Welcome back to The Executive Coach Podcast! This is Part 2 of my fascinating conversation with Stephen Shapiro, author of Goal-Free Living: How to Have the Life You Want Now.

If you haven’t yet listened to Part 1, go back and start there — we focused on you as an individual and your personal relationship with goals.
Today, we’re zooming out — and I’d love you to put your leadership hat on.

Grab a copy of  Goal Free Living, how to Have the Life You Want Now, ⁠here⁠*

This episode is especially for you if you're a busy leader at work or at home wondering:

• Is there a better way to motivate and retain your team?

• Why do your most creative or innovative employees sometimes seem disengaged — or even leave?

• How do you balance the need for structure and systems with the freedom and flexibility that spark innovation?

• Could your goal-driven culture be doing more harm than good?

If you’re tired of endless targets and want to energize your team without burning them out, this episode is a game changer.

Stephen brings research and real-world insight to help you rethink your approach to leadership. And while it might feel counterintuitive at first, loosening your grip on traditional goal-setting could be the key to unlocking greater creativity, longer-term performance, and deeper engagement.

Let’s dive in.

*affiliate link

This episode is an absolute treat. I’m joined by the brilliant Stephen Shapiro, author of Goal-Free Living: How to Have the Life You Want Now.

If you’ve ever achieved a big goal — one you poured blood, sweat, and tears into — only to feel a fleeting moment of “Great… what’s next?” rather than true satisfaction, this conversation is for you.

Stephen and I explore how we can redefine our relationship with goals in a way that truly aligns with who we are, not just what we think we should want.

This episode is all about alignment over achievement — and creating success that feels good now, not just in some far-off future. Grab your copy of  Goal Free Living, how to Have the Life You Want Now, here*

*affiliate link

Summer can be a magical time, but let’s be real—it can also feel like A LOT when you’re juggling work, family, and kids on an extended break. If you’ve ever wondered how to make summer feel spacious and rejuvenating instead of just another thing to manage, this episode is for you!

In part two of my summer planning series, I’m sharing 10 easy, high-impact, low-effort wins that make summer feel GOOD for everyone—your kids, your family, and YOU. These aren’t complicated or Pinterest-perfect ideas. Instead, they’re simple, feel-good strategies that help you tap into those relaxed summer vibes without draining your energy as a busy parent and entrepreneur.

Because here’s the thing: I believe in a lazy approach to summer—the kind where we stop overcomplicating and start leaning into the sweet, simple moments that make this season so special. These are the small, thoughtful shifts that actually remove things from your to-do list while making summer feel even more magical.

So if you’re ready to embrace a summer that works for you, let’s dive in!

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:✔️ 10 simple and effective summer strategies that make life easier (and more fun!)
✔️ How to create easeful, effortless, feel-good family moments
✔️ Practical ways to enjoy summer without adding more to your plate
✔️ The mindset shift that will help you actually feel rejuvenated by the season

RESOURCES & LINKS:
🔗 LifeWork Design Blueprint
🔗 Connect with me on Linkedin

Let’s make this the best summer yet—without the overwhelm! Hit play now!

You know I love a good debrief—whether it’s an end-of-quarter review or a summer recap. But this time, I had a thought: wouldn’t it be way more useful to share my summer takeaways before you plan yours? Instead of reflecting when it’s too late to make changes, let’s design a summer that truly works for you—right now.

In this episode, I’m sharing my biggest lessons from last summer—what made it feel amazing, what I’d tweak for next time, and the small but mighty things that made family life easier and more joyful. Whether you’ve already booked your big trips or still have flexibility, these insights will help you set up for a summer that fits your life, priorities, and energy.

Hit play to hear:
✔️ The key building blocks of a great summer—travel, logistics, and scheduling must-knows
✔️ The small changes that made the biggest difference for a smoother, more joyful season
✔️ Easy wins you can implement now to set yourself up for success
✔️ How to borrow, tweak, and customize these ideas for your best summer yet

This is part one of a two-part summer planning series, so make sure to tune in next week for even more insights!

📩 Let’s Connect!
→ DM me on Instagram: @mayagudka; or on LinkedIn:
→ Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss part two!

🎧 Now, let’s dive in!

Contact maya at info@mayagudka.com or on LinkedIn,

Link to vision info: https://www.mayagudka.com/free-resources

Contact maya at info@mayagudka.com or on LinkedIn,

Link to vision info: https://www.mayagudka.com/free-resources

Contact maya at info@mayagudka.com or on LinkedIn,

Link to vision info: https://www.mayagudka.com/free-resources

Welcome back to the Executive Coach Podcast! As nature bursts into life around us, it's the perfect moment to explore abundance and scarcity thinking .

With everything going on globally — from economic uncertainty to rising costs of living — I questioned whether this was the right time to talk about abundance. But the more I reflected, the more I knew: this is exactly the time for this conversation.

When things are smooth, it’s easy to stay positive. But when the headlines are filled with fear, our mindset becomes our anchor. That’s why in this episode, I’m diving into:

✨ What an abundance mindset really means — beyond just money✨ How scarcity thinking can quietly sabotage your decisions✨ Everyday signs you may be operating from fear, even when you have resources✨ How to shift from contraction into creativity and inspired action✨ The difference between scarcity mindset and real financial hardship (and a compassionate note if you're navigating that right now)

This isn’t about pretending everything is fine — it’s about choosing a lens that helps us see opportunities, even in challenging seasons. Economic history shows that new ideas, innovations, and industries are often born in downturns — but only if we’re willing to look through the right lens.

If you’re a business owner, leader, or simply someone navigating the world with a curious heart, this conversation will help you recognize the patterns that may be holding you back, and shift into a mindset of possibility and resourcefulness.

⚠️ A gentle note:This episode focuses on mindset, not financial poverty. If you're currently experiencing financial hardship, this episode may not feel supportive right now — and that’s okay. You’re welcome to revisit when/if it feels right.