Flourish or Fold: Stories of Resilience By cover art

Flourish or Fold: Stories of Resilience

By: Dr. Taryn Marie Stejskal
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  • Summary

  • How does facing challenges shape the people we become? Often, when we see someone’s achievements or appearance on center-stage, it’s easy for us to believe that the people who have ‘made it’ have special qualities that afforded them a seamless path to the summit of success. Yet the truth reveals something else. Flourish or Fold: Stories of Resilience is a show highlighting well-known people sharing their less well-known, or even hidden, stories of resilience. Join host Dr. Taryn Marie, world-renowned speaker and #1 international expert on resilience in leadership and life, as she creates safer spaces for raw and authentic voices to come through and show you how you too can effectively face challenge, change, and complexity to achieve your biggest goals.
    2021 Resilience Leadership
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Episodes
  • The Art of Winning: Harnessing Your Power and Navigating Challenge

    The Art of Winning: Harnessing Your Power and Navigating Challenge
    May 14 2024
    On this episode of "Flourish or Fold" I had the pleasure of sitting down with Chaz Wolfe, a remarkable serial entrepreneur and investor. We discussed the balance between individual effort and teamwork, the concept of mutual value exchange within a team, and Chaz's journey in entrepreneurship. Chaz reflects on his upbringing with a single mother, his later-in-life meeting with his biological father, and his approach to winning in life by setting targets and making progress. We also touch upon work-life balance, gender differences in defining success, and Chaz's community, Gathering of Kings. Chaz’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, teamwork, and the pursuit of success across various facets of life.Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit: Chaz Wolfe is the epitome of a self-made success story. His entrepreneurial spirit is self-taught, and his achievements are a result of his unwavering determination and the support of those around him. During our conversation, Chaz expressed his gratitude for the help he's received, underscoring the significance of both individual effort and the collective strength of a team. He shared an African proverb that resonates deeply with his philosophy: "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." This saying beautifully captures the intersectionality of personal drive and the invaluable support of a team. As an entrepreneur, Chaz has experienced moments that required him to push forward independently, but he also recognizes the importance of appreciating and supporting his team.The Dynamics of Team Investment: Our discussion delved into the nuances of team investment and commitment. Chaz acknowledged that while his vision naturally commands a high level of personal commitment, he also cherishes team members who grow to share and support that vision over time. He emphasized the importance of a mutual value exchange within a team, ensuring that even if team members part ways with the company, they leave having become the best versions of themselves. I shared my perspective on the level of investment I expect from my team members, highlighting the mutual development and care that should exist within a team dynamic. It's a reciprocal relationship where support and development go hand in hand. A Serial Entrepreneur's Tale: Chaz's background as a serial entrepreneur and investor is nothing short of inspiring. He detailed his ventures in retail franchising, real estate, construction, and podcasting. At the young age of 24, he made the bold decision to purchase his first Edible Arrangements franchise, facing challenges and achieving growth as he built multiple locations of the brand. When asked about his choice of Edible Arrangements for his first business venture, Chaz explained that his decision wasn't based on a personal affinity for the product but rather on the opportunity to leverage his sales experience and grow the business. His focus remained on developing effective marketing strategies, sales processes, and client relationships.Lessons in Resilience from a Single Mother: Chaz's upbringing played a crucial role in shaping his resilience and determination. Raised by a single mother, he witnessed her relentless work ethic and strength, which left a profound impact on him. He described her as an intense force, instilling in him the permission to persevere through challenges and the maturity to handle life's obstacles from an early age.Winning in Life's Different Arenas: Our conversation also touched on the concept of winning in various areas of life, including relationships, career, and personal development. Chaz shared his approach to being an incredible husband to his wife, Julie, by setting targets and focusing on progress rather than perfection. He encouraged listeners to define their own standards of winning based on clear direction and personal motivations. As a working parent, I shared the challenges I face in trying to excel in both my career and parenting. Chaz acknowledged the validity of my experience and the importance of individual experiences in shaping our beliefs about winning.Rethinking Work-Life Balance: Chaz introduced the idea of "work-life obsession," suggesting a deep devotion to different aspects of life on different days. He advocated for focusing on winning each day, recognizing that the definition of winning varies among individuals.A Community of Kings: Chaz also spoke about his community, Gathering of Kings, a mastermind group of entrepreneurs from diverse industries. He highlighted an upcoming family mastermind trip to Cancun, aimed at intentional family vacationing, marriage building, and networking for both adults and children. I couldn't help but admire the concept of a family mastermind and commend Chaz for his dedication to his family and entrepreneurial endeavors.Gratitude and Reflection: As our conversation came to a close, I expressed my gratitude to Chaz for sharing his story and insights. His ...
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    57 mins
  • What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?: A Conversation with A Leading Women’s Health Advocate

    What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?: A Conversation with A Leading Women’s Health Advocate
    May 7 2024
    In this episode of "Flourish or Fold: Stories of Resilience," I’m so very grateful to be joined by Tamsen Fadal, an accomplished journalist, passionate women's health advocate, and creative digital content creator. Our conversation was not only enlightening but also deeply inspiring, as we delved into the world of women's health, the power of resilience, and the transformative nature of storytelling.The M Factor: Shining a Light on Women's Health: Tamsen Fadal is at the forefront of a groundbreaking movement with her upcoming film, The M Factor, which aims to demystify menopause and advocate for women's health. During our discussion, Tamsen shared her enthusiasm for the project and the critical importance of bringing women's stories to the forefront. She believes that by breaking the silence around women's health care and advocacy, we can empower women to take control of their health and well-being.Challenging Misconceptions and Myths: The evolving conversation around women's health and menopause is gaining momentum, and Tamsen is a driving force behind this change. We tackled the common misconceptions and myths surrounding menopause, such as the stigma that it signifies old age or invisibility. Tamsen also shed light on the concerning lack of education among doctors regarding hormone therapy and stressed the need for proactive approaches to women's health care.A Holistic Approach to Health Care: Our dialogue touched on the necessity for a more holistic and less painful approach to women's health care, especially in procedures like mammograms. Tamsen emphasized the significance of education and the proactive partnership between patients and medical care providers in ensuring better health outcomes.Personal Reflections on Resilience: Tamsen opened up about her personal experiences, reflecting on how she would have navigated her menopause journey differently in her 30s and the importance of a proactive and preventative approach to health. She also shared her story of resilience through the challenges of her divorce and the loss of her mother. Tamsen spoke candidly about the emotional and financial complexities of her divorce and the process of rebuilding her life and self-worth. She highlighted the importance of taking small steps, finding confidence in everyday activities, and the power of personal stories in helping others through similar experiences.The Transformative Power of Storytelling: Tamsen's insights on the power of storytelling and sharing personal experiences underscore the impact of resilience and introspection. Her journey from a successful journalism career to focusing on women's health advocacy exemplifies the courage and determination needed to pursue meaningful change. She also discussed the internal barriers we face, such as feelings of selfishness, worthiness, and “enoughness,” that can hinder personal growth and decision-making.Letters to My Younger Self: Reflecting on her past, Tamsen shared the advice she would give to her younger self, urging her to not feel pressured by societal timelines and to focus on what she truly desires. She encouraged her younger self to trust her instincts and surround herself with supportive friends, emphasizing the importance of not seeking validation from others before making decisions.Starting the Conversation Early: If Tamsen could turn back time, she would have started the "What do I want?" conversation much earlier in her life. This introspective question is a powerful tool for personal growth and aligning one's actions with their true desires.I extend my deepest gratitude to Tamsen Fadal for joining me on the podcast and for sharing her invaluable experiences and insights. Her dedication to women's health advocacy and her resilience in the face of personal challenges serve as an inspiration to us all.Tamsen's journey reminds us of the importance of self-reflection, self-compassion, and the courage to share our stories. It is through these shared experiences that we can uplift and empower one another, fostering a community of resilience and hope.Connect with Tamsen Fadal: For those inspired by Tamsen's wisdom and advocacy, she invites you to connect with her through her website and on social media. She actively engages with her community through her newsletter and live interactions, offering a space for continued learning and connection. To learn more about Tamsen and her journey visit:https://www.tamsenfadal.com/https://www.instagram.com/tamsenfadal/https://www.facebook.com/tamsenfadal/https://twitter.com/TamsenFadalhttps://www.tiktok.com/@tamsenfadal Here are some highlights of the episode to look forward to:Tamsen Fadal's Background (00:00:00): Dr. Taryn Marie introduces Tamsen Fadal and highlights her achievements and work in advocating for women's health.The M Factor Film (00:03:09): Tamsen discusses the upcoming release of the M Factor film, focusing on women's menopause stories and women's health care advocacy.Conversation on ...
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    45 mins
  • Heart Beats Tech: Charting a Path from Crypto to AI with Empathy and Resilience

    Heart Beats Tech: Charting a Path from Crypto to AI with Empathy and Resilience
    Apr 2 2024
    On this week’s episode of Flourish or Fold, I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Nick Sullivan, a seasoned technologist with over two decades of experience in Silicon Valley. Nick, the former CEO of the cryptocurrency company Heart Rhythm, joined me to share his profound insights on heart-led leadership and the delicate balance between humanity and technology. Nick shares his journey of leading with heart and facing setbacks, including the company's closure due to market crises. He discusses the importance of trust, resilience, and emotional recovery, as well as his pivot towards the AI industry. The episode delves into themes of surrender, manifestation, and the power of resilience, concluding with a promotion for a resilience leadership course.The Rise and Fall of Heart Rhythm: Nick's journey as an entrepreneur and CEO is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. He led Heart Rhythm with a vision to channel capital into social impact projects, but the path was fraught with unforeseen challenges. The Terra Luna crisis dealt a heavy blow to the company, and the shockwaves from FTX's explosion further destabilized the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Despite his relentless drive to push through adversity, Nick faced the heart-wrenching decision to close the doors of Heart Rhythm.The Essence of Trust and Resilience: In our conversation, Nick opened up about the role of trust and resilience during these tumultuous times. He underscored the importance of psychological safety, love, and empathy in leadership. It's not just about steering a company through the storm; it's about nurturing a culture where humanity thrives alongside technology.Healing and Finding a New Direction: The emotional investment Nick poured into Heart Rhythm was immense, and the setbacks took a significant toll. He spoke candidly about the necessity of emotional recovery and the process of healing. It's a journey that many entrepreneurs can relate to—the need to step back, reflect, and recalibrate after a fall.Embracing the AI Ecosystem: As Nick reflected on his identity and the role of cryptocurrency in his life, he recognized the need for a shift. His expertise and passion found a new home in the AI ecosystem, a field ripe with challenges that align with his technological prowess.The Dance of Surrender and Manifestation: Our dialogue delved into the delicate balance between surrendering to the unknown and actively shaping one's destiny. Nick emphasized the importance of psychological healing and allowing the subconscious to work its magic before embarking on a new venture.Strategies for Overcoming Adversity: Nick didn't shy away from sharing practical strategies for weathering difficult times. Conducting a thorough post-mortem, seeking honest feedback, and learning from past mistakes are crucial steps. But equally important is the space we give ourselves to heal emotionally and mentally.Looking Ahead with Heart and Resilience: As we discussed his future plans, Nick's enthusiasm for building a company in the AI space was palpable. He remains committed to infusing his work with heart, love, and resilience, tackling the challenges and potential of AI with a thoughtful and ethical approach.The Transformative Power of Resilience: Drawing inspiration from Nick's journey, I reflected on the transformative power of resilience—the ability to turn darkness into light. It's a message of hope and encouragement for all of us to trust in our capacity to navigate life's challenges.A Childhood Lesson in Resilience: Nick shared a poignant story from his childhood, a testament to the resilience that comes from overcoming significant obstacles. It's a powerful reminder that our past experiences can serve as a wellspring of confidence and strength for the future.Embracing Rejection and Redirection: As we wrapped up our conversation, I echoed Nick's sentiments on resilience and empowerment. There's a liberating freedom in setbacks, an opportunity for growth and the discovery of new paths.Thank you so much, Nick Sullivan who was an absolutely amazing guest. Nick never ceases to amaze me in the way that he can look at a problem or his experience from multiple different directions. And one of the things I so loved about our conversation is that he was really able to unpack two seemingly similar circumstances where he felt like the roof got ripped off of the house in terms of the cryptocurrency landscape, and in one of those moments, he decided to stay, and in one of those moments, he decided to go. Or, I think, more akin to his words, he felt forcibly ejected from continuing to do that work.To learn more about Nick visit him on Instagram: @technickai_ Here are some highlights of the episode to look forward to:Heart-Led Leadership (00:02:34): Nick discusses the importance of psychological safety, diversity, love, and empathy in leadership and technology.Healthy Intersection of Humanity and Technology (00:11:14): Nick explores the ...
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    47 mins
Management Psychology Hygiene & Healthy Living Economics Personal Success
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