👋 Ever felt like you were on the WRONG side of a career curveball? ⚾️ Yeah, me too! 🙋‍♀️

But plot twist: that corporate layoff turned out to be my biggest career WIN. 🙌 Why? Because it forced me to stop sleepwalking 😴 through life and finally pursue my passion for coaching. 🚀

It wasn't easy. It was messy, scary, and full of self-doubt. 🥴 But I wouldn't trade it for anything. That setback taught me resilience, empathy, and laser focus on what TRULY matters. 💪

So, if you're facing a career shakeup, DON'T PANIC. It might just be the universe's way of nudging you toward your true calling. ✨

Today, we're diving into a topic that's deceptively simple yet incredibly powerful: the art of saying no. We've all been there – feeling obligated to say yes, even when our gut screams "no way!" But learning to say no isn't just about avoiding things you don't want to do, it's about prioritizing your time, energy, and mental well-being.

Be sure to visit my website at https://www.wendybouwman.com/

Alright folks, welcome back to Living Life with Wendy Podcast.

Today, we get real about influence. You know, not the cheesy "Instagram influencer" kind, but the real-deal power to shape how people think, feel, and act.

Think of it as leadership fuel.

So whether you're a boss, a budding entrepreneur, or simply trying to navigate family disagreements without everyone yelling, this one's for you!

Cathy Baillargeon, a former business consultant, is the Owner and “Chief Cathy Officer” of Virtual Cathy, a premier virtual assisting company that has earned distinction in supporting hundreds of small business owners, healthcare practitioners, executive professionals, and non-profit organizations that span the globe.

Cathy Baillargeon's entrepreneurial spirit, profound industry knowledge, and dedication to helping businesses thrive make her a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the field of virtual assistance and business support services.

Whether she's sharing her insights on the evolving landscape of remote work, the importance of delegating, or the strategies for building a successful virtual assisting company, Cathy's expertise shines through, inspiring audiences to achieve new heights of productivity and success in their own endeavors.

You can find Cathy here:

Website - https://virtualcathy.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cathy.l.baillargeon/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yourvirtualcathy/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-baillargeon/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@virtualcathy

Ann Swanson teaches meditation to busy people with busy minds. She is the author of the bestselling book SCIENCE OF YOGA, which has been translated into over 15 languages.

Her new book, Meditation for the Real World, illuminates the fascinating science behind meditation with step-by-step practices to find peace in everyday life. However, Ann wasn’t a naturally “chill person,” and meditation didn’t come easy to her. Overcoming chronic pain and anxiety led her to India to study yoga, to China to explore tai chi, and, ultimately, to earn a Master of Science in Yoga Therapy.

Now, Ann blends cutting-edge research with ancient wisdom, resulting in realistic techniques you’ll find yourself integrating into your day!

Order her new book at MeditationForTheRealWorld.com for exclusive bonuses available to our listeners.

Order Ann's book, Meditation for the Real World, and get science-backed guided meditations with music engineered to optimize your brainwaves at: https://MeditationForTheRealWorld.com

Ann’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnnSwansonWellness

Ann’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scienceof.yoga/

Debra is a powerhouse example for those entrepreneurs who are getting in their own way of success.

She shares some valuable lessons on how to get the balance you need to be the Boss Babe of your own life. And why hiring experts is important if you want to get to the next level in your career.

Debra is Founder & CEO of D&S Executive Career Management, is an award-winning entrepreneur, international speaker, and recognized expert in executive career growth, C-level job search strategy, and board candidate best practices.

She was recently honored by Forbes as a NEXT 1000 Entrepreneur and is currently a member of the Forbes Business Council.

Additionally, she is a founding Member of the Career Industry Authority and holds a master’s degree in Management.

You can find Debra at the following links:

Website: https://www.dscareermanagement.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debraboggs/

Please join me today where I speak to Michelle Merritt, Chief Strategy Officer at D&S Executive Management.

We talk about the challenges of women in business who are looking to get their seat at the table at the C-suite / executive level. So if you are feeling stuck and not sure how to get there, be sure to listen the latest episode of Living Life with Wendy.

Drawing on her 20-year corporate career as a Fortune 500 recruiter and corporate culture executive, Michelle provides a wealth of experience for her clients. Today, she guides executive leaders through the end-to-end job search process, from resume writing to negotiating offers. As a sought-after speaker and trainer, Michelle is a trusted source for leading-edge trends affecting senior-level job seekers and board candidates.

Recognized as a civic and local leader, she serves on several community and volunteer boards (ask her about her Guinness World Record). She is based in Greater Indianapolis.

You can find Michelle at the following links:

Website: https://www.dscareermanagement.com

LInkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellemerritt/

Get ready to be inspired!!!

Katrina Purcell has passion and enthusiasm for life, and believes that life is not about finding yourself but about creating it. She's tackled everything from a full Ironman to an executive MBA program while working full time. You'll learn that Katrina enjoys a good challenge, a positive mindset and long walks around Brooklyn.

She's been in sticky situations that have tested her and turned her into the person she is today! Katrina also loves to help other women in all fields feel seen and heard, by giving advice, taking in questions or share her journey in the hope it helps someone else.

You can find Katrina @ https://katrinapurcell.com