Beyond The Mood Board

After being stigmatized for decades, mental health is frequently the subject of national headlines. Unfortunately, while the conversation about support is gaining momentum, access to providers has not kept pace. The practice of modern day therapy is still viewed as a luxury commodity where many people, communities of color especially, are not adequately represented or served.   In the last episode of 2020—a year where mental wellness has been threatened for all—I am honored to be joined by Amenah Arman, a nontraditional therapist for biculturals and creatives based in Atlanta.    On this episode we talk about: Why it’s so important to feel understood by your therapist without having to educate them, Getting past the fear of being judged for your imperfections, The fine line between counseling and coaching, Resources to help you avoid burnout and move past stuckness, and How to find a therapist that works for you.   Visit Pattern of Purpose for links to show notes and resources mentioned on this episode.

When you’re a person with multiple interests life can feel like you’re constantly going against the grain. Society tells you to “find your true calling” and “choose one thing” when you’re juggling the ten open tabs in your brain.   If you’ve ever wondered if you have too many interests and are struggling to make sense of all the pieces of you, this episode is worth a listen.    On the last solo episode of 2020 I share: What it’s like to pursue very callings in very different fields, Why defining your personal brand by your titles is ineffective, The myth of finding your passion, and Understanding which interests deserve to show up in your work and which ones don’t.   Join me for my upcoming workshop: Tapping Into Your Zone Of Genius: Working in it, expanding it, and sharing it with others

Traditional branding advice would tell you to rebrand every 3-5 years. Invest big, campaign the hell out of it, and then rebrand when you need to reimagine your business. But how well does that model work for small businesses?   On this episode I’m joined by Xanthe and Frank of Oh Sierra to talk about a more sustainable (and life-giving) way to view branding.   We spend our time chatting about: The difference between what you want and what you’re aligned with, Letting go of things you’re not good at...even when you want to be good at them, How to let go of the fear of being boxed in by your brand, and  Serving a client’s full needs without having to claim expertise in every area.   Visit Pattern of Purpose for show notes and links to resources mentioned on this episode.

2020 was a year that brought us up close and personal with what drains us and what brings us energy. Slowing down from the rapid pace of life we were used to has made us realize how much of our day is spent doing things that we don’t enjoy. It’s brought into question whether we’re fulfilling our true potential or not.   Even when we fill our days with the things that we’re good at we miss out on doing the things that we’re great at. On this episode I urge you to consider what it could look like if you only said yes to those things that fit squarely in your zone of genius?    I also cover: Why we slip into patterns of doing things we don’t want to do (even when we know better), The danger of getting stuck in our zone of excellence, How to identify your zone of genius,  How experiencing flow can inspire and direct your message, and A helpful prompt to identify what’s keeping you stuck.   Join me for my upcoming workshop: Tapping Into Your Zone of Genius: Working in it, expanding it, and sharing it with others

As a rising fashion PR professional, Crosby Noricks spent years in environments where she was told her skills and time weren’t of value, often being passed over for the latest and greatest intern. Pouring her creative energies into a side business—one that blossomed into PR Couture—she now provides thousands of women hard won industry and leadership lessons.   We spend our time talking about why we’re tricked into thinking being a leader means having it all figured out—how we’ve both learned to take risk and lean into the vulnerability of the unknown. As the conversation unfolds, we uncover what it means to be in a season of getting quiet with ourselves after a season of searching for answers with the next coach or strategist.   We also discuss: The elusive search for a mentor, Responsible risk taking as the head of a business and a home, Forcing readiness, and Shifting our focus from systems and strategy to self-awareness and self-trust. Visit Pattern of Purpose for show notes and links to resources mentio

When I ask my clients what makes their service unique, I always hear, “What I provide isn’t a template—it’s customized to you.” If my people are saying this, yours are probably too. This begs the question: is it really unique if everyone’s doing it?   In this episode I’m talking about an unexpected outcome of the over-customization allure—one that leads us straight down the path to burnout.   I’m also talking about: How we’ve tricked ourselves into believing templates aren’t valuable,  More effective selling points than “customized,” and  Seeing the value in less.   Visit Pattern of Purpose for show notes and links to resources mentioned on this episode.

On this podcast we’ve talked about disagreement. We’ve talked about fear. And we’ve talked about overwhelm. But today’s Election Day and I think we all deserve something a bit more lighthearted, no?   I’m joined by Allie LeFevere and Lyndsay Rush, co-founders of the humor branding agency, Obedient.   We spend our time chatting about: How two best friends run an agency without killing each other, Why many leaders fear humor tactics, What humor looks like — beyond snarkiness and dirty jokes, How Obedient weaves humor across their entire customer experience, and Why being polarizing is a good thing.   Visit Pattern of Purpose for show notes and links to resources mentioned on this episode.

When we hear someone say something out loud that most people only think it makes us uncomfortable. But it also draws in those who think: YES, FINALLY someone is saying it!    So if this works — if it grabs attention and differentiates — why aren’t we spreading our opinions more frequently?   On this episode I answer that question and others, including: How to uncover your own unpopular opinion, Moving past what you’re against to voice what you’re for, The important connection between your opinion and your path to thought leadership, and Why it’s important to anticipate controversy.   Visit Pattern of Purpose for show notes and links to resources mentioned on this episode.

An unfortunate result of highly aggressive, bro-tastic marketing gurus shouting at us to learn their “latest and greatest tips” is that we tune their message out completely. We associate sleaze with sales and do the opposite of what they say, nearly to the point of avoiding sales conversations altogether.   If you’re a skeptic, I ask that you give this topic another chance. As you’ll learn in this episode, selling isn’t just about bringing new people in; it’s about giving our current customers an opportunity to continue receiving highly valuable results.   For this conversation I’m joined by Nikki Rausch. Nikki uses her two decades of experience selling to organizations like The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and NASA to help business owners reframe the concept of sales and create true connection.   On this episode we discuss: The fine line between giving too much away for for and providing extreme value, Where storytelling and sales converge, How your lived experience provides you with credibility, and

As humans, we have a hard time setting aside our own opinions and beliefs to consider someone else’s. This is especially true when it’s something we care about. So we cluster ourselves in communities with those who think like us, avoiding confrontation at all costs.    This begs the question: is it possible to have strong conflicting opinions and still maintain strong relationships?   Today’s guest, Dr. Tammy Lenski believes we can and we must. The goal is not to avoid conflict. It’s to engage in it more constructively.    As a conflict resolution writer, speaker, and teacher, Dr. Lenski works with people who want to or must stay together but are living in a state of tension. She helps buffer their relationships from the negative effects of conflict.   On this episode we discuss: What happens when we avoid conflict in our lives and work,; The difference between being submissive, assertive, and aggressive and what we should aim for; Positive outcomes that are associated with productive arguments; How to name

Why say more when less will do? Well, because it’s easier. Sending all of your information to your clients up front may help you feel more accomplished, but it won’t necessarily create a better client experience.   When we’re adapting to new schedules, experiencing business and life changes, and evolving our brands it can feel like the only way to stay above water is to track every task ourselves. But even when we’re checking items off our list, our clients aren’t automatically protected from our overwhelm.   Today Megan Pollard of We Choose Joy and Michelle Lindsay of Michelle Lindsay Photography are joining me to talk about how to get your life back while still meeting your ambitious business goals and wowing your clients.   On this episode we discuss: The most common business communication mistakes, What the difference between the customer experience and customer journey is, How to help your prospects say yes, The surprising reason systems make your business feel more personalized to each client. Sign u

Entrepreneurs know that one year can feel like seven. We learn lessons fast and hard, which means our businesses are constantly evolving. But evolving is uncomfortable — like our ideas are laid out on the table without any rhyme or reason.    Erica Courdae knows this feeling intimately. She’s back on the show to reflect on being propelled into the spotlight earlier this year and how important it was to have consistency in her message, positioning, and owning her multifaceted identity during this time.   On this episode Erica and I discuss: What it feels like to get an influx of new followers and prospects on your channels overnight; How strong the urge can be to water down your message for fear of being too much; The power of having a strong and accurate bio; Why every leader, no matter their expertise, needs someone to help them see their greater potential.   Visit Pattern of Purpose for show notes and links to resources mentioned on this episode.

Sources tell me there are some magical unicorns out there who chose a career at 17, studied that field, and seamlessly grew a multi-six-figure empire by 27. That was not me. And I’m guessing it wasn’t you either.   As a multi-passionate my career has twists and turns that I used to be ashamed of. It wasn’t until I owned my story and stopped trying to adopt someone else’s that I became clear on my unique value.   On this episode I share: Why it’s hard to build a reputation for yourself when you’re shifting focus every few years, How to identify important through lines in your experience,  The reason telling your story can liberate your audience, and How to use your journey to differentiate yourself from others in your industry.   Visit Pattern of Purpose for complete show notes.

One of the most challenging tasks we have as entrepreneurs is sorting promising ideas from distractions. With no one giving us creative direction, we’re left making executive decisions that shape the trajectory of our reputation and profitability.   Former client, Marcy Wacker, joins me to talk about the decision to seek out an advisor as she evolved her work. After 20 years of freelancing and teaching, she created a mentorship program for designers to provide the type of guidance and support she could have used along the way.   On this episode Marcy and I discuss: How creatives personally identity with their work, The process of shedding things that are no longer useful to you, Determining whether your ideas fit under your existing brand framework...or not, and Why working with someone else can give you the courage to pursue something new.   Visit Pattern of Purpose for show notes and links to resources mentioned on this episode.

After a launch there’s a collective sigh of relief: we did it! But, as we all know, the launch is only the beginning. Consistent messaging is required to get in front of your audience and drive them back to your digital home.   On last week’s show I covered several important considerations you need to make before hiring a copywriter. This week I’m sharing what you need to take the beautiful words your copywriter delivers and use them as a guide for ongoing content.   On this episode I’m talking about: Distinguishing between interesting content and relevant content, The reason message themes will help you show up more frequently, How to highlight your competitive advantage in your message, and The easiest way to figure out which of your stories are relevant to share.   Visit Pattern of Purpose to sign up for my newsletter and receive all of the exciting free content I mention at the end of this episode!

Not everyone is a writer. Even fewer of us enjoy writing for ourselves (count me out here). Yet when we’re hiring someone to write on our behalf the biggest worry we have is whether they’ll be able to capture our voice.    I don’t want you to pay for words you never use. That’s why I’m dishing from a writer’s perspective on all of things you don’t know to ask until you’re deep in the copywriting process.   On this episode I’m talking about: How to distinguish between someone’s system and a formula they apply to everyone,  Popular selection criteria that I disagree with, Using what your copywriter produces as a roadmap for future content, and Setting realistic expectations for this investment.   Visit Pattern of Purpose for show notes and links to resources mentioned on this episode.

As pandemic fatigue has set in, we are faced with the possibility that life may continue as-is for the foreseeable future. Shifting from “new normal” rhetoric to conversations about connection, support, and vulnerability has become necessary for us to thrive through uncertainty.   On this deeply personal episode of Pattern of Purpose, I share reflections on the first Range supper club event, where 8 women gathered to talk about how 2020 has changed their outlook on work, life, and identity.    I also share a story from my childhood that has shaped how I react to stress. Uncovering this pattern has allowed me to more clearly understand my behavior and welcome calm into my life at a much needed juncture.   On this episode I explore: What happened after opening up space on my calendar, Purposefully being around people who think differently than you, Over/under-functioning in response to day-to-day anxiety, and How understanding my story has allowed me to move through it.   Trigger warning: this episode contain

Constantly churning out work doesn’t allow for breathing room. Just like you can’t sit down at the computer and force an idea out, you can’t innovate under pressure. So if you want to grow, you’ve got to give yourself space to think.   Recording this episode on the heels of a much needed vacation, I’m back with some thoughts on how our work should support our lives, not the other way around. Jumping back into a routine after seven days of sun and sand was difficult and pushed me to consider how a routine was serving me...or not.   On this episode I reflect on: How time away from my inbox reminded me of the way I want to be spending my days, The reason doing rather than being stifles our creativity, Why Covid-19 requires us to start with a blank state, and  What changes I’m making to the podcast due to this newfound awareness.   Learn about my newest endeavor, Range, a virtual supper club: www.patternofpurpose.com/range   Visit Pattern of Purpose for show notes and links to resources mentioned on this episod

There’s this pervasive belief that PR exists to make people famous. But even if you have a great idea, you must be able to prove others care about what you have to say and sell in order to get featured.   Cher Hale, founder and director of Ginkgo PR, joins me to talk about crafting your message and nailing your story before undertaking PR efforts.   With a focus on amplifying underrepresented and marginalized voices, Cher is passionate about diversifying our feeds. Because it’s easier than ever to self-select the media that we consume—only opting in for those that think, look, and act like we do—she’s working to ensure more representation in mainstream media. On this episode we’re discussing: Specific PR assets you need, including a speaker one sheet, media kit, and press kit; Proof points and credibility markers that help media know they can trust you; Figuring out who you’re specifically trying to reach with your message; and How to build a more positive relationship with rejection.   Visit Pattern of Pur

There’s an interesting trend in bios recently - executives dubbing themselves as thought leaders. This feels a bit like appointing yourself as the GOAT. Do you really get to make that call? And if you’re making it, is it true?   What defines a thought leader? Is it someone speaking on stage? Is it maintaining the highest earnings in your category? On this episode I’m taking the focus off of the title to uncover the actions you need to take to become seen as a thought leader.   I’m talking about: How to gain influence through your perspective, lived experience, and knowledge; The difference between thought leaders, influencers, celebrities, activists, and changemakers;  Why every business leader should develop their own thought leadership; and How you can adopt the title of changemaker by leading through your values.   Visit Pattern of Purpose for show notes and links to resources mentioned on this episode.   Want to work with me? Get in touch!