Diversity and equality are not just buzzwords—they’re foundations for creating inclusive communities. Embracing diversity means honoring different backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences while fostering a culture of respect and equity. Beyond policies and training, real diversity work involves cultivating understanding and unity that strengthen teams, inspire innovation, and build trust. With the right approach, organizations and individuals can create environments where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Marlene Godsey, a DEI expert and alumna of the Lightbeamers’ Speak Easy program. She shares her transformative journey in diversity, equity, and inclusion work and reveals actionable steps for creating unity among diversity in our communities and workplaces.

This is such an important (and timely!) conversation, so I invite you to join me and Marlene as we talk about:

• True inclusion starts here: Why diversity is more ...

"Don't be into trends. Don't make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live." —Gianni Versace

Fashion is more than just clothing—it’s a reflection of who we are and how we want to express ourselves to the world. But for many women, shopping and getting dressed can feel overwhelming or tied to outdated trends.

What if fashion could be a source of joy, confidence, and self-expression rather than stress? By changing our mindset and rethinking our relationship with our wardrobe, we can reconnect with our personal style in meaningful ways that feel authentic to us.

Today, I’m joined by fashion stylist and creator of the Wear Joy Project, Casey Lum. Together, we look into Casey’s philosophy of finding joy in fashion and how women can reframe their mindset to feel more empowered by their clothes.

Listen in on this eye-opening conversation as Casey and I talk about: 

• Fashion is storytelling: Your wardrobe is an ext...

Trauma and healing are powerful forces that shape our lives in ways we may not fully realize. While trauma can leave deep scars, it also offers an opportunity for growth and transformation. And then healing is the journey through which we reclaim our stories and use them as tools for empowerment. This journey not only impacts personal well-being but also has the potential to create positive change in relationships and professional environments.

In this episode of The Inside Story Podcast, I sit down with Beth Jones, a long-time friend, Lightbeamers client, and author of the upcoming book Becoming an Empowered Survivor. Beth shares her powerful journey of healing from trauma and abuse, offering insights into how storytelling has been a transformative tool in her life.

Beth is such an inspiration, and I invite you to listen in as we talk about: 

• Turning trauma into a source of strength and empowerment after going through healing
• How storytelling played a vital role in Beth’s hea...

How do you get to seven figures in your business?

It isn’t just about putting in the hours; it’s also about adopting a new mindset. It’s about recognizing that there’s enough abundance for everyone, including YOU. Believe in your worth, and you’ll unlock the potential to create a life where you have the freedom to pursue your passions.

In today’s episode of the Inside Story Podcast, I have with me Holly Hillyer, founder of SevenStrongCo, who focuses on helping women grow seven-figure businesses. Holly shares her own entrepreneurial journey, starting from a corporate engineering job to becoming a successful business mentor.

My conversation with Holly is filled with valuable insights as well as practical tips for growing a business, so I invite you to listen in as we talk about:

• How the abundance mindset started early in Holly, and how this shaped her approach to success and financial independence
• Mindset shifts being essential for growth, just like how Holly shifted her belief...

Astrology has been around for centuries, giving us a look into personality, behavior, and the cosmic energies that shape our lives. While many people turn to astrology for personal guidance, there’s growing interest in how it can be used in improving the workplace environment. By understanding the traits and tendencies of individuals, astrology has the potential to enhance team dynamics, strengthen leadership, and foster better communication at work.

In this episode of The Inside Story Podcast, I sit down with Kelly Irene, a human resource professional and speaker who has integrated astrology into her life and career. Kelly shares her unique journey and how astrology became a powerful tool for both personal growth and professional development.

Listen in as Kelly and I discuss:

• The way astrology can provide valuable insights into how individuals operate, making it a useful tool for improving workplace dynamics
• How understanding her moon and sun signs helped her rebuild her life...

Selling can be tough for a lot of people, especially if it doesn’t come naturally. Whether it’s the fear of being rejected, feeling awkward about promoting yourself, or worrying about coming off as too "salesy," it’s easy to see why so many struggle with it. But the truth is, selling doesn’t have to feel uncomfortable. When you approach it with confidence and authenticity, it can actually be a natural extension of the work you love to do.

In this episode, I’m excited to sit down with Sara Torpey, a former educator turned business coach who’s helping people rethink how they approach sales. Through her program Selling for Weirdos, she helps service-oriented entrepreneurs embrace their unique approach to sales without feeling pushy or fake. If selling has ever felt awkward or overwhelming for you, this conversation is a must-listen!

Join me and Sara as we talk about:

• The challenges in selling, especially for service-based entrepreneurss
• How Sara shifted careers from teaching to s...

Speaking is a powerful tool for sharing your message and establishing authority in your field. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in; being a speaker opens doors to opportunities that can really increase your visibility and make a positive impact on your business. Yet so many men and women think speaking is not for them and don’t realize there’s a speaker in them waiting to be heard.

In this episode, I dive into how my own speaking journey began and the challenges that came with getting to where I am today.

Plus, I give you a quick look at the different types of speakers and their strengths, and help you identify the kind of speaker that you are.

So join me today as I get into:

• The power of vulnerability in speaking
• Overcoming the fear of speaking and how this can lead to unexpected professional and personal growth
• The importance of consistency in sharing your story
• How storytelling isn't just personal; it can also be a powerful tool for building your brand or business
...

Life's challenges can serve as invaluable lessons. By looking at obstacles as opportunities for growth, we unlock the potential for personal transformation and resilience. And when we share our stories of struggle and triumph, not only do we shine a light for others, we also find clarity and freedom even in the most difficult circumstances.

In this episode, I’m joined by Annie Fonte, a dynamic entrepreneur, author, and facilitator who has turned life’s adversities into powerful lessons. As the author of Keep Your Ass in the Saddle, she shares her journey of turning trials into triumph.

I invite you to join me and Annie as we talk about:

• How Annie turned a struggling physical therapy business into a thriving enterprise by stepping into a leadership role
• The life-changing impact of losing her home in a California wildfire and how it led to a deep personal transformation
• Annie’s creation of her “10 lines in the sand” — principles for living with intention and clarity
• The unexpe...

Becoming a first-time author is a journey filled with excitement, self-discovery, and unexpected challenges. The process of turning personal stories and life lessons into a published book often brings up feelings of overwhelm and self-doubt, as well as the pressure to let go of perfectionism. Yet, it is also a deeply rewarding experience, allowing authors to leave a lasting legacy, connect with others on a deeper level, and see their hard work materialize into a tangible, impactful work. 

In this episode, we welcome David Watson, a repeat guest who has recently embarked on the journey of becoming a first-time author. David shares the inspiring story behind his book Lessons Learned for My Sons, a meaningful project intended for both his sons and a wider audience.

Listen in as David and I talk about:

• Overcoming the fear of perfection: Learn how David Watson navigated the challenges of letting go of perfectionism while writing his first book.
• The power of storytelling: Discover h...

Storytelling is a powerful tool that can be used to connect with others, share experiences, and inspire action. Whether you're a business owner, a marketer, or simply someone looking to improve your communication skills, learning the art of storytelling can have a profound impact on your life.

In today’s episode of the Inside Story Podcast, we explore how story prompts can be used as a spark for sharing your stories. By using simple questions and cues, story prompts can help you uncover and articulate your unique experiences, insights, and perspectives.

Join me today as I share with you:

• How story prompts help individuals find relevant stories, connect with their audience, and showcase their personality and message
• A story prompt shared inside the Lightbeamers Community on Facebook, and the story that came up for me when I thought about the question
• How you can use and repurpose your stories on different platforms to reach more people, share your insights, and make an impact
...