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In this episode of Shift Out Loud, Tracy Spears sits down with master coach and corporate leader-turned-mentor Mina Brown to explore the powerful, personal, and far-reaching impact of coaching. From boardrooms to virtual training rooms, Mina’s journey is a testament to the deep change that’s possible when we shift from giving answers to asking the right questions.

Together, they unpack what makes coaching so effective—including the science of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), the strategic use of metaphors and humor, and the art of creating safe spaces for real transformation.

Mina shares how our environment shapes our beliefs, how the pandemic revolutionized coaching, and why curiosity, purpose, and values matter more than ever. Whether you’re a leader, a learner, or simply someone who wants to live more intentionally, this episode will leave you thinking differently about the power of conversation.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Coaching is not about answers—it’s about discovery.
• NLP can accelerate learning, growth, and transformation.
• Humor and metaphor help unlock deep insight and emotional resonance.
• Coaching is a partnership grounded in trust and respect.
• Leaders with coaching skills can radically impact culture and connection.
• Beliefs drive our behavior—challenging them drives change.
• Transitioning from corporate to coaching demands vulnerability and mindset shifts.
• The virtual coaching boom is here to stay—and it’s opening new doors.
• Everyone deserves a coach. The ripple effect is real.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Coaching and Personal Journey

02:54 Transitioning from Corporate to Coaching

05:46 The Role of Neuro-Linguistic Programming in Coaching

08:42 Understanding Coaching vs. Consulting

11:47 The Importance of a Coaching Relationship

14:27 The Power of Metaphors and Humor in Coaching

24:57 The Power of Curiosity in Coaching

25:52 Challenging Limiting Beliefs

28:50 Understanding Values and Purpose

31:43 The Impact of Environment on Beliefs

33:48 Navigating Information in the Digital Age

36:26 The Evolution of Coaching During the Pandemic

39:32 The Value of Coaching Beyond Profession

42:24 The Multiplier Effect of Coaching

45:23 Connecting with Mina Brown

Connect with Mina

Website: www.positivecoach.com

Connect with Tracy

Instagram @tracylspears

TikTok @tracyspearsspeaker

Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: www.theleaderlab.com

Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at http://www.tracyspears.com

For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my blog: https://tracyspears.com/blog-2/

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In this inspiring episode, Tracy sits down with Dana Day, a Tulsa-based custom home builder, remodeler, and HGTV alum. With a background in psychology and art, Dana shares how she carved a unique path into the male-dominated construction industry—and how creativity, grit, and heart have shaped both her work and her life.

Dana opens up about her experience as the only woman featured on HGTV’s Build It Forward, the realities of running a remodeling business, and the lessons she’s learned about setting expectations and maintaining accountability. But the conversation goes far deeper than blueprints and budgets. Dana reveals how devastating personal loss, financial setbacks, and moments of reinvention taught her the value of resilience, vulnerability, and the healing power of storytelling.

Together, Tracy and Dana explore how purpose can rise from pain—and how creativity and compassion can build more than just homes.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience is something you build—like a house—one intentional step at a time.
• Vulnerability isn't weakness—it's a bridge to connection and healing.
• Women can (and do) thrive in male-dominated spaces, especially when they show up authentically.
• Realistic expectations are the foundation of any successful project—professional or personal.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dana Day

02:15 Dana's Journey into Building

05:02 Challenges in the Remodeling Industry

07:58 The HGTV Experience

10:40 Navigating a Male-Dominated Field

13:32 Personal Shifts and Life Challenges

25:05 Overcoming Adversity: A Journey of Resilience

28:57 The Power of Perseverance and Stress Management

35:01 Creative Expression and Future Aspirations

35:53 The Impact of Vulnerability and Sharing Stories

Connect with Dana

www.danabuildanddesign.com

Connect with Tracy

Instagram @tracylspears

TikTok @tracyspearsspeaker

Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: www.theleaderlab.com

Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at http://www.tracyspears.com

For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my blog: https://tracyspears.com/blog-2/

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In this flavorful and fearless episode, Tracy Spears sits down with culinary entrepreneur Makenna Held, the powerhouse behind the Courageous Cooking School and the bold new platform Recipe Kick. Makenna opens up about her extraordinary leap of faith—buying Julia Child’s summer home, La Pitchoune, sight unseen—and the revolutionary path she’s carved in the world of food since.

From embracing recipe-free cooking to redefining the culinary classroom, Makenna shares how creativity, courage, and criticism have shaped her journey. She reveals the magic (and madness) behind running an immersive cooking school in the South of France, the challenges of building a sustainable food business, and the pressure of being tethered to Julia Child’s legacy.

Get ready for a refreshingly honest conversation about what it takes to cook, live, and lead on your own terms.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Makenna bought Julia Child’s home without ever seeing it
• How a movie (The Hundred-Foot Journey) inspired her life-altering move to France
• The philosophy behind her recipe-free approach to cooking
• What it’s like to run a cooking school inside a culinary icon’s home
• The deeper meaning behind The Courageous Cooking School
• How Recipe Kick is shifting the future of food education
• The unexpected impact (and pitfalls) of fame and TV exposure
• Why sustainable business models are essential
• How Makenna is building a legacy of culinary creativity and personal empowerment

00:00 Introduction to Makenna Held and La Pitchoune
02:52 The Journey to France and Buying Julia Child's Home
06:01 Risk-Taking and Culinary Aspirations
08:57 The Courageous Cooking School Experience
11:53 Immersive Culinary Experiences and Cooking Philosophy
14:51 Recipe-Free Cooking and Creativity
17:58 The Evolution of Recipe Kick
20:47 The Cookbook and Culinary Education
29:24 The Spirit of Julia Child
30:43 Sustainable Business Models in Culinary Education
31:51 The Journey to Television Stardom
32:49 Navigating Fame and Criticism
40:03 Future Aspirations and Business Shifts
47:04 Defining Legacy Beyond Julia Child
51:54 Looking Ahead: New Ventures and Opportunities

Connect with Makenna

Instagram
@makennaheld @recipekick.tv @lapeetchfr

https://okay-perfect.com/

See Makenna on Tour: MakennaHeld.com

Connect with Tracy

Instagram @tracylspears

TikTok @tracyspearsspeaker

Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: www.theleaderlab.com

Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at http://www.tracyspears.com

For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my blog: https://tracyspears.com/blog-2/