Create with Franz

Franz Sidney - The Art of Living

A podcast dedicated to sharing actionable steps we can take to improve our well being and mental health, so we can create the life we want!

  1. How to escape career Invisibility: A Masterclass in Executive Presence

    7H AGO

    How to escape career Invisibility: A Masterclass in Executive Presence

    Are you an experienced professional who feels suddenly overlooked? You have the track record, the skills, and the work ethic—yet your résumé is hitting a wall, and the rise of AI has you wondering if your "judgment" is still a valuable currency. If you feel stuck or invisible in today's market, it's not because you lack talent; it's because the rules of "visibility" have changed. Today, we have the pleasure to learn from James Wilkson, Managing Partner at AEC Global Search Consultants. With over 40 years in executive search, James is a true gatekeeper who sits at the table where C-suite decisions are made. He doesn't just theorize about hiring; he lives it. In this episode, James breaks down how to reposition your identity and your career without starting over or chasing useless credentials. He reveals what decision-makers are actually listening for in 2026 and why your human judgment is your greatest hedge against automation. In this conversation, we navigate: The Hiring Truth for 2026: Why clarity of value wins over a "perfect" résumé every time. Built-from-Zero Strategy: How to build transferable credibility through real-world problem-solving rather than chasing titles. Resilience vs. AI Fear: Why AI replaces tasks, but never the stewardship and integrity of a true leader. Mindset over Mechanics: Shifting from "survival mode" to a position of authority and purpose-driven leadership. If you are ready to move from "invisible" to "in-demand," James provides the practical, faith-influenced roadmap to help you regain your direction and confidence. Topics covered: James Wilkson, executive search 2026, career repositioning, how to get hired in AI age, leadership advisory, AEC Global Search, career invisibility, transferable skills, executive presence, hiring truth. Find James here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameswilkson    Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/orI27EbPb8A

    50 min
  2. Music: the master healer in the digital age

    MAR 28

    Music: the master healer in the digital age

    In an era of constant digital "slop" and chaotic noise, our nervous systems are stuck in a perpetual state of "fight or flight." We try to find peace through scrolling, only to feel more disconnected. But what if the secret to recalibrating your body and soul was as simple as a heartbeat? Today, we are joined by Jerald Simon,  LDS composer, author, and founder of Music Motivation. Jerald doesn't just write music; he builds biological "pacemakers." By composing at a steady 60 beats per minute, Jerald's music mimics the resting human heart, coaching your body to shift from stress to serenity. In this episode, Jerald pulls back the curtain on the Neuroscience of Harmony. We explore why the "touch" of a piano and the intention of a human composer provide a physiological reset that AI-generated loops simply cannot replicate. In this episode, we navigate: 🎶 The 60 BPM Hack: How entrainment allows your heart and breath to synchronize with music for instant stress reduction. 🎶 The Chemical Symphony: How the right melody triggers dopamine while lowering cortisol and boosting your immune system. 🎶 Chakra Calibration: Using specific frequencies to "tune" the human body like an instrument. 🎶The 30-Day Peace Challenge: Actionable steps to replace digital chaos with "Healing Harmonies." If you've been looking for a way to quiet the noise and reclaim your mental sanity, Jerald's "Musical Realm" is the sanctuary you've been searching for. Jerald also offers amazing courses to help you play, learn jazz and composition and go beyond boring exercises! Check up all his Youtube links , courses, books and poetry and here:  🎹 https://www.musicmotivation.com/     Credits: All mjusic from Youtube free music except for © "After the rain" by Ali Goldstein Musical License obtained from https://www.adigoldstein.com if you want a 10% off his site, https://www.adigoldstein.com, use this code: Franz10RLX   Topics covered: Jerald Simon music, how to find peace of mind, music for stress relief, 60 BPM meditation music, neuroscience of music, healing harmonies, music for chakra balancing, human vs AI music, overcoming digital burnout, music therapy for anxiety, AI versus AI music, true human connection, healing music.   🙏🏼 Thank you for investing your valuable time with us today. If this message spoke to your soul, you are now a messenger. Choose to be the light today and help someone to change their life, too. 🌅 Share the Light: leave a comment, hit subscribe and share this episode right now with one friend who needs an actionable solution. ✍🏼 Leave your legacy: write a quick rating and review on iTunes to help others find true wellness. ❤️ Thank you for being the reason this message reaches the world. God bless you!     Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided.

    35 min
  3. Stop Being Ghosted and Start Getting Hired

    MAR 22

    Stop Being Ghosted and Start Getting Hired

    Are you sending out hundreds of resumes only to be met with total silence? When the responses don't come, it's easy to start doubting your worth. You wonder if you're good enough, and that insecurity starts to bleed into your daily life. But what if the problem isn't you? What if the problem is a "filter" that doesn't even know you exist? Today, we are joined by Aleksandra Lemańska, the founder of LemanSkills and a powerhouse leadership strategist. A former professional violinist turned Management Engineer and Startup Founder, Aleksandra's journey is one of incredible resilience. Diagnosed with MS six years ago, she has proven that private setbacks can be the catalyst for extraordinary professional value. In this episode, Aleksandra pulls back the curtain on the "System" used by medium and large companies. She explains why talented people are being filtered out before a human even sees their CV and provides the exact blueprint for tailoring your message, keywords, and visibility to ensure you are the one who gets the call. What we navigate in this episode: Cracking the Filter: Understanding the tags and keywords that determine if your CV lives or dies. The Power of Tailoring: Why sending fewer, smarter applications is the key to recruitment success. Building Visibility: How to create an online presence that speaks for you before you enter the room. Resilience & Reach: How Aleksandra uses her experience with MS to lead with "Smart Leadership" and mental sanity. If you've been feeling invisible in the job market, this episode is your roadmap to becoming seen, heard, and hired. Topics covered: Aleksandra Lemańska, LemanSkills, how to beat ATS filters, resume keyword optimization, leadership growth, career reinvention 2026, smart leadership, communication intelligence (CQ), startup founder coaching, overcoming recruitment silence, why my resume is not landing me offers of interviews, am I good enough for this job.     🙏🏼 Thank you for investing your valuable time with us today. If this message spoke to your soul, you are now a messenger. Choose to be the light today and help someone to change their life, too. 🌅 Share the Light: leave a comment, hit subscribe and share this episode right now with one friend who needs an actionable solution. ✍🏼 Leave your legacy: write a quick rating and review on iTunes to help others find true wellness. ❤️ Thank you for being the reason this message reaches the world. God bless you!

    30 min
  4. The Hiring Truth: Why talent alone isn't enough in 2026

    MAR 15

    The Hiring Truth: Why talent alone isn't enough in 2026

    Are you failing to get hired because you lack talent, or because the system is broken? In 2026, hiring has become reactive and performative. Companies are chasing titles without defining roles, leaving talented professionals stuck in a cycle of burnout and "hiring failures." Today, we are joined by Stephanie Michelle Pimentel, the "LATAM Whisperer" and founder of Lumena Global Advisory.  From a background in forensic psychology to building a global advisory firm from scratch, Stephanie has navigated the complex world of U.S.–Latin American expansion with one core rule: Mindset before mechanics. Stephanie pulls back the curtain on why companies are struggling to hire and explains how you can position yourself as a bridge, not a bottleneck, in a global market. In this episode, we explore: ✅ The Hiring Truth: Why unclear roles and "performative leadership" are the real reasons behind hiring failures. ✅ The Cultural Superpower: How cultural intelligence and human-first leadership beat automation every time. ✅ Mindset Rewiring: Moving from "survival-mode" thinking to a leadership identity, especially for first-generation professionals. ✅ Execution over Hype: Why the professionals who translate strategy into action are the ones who will be indispensable in 2026. If you're tired of the "hiring hype" and want to understand how to build a career with integrity and global reach, Stephanie is your guide.   Topics covered: Stephanie Michelle Pimentel, Lumena Global Advisory, hiring truths 2026, LATAM business expansion, cultural intelligence in leadership, performative leadership, first-generation success, global job market trends, human-first HR, career reinvention, hard time finding work.   🙏🏼 Thank you for investing your valuable time with us today. If this message spoke to your soul, you are now a messenger. Choose to be the light today and help someone to change their life, too. 🌅 Share the Light: leave a comment, hit subscribe and share this episode right now with one friend who needs an actionable solution. ✍🏼 Leave your legacy: write a quick rating and review on iTunes to help others find true wellness. ❤️ Thank you for being the reason this message reaches the world. God bless you! Watch the interview here: https://youtu.be/ecWbegcy5y8

    31 min
  5. How to reinvent your leadership from the inside out

    MAR 8

    How to reinvent your leadership from the inside out

    Are you building a career on autopilot, or are you actually in the driver's seat? Today, we meet Billy Moyer, a man who started his first company at 21 using his childhood savings bonds and has since founded over a dozen businesses. As the CEO of SOS Leadership, Billy has spent his life answering one question: Why do talented leaders get stuck? He argues that most of us are leading from the "Upside Down"—focusing so hard on external results and "chasing identity before income" that we forget to check the internal drivers shaping our decisions. Billy is here to help us navigate the shift from unconscious autopilot to a leadership style rooted in stewardship, empathy, and clarity. In this episode, we explore: The "Upside Down": How to recognize when you're leading from a place of shadow or misalignment. Identity vs. Income: Why chasing status before substance stalls your progress. Stacking Habits: The "Built-from-Zero" blueprint for building expertise in small, repeatable steps. Leadership as Stewardship: Using your authority to lift others and create dignity in the workplace. If you feel like you're driving toward outcomes without self-awareness, this episode is your reflection exercise to get back on track.   When it comes to faith, Billy says "Faith gives me an internal compass. It pulls me back when I drift toward control, urgency, or self-importance. It reminds me that influence is borrowed, not owned, and that real leadership shows up in how you treat people when no one is watching. At its best, my leadership is about stewardship, not status. Using whatever authority I have to lift others, create dignity, and leave things better than I found them. That's the standard I keep coming back to."   Find Billy here: https://www.collectiveadvisors.com/insights/blog/leadership-marriage-building-a-life-in-austin/   🙏🏼 Thank you for investing your valuable time with us today. If this message spoke to your soul, you are now a messenger. Choose to be the light today and help someone to change their life, too. 🌅 Share the Light: leave a comment, hit subscribe and share this episode right now with one friend who needs an actionable solution. ✍🏼 Leave your legacy: write a quick rating and review on iTunes to help others find true wellness. ❤️ Thank you for being the reason this message reaches the world. God bless you!

    35 min
  6. The Character Edge: Why Being Human is Your Greatest Career Asset

    MAR 1

    The Character Edge: Why Being Human is Your Greatest Career Asset

    Is your career stuck because of a skills gap—or a character gap? In 2026, when everyone is using the same AI tools, the only way to stand out is through your humanity. Today, we're joined by Jim Carlough, the Leadership Identity Architect. Mentored under the legendary Ross Perot, Jim has spent 30 years learning that true success isn't about power—it's about the 6 Pillars of Character. Jim shares how to navigate the shift from "just an employee" to an indispensable leader who leads with care, integrity, and humor. This episode is a masterclass in reinventing your professional identity by focusing on the qualities that machines can never replicate. Inside the Episode: ✅ The Identity Shift: Why you must see yourself as the authority before anyone else will. ✅ The 6 Pillars: Cultivating the human qualities—like Integrity and Stability—that make you unreplaceable. ✅ The Perot Standard: Real-world stories of grit and the courage to show up for your people. ✅ The Cure for Burnout: Why a character-driven life is the secret to staying energized in a draining world.   Want to learn more? Check out Jim's book here with my affiliate link: https://amzn.to/45piuBF    The title is: The Six Pillars Of Effective Leadership: A Roadmap to Success   Topics covered: leadership identity architecture, Ross Perot business lessons, how to be a leader in 2026, 6 Pillars of Leadership, management vs leadership, career advancement for professionals, overcoming imposter syndrome, high-stakes decision making, AI-proof career skills, burnout, high turnover, how to lead, human qualities to develop, Jim Carlough, leadership character, 6 pillars of success, how to be indispensable at work, career reinvention 2026, professional identity gap, human skills for job seekers, leading with integrity.   Find Jim here: https://www.jimcarlough.com Watch the interview here: https://youtu.be/Wh4e0tXqRXw   🙏🏼 Thank you for investing your valuable time with us today. If this message spoke to your soul, you are now a messenger. Choose to be the light today and help someone to change their life, too. 🌅 Share the Light: leave a comment, hit subscribe and share this episode right now with one friend who needs an actionable solution. ✍🏼 Leave your legacy: write a quick rating and review on iTunes to help others find true wellness. ❤️ Thank you for being the reason this message reaches the world. God bless you!

    37 min
  7. Navigating the Setback: Reinventing Your Career in 2026

    FEB 22

    Navigating the Setback: Reinventing Your Career in 2026

    What do you do when the plan falls apart? In 2026, we are told that AI will solve everything, but many of us feel more disconnected and overwhelmed than ever. Today, we are joined by Dr. Diane Dye, a nationally recognized strategist and CEO advisor who turned her own layoff into a doctorate and a groundbreaking framework. Diane is here to help us navigate the heavy emotions of unemployment and reinvent our biggest setbacks into what she calls "Critical Opportunities." We dive into why AI hasn't actually made office work "better" and how the growing gap in human connection is actually your biggest chance to stand out. If you are ready to move past the "change fatigue" and start building momentum, this episode is your blueprint. What we are navigating today: ✅ The Critical Opportunity Method: How to turn a layoff into a launchpad for your next big move. ✅ The Productivity Myth: Why AI is making us lonelier and how to reclaim your human value. ✅ Experimentation Strategy: How to stop "job hunting" and start experimenting with your future. ✅ Managing People Risk: Understanding how to present yourself as a strategic asset to any leader.   Topics covered: Dr. Diane Dye, career reinvention 2026, navigating a layoff, Critical Opportunity Method, human connection at work, career growth for women, overcoming change fatigue, strategic job search, create a decent resume, how to find work     🙏🏼 Thank you for investing your valuable time with us today. If this message spoke to your soul, you are now a messenger. Choose to be the light today and help someone to change their life, too. 🌅 Share the Light: leave a comment, hit subscribe and share this episode right now with one friend who needs an actionable solution. ✍🏼 Leave your legacy: write a quick rating and review on iTunes to help others find true wellness. ❤️ Thank you for being the reason this message reaches the world. God bless you!   Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/MNy0vnu9O_I   Find Dr Diane Dye here: http://drdianedye.com

    46 min
  8. From operator to architect of your life

    FEB 15

    From operator to architect of your life

    Is your daily to-do list stopping you from actually enjoying your life? We've all been there—buried under "grunt work," feeling like a tiny cog in a giant machine. My guest today, Terence Townsend, says it's time to step out of the "engine room." Terence is back to show us that you don't need to be a tech genius to win in 2026. He teaches us how to move from being an Operator (the person doing all the boring, repetitive tasks) to an Architect (the person who designs a better way to work). We're talking about "Administrative Slop"—that mess of emails and paperwork that drains your spirit—and how to use AI as your own "Digital Steward" to handle the boring stuff for you. This isn't just about technology; it's about reclaiming your time so you can build the life and career you actually crave. In this episode, we talk about: The Mess Audit: How to find the tasks that are stealing your time. Your New Assistant: How to make AI work for you, not the other way around. Staying True: How to make sure your work stays honest and effective. The Path Forward: How to become the architect of your own future. If you're ready to clear the clutter and focus on what matters, this conversation is for you. SPECIAL OFFER for you listeners of Create! Terence has some great books for you. "Build Your First Digital Steward" comes with a free 'Build Your First Digital Steward' poster. More can be found at https://tepublishers.systeme.io/bookverse  A special offer for you: 50% Discount on all of his E-books on BookVerse (discount code: BUILDIN2026)   What is RelevanceAI? https://relevanceai.com/ Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/G4yMR6CvSSU   Topics covered: AI for career growth, Terence Townsend, business automation 2026, productivity for non-tech founders, AI for productivity at work, how to use AI to save time, stop feeling overwhelmed at work, career growth tips 2026, how to get more done in less time, AI tools for employees, stand out in a new job, administrative task automation, how to manage a heavy workload, future-proof your career.   🙏🏼 Thank you for investing your valuable time with us today. If this message spoke to your soul, you are now a messenger. Choose to be the light today and help someone to change their life, too. 🌅 Share the Light: leave a comment, hit subscribe and share this episode right now with one friend who needs an actionable solution. ✍🏼 Leave your legacy: write a quick rating and review on iTunes to help others find true wellness. ❤️ Thank you for being the reason this message reaches the world. God bless you!

    35 min
5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

A podcast dedicated to sharing actionable steps we can take to improve our well being and mental health, so we can create the life we want!