stay Tuned And Follow Us! YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@healthymind-healthylife Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/podhealth.club/  Threads - https://www.threads.net/@podhealth.club Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/podcast.healthymind LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/newandnew/ #podmatch #healthymind #healthymindbyavik #wellness

2 Loka 202423min