On this episode of the MY FOURTH ACT podcast, I have the distinct thrill of speaking with 5 extraordinary women who jointly wrote a just-released book, “Women Unbound: Navigating Transitions Gracefully,” published by Balboa Press, an imprint of Hay House.It is a tale of how five voices, strangers at first, with decidedly different life journeys and experiences, joined in courage and kindness, and over a period of two years blossomed into a chorus of truth and tenderness.The extraordinary women?

• Maria Hernandez, a technology and innovation thought leader who served as Chief Innovation Officer for IBM Latin America.
• Lama Karma Chotso, an ordained Tibetan Buddhist nun for over 35 years, and the former leader of a Dharma center in Florida.
• Jennifer DiMarco: An executive with 30 years of expertise in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry, and a special focus on quality and compliance.
• Sarah Lewis: An architect and urban planner, with 25 years of expertise in both the private sector and as a public sector planner in the Boston area.
• Catherine Seo, PH.D.: An educator, filmmaker, and passionate advocate for those living with lipedema and related chronic conditions.

It was my privilege to serve as a Mastermind host for these spectacular humans and write the Foreword for “Women Unbound.”

Danielle is an internationally acclaimed concert harpist and multi-faceted artist.

She was admitted to the young talent department of the Royal Conservatory in the Netherlands at the age of 12. It marked the beginning of a successful international career as a soloist, chamber musician, and principal orchestra harpist. Danielle is the prizewinner of major national and international harp competitions. She has performed all over the world with renowned musicians and maestros, in cities such as Amsterdam, Berlin, Vienna, Paris, and Madrid. For 15 years, she served as the principal harpist of the Symphony Orchestra of The Hague, Netherlands.

In 2020, Danielle moved to the Algarve in Portugal where she offers harp concerts, sound journeys, 1:1 sessions, and movement classes. Here, she also created her intimate ‘Meditative Harp concerts,’ a ceremonial space that starts with a sound journey with sacred instruments and a heart opening meditation, followed by a meditative harp concert.

www.danielleriegel.love

Gary Chupik is internationally recognized as one of the top mental performance coaches in the world. He unlocks performance in professional teams, athletes and business professionals. Additionally, Gary has been an ordained minister for 27 years and Chaplain of the Seattle Thunderbirds for 7 years.

Gary’s clients include players, coaches and executives from the Houston Texans, Washington Huskies, Stanford University, USA Figure Skating, Seattle Mariners, and many, many more Additionally, Gary supports folks who feel stuck in their lives and desire a new “Gameplan for Life.”

www.garychupik.com

Damian Goldvarg, Ph.D., MCC, is an Executive Coach, leadership authority, keynote speaker, and learning facilitator. He is the author and co-author of eight books, including his just released Lead With a Coaching Mindset, How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential. published by Berrett-Koehler.

Damian is a luminary in the international coaching world and a leading proponent of the emerging field of Coaching Supervision. He is the Past Global Chair of the International Coach Federation (2013-2014) and was inducted into the ICF Circle of Distinction in 2018.

Devin C. Hughes is an award-winning speaker, workplace culture expert, best-selling author of numerous books including a memoir, “Contrast: A Biracial Man’s Journey to Segregate His Past,” and a former college basketball player.

After a successful career in a global pharmaceutical company, Devin left corporate life to found his own training and consulting firm where he inspires groups and helps organizations and teams to break down barriers and make communication easier through greater awareness.

Susana Cor de Rosa is a healer, author, and spiritual teacher from Lisbon. She is known for her work as a quantum activator and creator of the Unified Quantum Healing method.

After an intense early career balancing health work and law school, Susana experienced burnout and disconnection. This led her to a profound spiritual awakening and transformation. Drawing on studies in quantum physics, shamanism, and alternative therapies, she now helps others activate their potential and connect with their purpose.

Susana has worked with thousands of people globally, written three books, and leads programs focused on energy healing, consciousness expansion, and spiritual empowerment.

www.susanacorderosa.net

Gayla Morgan is a professional singer, composer/lyricist, producer and vocal arranger. Gayla just began an engagement as the vocal coach for Disney Cruises’ newest ship, Adventure, sailing from Singapore.

Gayla’s musical, “A Dog Story,” had an acclaimed off-Broadway run. Her singing career includes recording and touring for 5 years with the Grammy-nominated Western Wind Vocal Ensemble, a 6-member a capella singing group. Gayla’s professional life has her based in Colorado, New York City, Key West, and now, across the world.

Phelim McDermott is an actor and director from the UK. In 2023, Phelim was awarded the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Director for My Neighbor Totoro.

Phelim has staged operas in many of the great opera houses of the world, including countless times at The Met (Akhnaten, The Hours, Cosi fan Tutte,The Enchanted Island) and the English National Opera. In addition, he has directed plays and operas in Germany, Spain, and Australia.

Phelim is a passionate advocate for the transformational work of Harrison Owen, who originated a simple conversational framework called Open Space Technology.