The Cost of Ambition in the Age of Innovation with Dr. Naketa Ren Thigpen

Most systems focus on output, not connection. On this episode of Balance Boldly, we explore why innovation that ignores intimacy comes at a high cost. “We’ve made it normal to disconnect from ourselves just to stay relevant,” but that disconnection costs far more than it returns.

If innovation erodes your relationships, it’s not true innovation. “Growth that breaks trust isn’t strategy, it’s avoidance.” Intimacy is more than a romantic notion, it’s a practical and foundational tool for ALL of the relationships you create, from the bedroom to the boardroom. Being present helps you lead better, make smarter decisions, and scale with integrity.

This episode is for leaders ready to embrace connection as a core driver of sustainable success.

Follow the BBP here on this app for bold, authentic conversations that empower you to build impact and balance on your own terms.

Want to dive a bit deeper into the ThigPro Community?

Enter ThigPro Quo

Where Balance Meets Brilliance and Intimacy Fuels Innovation.

Subscribe: https://rebrand.ly/ThigPro-Quo

Innovation is leading the way but intimacy remains essential. On this episode of Balance Boldly, host Dr. Naketa Ren Thigpen explores the true cost of ambition in today’s fast-changing world. As Dr. Thigpen says, “The world rewards motion. But the overachievers I work with are tired of spinning.”

This conversation explains why ambition that costs your peace or your people is simply too expensive. From optimizing relationships to building strong relationship infrastructure, this episode is for founders and leaders who are done pretending. Balance Boldly exists because success without self is a lie. These are real conversations about creating lives and businesses that energize you instead of draining you.

If you’re trying to balance the demands of innovation with the need for real human connection, this episode delivers clear, honest insights so you can lead with heart and sanity. It’s time to stop paying for ambition with your peace of mind.

Key themes include:

• How to balance innovation with intimacy in leadership
• Rethinking ambition beyond constant motion
• Practical strategies for growing relationships in business and life
• Candid talk for imperfect, courageous founders and leaders

Follow the BBP here on this app for bold, authentic conversations that empower you to build impact and balance on your own terms.

Want to dive a bit deeper into the ThigPro Community?

Enter ThigPro Quo

Where Balance Meets Brilliance and Intimacy Fuels Innovation.

Subscribe: https://rebrand.ly/ThigPro-Quo

In this episode of the BBP, host Naketa Ren Thigpen chats with Ashley Stanford, a digital marketing consultant and freelance expert with over 15 years of experience. This episode explores Ashley's path from career burnout to achieving balance and fulfillment. She discusses using tools like Danielle Laporte's "The Desire Map" to identify core desired feelings and the importance of setting clear boundaries in personal and professional life. Ashley shares her wisdom on juggling multiple roles, including being EVP of Client Strategy at TicketSocket and the VP and co-founder of Ice Cream Social, without losing oneself. The conversation is inspiring and practical, making it a must-listen for ambitious individuals seeking harmony.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Ambitious women's goals and responsibilities.

09:42 Embracing temporary sacrifices for future freedom.

11:35 Overcoming setbacks leads to significant achievements.

14:34 How boundaries enhance productivity and mental well-being.

18:24 Navigating life changes: parenting, avoiding burnout.

23:29 Prioritizing personal joy and self-care first.

More about Ashley Stanford

Meet Ashley Stanford, a digital marketing consultant with 15+ years of experience! She excels in creating strategic marketing plans and optimizing tactics, primarily in the events & entertainment sector, with additional expertise in healthcare and fintech. Ashley is the EVP of Client Strategy at TicketSocket and Vice President and Co-Founder of Ice Cream Social, a widget that enhances websites by driving word-of-mouth marketing and gathering valuable first-party data. Supported by Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech since 2022, Ashley's extensive background in digital marketing roles equips her with unmatched skills in customer acquisition, email, search, and content marketing.

Follow Ashley Stanford:

Ice Cream Social Website: https://icecreamsocial.io/

TicketSocket Website: https://ticketsocket.com/

Ashley LinkedIn: ashcline

Personal Note from Naketa:

The conversation doesn't stop here, come chat with me over on @naketarenthigpen Substack.

I take you deeper with unfiltered reflections, the behind-the-scenes thought process, and the real-world application of everything we unpacked here.

Pull up a chair, pour a cup (or glass, no judgement here) and let's talk work, life, love, growth, (and) how to sustain it without losing your mogul-in-the-making mind.

More on the BBP:

Introducing Balance Boldly for Ambitious Women in Business (and a few brave men) with Naketa Ren Thigpen—a transformative podcast for founders & leaders who believe that building a legacy is as much about WHO you build it with as HOW you build it.

Unlike our latest amazing podcast, The Lazy Overachiever Show, which challenges norms around self-care and growth strategies, Balance Boldly, dubbed the BBP, emphasizes the deep connections and intentional work-life balance and relationship management strategies that form the foundation for lasting impact. Amplifying the power of intimacy by demonstrating how success in the boardroom is deeply intertwined with the energy you cultivate in your personal life.

On this show (and) in Naketa's everyday life, she's sharing how prioritized mental health with non-negotiable boundaries and strong relationship health help to collapse time, while rippling joy across generations....

Have you found yourself privately saying, “I don’t get it, I don’t have imposter syndrome, and can’t relate to people who say they have.” Our next guest, Sheila Buswell, can in fact relate to you if you’re a human who connects with that statement. At least she could, until she couldn’t… Once the CEO and Co-Founder of Buswell Biomedical, and veteran of the US Army, got perspective on where the feeling of “not enough” showed up in a specific area of her purview, everything changed. Today, Sheila’s an author, sharing her personal experiences with imposter syndrome alongside a diverse group of other accomplished humans who struggled with self-doubt in her book, Is This Seat For Me? Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Everyday Life and Business. In this episode, we dive deeper into how you can be dope and still doubt in a way that can make you play small when you’re here for big impact.

Time Stamps:

00:00 In-depth conversation about imposter syndrome

04:40 How Imposter syndrome arises with new challenges

08:52 Biases at work

13:30 The importance of deciding to embrace or fix flaws

14:27 Not every woman want’s to hold your baby

20:07 Space for freedom of choice.

21:57 Bucking the system

25:53 Understanding diverse communication styles, including your own

29:49 Sharing is caring and how to start small

More about Sheila Buswell

After losing her scholarship to college, Sheila enrolled in the US Army where she cross trained as a Generator Mechanic. After receiving a medical discharge in 2001, Sheila transitioned back into civilian life. Committed to not ending up in a minimum wage job flipping burgers, Sheila enrolled in the Missouri University of Science and Technology so she could build a career as an engineer. 

For years, Sheila both had success in her career and also endured a tremendous amount of sexism. She left her job in 2019 to found Buswell Biomedical, a company based off the device she invented which is controlled by Machine Learning.

Follow Sheila Buswell:

www.isthisseatforme.com

Sheila’s Book: Is This Seat for Me? Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Everyday Life and Business

Personal Note from Naketa:

The conversation doesn't stop here, come chat with me over on @naketarenthigpen Substack.

I take you deeper with unfiltered reflections, the behind-the-scenes thought process, and the real-world application of everything we unpacked here.

Pull up a chair, pour a cup (or glass, no judgement here) and let's talk work, life, love, growth, (and) how to sustain it without losing your mogul-in-the-making mind.

More on the BBP:

Introducing Balance Boldly for Ambitious Women in Business (and a few brave men) with Naketa Ren Thigpen—a transformative podcast for founders & leaders who believe that building a legacy is as much about WHO you build it with as HOW you build it.

Unlike our latest amazing podcast, The Lazy Overachiever Show, which challenges norms around self-care and growth strategies, Balance Boldly, dubbed the BBP, emphasizes the deep connections and intentional work-life balance and relationship management strategies that form the foundation for lasting impact. Amplifying the power of intimacy by demonstrating...

On today’s episode of the Balance Boldly Podcast, Yolanda Drewell, a Transformational Stylist, Midlife- Anti-Propogandist is bringing us a peek into her Queendom, the realm where Fabulocity rules and everyone who embraces it gets play with “fabification” and light up every room they enter. As host, Naketa Ren Thigpen gives Yolanda three snaps and a clap for the way she breaks down how important it was to tune up herself FIRST to make sure she has plenty to share with her husband, her family, her clients, and everyone welcomed into her ecosystem, you will start snapping too!

What to expect in today's BBP episode:

-How just using the word “fabulous” can raise your vibration and make you feel happier

-What kind of internal shifts can happen when you are fabulous and how it helps your circle

- What is the midlife portal and how to know if you’re in it or about to enter it

-The advanced style movement and what it’s doing to shake up the world and you

-Why looking at your role models (the good and not so good they’ve shown you) can help you show up fully faster

-How to take the first micro step toward creating your own fabulocity

More about Yolanda Drewell

Yolanda Drewell is a Transformational Stylist, Midlife Anti-Propagandist and calls herself the Queen of Fabulocity, a habit and life philosophy that evolved out of her love for word ‘fabulous’.

Influenced by her colorful South African roots, Yolanda uses her own unique, flamboyant outfits, language and modalities to model and inspire women to discover and craft expanded and compelling versions of themselves, starting in their wardrobe.

Yolanda is an ex-PR professional, and she is also a laughter yoga coach, pantomime actress and a student of Quantum Touch. She has four teenage children, a British husband and lives in the UK with all of the above and two poodles. She is an advocate for Steiner education (her four children went through the Steiner School system on three continents) and Extinction Rebellion (XR).

Contact Yolanda Drewell

https://www.instagram.com/comebefabulous/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk94aa2nuOUkzGfhbOe_a_A

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolanda-drewell-5a052b19/

https://www.facebook.com/yolanda.drewell

Subscribe, REVIEW, Share & Balance Boldly

On the Balance Boldly Podcast, host Naketa Ren Thigpen talks with ambitious women in business (and a few brave men) from a wide array of industries about their pursuit of success, how they face business burnout, navigate relationship hurdles, and what overall work/life balance looks like for them. Not your conventional personal development podcast, Balance Boldly uncovers real solutions to real problems afflicting real people at home and in the workplace, daily.

If you enjoyed this episode, head over to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, or your favorite podcast app to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review.

If you want to dive deeper into personal de

Naketa Ren Thigpen is a Balance (and) Relationship Advisor activating power couples (and) potent humans ready to self-actualize wholeness |Architect of Intentionally Selfish Suite Incubator- Training & Certification for Women Entrepreneurs| Podcast Host & Transformational Speaker. Interested in learning more, visit www.thigpro.com

Ready to activate joy in work/life (and LOVE), enjoy this Complimentary Masterclass at

Elena Daccus was once told the best thing she could ever become would be a secretary at a local factory. Refusing to submit to an expectation that was not in alignment with her desire to do and be more, Elena has bought and sold over 50 companies worth nearly 10 billion dollars and is now known as the High-Ticket Sales Expert. On today’s episode of the Balance Boldly Podcast, Elena sits down with Naketa Ren Thigpen and shares how connecting with people on your values helps you eliminate the hustle, rest more, and create space for more play.

What to expect in today's BBP episode:

- Why financial independence is crucial for balance

- How play can propel you further than hard work

- What dance has to do with balance

- How rest doubles as work time when you decondition old paradigms

- Eliminate the hustle mindset with powerful questions

- How you can discover your purpose by thinking about your death

- Why dating your clients can help you simplify and thrive!

More about Elena Daccus

Elena opened the lids to hundreds of businesses in the online space. She is the go-to expert when it comes to messaging and high-ticket sales. Through her 20 years of mergers and acquisitions experience she knows exactly what works and what does not, what sells and what does not and how to create a business that thrives with or without you. Why one company on the surface looks great, lots of followers and champagne parties, but if you open the lid to the business – the founder is trapped within it, hates the clients, the business model and can’t scale. She will show you how to drastically simplify your business to reach your next level of success. How to stop 90% of stuff that is keeping you stuck and how to skyrocket your business with one powerful message and virtual stages.

Contact Elena Daccus

Website:www.bossyheels.com

Subscribe, REVIEW, Share & Balance Boldly

On the Balance Boldly Podcast, host Naketa Ren Thigpen talks with ambitious women in business (and a few brave men) from a wide array of industries about their pursuit of success, how they face business burnout, navigate relationship hurdles, and what overall work/life balance looks like for them. Not your conventional personal development podcast, Balance Boldly uncovers real solutions to real problems afflicting real people at home and in the workplace, daily.

If you enjoyed this episode, head over to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, or your favorite podcast app to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review.

If you want to dive deeper into personal development topics shared on the BBP (Balance Boldly Podcast) and get the “how-to” for implementing and infusing these tools, connect on LinkedIn so you get notifications for the Live Fully LinkedIn LIVESTREAMS held first and second Wednesday at 12pm EST (as long as I’m not selfishly vacationing and intentionally refueling) 😊

Now Go! Enjoy the balance of your day, but remember, do it, BOLDLY!

Thank you for listening!

Naketa Ren Thigpen is a Balance (and) Relationship Advisor activating power couples (and) potent humans ready to self-actualize wholeness |Architect of Intentionally Selfish Suite Incubator- Training & Certification for Women Entrepreneurs| Podcast Host & Transformational Speaker. Interested in learning more, visit www.thigpro.com

Ready to activate joy in work/life (and LOVE), enjoy this Complimentary Masterclass at asknaketa.com

Our next guest isn’t just passionate about transforming relationships, he’s ignited highest when he can help couples transform fast! Jon Dabach is a couples counselor and relationship coach, known as Mr. Spirituality by clients and followers of his engaging podcast, Relationship Revival. Today, Jon is in the studio with host, Naketa Ren Thigpen to talk about complacency in your relationships and career path and the ripples that are created when you lean in and choose to be happy.

Get ready to be inspired! Tune in now.

What to expect in today's BBP episode:

- How happiness is connected to doing what you love doing most

- A reminder of how impactful your purpose is for the next generation

- Why it’s important to dress up for date night

- The benefit of speaking in your partners love language

- Bringing passion back into your relationship can be as easy as 1,2,3

- Bonus>>Why men should plan all the date nights moving forward…

Contact Jon Dabach

https://mrspirituality.com

https://facebook.com/mrspirituality

Subscribe, REVIEW, Share & Balance Boldly

On the Balance Boldly Podcast, host Naketa Ren Thigpen talks with ambitious women in business (and a few brave men) from a wide array of industries about their pursuit of success, how they face business burnout, navigate relationship hurdles, and what overall work/life balance looks like for them. Not your conventional personal development podcast, Balance Boldly uncovers real solutions to real problems afflicting real people at home and in the workplace, daily.

If you enjoyed this episode, head over to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, or your favorite podcast app to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review.

Now Go! Enjoy the balance of your day, but remember, do it, BOLDLY!

Thank you for listening!

In this episode of the Balance Boldly Podcast sitting with Naketa Ren Thigpen let’s welcome Dr. Omolara Uwemedimo, she is an expert in purpose-led entrepreneurship, securing funding for healthcare, addressing medical racism for marginalized providers and patients, and building socially-responsive healthcare spaces.

More about Dr. Omolara Uwemedimo
Dr. Omolara founded Melanin & Medicine, premier business development & funding coaching company to help support women of color in medicine to secure capital, without incurring debt or diluting equity, to build and grow their own healthcare businesses committed to social impact.

Contact Dr. Omolara Uwemedimo
- Website URL: https://melaninandmedicine.co/
- Social Media Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omolaramd/
Free Masterclass
Passion to Profit with Dr. Omolara
https://melaninandmedicine.co/masterclass

Subscribe, REVIEW, Share & Balance Boldly

On the Balance Boldly Podcast, host Naketa Ren Thigpen talks with ambitious women in business (and a few brave men) from a wide array of industries about their pursuit of success, how they face business burnout, navigate relationship hurdles, and what overall work/life balance looks like for them. Not your conventional personal development podcast, Balance Boldly uncovers real solutions to real problems afflicting real people at home and in the workplace, daily.

If you enjoyed this episode, head over to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, or your favorite podcast app to subscribe to the show and leave your honest review.

If you want to dive deeper into personal development topics shared on the BBP (Balance Boldly Podcast) and get the “how-to” for implementing and infusing these tools, connect on LinkedIn so you get notifications for the Live Fully LinkedIn LIVESTREAMS held first and second Wednesday at 12pm EST (as long as I’m not selfishly vacationing and intentionally refueling) 😊

Order a paperback copy of my survivor memoir and personal transformational story for yourself or a friend. Selfish: Permission to Pause, Live, Love and Laugh Your Way to Joy at Barnes & Nobles, Bookshop.org or anywhere books are found.

Now Go! Enjoy the balance of your day, but remember, do it, BOLDLY!

Thank you for listening!

Naketa Ren Thigpen is a Balance (and) Relationship Advisor activating power couples (and) potent humans ready to self-actualize wholeness |Architect of Intentionally Selfish Suite Incubator- Training & Certification for Women Entrepreneurs| Podcast Host & Transformational Speaker. Interested in learning more, visit www.thigpro.com

Ready to activate joy in work/life (and LOVE), enjoy this Complimentary Masterclass at asknaketa.com