Transforming the Inner Narrative: How Healing Self-Talk Drives Real Leadership Change — Mayor Teresa Thomas-Smith

In this podcast episode, Avik Chakraborty interviews Cheri Mason, a trailblazer who rose from humble beginnings to become the first woman and military spouse to serve as chairman of the Board of Veterans Appeals at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Cheri shares her inspiring journey from the foothills of Appalachia, where she faced significant challenges, including the loss of her father and societal stigma around mental health. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, relationships, and support systems in overcoming adversity. Cheri discusses her concept of relational leadership, which focuses on building connections and trust within an organization. She highlights how understanding and investing in people can lead to innovation and better collaboration. Cheri also shares a pivotal moment in her career when she moved to Germany and took on a role as an executive secretary, which taught her valuable leadership skills and strategic thinking. Throughout the conversation, Cheri underscores the significance of making employees feel valued and the impact of positive leadership on both individuals and organizations. She advises aspiring leaders to build relationships, seek mentors, and focus on the human aspect of leadership to create meaningful change.

24 Aug 202419min

In this episode of “Healthy Mind, Healthy Life,” host Avik Chakraborty welcomes Veena Jetti, a trailblazing entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of Vive Funds. They discuss the importance of mindset in achieving success and well-being. Veena shares her journey from a finance graduate to a leader in the multifamily real estate space, emphasizing the role of an entrepreneurial mindset instilled by her immigrant parents. She talks about the significance of discussing money openly with her twin daughters and fostering an abundant mindset. Veena also addresses the challenges of imposter syndrome and the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals. The conversation highlights the continuous effort required to maintain a growth mindset and the impact of mindset on personal and professional growth.

24 Aug 202421min

In this episode of “Healthy Mind, Healthy Life,” host Avik Chakraborty interviews Joan Posivy, a seasoned entrepreneur and author of the best-selling book “The Way Success Works.” Joan shares her journey from being the youngest bank manager at 22 to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She emphasizes the importance of realizing one’s potential and taking action on goals and dreams. Joan recounts her experience of attending a life-changing seminar at 18, which inspired her to pursue her passions. She discusses the key principles from her book, including the idea that anyone can achieve their dreams despite societal limitations. Joan uses the story of the Golden Buddha to illustrate how people’s potential is often hidden beneath layers of negative conditioning. She advises listeners to take the first step towards their goals, emphasizing the importance of starting and being disciplined. Joan also highlights common traits among successful side hustlers, such as the willingness to start and the patience to allow time for success. The episode is filled with inspiring anecdotes and practical advice for anyone looking to turn their dreams into reality.

24 Aug 202421min

In this episode of “Healthy Mind, Healthy Life,” host Avik Chakraborty interviews Lisa Copeland, a leading love coach and dating expert for women over 50. Lisa shares her journey from struggling with dating in her forties to becoming a renowned coach. She emphasizes the importance of self-connection and mindset in dating, explaining how understanding and connecting with oneself can positively impact dating experiences. Lisa also discusses the difference between chemistry and compatibility, highlighting that true connection goes beyond initial attraction and requires friendship and intimacy.

23 Aug 202421min

In this episode of “Healthy Mind, Healthy Life,” host Avik Chakraborty interviews Philip Sessions, who shares his journey from being a shy, quiet individual to a confident public speaker. Philip discusses the importance of mindset and effective communication in mastering public speaking. He emphasizes that the focus should be on the audience rather than oneself and highlights the significance of having a clear message and relatable stories. Philip also shares a success story of a client who transformed his confidence and business through improved public speaking skills.

23 Aug 202419min

In this episode of “Healthy Mind, Healthy Life,” host Avik Chakraborty interviews Catherine Gairard about overcoming challenges, building self-confidence, and the transformative power of music. Catherine shares her journey from facing financial constraints in Peru to pursuing her passion for music in Europe. She discusses the importance of resourcefulness, the transition from acting to music, and the objectivity she finds in musical expression. Catherine also talks about her experiences as a digital nomad, the influence of different cultures on her creativity, and her exploration of NFT art.

23 Aug 202428min

In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life podcast, host Avik welcomes Tom Jackobs, an experienced entrepreneur who transitioned from running a fitness business to becoming an “impact pilot,” helping entrepreneurs enhance their income through effective sales strategies and storytelling. Tom shares his diverse background, including a degree in theatre management and a career in oil and gas logistics, which led to health issues and a subsequent transformation through diet and exercise. This transformation inspired him to become a fitness trainer and eventually open his own fitness business, which he successfully ran and sold. Tom discusses the importance of storytelling in business, sharing an example of a client who doubled her business by authentically sharing her personal story. He emphasizes that many entrepreneurs struggle with sales because they focus too much on helping others and not enough on the business side. Tom’s approach, “selling from the heart,” aims to shift this mindset by viewing sales as a way to help people make positive changes in their lives. The conversation also touches on the therapeutic benefits of storytelling for mental health and personal growth. Tom explains his process for helping entrepreneurs develop better sales strategies, starting with a mindset shift and creating effective presentations to understand and solve clients’ problems.

23 Aug 202420min

In this episode of “Healthy Mind, Healthy Life,” host Avik welcomes Katie Turner, a registered psychologist and author of “Fck Toxic Spirituality.” Katie shares her journey from skepticism to embracing spirituality and intuition in her practice. She discusses the challenges of integrating traditional psychological approaches with spiritual practices and highlights the importance of evidence-based training. Katie emphasizes the need to recognize red flags in spiritual communities and the potential harm of popularized spiritual beliefs. She also explores the impact of trauma and the importance of maintaining integrity while navigating spiritual awakenings. The conversation delves into the complexities of spiritual experiences and the need for professional guidance to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure safe and effective healing.

23 Aug 202426min