In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa sits down with Lori Baker to talk about language, belonging, and the hidden barriers people face at work. Lori went from engineer to English teacher for international professionals, and her story shows how much language shapes confidence and inclusion.

This conversation is a reminder that work isn’t just about skills on paper. It’s about how we communicate, connect, and make space for people to bring their full selves into the workplace.

Why listen: If you’ve ever worked across cultures, led a team, or wanted to create a more welcoming workplace, this episode gives you practical insight into why language matters and how empathy changes everything.

3 key takeaways:
» Language shapes how people are seen at work… and it doesn’t always match their true expertise.
» Belonging requires more than translation… it’s about cultural awareness and empathy.
» Success looks different for everyone… the American dream is personal, not one-size-fits-all.

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It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

Alyssa sits down with Dr. Apollo Emeka for a powerful conversation about the choices that shape our lives. Apollo shares his journey from high school dropout to Green Beret, FBI agent, entrepreneur, and coach. Together, they explore why big decisions (not habits) are the true turning points. This episode will challenge how you think about discipline, shortcuts, and creating the life you want.

Why listen?
If you’ve ever felt stuck chasing habits or grinding through routines that don’t get you closer to your goals, this conversation will give you a new lens. Alyssa and Apollo show how changing your decisions and your environment can shift everything.

Key Takeaways

• Big decisions change your trajectory...habits only optimize it.
• You can create environments that make discipline easier, instead of forcing willpower.
• A clear decision gives you criteria to avoid distractions and stay focused on what really matters.

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod

In this episode of Taking Back Monday, Alyssa sits down with Dr. Erin Wilson, co-author of Strategic Rest in Leadership. Together they dive into why rest isn’t a luxury...it’s a leadership strategy. From Erin’s own story of burnout to her framework for “strategic rest,” this conversation challenges the way you think about hustle culture, success, and what it means to truly show up as your best self.

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to do more, be more, and stay “busy” just to keep up, this episode will help you reframe. It’s not about working harder, it’s about working smarter and resting better.

Why Listen
This episode gives you permission to pause, rethink what “busy” really means, and see how rest can fuel your ambition instead of slowing it down. Alyssa and Erin share real stories, practical tips, and a refreshing take on leadership in today’s world.

3 Key Takeaways

• Booked, not busy: Why great leaders don’t glorify hustle—they value outcomes and balance.
• Rest is strategy: Pauses and rest days aren’t wasted time, they are fuel for long-term success.
• Small steps matter: Start with micro-pauses and one protected boundary to build a healthier rhythm.

Share your thoughts - send us a text

It's time to say "goodbye" to the Sunday Scaries.

Connect with Alyssa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssanolte/
Subscribe to the Taking Back Monday Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7158635254474272768/
Follow the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TakingBackMondayPod
Follow the show on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@takingbackmondaypod