Hey Pivot With Purpose family! I’m your host Meghan Houle and I am so excited to be chatting with the incredible Hilary Phelps. Hilary's story is one of incredible resilience and heartfelt transformation. As a speaker, addiction recovery advocate, writer, and holistic wellness coach, she is dedicated to helping other women find their voices and heal from the challenges holding them back. From her early years, she excelled as the nation's fastest swimmer in her age group (and yes, she is the sister of decorated Olympic Swimmer Michael Phelps). At just 14, her life took a dramatic turn with her first sip of alcohol, marking the beginning of a 15-year struggle with addiction. At 29, Hilary courageously took a significant step towards healing by checking into rehab. This journey was about much more than simply giving up alcohol; it was about fundamentally changing her life and confronting the underlying issues that led her to addiction. For a long time, Hilary kept her story of recovery to herself. It was only after celebrating 15 years of sobriety in June 2022 that she realized the power of sharing her story. This led Hilary to her deeper purpose, to offer hope and encouragement to others who are healing quietly. Today, Hilary is much more than a survivor; she's a source of inspiration through her speaking and coaching. I am so excited to be able to dive into Hilary’s journey!

Topics Covered:
(00:21) Hilary and I talk about our low-key 4th of July and the importance of downtime.
(02:25) The journey of finding your voice and how pivotal moments can lead to self-discovery.
(04:34) Hilary’s mission to reduce shame around topics like sobriety, addiction, and divorce, and to empower women to choose themselves.
(08:44) The importance of inner child work and nervous system regulation in the journey to self-acceptance and healing.
(25:11) Early Struggles in Hilary’s teenage years.
(27:45) A turning Point at 29, Hilary’s realization that her drinking was problematic and the pivotal moment that led her to seek help.
(33:52) Hilary’s challenges and rewards of publicly sharing her story after 15 years of sobriety.
(50:37) Showing up for yourself and recognizing your needs.
(54:12) Hilary’s upcoming projects.

Whether you’re facing addiction, feeling lost, or seeking inspiration, Hilary is proof that it is never too late to find our voice and reclaim our power, live a purposeful life for yourself!

Hilary’s Links:
Work with Hilary: https://www.hilaryphelps.com/coaching
The Right Room Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therightroomofficial/
Hilary’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hilaryphel

Meghan Houle Method Career Community & Recruitment Resources:

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Season 6 Sponsor TripleTen

TripleTen's boot camps turbocharge your journey into the world of tech, equipping you with the cutting-edge skills needed for a game-changing career pivot.

Ranked at the top of the charts, Tripleten’s programs in Software Engineering, Quality Assurance, Business Intelligence Analytics, and Data Science are the ultimate launchpad for your career transformation. Learn more about TripleTen: https://tripleten.com/

Today on Pivot With Purpose, I am excited to have Entrepreneur, Fashion Designer, Best Selling Author and Star of Netflix’s “My Unorthodox Life”, Julia Haart on the show!

Julia is a self-made businesswoman with early beginnings stemming from being raised in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. At age 42 she fled, changed her name, and without any formal education or background in fashion launched her career as a designer. Just a few years later, she was named creative director of La Perla and would become co-owner and CEO of Elite World Group and one of the most influential people in fashion. Today, she has launched her shapewear brand, '+Body', a body-positive, technologically advanced line that gives women the confidence to embrace their bodies through her thoughtful designs focused on comfort. Released in 2022, her memoir BRAZEN, demonstrates her radical vulnerability and honesty, sharing her deeply personal journey of heartbreak, resilience, and courage. Above all else, Julia applies her experiences and platform to be a force for positive change in the world and supporting women who have dedicated their lives to building a better future! I could be more excited to chat with Julia, so let’s get started!

Topics Covered:
(01:06) Julia’s personal journey through a challenging divorce and pursuit of justice.
(03:41) Pivoting fearlessly through life’s big moments and continuous personal evolution. How Julia's strict upbringing shaped her fierce advocacy for freedom and empowerment.
(05:03) Julia’s decision to leave her community and begin her entrepreneurial journey.
(09:35) Overcoming self-doubt and societal expectations to pursue dreams.
(12:29) Advocating for women's capabilities and the power of female leadership in activism.
(15:38) Redefining beauty and challenging industry norms.
(28:16) The launch of +Body, focusing on body positivity, comfort and inclusivity.
(38:53) How being a Netflix hit has impacted Julia’s life.
(43:08) The transformative power of meditation.
(52:14) Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs to live without limits.

Julia is an inspiration to us all about what’s possible when we Pivot With Purpose! Her journey of empowering women globally and living without limits is something we can all aspire for! Check out the links below to connect with Julia!

Julia’s Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliahaart/?hl=en
+Body by Julia Haart: https://bodybyjuliahaart.com/
Purchase her book "Brazen": https://brazenbook.com/
Watch “My Unorthodox Life” on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/ca/title/81175724

Meghan Houle Method Career Community & Recruitment Resources:

LinkedIn

Meghan Houle Instagram

Pivot with Purpose Instagram

Book a Call With Meghan

Subscribe to the Pivot with Purpose Blog

Season 6 Sponsor TripleTen

TripleTen's boot camps turbocharge your journey into the world of tech, equipping you with the cutting-edge skills needed for a game-changing career pivot.

Ranked at the top of the charts, Tripleten’s programs in Software Engineering, Quality Assurance, Business Intelligence Analytics, and Data Science are the ultimate launchpad for your career transformation. Learn more about TripleTen: https://tripleten.com/

Welcome back to Pivot With Purpose! Today I have Matt Marcotte on the show with me and I am so pumped about the wisdom he is going to share with you!

Matt is the founder and principal at M2 Collaborative, an executive leadership and high-performance consultancy. He brings 34 years of building, scaling, reinventing, leading and advising some of the most valuable brands in the world. At M2 Collaborative, Matt’s approach to helping clients drive results is grounded in unleashing human potential- individuals, teams and cultures to create commitment not compliance around a clear and compelling brand vision and strategy. He works with companies across industries to help leaders lead better through meaningful relevant connection and relationship with employees and consumers. Prior to M2 Collaborative Matt was SVP, Head of Global Industry Advisors for Retail, Consumer Goods, Manufacturing, Automotive and Energy at Salesforce. He was also the head of the North America retail organization at Apple, scaling the technology company’s culture and sales during explosive growth early on in his career. Matt has countless experiences in retail and merchandising strategy and he currently teaches Consumer and Brand Relationship at his alma mater Boston College. I can’t wait to get into his insights and experiences navigating the ever-evolving landscape of retail!

Topics Covered:
(02:53) Matt reflects on his early career and the pivotal experiences that shaped his trajectory.
(07:25) Learning from pivotal career moments that fueled personal growth and resilience.
(38:02) The changing landscape of leadership today and the need for adaptability and empathy.
(42:59) The future of retail as impacted by e-commerce, social media, and the pandemic.
(51:23) How employee development and training impact retention and company culture.
(52:22) Prioritizing employee satisfaction to enhance customer experience.
(54:21) Strategies for effective leadership through clarity, support, and team empowerment.

Matt’s long tenure in retail is a testament to his leadership, innovation and ability to pivot with purpose! Want to learn more from Matt? Connect with him on LinkedIn!

Matt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mamarcotte/

Meghan Houle Method Career Community & Recruitment Resources:

LinkedIn

Meghan Houle Instagram

Pivot with Purpose Instagram

Book a Call With Meghan

Subscribe to the Pivot with Purpose Blog

Season 6 Sponsor TripleTen

TripleTen's boot camps turbocharge your journey into the world of tech, equipping you with the cutting-edge skills needed for a game-changing career pivot.

Ranked at the top of the charts, Tripleten’s programs in Software Engineering, Quality Assurance, Business Intelligence Analytics, and Data Science are the ultimate launchpad for your career transformation. Learn more about TripleTen: https://tripleten.com/

Welcome to the Pivot With Purpose podcast! I’m your host Meghan Houle and today I am so excited for a conversation with Nayline Carrion! Nayline is an entrepreneur, mom, fiance, and influencer, born in Puerto Rico who in her early 20s moved to Boston to pursue college and her dreams of becoming an entrepreneur in a busy city. Ten years later, she has evolved into a full-time entrepreneur, business mentor and philanthropist. In addition to managing three businesses, she’s committed to community involvement and guiding aspiring business owners during the early stages. Nayline Currently has 18 employees under her wing making a tangible impact both professionally and socially. Nayline's success across diverse industries like weddings, beauty and fashion showcases her versatility and entrepreneurial prowess. I am so excited to jump into this conversation and learn from her insights on building brands, handling setbacks, and prioritizing self-care. Nayline’s story inspires listeners to persevere and pivot with purpose!

Topics Covered:
(00:03) Birthday Shoutout for Nayline.
(01:16) Nayline's early career confusion, discovering her passion for entrepreneurship.
(07:01) The inception of Nayline's first online boutique and subsequent pivot to a successful party rental business.
(10:20) The Birth of The Blanc Event Space from identifying a market gap to launching a thriving business in Canton, MA.
(19:32) How Nayline adapted during the pandemic by pivoting into the flourishing beauty industry.
(27:42) Lessons learned from a failed investment and recognizing when to let go.
(34:01) Setting boundaries, taking breaks, and maintaining personal well-being.
(44:22) The power of strategic partnerships in business and the synergy between strengths and shared goals.
(50:10) Nayline’s upcoming projects.

Nayline’s path is a testament to resilience, creativity, and seizing opportunities in entrepreneurship. Challenges are inevitable in life and career, but with perseverance, strategic planning, and the right support, success is within reach! To learn more from Nayline connect with her using the links below!

Nayline’s Links:
Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nayline_nasir
The Blanc Website: https://www.theblancspaces.com/
The Blanc Modern Event Space: https://www.instagram.com/theblancvenue/
Naior B: https://www.instagram.com/naior_b/
Party Perfect: https://www.instagram.com/partyperfect_/

Meghan Houle Method Career Community & Recruitment Resources:

LinkedIn

Meghan Houle Instagram

Pivot with Purpose Instagram

Book a Call With Meghan

Subscribe to the Pivot with Purpose Blog

Season 6 Sponsor TripleTen

TripleTen's boot camps turbocharge your journey into the world of tech, equipping you with the cutting-edge skills needed for a game-changing career pivot.

Ranked at the top of the charts, Tripleten’s programs in Software Engineering, Quality Assurance, Business Intelligence Analytics, and Data Science are the ultimate launchpad for your career transformation. Learn more about TripleTen: https://tripleten.com/

Welcome back to Pivot With Purpose, I’m your host Meghan Houle, and today I have the privilege to hangout with Melisa Valdez for a LIVE episode! Melisa is a Host, Movement Coach, and Actor known for her vibrant energy and captivating presence. In the sports world, Melisa has made her mark as the In-arena host for the Boston Celtics, engaging fans and ensuring unforgettable experiences. Her hosting talents have also been showcased in major events for prestigious brands such as NBA, Red Bull, NAACP, New Era, Concepts, Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, FazeClan, Embrace Boston, and more! Melisa also has a background in professional dance and has graced the world stage, performing on tour with various major musical artists. Her passion for dance has also led her to become a certified dance fitness instructor. With over a decade of experience in the fitness industry, she has crafted an inclusive approach that inspires change and empowerment. She was born and raised as a proud Afro-Latina in the Dominican Republic and her roots are always at the forefront of her work. I am so inspired by Melisa and her journey of authenticity and career pivots, so let's jump into our conversation!

Topics Covered:
• Melisa's multifaceted career as an entertainment host, movement coach, and dance instructor.
• Melisa’s mission to encourage authenticity through movement and dance.
• Overcoming rejection and the importance of perseverance in achieving your dreams.
• The impact of mentorship in Melisa’s journey and the value of surrounding oneself with supportive and inspiring individuals.
• Establishing boundaries in both personal and professional life.
• Nuances of advocating for fair compensation and standing firm on one's worth, valuable advice for navigating salary negotiations and freelance opportunities.
• Finding fulfillment in life, prioritizing self-care, and embracing flexibility and growth in pursuit of personal and professional goals.

Melissa's journey exemplifies the transformative power of authenticity, resilience, and self-awareness. By embracing your true self, setting boundaries, and advocating for your worth, you can pave the way for meaningful success and purpose. Connect with her via her website or social media!

Melisa’s Links:
Email: info@melisavaldez.com
Website: https://www.melisavaldez.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missmelivaldez/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisavaldez

Meghan Houle Method Career Community & Recruitment Resources:

LinkedIn

Meghan Houle Instagram

Pivot with Purpose Instagram

Book a Call With Meghan

Subscribe to the Pivot with Purpose Blog

Season 6 Sponsor TripleTen

TripleTen's boot camps turbocharge your journey into the world of tech, equipping you with the cutting-edge skills needed for a game-changing career pivot.

Ranked at the top of the charts, Tripleten’s programs in Software Engineering, Quality Assurance, Business Intelligence Analytics, and Data Science are the ultimate launchpad for your career transformation. Learn more about TripleTen: https://tripleten.com/

Welcome back to Pivot With Purpose, I’m your host Meghan Houle and today I am sitting down with the wonderful Jennifer Desrosiers! Jennifer is a multi-passionate entrepreneur, business coach, and public speaker. She has a B.S. in Architectural Engineering, and held executive positions focused on massive revenue generation and growth before shifting her career from “Corporate America” to the wellness industry. Jennifer is notably the founder and CEO of LANEY & LU, an inspired eatery in Exeter and Portsmouth, NH, PALETTE, an experiential food and gifting company, and GINGER FOX, an artisan bakery in Stratham, NH. As the founder of ALTITUDE, Jennifer also creates elevated experiences in hospitality and live events inspired by connection and contribution. She is known for creating progressive team cultures, and profitable operations, and has an unwavering commitment to giving back. I am so excited to dive into her journey with you and discuss creating a thriving community through health and wellness!

Topics Covered:
(02:10) Jennifer discusses her experiences and goals for 2024, including strategic growth and balancing personal wellness with business demands.
(04:35) Jennifer’s journey from corporate business development to the health and wellness industry, including her struggles with health and how it led to the major career pivot.
(11:42) Jennifer's transformative health journey, discovering the Paleo diet, and how changing her diet and lifestyle led to the creation of her first restaurant.
(25:49) The importance of creating a positive brand experience, setting high standards and maintaining consistency in the service industry.
(28:17) The realities of business growth in the hospitality industry and the importance of adapting to different markets.
(39:27) Recognizing patterns and making difficult decisions for business success.
(53:16) Significance of financial literacy for small business owners.

Jennifer Desrosiers' story is a testament to the power of following your passion and prioritizing health and community when pivoting. She has so much knowledge to share with business owners, connect with her on Instagram to follow her journey and learn about coaching opportunities!

Jennifer’s Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferldesrosiers/

Connect with Jennifer’s Businesses!
ALTITUDE: @ALTITUDECOMPANIES | WWW.ALTITUDECOMPANIES.COM
LANEY & LU: @LANEYANDLU| WWW.LANEYANDLU.COM
PALETTE: @PALETTEGRAZEBOARDS | WWW.PALETTEGRAZEBOARDS.COM
GINGER FOX: @GINGERFOXBAKERIES | WWW.GINGERFOXBAKERY.COM

Meghan Houle Method Career Community & Recruitment Resources:

LinkedIn

Meghan Houle Instagram

Pivot with Purpose Instagram

Book a Call With Meghan

Subscribe to the Pivot with Purpose Blog

Season 6 Sponsor TripleTen

TripleTen's boot camps turbocharge your journey into the world of tech, equipping you with the cutting-edge skills needed for a game-changing career pivot.

Ranked at the top of the charts, Tripleten’s programs in Software Engineering, Quality Assurance, Business Intelligence Analytics, and Data Science are the ultimate launchpad for your career transformation. Learn more about TripleTen: https://tripleten.com/

Welcome back to Pivot With Purpose, I’m your host Meghan Houle and today I am joined by Sophie Jones, CEO and Founder of Sophie Jones Sacred Coaching. She is a distinguished business coach and breathwork facilitator, assisting entrepreneurs and professionals in overcoming limiting patterns that hinder personal and professional growth. Sophie faced adversity in her early twenties as a victim of human trafficking and undeterred. After immersing herself in personal development, she obtained her real estate license and became a top producer in four different cities. In 2018 Sophie had a pivotal moment where she embraced sobriety and discovered the profound impact of breathwork. Now she helps entrepreneurs achieve success from within. I am so honored to share Sophie’s journey with you all and discuss the importance of authenticity in building a personal brand!

Topics Covered:
(02:12) Sophie’s life-changing pivot of escaping human trafficking in her early twenties and how this traumatic experience led her first real estate business.
(10:29)] Sophie’s challenges of finding meaningful connections and the impact of her trauma on her ability to build relationships.
(16:41) The importance of slowing down and getting honest with oneself through and authentic connections with others and therapy.
(24:58) Sophie’s experience in the Houston real estate market.
(28:27) The struggle many people face in finding clarity in their careers and how to break free from subconscious programming to achieve true clarity.
(32:15) The transformative power of breathwork.
(45:10) Simplify, simplify, simplify in marketing and messaging.
(55:21) Overcoming misconceptions and understanding the true essence of personal growth programs.

Sophie's story is a powerful reminder that no matter how difficult our past, we have the strength to pivot, and thrive with our purpose! If you want to learn more from Sophie check out her Step Out of Survival Course.

Sophie’s Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_sophie.jones/
Website: https://sophiejonessc.com/
Step Out Of Survival Course: https://sophiejonessc.my.canva.site/step-out-of-survival-method
Application to work with Sophie: https://www.honeybook.com/widget/sophie_jones_sacred_coaching_llc_210426/cf_id/6202f6425fa0ab10967f96dc
Book a Breathwork Session: https://sophie-jones-sacred-coaching.mykajabi.com/offers/A4pCba2Y/che

Meghan Houle Method Career Community & Recruitment Resources:

LinkedIn

Meghan Houle Instagram

Pivot with Purpose Instagram

Book a Call With Meghan

Subscribe to the Pivot with Purpose Blog

Season 6 Sponsor TripleTen

TripleTen's boot camps turbocharge your journey into the world of tech, equipping you with the cutting-edge skills needed for a game-changing career pivot.

Ranked at the top of the charts, Tripleten’s programs in Software Engineering, Quality Assurance, Business Intelligence Analytics, and Data Science are the ultimate launchpad for your career transformation. Learn more about TripleTen: https://tripleten.com/

Welcome to Pivot With Purpose, where we dive into the art of career transitions and finding your professional footing. I’m your host Meghan Houle and today I am joined by strategic advisor, keynote speaker, podcast host, and bestselling author of Remarkable Retail and Leaders Leap, Steve Dennis! Steve has been named a top global retail influencer by multiple organizations, and his thoughts on the future of shopping are regularly shared in his role as a Forbes Senior Contributor, as well as through other media, including CNN, The Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg. As a sought-after keynote speaker, Steve has delivered talks on six continents, sharing his unique perspective on what it takes to reignite customer growth in a world of unrelenting change and shifting consumer preferences. Steve is President of SageBerry Consulting, where he has advised dozens of brands on their growth strategies. Prior to founding Sageberry, he was chief strategy officer and SVP, of multichannel marketing at the Neiman Marcus Group. In this episode, I am so excited to share Steve's story of transitioning from the corporate sphere to inspirational leadership. Together we’ll talk about Steve’s lessons learned, leadership tips, and insights from the dynamic world of retail and luxury brands. Let’s get started!

Topics Covered:

(01:33) Steve’s role in strategic advisory for retail consumer brands and his early experiences in retail and understanding consumer behavior.
(07:00) Lessons from Steve’s time at Sears, dealing with challenging situations during the rise of the internet and e-commerce.
(12:30) Steve’s pivot to Neiman Marcus and his adaptation to the luxury retail environment.
(18:07) The Importance of hiring for soft skills and diversity of experience.
(27:11) Why companies fail to act on market trends and the psychological barriers such as fear and ego that keep them stuck.
(33:49) Tips for current and aspiring leaders on developing essential skills like vulnerability, empathy, and the importance of building trust within teams.
(52:27) The importance of companies being proactive and ready to lead.
(54:14) Career advice for those feeling stuck.

The business landscape is always rapidly changing, and standing still is the riskiest move of all! As leaders we need to embrace vulnerability, take calculated risks, and foster an environment where trust and innovation can thrive.

Want to learn more from Steve? Check out the Remarkable Retail Podcast!

Steve’s Links:
Website: https://stevenpdennis.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenpdennis
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/StevenPDennis
Buy His Book “Leaders Leap”: https://stevenpdennis.com/leaders-leap/
Remarkable Retail Podcast: https://stevenpdennis.com/podcast/

Meghan Houle Method Career Community & Recruitment Resources:

LinkedIn

Meghan Houle Instagram

Pivot with Purpose Instagram

Book a Call With Meghan

Subscribe to the Pivot with Purpose Blog

Season 6 Sponsor TripleTen

TripleTen's boot camps turbocharge your journey into the world of tech, equipping you with the cutting-edge skills needed for a game-changing career pivot.

Ranked at the top of the charts, Tripleten’s programs in Software Engineering, Quality Assurance, Business Intelligence Analytics, and Data Science are the ultimate launchpad for your career transformation. Learn more about TripleTen: https://tripleten.com/