The Self Trust Solution | Real Stories. Real Self-Trust.

Dawn Ledet, The Self Trust Coach

For entrepreneurs and leaders ready to grow their business, expand their impact, and build from overflow—not depletion. The Self Trust Solution Podcast features real conversations, tools and tips about the decisions, risks, and identity shifts behind sustainable growth. Season 3 shares powerful interviews, while Season 2 offers practical tools for clarity and follow-through. Start your next level with the Self-Trust Identity Map: theselftrustcoach.com/identity-map

  1. 1D AGO

    Ethical Entrepreneurship & Self-Trust: Building a Business That Honors Your Capacity

    What if building a successful business didn’t require sacrificing your health, values, or capacity? In this Season 3 episode of The Self Trust Solution Podcast, Dawn Ledet sits down with Marissa Guthrie, a business coach whose journey is a powerful example of what happens when self-trust becomes the foundation of how you work and lead. Marissa shares how years of operating under traditional business pressure led to chronic health issues that forced her to pause and re-evaluate everything. That disruption became a turning point — inviting her to rebuild her business around intuition, ethical decision-making, and self-care rather than fear or hustle. In this conversation, we explore how self-trust can guide more aligned pricing, sustainable growth, and a way of working that honors your real capacity — not an imagined one. Marissa also shares how shifting from fear to curiosity allowed her to work fewer hours while earning more, without abandoning her values. This episode is an invitation to question the rules you’ve inherited and listen more closely to what your body, intuition, and inner authority are already telling you. In this episode, we explore: What happens when success comes at the cost of your healthRebuilding a business through intuition and self-trustEthical pricing and aligned decision-makingCreating sustainability without burnout or overworkShifting from fear-driven strategy to curiosity-led growthHonoring your capacity as a leadership skillIf you’re feeling stretched thin, questioning your current business model, or sensing there’s a more ethical and sustainable way to work, this conversation offers clarity, permission, and a grounded path forward. ⏱️ Episode Chapters00:00 – Introduction & guest welcome00:16 – Marissa’s journey into self-trust01:30 – Life and business before the diagnosis05:12 – The turning point and need for change08:17 – Facing illness and choosing self-trust19:00 – Rebuilding with intuition and support24:19 – Creating a sustainable, aligned business36:27 – Final reflections & resources 🔗 Resources & Next Steps ✨ Learn more about Marissa Guthrie and her workWebsite: https://marisaguthriecoaching.co.uk/The Reluctant Capitalist Substack: https://marisaguthrie.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chipsFree Masterclass: Ethical, Fair & Fearless Pricing- https://marisaguthriecoaching.co.uk/free-masterclass-ethical-fair-fearless-pricing ✨ Explore the Self-Trust Identity MapA gentle, three-minute reflection to help you understand where you are in your becoming — and what your next level is asking of you:👉 https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/identity-map ✨ Learn more about ClaimedDawn’s private coaching experience for entrepreneurs and leaders ready to trust themselves fully and lead from alignment:👉 https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/claimed 📩 Have a self-trust story of your own or a question for the show?Email us at admin@theselftrustcoach.comor share your story here:👉 https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/yourstory ⭐ If this episode resonated, please like, subscribe, and share — it helps more people find conversations like this.

    40 min
  2. Trusting Curiosity: How Asking Better Questions Changes Everything (with Joe Lalley)

    FEB 11

    Trusting Curiosity: How Asking Better Questions Changes Everything (with Joe Lalley)

    What if curiosity — not certainty — is what builds self-trust? In this Season 3 episode of The Self Trust Solution Podcast, Dawn Ledet sits down with Joe Lalley, a writer, speaker, and innovation leader whose work centers on helping individuals and organizations think differently by asking better questions. Joe shares his journey from a corporate career filled with self-doubt and expectations to building a business rooted in curiosity, creativity, and trust. Along the way, self-trust wasn’t about having a perfect plan — it was about listening to the questions that wouldn’t go away and allowing them to guide his next moves. We talk about what it really takes to question the status quo, how curiosity can become a practical leadership skill, and what Joe learned about himself while writing his book, Question to Learn. This conversation is an invitation to loosen your grip on certainty and reconnect with the part of you that already knows how to learn, adapt, and evolve. In this episode, we explore: How curiosity builds self-trust when clarity feels out of reachNavigating self-doubt inside corporate environmentsWhat it means to question the status quo — without burning everything downThe internal work required to leap into entrepreneurshipWriting a book as a self-trust practicePractical ways leaders can use curiosity to create meaningful changeWhether you’re considering a bold move, questioning how you’ve been operating, or simply sensing there’s a more aligned way to lead and work, this episode offers grounded insight and permission to trust the questions you’re already asking.⏱️ Episode Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Joe Lalley01:21 – Joe’s current work and passion for curiosity02:52 – Corporate life, self-doubt, and internal friction05:14 – Moments of realization and change10:40 – The leap into entrepreneurship14:13 – Writing the book: fears, resistance, and growth18:51 – The impact of the book and what’s next21:42 – Practical advice on self-trust and curiosity32:14 – Final reflections 🔗 Resources & Next Steps ✨ Learn more about Joe Lalley & his workhttps://www.joelalley.com/ ✨ Question to Learn: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Career, Team, and Organizationhttps://a.co/d/a9TdnyL ✨ Explore the Self-Trust Identity MapA gentle, three-minute reflection to help you understand where you are in your becoming — and what your next level is asking of you:👉 https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/identity-map ✨ Learn more about ClaimedDawn’s private coaching experience for entrepreneurs and leaders ready to trust themselves fully and lead from alignment:👉 https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/claimed 📩 Have a self-trust story of your own or a question for the show?Email us at admin@theselftrustcoach.comor share your story here:👉 https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/yourstory ⭐ If this episode resonated, please like, subscribe, and share — it helps more people find conversations like this.

    33 min
  3. From Survival to Self-Trust: Escaping, Serving, Leading, Becoming (with Chanda Coston)

    FEB 4

    From Survival to Self-Trust: Escaping, Serving, Leading, Becoming (with Chanda Coston)

    What if self-trust didn’t start as confidence — but as survival?In this Season 3 episode of The Self-Trust Solution Podcast, Dawn Ledet sits down with Chanda Coston, a woman whose life story is a powerful testament to courage, resilience, and the quiet strength of taking the next best step.Chanda shares her journey from escaping an abusive relationship to serving in the military, rising into corporate leadership, and ultimately stepping into entrepreneurship and coaching. Along the way, self-trust wasn’t something she set out to build — it was something she had to access in order to survive, protect what mattered, and keep moving forward when clarity was scarce.This conversation explores how self-trust often begins long before it has a name — as instinct, devotion, responsibility, or simply the willingness to choose differently. Chanda reflects on pivotal moments that reshaped her identity, leadership, and direction, and how those decisions created not just personal change, but the potential for generational impact.This episode is a reminder that self-trust isn’t about having it all figured out — it’s about giving yourself permission to move, pivot, and grow anyway.In this episode, we explore:How self-trust often begins as survival, responsibility, or love for othersNavigating life-altering transitions and identity shiftsThe power of taking the next best step when certainty isn’t availableHow leadership, resilience, and self-trust are built through lived experienceWhy allowing yourself to change can create transformational and generational impactWhether you’re navigating a major life transition, standing at a crossroads, or sensing that the version of you that got here isn’t the one meant to take you forward, this episode offers clarity, courage, and grounded permission to trust yourself where you are.⏱️ Episode Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Chanda’s story at a glance01:36 – Military service, discipline, and resilience05:00 – Transitioning from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship08:13 – Personal growth, reflection, and identity shifts19:59 – Chanda’s current work and offerings22:35 – Final reflections and parting wisdom🔗 Resources & Next Steps✨ Learn more about Chanda & her workhttp://chanda-co.com✨ Chanda’s 1:1 Tiny ChallengeA focused, one-on-one experience designed to help you solve a pressing issue in your business with clarity and momentumhttps://join.chanda-co.com/home-page-page✨ Explore the Self-Trust Identity MapA gentle, three-minute reflection to help you understand where you are in your becoming — and what your next level is asking of you:👉 https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/identity-map✨ Learn more about ClaimedDawn’s private coaching experience for entrepreneurs and leaders ready to trust themselves fully and lead from alignment:👉 https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/claimed📩 Have a self-trust story of your own or a question for the show?Email us at admin@theselftrustcoach.comor share your story here:👉 https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/yourstory⭐ If this episode resonated, please take a moment to leave a rating and review — it helps more people find conversations like this.🎥 Prefer to watch this conversation?The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube, where you can see the moments, expressions, and pauses that make this story even more powerful.👉 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSelfTrustSolution

    24 min
  4. Judy Katz: Reinventing at 65, Trusting Yourself, and Building a Meaningful Third Act

    JAN 28

    Judy Katz: Reinventing at 65, Trusting Yourself, and Building a Meaningful Third Act

    What if the most meaningful chapter of your life hasn’t happened yet?In this Season 3 episode of The Self-Trust Solution Podcast, Dawn Ledet sits down with Judy Katz, a book collaborator, ghostwriter, publisher, and marketer who didn’t step into her true calling until age 65 — and has since completed more than 60 books, including award-winning memoirs and national bestsellers. Judy shares the pivotal moment when she realized her long-standing career in PR no longer fit, and how trusting herself — without waiting for permission, validation, or certainty — led her to reinvent her work, her identity, and her impact. Now 85, Judy continues to help others tell their stories, change the conversation around aging, and stop postponing the lives they feel called to live. This conversation is a powerful reminder that self-trust isn’t about fearlessness — it’s about listening deeply, taking risks anyway, and honoring the voice within that says there’s more for you. In this episode, we explore: What it really looks like to reinvent yourself later in lifeThe moment Judy stopped seeking outside validation and trusted her own knowingWhy “level five listening” is essential to self-trust and meaningful workHow aging can become a season of expansion instead of limitationWhy it’s never too late to begin again — and often better when you doWhether you’re navigating a career shift, questioning what’s next, or feeling the pull toward something new but unfamiliar, this episode will meet you with encouragement, clarity, and permission. ⏱️ Episode Chapters00:00 – Introducing Judy Katz & the power of reinvention01:15 – From journalism and PR to a crossroads moment04:30 – Early independence, courage, and trusting her instincts07:06 – Ghostwriting as a calling — and helping others find their voice13:15 – Changing the narrative around aging and possibility18:07 – Judy’s current work, reflections, and parting wisdom 🔗 Resources & Next Steps ✨ Learn more about Judy & her work: https://katzcreativebooksandmedia.com Get Judy's Memoir Essays- From 18 to 84: https://a.co/d/5T59Vp1 Email Judy at Jkatzcreative@gmail.com ✨Explore the Self-Trust Identity MapA gentle, three-minute reflection to help you understand where you are in your becoming and what your next level is asking of you:👉 https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/identity-map ✨ Learn more about ClaimedDawn’s private coaching experience for entrepreneurs and leaders ready to trust themselves fully and lead from alignment:👉 https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/claimed 📩 Have a self-trust story of your own or a question for the show?Email us at admin@theselftrustcoach.com or share your story here:👉 https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/yourstory ⭐ If this episode resonated, please take a moment to leave a rating and review — it helps more people find conversations like this.

    25 min
  5. How Self-Trust Can Transform Your Life: Jesse Ramos on Weight Loss, Sobriety & Reinventing Your Career

    JAN 21

    How Self-Trust Can Transform Your Life: Jesse Ramos on Weight Loss, Sobriety & Reinventing Your Career

    What actually changes your life?Not willpower. Not hustle. Not motivation.It’s self-trust.In this powerful episode of The Self-Trust Solution Podcast, Dawn sits down with transformation coach Jesse Ramos, whose story embodies what becomes possible when you stop abandoning yourself — and start choosing the life you were meant for. Jesse spent 15 years in retail banking, quietly struggling with self-trust, identity, weight gain, alcohol abuse, anxiety, and the pressure to be someone he wasn’t. After losing 90 pounds, getting sober, and walking away from a corporate career that no longer aligned, he rebuilt his life from the inside out. Today, Jesse is a transformation artist whose mission is to inspire 8 million people to trust themselves again.Inside this episode, you’ll learn:✨ How to rebuild self-trust after years of self-doubt✨ How Jesse lost 90 pounds through identity change—not discipline✨ The mindset shifts that helped him overcome addiction and anxiety✨ Why discomfort is the entry point to growth (and not a red flag)✨ How he knew it was time to leave his long-term corporate job✨ The practices he uses daily to stay grounded and self-led✨ How self-trust shapes purpose, relationships, and success If you’re navigating a transition…trying to break old patterns…or wondering whether you can really trust yourself again—this story will move you, challenge you, and show you what’s possible.Jesse’s journey is a masterclass in courage, clarity, and radical self-honesty. 🔗 Helpful Links✔️ Explore Jesse’s coaching: Www.bbtfitness.nyc ✔️ Download the Self-Trust Identity Map: https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/identity-map✔️ Learn about my private coaching program, Claimed: https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/claimed✔️ Share your self-trust story: https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/yourstory✔️ Questions or feedback? Email: admin@theselftrustcoach.com ⏱ Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:07 Jesse's Early Career and Transformation 01:34 Struggles with Self-Trust and Identity 04:12 Overcoming Addiction and Personal Loss 09:03 Career Shift and Building a New Life 12:58 The Importance of Self-Trust and Patience 19:27 Clearing Out the Past 20:53 Reflecting on Early Competitiveness and Fear-Driven Motivation 22:22 Overcoming Anxiety and Embracing Radical Acceptance 24:10 Transforming Through Client Relationships 25:36 Practices for Maintaining Confidence and Self-Trust 27:13 The Power of Inner Dialogue and Self-Mentorship 31:48 Mission to Inspire and Motivate Millions 32:24 Embracing Discomfort and Finding Purpose 35:05 Rising Above Circumstances and Inspiring Others 36:51 Virtual and In-Person Coaching Services 38:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ⭐️ Enjoying the podcast?Please consider subscribing, leaving a rating + review, and sharing this story with someone who needs a reminder that transformation begins with a single act of self-trust.

    42 min
  6. Redefining Success Through Self-Trust and Radical Self-Celebration

    JAN 14

    Redefining Success Through Self-Trust and Radical Self-Celebration

    What if rest was a business strategy? What if self-trust was the key to scaling — not sacrifice? In today’s episode, Dawn sits down with Dr. Lakila Bowden, COO of iSee Technologies, leadership expert, and author of The Sho’ Nuff Principle, to explore how high-achieving women can rewrite their relationship with success, rest, and self-celebration. Lakila shares the pivotal year that changed everything — losing her mother, becoming a new mom herself, and finally choosing to lead differently. Her story is a powerful example of how listening inward reshapes how we work, parent, achieve, and care for ourselves. You’ll learn how she: ✨ Transformed her leadership style through self-trust ✨ Built a 7-figure wellness company grounded in accessibility and care ✨ Navigated grief and growth simultaneously ✨ Redefined success through rest, intention, and radical self-permission ✨ Helps other women release guilt and reclaim energy ✨ Uses simple rituals (like her 5-5-5 Rewards List) to anchor joy and celebration This episode is a beautiful reminder: Achievement doesn’t require depletion. Self-trust scales better than hustle ever will. If you’ve been craving a new way to lead — one rooted in clarity, rest, self-compassion, and grounded ambition — this conversation will feel like an exhale. 🕒 Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to The Self-Trust Solution 00:16 – Meet Dr. Lakila Bowden 01:38 – Early corporate years & the first cracks of misalignment 03:59 – Stepping into operations + leading large teams 05:30 – The year that changed everything 05:52 – Founding iSee Technologies 06:27 – Balancing caregiving, grief, and entrepreneurship 08:47 – Wisdom, perspective, and redefining success 16:27 – The Sho’ Nuff Principle™ and true self-care 23:51 – Protecting your schedule through intention 24:42 – Lakila’s 5-5-5 Rewards List 27:26 – Silence, nature, and deep replenishment 30:24 – Intuition in leadership + motherhood 42:30 – Navigating guilt and reclaiming energy 45:28 – Closing thoughts & resources 📘 Resources Mentioned 👉 Download Dr. Lakila Bowden’s Guilt Detox™ A powerful guide to help you release guilt and reclaim energy. 👉 Follow Lakila & iSee Technologies @lakilajhttps://lakilabowden.com/ ✨ Your Next Step: Build Your Self-Trust Identity Start with the free Self-Trust Identity Map — a gentle, 3-minute reflection to understand where you are in your becoming and what your next level is asking of you. https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/identity-map If you're ready for high-level, embodied coaching, explore CLAIMED, Dawn’s signature private mentorship for leaders: https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/claimed 💛 Love this episode? Please like, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps this work reach more leaders who need it. Have a question or want to share your story? Email: admin@theselftrustcoach.com Share your Self-Trust Story: https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/yourstory 🎥 Prefer to watch this conversation? The full video version of this episode is available on YouTube, where you can see the moments, expressions, and pauses that make this story even more powerful. 👉 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSelfTrustSolution

    46 min
  7. From Panic to Public Speaking: How Self-Trust Transformed Madelyn’s Business

    JAN 7

    From Panic to Public Speaking: How Self-Trust Transformed Madelyn’s Business

    Today’s episode is one of my favorites — because it’s the very first self-trust transformation story I recorded for Season 3. And Madelyn Furlong set the bar high. Madelyn is a marketing strategist and website designer who helps entrepreneurs grow their business with strategic marketing and high-converting ShowIt websites. But before she could confidently help others use their voice… she had to learn how to trust her own. In this conversation, Madelyn shares: ✨ Her lifelong fear of public speaking (including panic attacks + sleepless nights) ✨ The moment she realized her voice mattered for her business ✨ How she grew confidence through small, repeatable self-trust steps ✨ The mindset shifts that helped her stop shrinking and start leading ✨ How building evidence changed the way she markets, sells, and serves ✨ Why discomfort isn’t a problem — it’s proof you’re growing Her story is a powerful reminder that self-trust isn’t something you’re born with — it’s something you build. 🔥 Highlights from this episode: 00:00 — Intro 01:32 — Madelyn’s accidental path into entrepreneurship 04:12 — The fear of being seen and the role of self-trust 09:27 — Expanding your “confidence circle” 14:20 — Worthy discomfort vs. unsafe discomfort 19:40 — Building evidence and identity through action 23:50 — How confidence shifted her client work + leadership 28:17 — Language shifts that build inner confidence 33:40 — Final encouragement for entrepreneurs learning to trust themselves ✨ Connect with Madelyn Website: https://www.madelynvictoriaco.com Instagram: @madelynvictoriaco 📌 Download the Self Trust Identity Map A gentle three-minute reflection to help you understand where you are in your becoming, what’s guiding you forward, and what your next level is quietly asking of you. 👉 https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/identity-map 💫 Explore CLAiMED — my private coaching experience for high-achieving women Create the kind of success that feels like truth, not pressure. 👉 https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/claimed 🎧 Share your Self-Trust Story If you have a before-and-after story of when self-trust changed everything, I’d love to hear it. 👉 https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/yourstory 💛 If this episode supported you… Please like, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more people discover this work and learn how to trust themselves again. And if you have questions, reach out anytime: 📩 admin@theselftrustcoach.com

    23 min
  8. 12/31/2025

    A Year of Self Trust: Reflect, Reclaim & Rise

    As we close out Season 2 of The Self Trust Solution Podcast, this episode is both a celebration and an invitation. This season has been packed with powerful conversations with experts on leadership, productivity, health, purpose, writing, travel, and entrepreneurship—plus short solo episodes designed to help you make firm decisions, follow through with clarity, and have your own back every step of the way. Whether you’re listening as the year turns or months down the line, this reflection is for anyone who wants to pause, reclaim their power, and step boldly into what’s next. 🌿 In this episode, you’ll hear: A look back at the most powerful strategies, frameworks, and insights from Season 2. Why self-trust isn’t just personal development—it’s a strategic advantage. How stories of success, struggle, and self-trust will shape Season 3. A personal invitation to reflect on your own wins, endurance, and growth. ✨ Mentioned in this episode: Share your self-trust story: theselftrustcoach.com Follow the show for Season 3 guest episodes, real-world stories, and actionable strategy. 💬 If this podcast has supported you this year, take a moment to rate, review, or share it with someone who needs this message. Your next level begins with who you believe yourself to be. Start with The Self-Trust Identity Map—a gentle, three-minute reflection designed to help you understand where you are in your becoming, what’s guiding you forward, and what your next level is quietly asking of you.Clarity doesn’t require pressure. It requires presence.👉 https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/identity-map And if this episode sparked something deeper—if you’re ready to be supported at the highest level—explore Claimed, my private coaching partnership for leaders and entrepreneurs who are ready to step into their next season with grounded clarity, unshakable self-trust, and real momentum.👉 https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/claimed

    5 min
5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

For entrepreneurs and leaders ready to grow their business, expand their impact, and build from overflow—not depletion. The Self Trust Solution Podcast features real conversations, tools and tips about the decisions, risks, and identity shifts behind sustainable growth. Season 3 shares powerful interviews, while Season 2 offers practical tools for clarity and follow-through. Start your next level with the Self-Trust Identity Map: theselftrustcoach.com/identity-map