Halfway through the year is a critical time to check in on those goals we set with so much hope in January. On this episode of No More Mondays, Angie Callen welcomes Julie Ellis—entrepreneur, leadership coach, and author of Big Gorgeous Goals—to share her philosophy on setting ambitious goals that inspire, challenge, and ultimately fulfill us.

Julie helps us understand the difference between conventional goals like SMART goals or to-do lists and what she calls 'big gorgeous goals'—those audacious, inspiring goals that push us beyond our comfort zones and invite creativity and persistence over time. They explore why so many people get stuck, how fear of failure, judgment, and even success can sabotage our progress, and the essential role of delegation, systems, and accountability partners in reaching these goals.

In this episode, we explore:
- The distinction between typical goal-setting and big gorgeous goals
- Why creating space and disconnecting from constant busyness is critical for vision
- The fears that hold us back and how to face them
- How to build systems, processes, and teams that support ambitious goals
- The importance of accountability and community in sustainable success
- Reflecting on success and fulfillment as evolving concepts
- Midyear recalibration: how to assess and adjust your goals realistically
- Practical questions to get unstuck and move forward
- The power of analog reflection in a digital age

This conversation connects with the themes of modern work, values-driven leadership, and human potential. Julie's story of building a successful business, going through a major transition, and redefining her own goals brings authenticity and hope for anyone needing a fresh perspective.

Julie Ellis is an entrepreneur, leadership coach, speaker, and author of Big Gorgeous Goals. She has built and exited a multi-million-dollar business and now dedicates her work to helping others set and achieve inspiring goals by acknowledging fears and building intentional supports.

Find Julie and her book at julieellis.ca and on LinkedIn.

Remember: Humans still matter, and your big, gorgeous goals can transform not just your work, but your life.

We're more "connected" than ever and more disconnected than ever — from each other and from ourselves. In this Midweek Momentum, Angie unpacks why real connection starts on the inside, what it actually means to show up with presence and authority, and why stillness might be the most underrated leadership skill there is.

Showing up authentically isn't just a feel-good motto; it's a strategic advantage in today's fast-paced, AI-driven world. In this episode, I sit down with Michael Fineman—a speaker, communication expert, and self-proclaimed dot connector—to explore what it really means to have presence and authority rooted in authenticity and identity.

We get beyond surface-level confidence and talk about the internal work that shapes how others experience us in meaningful ways. From navigating imposter syndrome to resisting the urge to fake connection with AI-generated content, this conversation reminds us that humans still matter in the age of technology.

In this episode, we explore:
- The difference between merely sharing information and truly connecting
- How authenticity fuels authority and confidence
- Why identity is the foundation for leadership presence
- The risks of relying on AI without deep understanding
- How imposter syndrome blocks genuine connection
- Practical ways to take off the mask and serve others
- The importance of stillness and self-reflection for steady leadership
- The concept of Authoritative Drift and how to stay aligned with your true purpose
- How servant leadership changes the game
- Creating real impact through meaningful relationships

Real leadership today means leading with your whole self, grounded in values, and connected to your inner identity. Michael's work guides us to rediscover that source of steady authority that can't be duplicated by machines or polished scripts.

Michael Fineman is a seasoned communication expert and author of books including "The Man with the Wooden Mouth" and "Connect the Dots." He helps leaders and entrepreneurs build authentic presence and communicate with genuine impact. You can learn more about his work and upcoming programs at mikef360.com.

At No More Mondays, we believe humans still matter. This episode shows why bringing your full, authentic self is the best leadership strategy there is.

In this episode of No More Mondays, Angie Callen sits down with Wayne Herring, an engineer turned business coach, to explore why systems alone fall short when it comes to solving human problems in business and leadership. They discuss how blending analytical thinking with self-awareness, connection, and community creates a more sustainable approach to entrepreneurship and team leadership.

This conversation matters because in an age of AI and increasing reliance on technology, it is easy to overlook the deeply human elements that drive true success. Wayne shares insights from his unique perspective and experience hosting immersive mastermind events in nature that unlock honest conversations and small but powerful realizations.

In this episode, we explore:
- The journey from engineering to coaching and the value of blending both worlds
- Why entrepreneurial success requires more than just analytical systems
- The limitations of AI as a complete solution for human challenges
- How changing environment and nature foster clarity and creativity
- The power of community and shared vulnerability in problem-solving
- Practical ways to focus on the human element in leadership
- Why small next steps and permission to be imperfect matter most
- How simple systems can support, not replace, human connection
- The importance of self-awareness for leaders navigating future of work

This episode is a reminder to lead with values and prioritize human relationships over perfect processes. As Wayne and Angie discuss, when we focus more on who we are and less on just what we do, both leadership and life improve.

Wayne Herring is a business coach, entrepreneur, and former civil engineer who blends the precision of engineering with a passion for human development and community. He founded Business Builder Camp, a space where entrepreneurs connect, mastermind, and grow without losing themselves in the process. You can find Wayne and his community at BusinessBuilderCamp.com and on LinkedIn.

Remember, humans still matter—especially now.

Most people don't lack vision. They lack follow-through. In this Midweek Momentum, Angie digs into what it actually takes to cross the space between knowing what you want and doing something about it — including why designing your life is a daily practice, not a one-time decision.

We all have dreams, but turning those dreams into something real takes intentionality, reflection, and sometimes tough pivots. In this episode, Kent Julian joins Angie Callen to discuss what it means to live on purpose and design a life and leadership style that truly reflects your unique strengths, values, and desires—not just defaulting to what's expected or financially tempting.

This conversation matters because it connects directly to the challenges many face in the modern world of work: how to align passion with purpose, build a sustainable life, and adapt gracefully when things don't go as planned. It's about leading yourself first to lead others well.

In this episode, we explore:
- The lifelong pursuit of living intentionally, not by default
- The importance of self-awareness in career and leadership choices
- Why financially driven decisions often lead to being stuck
- How to recognize when it's time to pivot and realign
- Moving from dream to action when the path is unclear
- The value of embracing failure as a learning experience
- The mindset shifts needed to keep pursuing growth
- Designing work that fits your strengths and interests
- How to stay human and authentic in the future of work
- Starting your day with quiet reflection as a leadership practice

Living intentionally is a journey that requires constant attention, self-knowledge, and courage to act. Kent's story reveals how designing your life thoughtfully can bring fulfillment long before traditional milestones like retirement.

Kent Julian is a speaker, coach, and founder of Live It Forward. His mission is to help people move from vision to implementation, designing lives that align with what matters most. Find him at kentjulian.com and liveitforward.com.

Remember, no matter the technology or changes around us, humans still matter deeply in how we lead and live.

You can't build a sustainable career, lead well, or show up for the people who matter most if you're running on empty. In this Midweek Momentum, Angie talks about why physical well-being isn't separate from professional performance — it's the foundation everything else is built on, and it's time to start treating it that way.

We all know what it takes to be healthy, but why does it feel so difficult to stick with the basics? In this episode, Marcus Gates, fitness coach and former athlete, pulls back the curtain on the psychological and practical barriers that keep many of us from following through on nutrition, workouts, and self-care. More importantly, Marcus shares how taking consistent, manageable actions leads to greater confidence, self-respect, and energy that ripple into all areas of life.

Why does this conversation matter? Because your physical well-being is the foundation for everything else: productivity, relationships, mental health, and leadership. It's not about extreme discipline or perfection but building habits that serve you during life's toughest weeks.

In this episode, we explore:
- The all-or-nothing mindset that often kills progress
- How early life beliefs impact adult fitness habits
- The power of realistic goal setting and habit stacking
- Why motivation is fleeting and action breeds momentum
- How physical health connects to self-worth and confidence
- Modeling healthy behaviors for the next generation
- Practical ways to systematize health like any other priority
- The domino effect of fitness on career and relationships
- Breaking free from procrastination cycles
- Why inconsistency is expensive and how to avoid it

Marcus Gates is a fitness coach with a background as a collegiate athlete and educator. He helps everyday people create sustainable health habits to build strength, confidence, and flow through life. You can find Marcus on Instagram and Facebook at Thriving Lives Fitness.

Remember: humans still matter. Owning your health isn't selfish; it empowers you to make a bigger impact in the world.