📋 Episode Summary
In this episode, Marc and Emily share the behind-the-scenes journey of creating EWTS Coaching—how a yearlong project to help coaches find clients took an unexpected turn, thanks to a conversation with Phil M. Jones. They open up about the founding of Sidecar Advisors, the birth of EWTS Coaching, and the values that guide both ventures. From honoring coaching ethics to building tech infrastructure to supporting 12 phenomenal founding coaches, this episode is a candid look at how big ideas evolve, one bend in the road at a time.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Coaching isn't just a service—it's a relationship rooted in drawing out the best in others.
• Sidecar Advisors was created to steward EWTS Coaching, honoring both the Exactly What to Say brand and ICF standards.
• The journey wasn’t linear: Marc and Emily thought they were building one thing, but it became something much bigger.
• Their founding cohort of coaches blends deep ICF training with real-world business savvy.
• Naming is hard, but integrity, impact, and alignment matter more than short URLs.

🗣 Quote Highlights

“You learn leadership by acting, by connecting, by tripping, by standing up.” – Marc
“The bend in the road was a whole new company—and a beautiful surprise.” – Emily
“Once you start growing in one area of your life, it spills into others.” – Marc
“We created Sidecar Advisors so we could come alongside other brands with integrity.” – Emily

🧰 Tools & Mentions

• Exactly What to Say by Phil M. Jones
• EWTS Coaching on LinkedIn
• Quadrant 3 Leadership Coach Certification (Q3LC)
• International Coaching Federation (ICF)
• Sidecar Advisors (business structure behind EWTS Coaching)

👥 Who Should Listen

• Coaches looking to build community and deepen their practice
• Fans of Exactly What to Say curious about its coaching arm
• Entrepreneurs navigating brand expansion or new ventures
• Leadership professionals curious about coaching ethics and systems
• Anyone wondering what it looks like to launch something new while still figuring it out

🎺 That Music!
Special thanks to Lexi Moreno, Caleb Pitman, and Zoe Czarnecki for the original music.
Lexi Moreno: composing / mixing / mastering / guitar
Caleb Pitman: composing / mixing / trumpet
Zoe Czarnecki: bass

📋 Episode Summary
Marc and Emily kick off Season 3 of Still Figuring It Out with a playful, book‑loving, tech‑nerdy conversation about what’s ahead. They share what they’re reading (Joseph Campbell and Jean Shinoda Bolen), why this year is their “Year of Play,” and how the podcast feels like opening a box of favorite sweaters at the start of a new season. The two reflect on lessons from the past year—including the passing of Marc’s father—and look forward to creating a season that emphasizes conversation and discovery rather than perfection.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Life and leadership rarely have a final destination; the path unfolds as you take the next step.

• Giving yourself permission matters, but so does offering belief and support to others.

• Technology can be part of playful learning—Marc and Emily share their Kobo e‑reader adventures.

• Staying curious about each other (and about life) keeps a 31‑year marriage dynamic.

• Season 3 will focus on conversations and themes more than “getting it right.”

🗣 Quote Highlights

“I hope to continue pressing into the mess with playfulness and joy.” – Emily
“Confidence isn’t at the starting line—courage is.” – Sabine (via Emily)
“Sometimes the picture you had at 25 would be so limiting.” – Emily

🧰 Tools & Mentions

• Goddesses in Older Women by Jean Shinoda Bolen

• The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell

• Sabine’s LinkedIn post on courage vs. confidence

• Exactly Where to Start by Phil M. Jones

• Kobo Libra Colour e‑reader & Calibre library management

• StoryGraph book‑tracking app

👥 Who Should Listen

• Longtime listeners curious about what’s ahead in Season 3

• People navigating life transitions who want a hopeful, honest take

• Book lovers and tech tinkerers looking for new tools

• Coaches and leaders who need a reminder to play and keep learning

🎺 That Music!
Special thanks to Lexi Moreno, Caleb Pitman, and Zoe Czarnecki for the original music.
Lexi Moreno: composing / mixing / mastering / guitar
Caleb Pitman: composing / mixing / trumpet
Zoe Czarnecki: bass

📋 Episode Summary
In this season finale, Marc and Emily wrap up Season 2 by doing what they do best: reflecting, learning, and laughing together. The episode centers on a deceptively simple feedback framework they love—LBs and NTs (Liked Bests and Next Times). From the unexpected power of pausing to celebrate progress to the ways this tool has helped them recover from disappointments and find traction when stuck, they explore how intentional reflection can be both practical and healing.

They also share favorite gadgets, small joys, and their own LB/NT reflections on the podcast itself. The vibe is cozy, candid, and deeply human—perfect for closing one chapter and looking ahead to the next.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• “Liked Best / Next Time” is a powerful framework for closing loops, gaining momentum, and making feedback actionable.
• Ending with “next time” isn’t about focusing on failure—it’s about directing hope.
• Tools like this work in leadership teams and family dinners.
• Small joys (like gadgets or Windex!) can be surprising sources of traction and clarity.
• Feedback culture starts with asking better questions and giving ourselves room to process.

🗣 Quote Highlights

“This doesn’t have to live on an open loop. We get to close the tab.” – Marc
“Sometimes I need to put teeth into my day to get traction. Even if that’s washing a window.” – Emily
“It’s not about being stuck—it’s about what helps us get back in gear.” – Emily
“Next times aren’t negative. They’re empowering course corrections.” – Emily
“We bring out good things in each other. That’s one of my LBs for sure.” – Marc

🧰 Tools & Mentions

• LBs & NTs (Liked Bests / Next Times – no definitive origin, but used widely in coaching, education, and training)
• Phil M. Jones’ Exactly What to Say framework
• “Pluses and Deltas” model for feedback
• The “WTF” sheet: Where’s The Focus?
• Untappd beer app
• MagSafe phone tripod
• European plug adapters
• My Big Fat Greek Wedding (Windex!)

👥 Who Should Listen

• Coaches and facilitators wanting a better way to debrief
• Leaders building cultures of thoughtful reflection
• Listeners who enjoy practical wisdom with a side of silliness
• Families and teams looking for rituals to anchor learning
• Anyone who’s ever loved a gadget—or gotten stuck and needed a creative nudge

🎺 That Music!
Special thanks to Lexi Moreno, Caleb Pitman, and Zoe Czarnecki for the original music.
Lexi Moreno: composing / mixing / mastering / guitar
Caleb Pitman: composing / mixing / trumpet
Zoe Czarnecki: bass

📋 Episode Summary
In this thoughtful and energizing conversation, Marc and Emily welcome Dr. Jessica Sharp—organizational psychologist, educator, and champion of belonging. From her travels across the country to her work in Houston and beyond, Jessica is known for making complex topics like unconscious bias, self-leadership, and brain science accessible and engaging. Together, the trio explores the cultural baggage we carry around struggle and ease, what it means to be a grownup (with or without kids), and how boundaries are more than just saying “no.” This is a conversation about leading with love, letting go of outdated patterns, and the everyday power of the pause.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Belonging and self-love are foundational to leadership.
• “Ease” isn't laziness—it's a necessary counterbalance to inevitable life struggles.
• Leaders often teach what they themselves are still figuring out.
• Setting boundaries includes pausing to check in with yourself before committing.
• Silence in conversations can be a powerful tool for reflection and connection.

🗣 Quote Highlights

“We're often teaching the thing we need.” – Dr. Jessica Sharp
“Boundaries aren't just about saying ‘no’—they're about asking, ‘What do I need right now?’” – Dr. Jessica Sharp
“If you're going to tell other people to prioritize themselves, you have to model it too.” – Dr. Jessica Sharp
“It’s not the audience’s job to speak my language. It’s my job to make myself understood.” – Dr. Jessica Sharp

🧰 Tools & Mentions

• The Surprising Gift of Doubt by Marc A. Pitman
• Brené Brown on facilitator responsibility
• Junior League & Urban League volunteer leadership
• Quadrant 3 Leadership
• “The pause between stimulus and response” from Q3LC
• Moment detectives & coaching silence

👥 Who Should Listen

• Coaches and facilitators craving more ease and impact in their work
• Leaders trying to unlearn productivity guilt
• Nonprofit professionals looking for meaningful, inclusive engagement
• Anyone still figuring out how to show up for themselves as much as they do for others

🎺 That Music!
Special thanks to Lexi Moreno, Caleb Pitman, and Zoe Czarnecki for the original music.
Lexi Moreno: composing / mixing / mastering / guitar
Caleb Pitman: composing / mixing / trumpet
Zoe Czarnecki: bass

Episode Summary (Long)

In this episode, Marc and Emily talk with their longtime friend and Q3LC alum, Amy Lazoff, Vice President of Mission at the Fort Wayne Zoo. Amy shares how her role has evolved after ten years at the organization, what she’s still learning in a brand-new leadership chapter, and how her work has shifted toward deeper internal focus and team engagement.

They talk about what it means to lead with adaptability and curiosity, why homeostasis is tempting but probably an illusion, and how seemingly small decisions—like where you plant a tree—can shape ecosystems and outcomes for years. The conversation also dives into Amy’s work around accessibility, reintroducing native species (like the hellbender salamander), mentoring young fundraisers, and the joy of discovering poppies in the backyard that weren’t planted on purpose.

Whether it’s in the zoo, in coaching, or in parenting teenagers, Amy brings a steady, honest, and growth-minded approach to life and leadership.

Key Takeaways

• Being 10 years into an organization doesn’t mean the learning stops—especially when stepping into a new role.
• “Homeostasis” sounds appealing, but the most meaningful work happens in change and transition.
• Designing for accessibility from the start often makes spaces more inclusive for everyone.
• Letting nature surprise you (even in your backyard) can be a good metaphor for leadership.
• What you plant—physically or organizationally—matters. So does what you reintroduce.

Quote Highlights

“Who am I? A work in progress.” – Amy
“I think children’s books are just great books with better illustrations.” – Emily
“Some of our best universal design decisions were made because we were thinking of our youngest guests.” – Amy
“Even after all this time, I love seeing people experience joy here.” – Amy
“My dream is to see something cool at the zoo… and just buy a ticket to surprise Amy.” – Marc

Resources & Mentions

• Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo (now Fort Wayne Zoo)
• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
• Native plants and accessibility design
• The Hellbender salamander (native to the Midwest U.S.)
• USA Today’s Best Zoo Exhibits (Red Panda Bridge)

📋 Episode Summary

In this episode, Marc and Emily explore the concept of hardwiring—those patterns, instincts, and tendencies that shape how we show up in life, work, and relationships. From Enneagram types to Gallup Strengths to late-in-life ADHD diagnoses, they reflect on how assessments can help us understand ourselves more clearly—and when labels might actually get in the way.

With humor, vulnerability, and a lot of real-life examples, they explore:

• The usefulness and limitations of personality profiles
• How deeper self-awareness can reframe past stories
• What it means to take responsibility without shame
• How to describe yourself without falling into shorthand labels
• Why saying "you're just a..." might be the most damaging thing of all

Plus, an unexpected movie reference that brings the point home.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Hardwiring refers to our natural patterns—our instinctive responses and behavior tendencies.
• Personality assessments like Enneagram, StrengthsFinder, or DISC can offer language for reflection, but shouldn’t become excuses or cages.
• Knowing your patterns gives you space to pause, choose your response, and lead with intention.
• Labels like “just a 9” or “typical 7” can be harmful when used to dismiss or stereotype.
• Self-awareness is not self-absorption—it’s leadership.

🗣 Quote Highlights

“When we understand ourselves, we can see our stories in the light of truth instead of shame.” – Emily
“Sometimes peace is great. But it’s not always the goal.” – Emily
“Hardwiring is how you show up when you’re not trying.” – Marc
“Saying ‘you’re just a…’ turns a helpful tool into a weapon.” – Marc
“My curiosity wants me to learn. It’s one of my Gallup strengths—another assessment!” – Marc

🧰 Tools & Mentions

• Enneagram
• CliftonStrengths (Gallup)
• DISC Personality Profile
• Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (Film reference – Jason Bateman as “the mutant”)
• Co-Active Leadership by Karen and Henry Kimsey-House
• Concord Leadership Group

🎺 That Music!

Special thanks to Lexi Moreno, Caleb Pitman, and Zoe Czarnecki for the original music. Lexi Moreno: composing, mixing, mastering, guitar; Caleb Pitman: composing, mixing, trumpet; Zoe Czarnecki: bass.

📋 Episode Summary

In this powerful episode, Marc and Emily sit down with Thu Hue Nguyen, a nonprofit founder, Obama Fellow, and leadership coach based in Hanoi, Vietnam. Together they explore the realities of leading through challenge, the evolution from founder to coach, and why investing in leadership development is essential—especially in resource-scarce sectors.

Thu Hue shares how she transitioned from law into ocean and fisheries work, and how crisis moments taught her that leadership is not innate—it can be learned. With refreshing honesty, she talks about learning to let go, inspire others, and coach teams instead of simply managing them.

This episode is rich with insights for leaders, founders, and coaches who are navigating transition or asking, "Am I doing this right?" Spoiler: if you’re asking, you’re probably on the right track.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Leadership isn’t born—it’s built, often through challenges and reflection.
• Coaching helps leaders shift from control to empowerment.
• Founders often struggle to ask for help—but that’s when true leadership growth begins.
• Leadership development is worth investing in, even when resources feel tight.
• Great leaders create space for others, offer clear direction, and stay connected to vision and mission.

🗣 Quote Highlights

“You learn leadership by being in motion—by tripping and standing back up.” – Marc
“When people leave, we often realize we should’ve had that conversation a month ago.” – Thu Hue
“Founders lead down and up. If no one’s pulling them up, the system breaks.” – Marc

🌍 About the Guest

Thu Hue Nguyen is a Vietnamese social entrepreneur and nonprofit leader dedicated to sustainable development in coastal communities. She has served on numerous boards, supports fisheries and fisherpeople, and is an alum of the prestigious Obama Foundation Fellowship. She’s also a certified leadership coach through the Quadrant 3 framework.

🎺 That Music!

Special thanks to Lexi Moreno, Caleb Pitman, and Zoe Czarnecki for the original music. Lexi Moreno: composing, mixing, mastering, guitar; Caleb Pitman: composing, mixing, trumpet; Zoe Czarnecki: bass.

📋 Episode Summary (Long)

In this episode, recorded on their anniversary, Marc and Emily reflect on 30 years of marriage—and use it as a lens to explore the role of story and identity in leadership, coaching, and everyday life.

They revisit their shared love of children’s books, read-alouds during 2 a.m. nursing sessions, and the way stories have always been a thread in their family, work, and lives. From The Giving Tree to Anne of Green Gables, storytelling was how they passed on values, built imagination, and created connection.

The conversation moves into coaching and leadership development, exploring why so many people—especially leaders—discredit or downplay their own stories. They share practical insights about helping clients recognize the narratives they repeat (both helpful and limiting), and how stories become mirrors for values and identity.

This episode also includes a reflection on where they’ve been and where they’re going next. From international travel that didn’t happen to the possibility of RV adventures ahead, Marc and Emily keep it honest, reflective, and lighthearted. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary of your own or simply thinking about how your story shapes your path, this one is full of warm wisdom.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Stories shape identity—and that’s true for individuals, families, and organizations.
• We often undervalue our own stories because we’re too close to them.
• Leadership coaching can help surface patterns and narratives clients may not even realize they’re repeating.
• There’s power in asking, “Is this story still serving me—or my team?”
• Permission to share your story is sometimes the most transformational part of coaching.

🗣 Quote Highlights

“It’s just my life. It’s not my identity.” – Emily
“Story is how we wire the brain—and how we invite others to understand us.” – Marc
“One of the most important things we do in coaching is help people recognize the stories they’re living in.” – Emily
“We’ve said yes to almost every adventure.” – Emily
“I’d rather say I’m sorry than spend a lifetime asking ‘what if?’” – Marc

🔗 Resources & Mentions

• The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
• The Surprising Gift of Doubt by Marc A. Pitman
• United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) leadership session
• Books mentioned: The Lord of the Rings, Narnia, A Wrinkle in Time, Anne of Green Gables
• Coaching references: Co-Active Coaching, story-based tools from Quadrant 3 Leadership Coach Certification