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Cher shares her personal journey of alignment and attitude, and shares what she learned on the road to her recognition as a finalist for the 2027 California School Counselor of the Year, emphasizing the importance of deliberate attitude and alignment in professional and personal life. In her preparation to apply for RAMP, the power of alignment became more important than ever! Hear how this all comes together in this episode.

TEDx: How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Conversation Navigation https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=ZaflEtnhsdjgJ2oN

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Key topics

• Authenticity and its impact on relationships
• The importance of alignment in personal and professional life
• How to deliberately choose and practice a positive attitude
• The significance of authenticity in achieving recognition
• Strategies for maintaining alignment in challenging situations

In this inspiring episode, you can listen in on part of the conversation with Dr. Loretta Whitson, and Cher revisits and reflects upon what she learned from this chat. She talkes about the unexpected qualities that help us grow like long suffering, and advocacy in the field of school counseling. Discover how deep purpose, moral compass, and boldness shape impactful leadership and help us live in service.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Long Suffering in Leadership
12:05 The Importance of a North Star
14:25 Understanding Long Suffering
17:29 The Role of Patience in Leadership
19:39 Persistent Patience and Moral Compass
22:23 Finding Deeper Purpose in Leadership
25:02 Navigating Challenges and Opposition
27:43 Embracing Change and New Beginnings

Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge

TEDx: How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Conversation Navigation https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=ZaflEtnhsdjgJ2oN

Instagram: Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset Podcast https://www.instagram.com/cherkretz_thefocusedmindset/

TikTok: @Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset

https://www.tiktok.com/@cherkretz?lang=en

Tip Jar: Your generous support helps me create more free resources and keep this podcast going strong. Thank you. https://thefocusedmindset.ck.page/products/tips-4-cher

Resources

California Association of School Counselors (CASC) - https://www.schoolcounselor-ca.org/

First: Follow this link to get your free 35 Solution Focused Questions worksheet! https://thefocusedmindset.kit.com/620a7a8b4e

In this episode of The Focused Mindset Podcast, Cher dives into one of the most important skills in communication: how to build rapport from the very beginning of a conversation.

Using the solution-focused approach, Cher shares how small shifts in the way we ask questions can dramatically improve connection, trust, and impact. She also reflects on a powerful insight: sometimes even well-intended positive questions can feel invalidating if we are not fully meeting people where they are.

This episode will help you balance hope and authenticity, so your conversations feel real, not forced.

• Why the way a conversation starts often determines how it ends
• How certain "positive" questions can accidentally feel invalidating
• The difference between solution-focused vs. overly positive communication
• How to stay curious and present instead of anxious or self-focused
• Simple, powerful questions that instantly build connection 🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode
  • Free 35 Solution Focused Questions resourse worksheet https://thefocusedmindset.kit.com/620a7a8b4e
  • Solution Focused Possibilities Podcast
    https://sfpossibilities.org/
  • Vin Giang – Communication & Conversation Skills
    https://www.youtube.com/@askvinh

Use these in conversations to create connection and trust:

1. "Tell me more."
2. "That's an interesting way to look at it."
3. "What do you love most about that?"
4. "I see where you're coming from."
5. "That must have been a big moment for you."
6. "What else?"

Instead of jumping straight to:

• "What's been better?"

Try:

• "What have you been thinking about lately?"
• "Have you had any new thoughts?"
• "What's going in the right direction?"

These open the door without dismissing real struggles.

Even solution-focused questions can feel too positive or invalidating if we skip over someone's real experience.

The goal is not to avoid problems.
The goal is to walk through them with someone so they can see possibilities.

• Solution Focused Possibilities Podcast
  https://sfpossibilities.org/
• Vin Giang – Communication & Conversation Skills
  https://www.youtube.com/@askvinh

In a world moving quickly toward digital connection, this episode is a reminder to slow down and prioritize real human connection.

When we lead with curiosity instead of control, conversations become meaningful, hopeful, and transformational.

In a world where influence shapes our communities, few stories resonate as deeply as that of Dr.Manal Fakhoury. From migrating from Palestine as a young girl, to her roots in Southern California, to the life she shaped with her family in Ocala, Florida, Manal embodies the essence of a true woman of influence. Join us as we explore her inspiring journey, her commitment to community, and the lessons she has learned along the way.

Dr. Manal Fakhouy is the Organizer and Curator of TEDx Ocala, President of ollinwomen.org, and founder of Fakhoury Leadership International. These are only a few of the accomplishments she has had and in this episode you will get to hear her stories and benefit from her wisdom.

Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge

You want to have meaningful conversations, but relationships are complicated, and opportunities are missed. This is why I created the three-day conversation navigation challenge, and you can now join for free with this link.

TEDx: How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Conversation Navigation https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=ZaflEtnhsdjgJ2oN

Instagram: Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset Podcast https://www.instagram.com/cherkretz_thefocusedmindset/

TikTok: @Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset

https://www.tiktok.com/@cherkretz?lang=en

Tip Jar: Your generous support helps me create more free resources and keep this podcast going strong. Thank you. https://thefocusedmindset.ck.page/products/tips-4-cher

In this engaging conversation, Lori Woodley-Langendorff discusses her book 'SEL Muscle Mastery' and the importance of practical skills in education. The dialogue explores the journey of writing and publishing a book, the significance of social-emotional learning (SEL), and the application of practical skills in everyday life. Lori emphasizes the need for curiosity, effective communication, and self-reflection in educational settings, while also highlighting the importance of empathy and compassion. The conversation concludes with reflections on personal growth, recognition in the counseling field, and the joy of pursuing one's passions.

https://www.allittakes.org/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to SEL Muscle Mastery
02:54 The Journey of Writing and Publishing a Book
06:07 Understanding SEL Muscles and Their Importance
09:07 Practical Skills for Everyday Life
11:52 The Q-Tip Principle: Quit Taking It Personally
15:06 Curiosity and Its Role in Education
17:48 Creating a Supportive Learning Environment
20:47 Understanding Different Communication Styles
27:48 The Cycle of Self-Criticism
29:58 Empathy and Compassion in Education
32:56 Finding Joy Amidst Challenges
36:04 Authenticity and Self-Reflection
40:57 Celebrating Achievements and Milestones
46:10 Pursuing Passion and Overcoming Doubts

Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge

TEDx: How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Conversation Navigation https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=ZaflEtnhsdjgJ2oN

Instagram: Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset Podcast https://www.instagram.com/cherkretz_thefocusedmindset/

TikTok: @Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset

https://www.tiktok.com/@cherkretz?lang=en

In this conversation, Dr. Loretta Whitson discusses the vital role of advocacy in school counseling, emphasizing the importance of finding meaning and purpose in the profession. She highlights the significance of curiosity and personal connection in counseling, and offers advice for future educators and counselors. Dr. Whitson also reflects on the moral compass that guides leadership in education, underscoring the need for a supportive and collaborative environment for students.

Takeaways

• Advocacy is essential in school counseling.

• Finding meaning in work enhances professional fulfillment.

• Curiosity drives effective counseling practices.

• Personal connections with students lead to better outcomes.

• Choosing a career aligned with personal beliefs fosters motivation.

• Collaboration among educators, counselors, and administrators is crucial.

• A balanced support system is necessary for student success.

• Counseling should address personal and social domains for effectiveness.

• Leaders should have a strong moral compass to guide their actions.

• Opportunities for students should be prioritized in counseling.

  Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge

  You want to have meaningful conversations, but relationships are complicated, and opportunities are missed. This is why I created the three-day conversation navigation challenge, and you can now join for free with this link. ALSO, you will get a 50% discount code for my Conversation Navigation Bundle that will give you both audio and video training and two courses and my book 30 Days to Higher Hopes sent to you.

  TEDx: How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Conversation Navigation https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=ZaflEtnhsdjgJ2oN

  Instagram: Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset Podcast https://www.instagram.com/cherkretz_thefocusedmindset/

  TikTok: @Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset

  https://www.tiktok.com/@cherkretz?lang=en

V= Values

I = Investigate and show Interest

B = Boldness

E = Enjoy each moment

S = Start and Start again

Get your free good vibes checklist and pin up HERE https://thefocusedmindset.kit.com/1fb7a7eb6d

In this episode of the Focused Mindset podcast, Cher discusses the importance of reframing our mindset to foster hope, growth, and effective communication. She emphasizes the role of mindset in shaping our experiences and interactions, drawing on personal anecdotes and research in neuroplasticity. Cher encourages listeners to embrace uncertainty and curiosity as they navigate life's challenges, ultimately redefining hope and personal growth.

Start your free Solution-Focused 3-day training here: https://www.thefocusedmindset.com/leadwithhopechallenge

You want to have meaningful conversations, but relationships are complicated, and opportunities are missed. This is why I created the three-day conversation navigation challenge, and you can now join for free with this link. ALSO, you will get a 50% discount code for my Conversation Navigation Bundle that will give you both audio and video training and two courses and my book 30 Days to Higher Hopes sent to you.

TEDx: How to Lead with Hope: Solution Focused Conversation Navigation https://youtu.be/Am3ZoF53BS0?si=ZaflEtnhsdjgJ2oN

Instagram: Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset Podcast https://www.instagram.com/cherkretz_thefocusedmindset/

TikTok: @Cher Kretz The Focused Mindset

https://www.tiktok.com/@cherkretz?lang=en

Tip Jar: Your generous support helps me create more free resources and keep this podcast going strong. Thank you. https://thefocusedmindset.ck.page/products/tips-4-cher