In this episode: We dive into a powerful conversation about self-advocacy, emotional safety, and confident communication. I explore why so many of us internalize discomfort, blame ourselves for other people’s behavior, and struggle to speak up. From the power of assertive silence with communication saboteurs to scripting and rehearsing difficult conversations, this episode is packed with practical tools to help you reclaim your voice, set boundaries, and protect your peace. If you’ve ever felt labeled as “too much” or questioned whether your words matter, this conversation will remind you that your voice is important—and you’re allowed to use it.

Meet my guest: Joan Stenzler is a licensed psychotherapist, coach, and inspirational speaker with over 30 years of experience supporting women in finding their voice and embracing emotional safety. Warm, insightful, and deeply intuitive, Joan blends her expertise in psychotherapy, mindfulness, and body-centered healing to empower women to communicate confidently and advocate for themselves without guilt. In this episode, she shares actionable strategies for building confidence, navigating difficult conversations, and surrounding yourself with supportive, positive energy. Joan’s guidance is both practical and inspiring, offering listeners a roadmap to authentic self-expression and personal sovereignty.

Quote/Piece of Advice: You're not weak. You're not weak for crying. You're not weak for feeling. You're not weak for being.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joan.stenzler/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stenzlerjoan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joan-stenzler-lcsw-sep-8155827/

Website: https://www.youramazingjourney.com

To connect with your host Kat:

@TheLotusEffect or @KatPolsinelli

My Website: www.the-lotus-effect.com

Subscribe to my Youtube Channel 👇

https://www.youtube.com/@the-lotus-effect

In this episode: Kat and her guest dive into a powerful conversation about what it really means to show up authentically in life and business. Together, they explore the concept of Message Sovereignty—why protecting your human voice matters now more than ever—and how intuition can guide some of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. From trusting the quiet inner nudges to recognizing the transformative 35–40 Revelation that so many leaders experience, this episode offers a blend of depth, clarity, and practical wisdom. Listeners will walk away with a fresh perspective on authenticity, alignment, and the courage it takes to fully claim who you are in your work.

Meet my guest: This week’s guest, M. Shannon Hernandez, is a force in the world of authentic communication. A Messaging & Email Marketing Strategist, she helps purpose-driven founders protect and express their true voice through her Profit-Driven Messaging Ecosystem™. Shannon is a fierce advocate for human-centric messaging and stands boldly against watered-down, generic content. Her intuitive leadership, powerful storytelling, and unwavering commitment to authenticity make her a standout guide for anyone wanting to communicate with more clarity, depth, and truth. Featured nationally and respected globally, Shannon brings heart, strategy, and lived experience into every conversation—and this episode is no exception.

Quote/Piece of Advice: You have to be ready to stand in your truth whatever that truth is.

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

Website: https://joyfulbusinessrevolution.com/media/

To connect with your host Kat:

@TheLotusEffect or @KatPolsinelli

My Website: www.the-lotus-effect.com

Subscribe to my Youtube Channel 👇

https://www.youtube.com/@the-lotus-effect

In this episode: We dive deep into the realities of burnout, feeling stuck, and how to pivot into a life that feels truly fulfilling. We explore why burnout isn’t just stress — it’s a signal that your growth has stalled, and how to recognize the signs before it takes over. From the “Sunday pit in your stomach” to the loss of excitement for projects that once sparked joy, we unpack what it really means to move beyond a default path and reclaim your sense of purpose.

You’ll hear practical tools and strategies for taking action, including the power of mindset work, curiosity, and celebrating small wins. Kellie shares how exercises like the Wheel of Life and Clarity Canvases can help you visualize your ideal future, build momentum, and make incremental progress toward meaningful change. This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone ready to stop going through the motions and start living intentionally.

Meet my guest: I had the honor of speaking with Kellie Grutko, Founder and Chief Pivot Officer of Purposeful Pivot. After nearly 20 years in corporate marketing, Kellie experienced firsthand what it feels like to have a “dream job” yet feel unfulfilled. She used that experience to create Purposeful Pivot, a company dedicated to helping accomplished women move through corporate burnout, define their core values, and pivot toward lives that feel purposeful and joyful.

Kellie is a heart-centered coach, vision-focused strategist, and advocate for mindful transitions. In this conversation, she shares her personal journey, the tools she uses to guide her clients, and how embracing curiosity, self-honesty, and a supportive community can transform the overwhelming process of change into something inspiring, manageable, and deeply fulfilling.

Quote/Piece of Advice: Just dream big, work the small wins, and enjoy the journey.

Website: www.purposefulpivot.net

Linkedin: https://bit.ly/LinkedIn-PurposefulPivot

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PurposefulPivot/

To connect with your host Kat:

@TheLotusEffect or @KatPolsinelli

My Website: www.the-lotus-effect.com

Subscribe to my Youtube Channel 👇

https://www.youtube.com/@the-lotus-effect