Wifemotherleader Podcast

Is your go to chocolate, Netflix, or scrolling Instagram? We are all finding ways to cope.  Some healthy.  Some....well, not.   In this episode, I share some of the things I am using to cope, process, and entertain/escape.   It's fun, honest, and practical.  Things I talked about in the episode: www.beautycounter.com www.Teambodyproject.com https://www.marklauren.com/apps/ https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/ Books:  Seeking God’s Face Stamped From The Beginning How to Be An Antiracist I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in A World Made for Whiteness Compassion and Conviction The Vision Driven Leader Review and Subscribe in iTunes Sign-up for a free 20 min flash coaching session www.wifemotherleader.com/coaching  

Join me in an honest, funny and raw conversation with licensed therapist, Kelley Anne Bonner, as we talk about burnout. Kelley shares what burnout is and how to recognize it. We talk about why so many women are close to or already experiencing burnout, including the ways in which we try to address it by being more productive and just trying harder (hint: those don’t work!). In our conversation, Kelley shares her 3-step framework to help you get in alignment so that you can address your own burnout, or prevent it. As two black women, we also discuss how COVID-19 and the racial climate in America are contributing to the collective exhaustion and risk of mental health challenges. This is an important and wonderful conversation that you should take time to listen to and share with someone who needs to hear it. Connect with Kelley: https://letsburnbright.com/ Instagram: @letsburnbright Please take a moment to review and subscribe in iTunes Sign-up for a free 20 min flash coaching session https://www.wifemotherlead

The second episode in my series on race focuses on the importance and beauty of Black Love and Black Marriage in a world that is racist. I share about how my husband and I have created a safe space in our home and marriage to be our full selves while unpacking the racial injustice that we experience. Listen to examples of how everyday experiences with race play out and how it we try think through and unpack them. While our marriage is unique to us, the experience is likely similar to what many Black couples face. Review and Subscribe in iTunes Sign-up for a free 20 min flash coaching session www.wifemotherleader.com/coaching

As I shared in episode 61, we need to be talking about mental health. Our mental and emotional health needs the same level of support and care that we give physical health. In today's episode, I have a conversation with Dr. Christine Forte, a licensed counselor and host of the Mental Oasis Podcast. Christine and I talk about meditation and how it can be an important tool to help busy women (and men!) who are juggling so many things. And, in our current experience of a global pandemic and a deepening conversation about race in America, you need to protect and preserve your mental health. Listen to the entire episode, as Christine does a guided meditation in the episode to give you a taste of how meditation can help calm your mind. Use this as an opportunity to commit yourself to a new habit! Links: Mental Oasis Podcast Calm App Headspace App Enjoy this episode? Subscribe in iTunes or Spotify and share it with someone else! Looking for some advice or help during this time? Sign-up for a free 20 min coaching s

A deeply personal episode where I share my thoughts, anger and grief over the America that I've known for 38 years that many are just waking up to. Listen to my thoughts on how important it is to understand systemic racism before you can start supporting and helping. I'll also share why supporting, standing in solidarity and even allyship are minimums if you really want to see change.

Self-care has become an overused mantra that only adds guilt because it’s one more thing you are not doing! During this pandemic, I’ve tried to find small ways to care for my mental, physical and spiritual health. In this episode, I dive into each one to help you identify ways you might include self-care into your daily life and why it doesn’t necessarily mean massages and manicures:) Sleep Eat as healthy as you can At least 1 day of “self-care” (hair, non-pajamas or sweats, makeup if you wear it, etc.) Exercise 4-6 days per week Carve our alone time Pray Daily Share this episode Sign-up for a free 20 min flash coaching session 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.    In the midst of COVID-19, the need for mental health support has only increased.  While it would be great for employers to cover mental health services and provide support, many do not.  So, for now, it’s up to you to advocate for yourself and get the support you need.    You are not alone.  There is help and support.  In this episode, we will talk about where to find it.  We need insurance and policy makers to address mental health like they do physical health.  Until this happens, we need to take it into account ourselves Your goal is to maintain your mental health and potentially learn new strategies and coping mechanisms.  Depending on your circumstance, you may be going after these things on your own.  Stress Management: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm Mindful.org: https://www.mindful.org/meditation/mindfulness-getting-started/ Apps Calm App: https://www.calm.com/ Headspace App: https://www.headspace.com/ Your organization's

Happy Mother’s Day!   In today’s episode, I share 6 things that have become clear and in-focus during this global pandemic.  Some are lessons that I already knew that are being reinforced and a few are new things that want to take with me when this pandemic is over.  God’s grace is sufficient to sustain me My children’s mental and physical health is a gift that I don’t take for granted My kids are not judging me, they are longing for me I need to be playing more In an effort to not helicopter, I was too hands off related to school I am a better mother when my cup is full  Enjoy this episode? Subscribe in iTunes or Spotify and share it with one other mother! Looking for some advice or help during this time? Sign-up for a free 20 min coaching session: www.wifemotherleader.com/coaching

Today, I want to talk about WORK.  Yeah, that thing we are supposed to be getting done during a pandemic, while caring for kids, worrying about our parents, cooking 3 meals per day and keeping our homes extra clean.  Sounds ridiculous when I say it like that.  And, yet, if you are still able to work, that is a blessing, as so many people have lost jobs and thus income.   About 3 weeks into this, I was on a call and noticed that I wasn’t “myself”.   I first attributed it to fatigue, some anxiety, and the total change we had experienced. And, while that is all true, I think something deeper was happening.    Not only was I not at 100% (who is?), I was actually changing my behavior and pulling back on the way I show up at work.  And, this is not judging or being harsh on myself during a pandemic.  I actually was struggling because I knew that I wasn’t being myself.  On this episode, I want to share a few things that I learned and how I moved forward, including showing up as that person at work this week and havi

DeLise Bernard and Dericka Oddoye , the creators of Surviving Homeschool share their journey of creating a community of parents navigating the challenges of becoming “instant homeschoolers” due to COVID-19.   From the moment that their own lives changed to the quick and deeply thoughtful way they created this virtual “PTA”, which now has over 5000 members, you don’t want to miss this interview.  Dericka and DeLise provide some great practical tips including:   How to create a schedule (and give your kids choice) What to do to address the dreaded “I’m bored” (brilliant idea!) How to help your kids be more self-sufficient using the “fend for yourself” technique The best way to utilize online resources The important of recognizing the emotional toll this has taken for kids Additionally, DeLise and Dericka share their own personal realizations and during this time and how it’s helping them be kinder to themselves, recognize their own strengths, and be braver in a time when they’ve been called to serve others i

In this episode, health coach and fitness expert Rene Kennedy shares 6 tips for supporting your immune system during COVID-19 and all the time.   Rene also shares her journey from being someone who was always health conscious and active, even studying exercise science in school, to working in healthcare technology.  A layoff soon after her first son was born led to pursuing her passion for helping people achieve better health.  Rene first talks about how the immune system works.  Then, she shares tips that are practical, with specific examples to help you incorporate them, even during the COVID-19 lockdown.  About your immune system: 10:55 Circulation and lymphatic flow:  13:40 Sleep 19:07 Nutrition: 24:09 Stress: 26:59 Herbs and supplements: 33:57 Cleanliness: 38:30 Stellar Performance on Facebook Stellar Performance on Instagram Listen to the end to learn about the contest Rene and I are running to give away 3 health coaching or virtual personal training sessions!   www.wifemotherleader.com/rene

This is an unprecedented time for everyone. In this episode, Donielle shares the lessons that she’s learned (so far) during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  Tune in to hear the challenges, lessons learned, and practical advice to help you navigate working and teaching your kids at home, while trying to take care of yourself and everyone else!  It's honest and practical, just what you need during a time like this.  Lesson 1: Lower Your Expectations (4:45) Lesson 2: Have Some Fun (18:03) Lesson 3: Create a Flexible Schedule (21:08) Lesson 4: Don’t Forget About Your Spouse (28:53) Lesson 5: Seek Resources, But Don’t Compare or Beat Yourself Up (32:45) Lesson 6: Find A Way To Help (36:51) Lesson 7: Take Care of Yourself (39:34) Resources Mentioned in this episode:  Surviving Homeschool The Measured Mom Beast Academy Dwell Bible Reading App WifeMotherLeader 20 Minute Flash Coaching

Tune in to hear Laura's amazing story of how a life-changing accident changed her relationship with herself, with those who love her and with chaos. Her journey is a powerful story of resilience and grace. Key points There will be moments in your life that test your inner strength Everyone has a story. Remember that when you are interacting wtih people. No matter what happens to you, your outlook that you take is your choice Life can be chaotic, but don’t let the chaos define you. Don’t label yourself negatively Get help from your family, friends and community. Life is not meant to be done alone If you are feeling overwhelmed, break things down into small steps. Focus on one day at a time. It’s ok to grieve, whether it’s a loss or traumatic event or just a path that you thought your life would take. You don’t have to just keep going and getting things done and “be strong”. How her faith and family has helped her process this situation Learn more about Laura and her business at Impressions Marketing and Even

What are you doing for your birthday? This simple question prompted me to think about how much I downplay my birthday, not because of my age (I’ll be 38 on Monday), but because of this season of life. It feels like there is no time for me to plan a birthday event for myself. Of course, I could make time, but my default is to prioritize the other 20 things going on in my life. So, on this birthday episode, I am going to share 9 ways that you might think about celebrating yourself, especially on your birthday. This will include things that OTHER people can do for you, if you’d let them Day off from work. Birthday dinner with your local friends Hotel Night away (check out Episode 32: Mom’s Night Away--My Secret Self-Care Weapon) Take a trip (check out Episode #50: Life Design with Lauren Lambrecht) Self-Care Day Take yourself to a Movie Learn something new / take a class Buy that thing you’ve been wanting...yes, go ahead. Throw yourself a party

It’s Valentine's day and there is going to be a lot of focus on love:) Yay, love! But, I am going to challenge you to show love to yourself in a tangible way this year. Free Invest in Yourself Guide You hear a lot these days about how the future is female and if you invest in women, you help everyone. That is often shared in the context of developing countries, but it’s true more universally. When you invest time, money, expertise and resources into women, you get an insane ROI because those women invest that into their families and communities and everyone does better. Now, take that concept home and into your own life. The time you spend learning, growing, investing in your career, in your health, focused on your finances, your marriage and your parenting are all going to benefit the people who are in those relationships with you. Namely, your colleagues, your kids, your husband, your friends, etc. In today’s episode, I am going to lay out a quick framework for creating and “Invest in ME plan” for 2020. If

We all have too much to do and not enough time. One of the things I want to do more of this podcast is share resources that I have actually used to make changes in my life. The book, Essentialism, by Greg McKeown, is one of those resources. I read essentialism several years ago.  I can actually trace my journey to my current job and to the relaunch of this podcast to some of the lessons in that book. In today’s episode, we will explore some key questions that you can ask yourself to use the power of Essentialism in your own life. Additionally, I’ll provide my top takeaways from the book as well as a resource guide that you can download. What am I deeply passionate about? What taps my talents? What meets a significant need in the world?

Knowing what your priorities and drivers are at work, as well as your communication preferences is critical if you want to succeed and feel fulfilled. Checkout the free strengths and assessment guide at: https://www.wifemotherleader.com/blog/assess In today’s episode, Donielle helps you explore key questions including: What type of work do you love doing? What team structure do you prefer? What type of work do you hate doing? What is good for you to keep doing regardless of how much you like it? Do you care about the mission of the organization that you work for? What are 2-3 specific things you are trying to get out of this position/role/season of your career? What are your key drivers for working? Which personality/communication style assessment have you taken previously or do you plan to take this year? Checkout the free strengths and assessment guide at: https://www.wifemotherleader.com/blog/assess

In today's episode, Donielle interviews Lauren Lambrecht of Verve Leadership (www.verveleadership.com). Lauren is a certified coach who specializes in life design and transition coaching. Lauren’s clients have successfully navigated major life transitions, including identifying and landing their dream job, acclimating to leadership roles, passing professional certification exams, and rejuvenating relationships with partners, family members, and themselves. Tune in as they discuss: The biggest mistakes people, and particularly women, making as we navigate our careers? What is career and/or life design? How does one actually design their career? What parts of one’s work is actually “designable”? What if you face resistance from your spouse/partner What if you face resistance at work?

This gon' be my year! Happy 2020:) In this episode to start 2020, Donielle shares her themes (song, word, action and scripture) for 2020. Listen as she shares: What I am leaving behind in 2020 Judgement Fear-based decision making Lack of accountability What I am taking with me into 2020 or starting in 2020 Accountability Action over analysis Listening Themes! My theme songs: India Arie Just Do You / This Gone Be My Year My theme word: Create My theme action: Tracking My Theme verse: Colossians 3:23-24 Check out www.wifemotherleader.com/blog/2020 for a Free Theme and Accountability Planner!

What does it look like to show up as your full self at work? Between navigating the culture and politics of an organization, it can feel like there is no room for your to bring your full personality, experiences, gifts, skills, and opinions to work. T his is especially true for women and people of color. So, how can you navigate the terrain and make the space for yourself? Today, I want to talk about how to show up as more of yourself more quickly. Don’t change your game plan of proving yourself and building relationships Be gracious and curious Don’t gossip and don’t take on other people's issues or perceptions of others in the workplace. Heed warnings but judge for yourself Let your guard down when you are in 1:1 interactions (slowly) Don’t alter your personality to “fit” the organization of the team. That is exhausting and if you start doing that, you’ll have to keep doing it or risk being fake, etc. I’ll share what it looked like for me to how up full in my current job, which is my 4th job in my career.