Make Life Less Difficult

My guests today are Kris Burbank and Dr. Linda Hoopes.Kris and Linda are the authors of the book, Embracing Another Normal: Resilience Stories and Strategies for Raising Children with Disabilities.Kris is a returning guest on my podcast.  You can hear more of her story on episode 39.  She is a Leadership Coach, who among many other things, works with parents of children with disabilities, helping them maneuver the ins and outs of a journey they may not have expected.Linda is an award-winning author and researcher on personal resilience.  Her company is Resilience Alliance and she has created a powerful model called Prosilience (also the title of one of her books), that is about calming yourself, choosing strategies, solving problems, and managing energy.Together, they weave these four pillars of prosilience with the six fundamental challenges of raising children with disabilities into this impactful book.  They share stories of how parents and families have navigated these challenges and provide a framework for connecting successful strategies to the key building blocks of resilience. I’m honored to host this conversation with the two of them here and know you will be touched and inspired in your own journey.Kris and Linda, thank you for spending this time with me.  Thank you for sharing your personal stories, the stories of brave families you’ve worked with, and for sharing the wisdom and insights you’ve developed, gained, and created to make the world a better place.You’ll find links in the show notes to learn more about Kris and Linda, find their book, Embracing Another Normal, as well as links to their websites and other resources. Connect with Kris: https://www.krisburbank.comConnect with Linda: https://resiliencealliance.comLinda's Substack: https://prosilience.substack.com/ Embracing Another Normal: Resilience Stories and Strategies for Raising Children with DisabilitiesSupport the showMake Life Less Difficult~   Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today is David Lapin.David is the founder of Lapin International.  He’s one of the world’s leading thinkers in the fields of leadership and business transformation.I was honored to meet David through Susan Sjolund, a dear friend and colleague who has also been a guest on the podcast (episode 122).  David is a scholar, speaker, columnist, and author of the book Lead by Greatness.   His humanist philosophy of leadership, known as Lead by Greatness, was forged in the turbulent post-Apartheid period in his native South Africa. During this time, in collaboration with Nelson Mandela’s government and an assembly of influential business leaders, David drafted one of the world’s first formal codes of corporate ethics which is still in practice today.Over the past two decades he’s worked in some of the world’s most intricate corporate and cultural contexts, deploying his unique approach to leadership development which has been proven to unlock clarity and provide measurable business results.David’s experience and wisdom is profound.  The conversation we have here has touched me deep in my soul and left me pondering and sharing his insights with almost everyone.  We discuss the distinctions of image versus identity, hardship of the soul which humans are experiences as the external world becomes more comfortable, choosing moments of comfort to be peppered into the discomfort that is part of choosing to pursue growth, and more.David, thank you for your time, your reflections, your depth of wisdom.  Being in conversation with you here left me feeling that I had the great fortune of spending time in the presence of Greatness because you embody the Greatness you are inviting others into.Please find links to David’s website below:  Lapin International WebsiteSupport the showMake Life Less Difficult~   Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today is Kim Brundage.Kim is an award-winning headshot and branding photographer on a mission to deliver a truly transformative experience that assures her clients feel nothing short of beautiful and confident, both on and off camera!I first saw Kim’s work when my friend (and amazing podcast guest) Shannon Cochran-Yzquierdo told me she was getting new headshots taken.  I LOVED the result of Shannon’s session with Kim and proceeded to research Kim and think about connecting with her.Time passed and I didn’t actually get to connect with Kim until a couple months ago when Shannon graciously introduced us and recommended I talk to Kim here on the podcast.  And I’m SO glad she did!In our conversation, Kim shares her own journey of struggling to feel beautiful and confident after being told repeatedly by her parents that she wasn’t.  It wasn’t until her 40’s that Kim began to see her beauty captured in her very own photos (quite by accident!  You’ll love this story.).Kim has changed so many lives through her work and continues to do so through her photography, sharing her story, speaking to audiences about body image, and investing her time in non-profits such as Girls for a Change.Kim, thank you for creating and shining the light on the beauty in each of us.  Your stories, your reflections, and your wisdom are uplifting and inspiring.  I’m so grateful to be connected and can’t wait to get to your studio for a session!You’ll find links below to Kim’s website, LinkedIn profile, and other information.One last side note, Kim mentions a book during our conversation entitled, Come as You Are.  Since having this conversation with Kim, I’ve been reading it and it’s fantastic!  I’ve also included the information in the show notes.  Kim's websiteFind Kim on LinkedInBook: Come as You AreUpcoming Workshop: Body Image and Confidence Workshop; April 27, 2024.  Registration and more information here: https://kimbrundage.com/body-image-confidenceSupport the showMake Life Less Difficult~   Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today is Vandana Allman.Vandana is an experienced chief executive with a demonstrated history of working in professional services industry.  She’s a gifted leadership development coach and practitioner, and a powerful advisor to her clients.I was honored to meet Vandana through the kind introduction from Noel Bulger, who has been a guest on my podcast.  I am so grateful when these connections happen that deepen and broaden my network.Getting to know pieces of Vandana’s story though our conversation here brought tears to my eyes, joy to my heart, and awe to my soul.  You are in for a treat as you listen today!Vandana, thank you for this profound journey of storytelling, reflection, and wonder.  Thank you for your curiosity, wisdom, and for the light you shine into the world.  I’m honored to host this conversation and look forward to learning more about you and your journey in future conversations!If you’d like to connect with Vandana, you can find her on LinkedIn and there’s a link in the show notes.Connect with Vandana: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/vandana-ram-allman-94217645/) Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~   Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today is Shannon Cochran-Yzquierdo.  Shannon is returning to the podcast and I’m so grateful to welcome her again.If you haven’t listened to episodes 13 and 79, you’ll find amazing pieces of Shannon’s story there.Shannon is the founder of Coaching Courage, a coaching firm working with leaders, teams, and organizations to reframe the way they see themselves.  Shannon is passionate about inspiring and motivating leaders to embrace their courage as they transition into their best selves.In our conversation today, Shannon shares pieces of her journey through the year 2023, which she identifies as the year that almost broke her.  Throughout 2023, we would touch base occasionally by email.  Because of Shannon’s deep courage and vulnerability, I asked if she would consider sharing some of this part of her life on the podcast when she was ready.She courageously said yes, and here is the beautiful result.Most of our conversation revolves around the final months of her dad’s life and illness, during which time Shannon took on the role of caregiver and advocate for him.  I want to include here, Shannon’s summary of why she shares these stories.  It’s so incredibly powerful: "I hope that people are inspired. "I hope that people are impacted in a way that Whatever way it is that they need to be impacted whether it's, they also struggle with depression. They've recently gone through something big, whether it's, they're trying to make a decision about whether to go to counseling or therapy whether it's, Oh my gosh, my parents just been diagnosed or somebody in my family has been diagnosed with this major illness."What now? What do I do? I mean, there's so much I learned in this process that, you know, I, I I would be willing to talk to anybody that was going through this to say, Oh my gosh, what do, what do I need to do? I mean, I learned a lot and I just hope that it, it helps someone else that's going through something heavy in their life, whatever that may be."Shannon, thank you.  I’m honored to host this conversation.  I know others will be touched and inspired.  And I sincerely hope that this will also be a gift back to you and bring a smile to your heart as you remember these priceless moments with your dad.Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~   Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today is Maya Harris.Maya is a Learning Manager, a Facilitator, and a Coach.  She has spent the past 8 years of her career in global consulting, and before that worked at Unilever.  Her educational journey was focused on engineering and she has her masters from the University of Cambridge.  Maya is also a trans woman and our conversation today focuses on her journey of that major life transition.Maya and I met several months ago at a work event where I was fortunate to work under her leadership on the faculty team.  Maya did a great job of setting the tone for a group of almost strangers to connect quickly and effectively, forming a high-functioning team within just a couple hours on day one.At the end of the week, I asked Maya if she would consider coming on my podcast.  She accepted and asked what we might talk about.  I asked if she would be open to sharing her story of transitioning.  She said yes, and here we are.I am deeply honored and humbled to host Maya’s story here.  As a group, people who are transgender face judgement and criticism and sadly, at times, hate, from those who don’t understand them or their experiences.  I believe strongly in the power of story to help us get to know each other beyond the labels and judgements that are present.  I believe it’s of utmost importance for us to see each other as individuals.  I believe that we can respect each other’s differences while simultaneously finding similarities that keep us connected as humans.  Brothers and sisters in a world that is too often filled with hate and violence.Maya, thank you for coming on the podcast.  Thank you for your courageous presence (yes, I’m using that C-word even here in the intro!).  Thank you for sharing these pieces of your journey as well as some of your hopes and fears.  I’m grateful our paths crossed when they did and look forward to continuing the conversations both on and off the podcast!Connect with Maya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-harris24680/Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~   Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

Paulo André, a leadership coach, discusses ambition, curiosity, and Stoic philosophy with host Russ Watts. They explore personal growth, embracing change, self-awareness, and the importance of guiding principles. The conversation delves into leadership principles, continuous improvement, and the benefits of embracing challenges for a fulfilling life.

My guests today are Elizabeth and Jakob.This is my first time having two guests and it’s a complete delight to share this conversation with you.Elizabeth was first recommended to me for the podcast by Jakob.  Then, after meeting and chatting with Elizabeth, she had the idea of also having Jakob on to build out their story and journey in a way that reflects how they do life – together!Elizabeth is an author and poet.  Jakob is a leadership coach and consultant.Together, they created the company, BETTER BÅLLS, to make the world’s best apparel – starting with men’s underwear.  They have various reasons behind founding this company, but a major one is making a difference for the next generation.And speaking of the next generation, their one-year-old son also pops in for an appearance in the podcast, so it’s truly a family affair!This is an amazing and inspiring conversation where Elizabeth and Jakob share how they seek to work in a balanced partnership between each other, and also with the environment as they grow their business.  We talk about conflict, trust, love, and more.Elizabeth and Jakob, thank you so much for this conversation.  Thank you for sharing pieces of each of your journeys, glimpses into your inspiring partnership, and for the passion you have for making the world a better place.If you’d like to join the mailing list of BETTER BÅLLS, please go to www.betterballs.world.Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~   Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today is Julie F.Julie and I met through a wonderful organization we both work for a company  where Julie is the Operations Manager.Prior to her work with Educe, Julie worked at McKinsey & Company for almost 6 years.Originally from the US, Julie and her family have lived in Munich Germany for almost a decade.  In our conversation, she shares the journey of how she got there.My conversation with Julie is deeply special for a number of reasons, but the one I will highlight here is that she committed to being a guest and sharing pieces of her journey after hearing many other guests share their stories.  It is my sincere hope that listening to the stories of other would indeed spark courage and a desire to tell stories that may not have otherwise been shared.Julie, thank you for your courage and vulnerability in stepping up to share these pieces of your journey.  It’s beyond special to have this conversation with you and be able to share it on the podcast.  I look forward to future conversations too!Connect with Julie: knittingstricken.comResources:The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der KolkGetting Past Your Past, Francine ShapiroComplex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving, Pete WalkerTalks and guided meditations by Tara BrachQuit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol, Holly Whitaker *I recommend the audiobookHuberman Lab (Andrew Huberman, neuroscientist) podcast Episode "What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain & Health" Keep Coming Back podcast series on sobrietySupport the showMake Life Less Difficult~   Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

My guest today is Deiadre Rauch.Deiadre has a degree in engineering from Purdue University.  She’s a structured thinker and kis keenly interested in how the way we think impacts how we feel and what we do as leaders.  Deiadre’s unique blend of business experience, cultural awareness, and a love of helping people to get what they want out of life, prompted her pursuit of coaching as a profession.She completed the Leadership Coaching Program at the Institute for Transformational Leadership (ITL) from Georgetown University and founded her company, TFD Leadership Coaching, in 2013.Deiadre has spent two-thirds of her career living and working internationally. She maintains a truly global perspective, bolstered by assignments in London, Kuala Lumpur, Brussels and elsewhere around the world. She has over 30 years of experience working as a leader both domestically and internationally.Deiadre lives in Northern Virginia, traveling when she gets the chance and enjoying her friends and family, while also continually developing her own authentic leadership style. She is also a 500-hour yoga teacher trainer, and loves teaching yoga to beginners.  Deiadre, thank you for this inspiring conversation.  Thank you for your passion for making life less difficult.  It’s truly a joy to learn about your journey, hear your wisdom and be inspired by your vision. Learn more visit Deiadre’s website at: www.thetrueleaderinyou.com Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~   Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra