Join Lucy in conversation with Katy Craig, Principal Co-Facilitator and Curricular Design Director at The Murmuration Collective. Katy's impressive background includes nearly 25 years of experience in communication, adaptive leadership, emotional intelligence, experiential education, and applied improvisation. In this episode, Katy shares her journey, from her role as a professional improviser to becoming a co-active training institute disruptive advisor and an ICF-certified professional coach.

Together, Lucy and Katy delve into the profound impact of coaching and the power of having a collective support system. They discuss what coaching is and isn’t, and the significance of having a Board of Advisors that includes coaches, therapists, and consultants. Tune in to hear about the intricacies of 1:1 coaching, the essence of TMC’s Immersives, and a demo coaching session where Katy coaches Lucy on downshifting energetically. This episode is packed with insights on professional and personal growth through the lens of coaching and community support. If you’ve been curious about The Murmuration Collective, Immersives, or simply coaching in general, this episode is for you.

Timestamps - Jump into the conversation:

[0:50] Lucy welcomes and introduces her guest and her dear friend and colleague, Katy Craig, a Principal member of the Murmuration Collective team.

[7:00] Katy delves into the profound impact of coaching on one's life, a topic of significance in personal and professional development.

[10:10] Lucy & Katy discuss what coaching is and what it is not.

[13:08] Together, they discuss the power of having the collective wisdom of your coach, therapist, consultants, and advisors as part of your Board of Advisors.

[14:57] They share a typical 1:1 coaching journey from a delivery perspective.

[18:15] Your coach is your accountability partner.

[21:17] What is an immersive?

[25:52] Demo Coaching: Katy coaches Lucy around downshifting energetically from 5th to 3rd gear this summer.

[38:58] Body Wisdom

[40:22] Katy and Lucy share some of the topics and goals their clients come to coaching for.

[44:30] Lucy asks the listeners to actively engage with TMC on what Season Two will look like content-wise. She shares content ideas and asks listeners to share what they want more of by leaving comments, DMs, or emailing lucy@themurmurationcollective.com.

Resources:

• Connect with Lucy on LinkedIn
• Check out The Murmuration Collective
• Connect with Katy on LinkedIn
• Check out TMC’s Immersives
• Check out TMC’s Coaching

Join Lucy in conversation with Emily Teele, a marketing leader who most recently worked at Nike on an expat assignment in the Netherlands. Emily’s impressive career spans senior roles at Sephora, Williams Sonoma, West Elm, and Uber. In this episode, Emily shares the profound changes she has recently faced, including the joys and challenges of motherhood and the loss of her own mother in the same year. This is a raw and honest story that reveals the incredible power of trusting your innermost voices and leaning into the communities that step up to care for you along your journey.

Together, Lucy and Emily explore the art of surrendering and recount a pivotal coaching moment shared during COVID that transformed Emily’s life and laid a powerful foundation for her journey towards newfound happiness and permission to be herself. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the power of choice and authenticity as mechanisms for navigating high-stakes career pathways amidst the beautiful chaos of life.

Jump into the conversation:

3:24 Lucy asks Emily what is important in her life now, what her current values are, and where she is pointing her compass.

3:37 Emily shares about motherhood, bringing her baby girl into the world, and losing her own mum all in the same year.

6:47 Emily talks about the art of surrendering. She shares her “bootcamp” of transformational changes over the past five years.

7:47 Lucy & Emily retell a watershed coaching moment they shared during COVID sitting on Lucy’s porch.

9:50 Emily talks about the athlete’s mindset, “What? So what? Now what?” and her admittance that she was not ok.

11:50 Lucy shares the difference between therapy and coaching.

12:03 Emily shares “life is long, and it is also short” and what that means to her.

13:25 The two discuss the power of choice—the power to choose what you can control. The power of naming it while also surrendering to what you cannot control.

17:05 Emily shares her story of having to introduce herself to her new Nike team, knowing her life was in chaos, and wanting to be authentic and real about what is really going on for her.

17:49: Emily talks about what she admires in strong leaders.

18:59 Lucy declares that Emily’s coming-out party was when she allowed herself to be her authentic self without having to be her perfect self.

26:06 Lucy talks about “trying” and what this means in relation to values.

28:58 Emily shares what happens when you leave yourself open to allowing your life to change; this is when something profound can make its way in.

31:30 Emily shares the power of finding your Board of Advisors to support you in all facets of your work and life.

Resources:

• Connect with Lucy on LinkedIn
• Check out The Murmuration Collective
• Connect with Emily on LinkedIn and on her website.
• Check out what Emily refers to as the “athletes mindset.”

“The more confident I am in my purpose, the less I have to prove. I can move with fluidity. I’m lighter. Life and work become more enjoyable.”

Join Lucy in conversation with the remarkable Abi Stephens, a seasoned sports broadcaster and leadership performance coach, known for her work at the Olympic Games, Rugby World Cups, and Grand Prix events. Abi’s unique ability to uncover the human stories behind the sports she covers has deeply connected audiences with their heroes. Beyond the camera, she’s a dedicated athlete, having completed six marathons, including the Boston Marathon in 2013.

In this episode, Abi shares her insights on balancing a demanding career and personal life. They discuss the importance of asking for help and how it can foster stronger connections, drawing parallels to sport, journalism, and coaching. Abi emphasizes the value of preparation and shares her strategy of rehearsing asks to build confidence and conviction. Tune in to explore Abi’s wisdom on maintaining balance, finding micro-moments of stillness amidst a hectic schedule, and the transformative power of curiosity and connection.

RESOURCES:

• Connect with Lucy on LinkedIn
• Check out The Murmuration Collective
• Connect with Abi on LinkedIn.
• Learn more about Abi on her website.

Timestamps:

3:10: Abi shares her current values, focusing on grounding, presencing, recovery, and caring for herself by zeroing in on micro-moments and what she refers to as more into less.

9:07: Abi’s inspirational moments occur when she is calm and trusts in herself, allowing her to take in all around her and be in awe of the cultural moments that accompany her work around the world.

12:20: Abi shares her unique experience and approach to being a female broadcaster in a male-dominated culture.

17:15: Abi and Lucy chat about not taking things personally in a given moment and instead getting super curious to get beyond what just happened and get into the “why”… what’s important about what just happened… so that it can inform them of their next move.

21:36: The power of using our authenticity of voice. When women speak in their own voice in the boardroom and workplace, they are more seen and heard and give others permission to do the same. The Murmuration ripple effect.

26:24: Abi shares an experience with a high-profile athlete and how she built trust with him, helping him overcome his nerves about being on camera, to create a brilliant broadcast that had a lasting impact on the viewer and the sport.

31:40: Abi chats about her “intentional” board of advisors and bold moves to ask two very high-profile people to help and support her in her career.

37:35: Awaken to the power of “let’s just see.” What is the worst thing that could happen? Abi shares the pearl of wisdom around the power of rehearsing to optimize your ask to get your brain, mouth, and words infused with conviction so there is flow (less stress hormones).

In this episode of Collective Wisdom, host Lucy Reynolds sits down with Sarah Cunningham, Director of Client Services at AKQA and a recent winner of the Golden Gloves tournament at Madison Square Garden. Sarah shares her inspiring journey from Ireland to NYC, embracing her dual identities, and the transformative coaching experience that helped her achieve alignment between her personal and professional life along the way.

Listeners will hear Sarah’s candid recount of her struggle to balance her demanding career with her dedication to boxing, and how she overcame societal expectations to forge her unique path. She discusses the importance of having a supportive environment, both at work and in her personal life, to pursue her passion unapologetically. Sarah also highlights the strategies she used to communicate her needs to her colleagues and clients, earning their respect and support along the way.

Discover the wisdom Sarah has gained through her unique path and how she uses her experiences to inspire others. Plus, learn how she continues to push forward despite fear and uncertainty, proving that with determination and resilience, anything is possible (really!).

"I am going to find the answers to 'What do I want and who I am supposed to be?'" - China Forbes

Join Lucy in conversation with China Forbes, the celebrated singer-songwriter from Pink Martini, renowned for hits like "Sympathique," featured in Netflix's "Emily in Paris." Winner of the Ella Fitzgerald prize at the Montreal Jazz Festival, China reflects on her journey, discussing her third solo album, "The Road," and its exploration of motherhood, mental health, and self-acceptance.

Together, they dive into profound questions, exploring the meaning behind China’s new songs and the importance of self-trust and alignment. Gain insights into China’s journey through life and career decisions, including her own decision-making process into motherhood in her mid-30s. Plus, be the first to hear an exclusive preview of the title track from her latest album, "The Road," available now.

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:
7:48 The origin story of China's new single "The Road."
12:20 China takes us back to writing “The Road” in 2005.
14:50 China discusses constructing her Board of Advisors for life and business.
23:58 Lucy shares a coaching mantra about innate creativity.
27:42 Lucy discusses leaving lasting community impact.
31:54 China shares a pearl of wisdom on how she makes hard decisions.
37:55 Collective Wisdom an exclusive preview of "The Road" with all of you.

RESOURCES:
● Connect with Lucy on LinkedIn
● Check out The Murmuration Collective
● Listeners can order China's Album "The Road" on the Pink Martini web store here.
● *Streaming* fans can listen on Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon music.
● Follow @chinaforbes on both Instagram and Facebook.
● Subscribe to the Pink Martini YouTube channel for all music videos, including China’s solo album singles.
● All of these shows are on sale and ticket links are posted on the Pink Martini website tour dates page:

(Album release show)

○ June 1 - New York City, NY at Le Poisson Rouge

○ June 3 - Rockport, MA (Boston) at Shalin Liu Performance Center

○ June 4 - Ardmore, PA (Philadelphia) at Ardmore Music Hall

○ June 5 - Alexandria, VA (Washington DC) at Birchmere Music Hall

○ June 29 - Salem, OR at Elsinore Theatre

“Crises don’t have to be negative—they can be growth opportunities. There is tremendous wisdom gained from these ‘crisis’ experiences.”

Kayti Sullivan, powerhouse stay-at-home-parent and tech executive behind Yelp’s billion-dollar rise, joins Lucy to discuss the power of pause, the pursuit of happiness beyond societal permission… and turning 40.

Kayti sheds light on her journey from spearheading Yelp’s rapid growth to pursuing and embracing the intricacies of motherhood. She speaks candidly about the significance of granting ourselves permission to reassess and realign with our true purpose, sharing the pivotal moments and insights that guided her to where she is today, through and beyond crisis into presence and inner wisdom.

Timestamps:

[02:17] How embracing continuous learning through life’s journey is a superpower

[06:32] The shift from career achievements to motherhood

[11:09] Discovering motivation in the midst of transition

[14:54] The pivotal moment Kayti decided to prioritize family over career ambitions

[19:20] Exploring the importance of identifying personal values and what matters in the present

[26:09] Hear sources of wisdom for inspiration in your life

[30:28] How to hear one's inner voice for guidance

[35:34] What transitioning from fixed expectations to openness and expectancy

[37:06] Unpacking Kayti’s crucial insight - viewing life's events as opportunities for growth rather than crises

Resources:

• Connect with Lucy on LinkedIn
• Check out The Murmuration Collective

Connect with Kayti on LinkedIn

“We need women to step into discomfort so they can transform the larger community and, more importantly, themselves.”

In the second episode of Collective Wisdom, Lucy Reynolds is joined by Maria Hess, an operator, technology product builder, investor, and startup advisor. Maria is a leading force at Amazon Web Services, a parent to three wonderful kids, scuba diver, dancer, and an amazing friend. She’s a connector, a listener, a leader, an adventurer—and she has some profound pearls of wisdom to share with listeners.

Maria and Lucy navigate through the show’s wisdom pillars, providing key questions and space for exploration on topics like value alignment, courage, boundaries, and authenticity. They delve into significant questions about achievement, inner voices, saboteurs, and how to learn to listen to your inner voice, empowering yourself to take action from a place of inner wisdom.

Timestamps:

[11:10] Discovering balance and managing all the roles women juggle

[13:04] Maria plays the game ‘hot or cold’ - working on the muscles and tuning the dials.

[14:42] Maria is talking about challenging herself to step out of her comfort zone & making decisions that are aligned with her values.

[16:10] Embracing inner critics
[19:13] The unexpected power of 'expectancy'

[21:59] Maria talks about the importance of showing up professionally and letting go of the need to control.

[24:44] Maria's journey of realigning values for fresh inspiration.

[25:07] How Maria's life-changing passion shaped her as a leader

[27:58] Stepping out to level up: The success found beyond comfort zones.

[31:38] Prioritizing well-being, hear Maria's approach to life's choices.

[33:20] Broadening horizons: From one advisor to creating a board.

[35:48] How to adapt to life's changes using advisors

[37:46] The importance of selective access in guarding personal space.

Resources:

• Connect with Lucy on LinkedIn
• Check out The Murmuration Collective
• Connect with Maria on LinkedIn

“Have the courage to lean into uncertainty, knowing that you can handle whatever you find, and trust it will be joyous on the other side.”

Kicking off the first episode of Collective Wisdom, host Lucy Reynolds—founder of The Murmuration Collective and seasoned leadership coach, takes a turn in the spotlight. Joined by special guest Hilary Kupish, founder of MVMNT Brand Strategy Consulting, they embark on a journey to uncover the origins of the podcast, explore its guiding principles, and delve into the essence of collective wisdom.

With curiosity, bravery, and playfulness, Lucy and Hillary trace The Murmuration Collective’s journey, a story that begins in Amsterdam and Moscow, takes a pit stop in empty-nesting, and ignites into the The Murmuration Collective and today’s inaugural podcast episode. Along the way, they redefine leadership, challenge common connotations around uncertainty and fear, and question the true impact of self-reliance (hint: it’s time to build your board!).

If you’re on a journey towards self-discovery, or simply seeking a community where you are not only welcome, but deeply seen and guided, this podcast is your invitation. Join Lucy and the Collective as they embark on this transformative journey, one episode at a time—this is just the beginning.

Things to listen for:

• [03:53] The moment when Hillary learned that things happen for her, not to her.
• [09:27] Lucy shares the inspiration and origin story behind The Murmuration Collective.
• [17:21] Lucy shares the meaning and power behind the word “immersive” and how it’s forever evolving.
• [22:30] Saboteurs and their role in developing your inner compass.
• [23:14] Lucy and Hillary explain why ‘retreats’ just don’t quite cut it.
• [26:30] The meaning behind the three pillars of wisdom: inner, nature, and collective wisdom.
• [32:06] Lucy sets expectations on what’s coming next with Collective Wisdom
• [33:26] The biggest barriers behind Lucy’s transformational work.
• [36:17] Hillary shares the turning point when she chose to invest in herself and her experience on a Murmuration immersive.
• [39:19] How Hillary uses her fear and discomfort as fuel for growth.
• [42:59] The power of the collective and how Hillary changed her mindset from “No, I can do it on my own” to “I need help and that’s okay.”

Resources:

• Connect with Lucy on LinkedIn
• Connect with Hillary on LinkedIn
• Check out The Murmuration Collective
• Check out MVMT Brand Strategy Consulting
• Take a look at the Emergent Strategy, By Adrienne Maree Brown book