Choice not Chance: Simplifying Success

Marie Chindamo
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Have you ever considered how successful individuals break free from the conventional 9-to-5 mindset and create lives where they can embrace entrepreneurial opportunities inside and outside traditional organizations? Is it a myth that achieving great success requires sacrificing your joy? Are you intrigued by the possibility of experiencing extraordinary success while enhancing your enjoyment in life?Join us in exploring the remarkable journey of Marie Chindamo, an inspiring figure who took charge of her destiny, transforming from a state of bankruptcy to becoming a self-made millionaire entrepreneur. Marie reveals the specifics of her proven path and has analyzed the journeys of other top achievers to uncover the essential, non-negotiable traits that lead to tenfold success.“Choice, Not Chance: Simplifying Success” invites you to dive deep into your passions and equips you with the frameworks and strategies necessary to turn those passions into a fulfilling career. We unveil the secrets of highly successful people, dispelling the myths that they have access to abilities that you don’t. Join our dynamic community, where we challenge traditional norms and celebrate innovative thinkers, allowing you to connect with like-minded individuals.Whether you aim to transform your life completely, need guidance to overcome barriers or seek practical strategies to fast-track your progress, our episodes are filled with valuable tools, a supportive community, and actionable insights to empower your journey.Remember, change is a natural part of life. This podcast is dedicated to helping you embrace it, take charge, and lead the way! We are invested in your personal and professional development, providing unwavering support every step of the journey.

  1. From Intern to CEO: Building Opportunity Instead of Waiting for It

    MAR 10

    From Intern to CEO: Building Opportunity Instead of Waiting for It

    Host Marie Chindamo introduces an interview recorded in July 2025 with Brittany Hirson, CEO of South Bay Energy, a boutique retail energy supplier in New York and PJM. Brittany recounts joining the startup as a college intern in 2013 and rising to CEO by following strong leaders, building relationships, taking initiative, and embracing learning before feeling ready. She discusses leading by example, creating room for growth and safe failure, and the importance of authenticity in business trust. Brittany also describes her role as president of the Mid-Atlantic chapter of the Women’s Energy Alliance, focused on women supporting women through member mentorships with inclusive male allies. She shares her consulting work in operations and marketing, shifting from 1x to 10x goals through delegation and “who versus how,” views on technology and APIs, self-care through Pilates and a vegan lifestyle, and the belief that people can tap an extra 10% of effort to seize opportunities. From Intern to CEO: Brittany Harrison on Choice, Confidence, and 10x Leadership  00:00 Show Intro 00:22 Intern To CEO 01:24 Episode Context 04:12 Meet Brittany 06:14 Startup Culture 08:46 Mentorship Matters 11:15 Women’s Energy Alliance 15:16 Authenticity Wins 16:06 Future Of Energy 18:50 Confidence To Lead 20:41 Consulting And Ops 23:46 Defining Success 26:25 Ten X Thinking 27:47 Perfectionism And Progress 29:16 Risk And Mistakes 31:20 Mistakes Can Be Fixed 32:00 Beautiful Mistakes and Discovery 32:16 Tech and Leadership Tools 33:08 APIs and Automation Basics 34:16 Upskilling the Team 35:10 Low Risk Tool Practice 38:16 Too Many Tools Problem 40:08 Avoiding the Tech Rabbit Hole 41:24 Self-Care and Pilates Routine 43:58 Intentional Choices and Health 47:59 Truth Be Told Extra Ten Percent 52:41 Spotting Opportunities and Initiative 57:37 Final Takeaways and Outro Connect with Brittany https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-hirson-660b6788/ A little bit about Marie Chindamo: Marie is the founder and CEO of ProTilly, a successful consulting practice founded over 8 years ago. ProTilly specializes in building strategy, challenging the status quo, and inspiring individuals and organizations to think radically differently to achieve transformative benefits. By encouraging fresh perspectives and innovative thinking, Marie and her team help organizations break free from limiting practices, creating room for disruptive ideas and growth. They provide strategic guidance that’s tailored to navigating transitions, whether it's organizational change, market shifts, or leadership development. Support the show If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers: 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie ChindamoExclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not ChanceUnlimited email correspondence with a coachSemi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members  https://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar

    1 hr
  2. At What Point Does Consistency Become Noise? Pause to Create Clarity

    MAR 9

    At What Point Does Consistency Become Noise? Pause to Create Clarity

    Strategic Restraint: Navigating Competing Priorities with Discernment Marie returns to the Choice Not Chance podcast after an eight-month pause, explaining it was driven by competing priorities and a commitment to quality rather than burnout or lost passion. She reflects on how high-achieving leaders often struggle not with a lack of options but with too many meaningful opportunities, arguing that leadership is defined by discernment, focus, and long-term alignment rather than constant output. During the break, she narrowed instead of accelerated, practiced instead of published, and pursued advanced coursework to deepen her knowledge and integrate new experiences into sharper future frameworks. She reframes pausing as strategic restraint and maturity, encouraging listeners to evaluate whether stepping back is avoidance or alignment. She also connects these themes to the Extreme Executive Club, positioned as a structured space for rigorous thinking, refinement, and executive signature work. 00:00 Welcome Back and the Pause 00:31 When Consistency Becomes Noise 01:12 Every Yes Has a Cost 02:12 Competing Priorities and Focus 03:26 Integration Builds Depth 04:13 Strategic Restraint and Ego 05:00 Discernment Questions to Ask 05:35 Extreme Executive Club Update 06:24 Calibration Over Acceleration 07:00 Returning With Clarity 07:20 Choice Not Chance Closing A little bit about Marie Chindamo: Marie is the founder and CEO of ProTilly, a successful consulting practice founded over 8 years ago. ProTilly specializes in building strategy, challenging the status quo, and inspiring individuals and organizations to think radically differently to achieve transformative benefits. By encouraging fresh perspectives and innovative thinking, Marie and her team help organizations break free from limiting practices, creating room for disruptive ideas and growth. They provide strategic guidance that’s tailored to navigating transitions, whether it's organizational change, market shifts, or leadership development. ENJOY THE SHOW?  --> Join my X-Treme Executive Clubä to get exclusive access to simple yet mind-blowing strategies and support to achieve your highest potential.  --> If this episode is making you think, I would love it if you could share your thoughts with me over on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn! Support the show If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers: 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie ChindamoExclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not ChanceUnlimited email correspondence with a coachSemi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members  https://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar

    8 min
  3. EP015 – Freedom Mindset: Tethered to Nothing, Anchored to Purpose

    05/31/2025

    EP015 – Freedom Mindset: Tethered to Nothing, Anchored to Purpose

    EP015 – Freedom Mindset: Tethered to Nothing, Anchored to Purpose “Freedom mindset is saying, I'm making conscious choices to do and act on things that will benefit my long-term growth, and requires you to remove the things that aren't going to contribute to that.” Marie Chindamo  In this first episode of season two of 'Choice, Not Chance: Simplifying Success,' host Marie Chindamo delves into the concept of the freedom mindset. Reflecting on her six-week sabbatical and annual retreat, Marie emphasizes the importance of making conscious choices to cultivate freedom and growth. She discusses the power of envisioning your future self, using 'I am' statements, and clarifying core values as foundational steps to achieving exponential personal and professional success. Through personal anecdotes and retreat experiences, Marie offers strategies for overcoming obstacles, leveraging strengths, and enlisting support to enrich one's journey. She invites listeners to utilize her resources and join her in building a life they do not want to retire from. 00:00 Introduction to Choice, not Chance 00:22 Season Two Kickoff 01:10 Embracing the Freedom Mindset 06:39 Visioning Your Future Self 12:00 Lifetime Extension 15:00 Focus on Strengths vs. Weaknesses 17:02 Your Superpowers 18:59 Commitment Creates Action 19:47 Clarifying Core Values 21:17 Overcoming Obstacles 24:21 Conclusion and Resources  Connect with Marie Chindamo  LinkedIn Website Instagram Facebook ENJOY THE SHOW?  --> Join my X-Treme Executive Clubä to get exclusive access to simple yet mind-blowing strategies and support to achieve your highest potential.  --> If this episode is making you think, I would love if you could share your thoughts with me over on Facebook Instagram or LinkedIn! Support the show If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers: 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie ChindamoExclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not ChanceUnlimited email correspondence with a coachSemi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members  https://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar

    27 min
  4. Unleashing Potential: How Wonder Girls Transforms Confidence into Success

    03/21/2025

    Unleashing Potential: How Wonder Girls Transforms Confidence into Success

    Empowering Young Women: The Journey of Wonder Girls In this episode of 'Choice, Not Chance: Simplifying Success,' host Marie Chindamo interviews Natalie Maniscalco and Irene Robles, co-founders of Wonder Girls. They discuss the inception and mission of their nonprofit organization that empowers high school girls through leadership building, community service, and confidence workshops. They share personal stories, the impact of their professional skills, and the importance of empathy, support, and mentorship in shaping the future of young women. The conversation also touches upon their ambitious plans for expansion and continuous support for aspiring young women leaders. 00:00 Introduction to Choice, Not Chance 00:27 Meet the Wonder Girls Founders 01:26 Natalie's Journey and the Birth of Wonder Girls 06:03 Irene's Background and Contributions 10:21 Empowering Young Women Through Confidence 16:58 Wonder Girls Programs and Impact 26:38 Leadership and Support Behind Wonder Girls 27:21 Team Effort and Acknowledgements 28:08 Board Members and Their Contributions 29:23 Personal Fulfillment and Purpose 32:13 Fundraising and Events 34:25 Podcast and Partnerships 36:49 Future Goals and Expansion 42:21 Personal Choices and Reflections 47:13 Mindset and Overcoming Obstacles 49:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Natalie Maniscalco & Irene Robles  https://www.wondergirlsusa.org/our-team https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-j-maniscalco-54195a1/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/irene-paleologos-zervoudis-301aa0110/  A little bit about Wondergirls: https://www.wondergirlsusa.org/ourvisionourteam Founded in December 2020, Wonder Girls is a non-profit 501(c)3 | empowerment program for middle, high school, and college girls with a mission to build confidence, leadership, community spirit, and the necessary business skills to succeed no matter what educational or career path they may choose.  Wonder Girls strive to create a space for addressing the current emotional, physical, and mental challenges facing our young girls today. Wonder Girls provides our girls with a support system, giving them a place where they feel safe and comfortable expressing themselves while also providing them with the tools they need to grow and thrive in this world. We offer our young girls the opportunity to speak their truth without fear of isolation or judgment. Wonder Girls believes that every young woman deserves the opportunity to thrive as a leader of their own life despite economic, social, or educational challenges. As a network of successful and powerful professionals, we want to positively impact the lives of our Wonder Girls and foster our future female leaders who are ready to make a difference! Support the show If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers: 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie ChindamoExclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not ChanceUnlimited email correspondence with a coachSemi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members  https://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar

    51 min
  5. Transforming Anxiety: Dr. Padnick on Turning Stress into a Tool for Success

    03/17/2025

    Transforming Anxiety: Dr. Padnick on Turning Stress into a Tool for Success

    In this episode, Marie welcomes Dr. Steven Padnick, a psychologist with extensive experience in treating stress-related and psychophysiological disorders. Dr. Padnick discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing stress and anxiety, emphasizing that anxiety is a natural and helpful signal indicating that something is out of balance. By tuning into one's inner thoughts and feelings and expressing them through methods like writing, individuals can better manage anxiety and avoid destructive behaviors. Dr. Padnick advocates for early intervention and therapy to prevent the escalation of stress into more serious health issues. The conversation touches on methods of self-therapy, the benefits of group therapy, and the crucial role of self-awareness and intentional living in achieving personal and professional success.  “I wish people would seek counseling way sooner than they do. Generally, people wait much too long. If you feel like you're struggling and you're dissatisfied with your life, dissatisfied with your relationships, you have anxiety, you're not sleeping well, you have bouts of depression, or you find that you're drinking more than you should, go find a good psychologist, analyst, or a therapist to talk to, why wait until it has more of a grip on you.” – Dr. Steven Padnick EP013: Show Highlights 01:52 Dr. Padnick's Early Life and Career Choices 05:45 Understanding Stress and Its Effects 08:14 Defining Success and Passion 11:36 The Role of Therapy in Overcoming Symptoms 15:42 Challenges in Therapy and Group Dynamics 22:18 The Importance of Early Intervention 30:06 Navigating Professional Challenges 30:57 Repetition Compulsion in Adulthood 31:44 Personal Stories of Overcoming Adversity 32:10 Understanding Childhood Survival Mechanisms 33:18 The Brain's Role in Survival and Stress 34:36 Free Association and Stress 36:48 The Importance of Silence and Self-Reflection 37:57 Embracing Anxiety as a Growth Tool 44:14 Defining Success and Personal Fulfillment 50:02 Concluding Thoughts and Resources Connect with Dr. Padnick:  Commack Center for Counseling: https://commackconsultationcenter.com/ Moody Blues Songs Mentioned Balance: https://open.spotify.com/track/10iVtp83V7n1nvCJcqJITZ?si=d7ea0ac7707c42f2 Question: https://open.spotify.com/track/4Q27I5G3W14hnYVi45oi2h?si=436df51f97fa45c2  A little bit about Dr. Steven Padnick: Dr. Padnick received intensive post-doctoral training at the Humanistic Psychology Center, the Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies, and the Center for the Advancement of Group Studies.  Full bio can be found here:https://commackconsultationcenter.com/our-therapists/ Support the show If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers: 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie ChindamoExclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not ChanceUnlimited email correspondence with a coachSemi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members  https://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar

    54 min
  6. Crafting Excellence through Adaptation: Dr. Bryan Frank's Journey to Serve with Purpose by Mastering Diverse Paths

    02/16/2025

    Crafting Excellence through Adaptation: Dr. Bryan Frank's Journey to Serve with Purpose by Mastering Diverse Paths

    “Things happen, change, go back, and cycle. That's what happens. So, you adjust. Even through your career, something changes that you didn't plan on. How am I going to adjust to going forward to be the best I can be in this new environment?” Dr. Bryan Frank [Ep 013]:  This episode focuses on how flexibility and seizing opportunities can lead us to realize our fullest potential. My guest in this episode is a wonderful and impressive example of how hard work, flexibility, and commitment have served humanity in multiple ways. Dr. Brian Frank, whose diverse career spans law enforcement, education, and cybersecurity, shares insights from his experiences as an NYPD officer, Intelligence analyst in Iraq, educator, school administrator, and cybersecurity consultant. We explore Dr. Frank's motivations, how his various roles are interconnected, the evolving school safety landscape, and best cybersecurity practices. Dr. Frank's journey emphasizes the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and seizing opportunities to shape one's destiny.   Show Highlights 01:20 Exploring Dr. Frank's Career 01:58 School Safety and Security 05:33 The Role of Educators in Security 14:53 Parental Involvement and Support 22:12 Challenges and Changes in Education 29:46 Pressure on Students and Work-Life Balance 35:51 Navigating the Modern Workplace 36:46 Health and Wellness Initiatives at Work 37:31 The Importance of Candid Environments 38:33 Team Approach and Ego Management 40:21 Challenging the Status Quo 43:54 Cybersecurity Insights and Best Practices 56:23 Personal Motivation and Career Reflections 01:08:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts More About Guest Dr. Bryan Frank: Connect: Bryan Frank LInkedIn Dr. Frank’s Bio: Bryan Frank is an Adjunct Lecturer at Stony Brook University. He earned a B.A. in Political Science and History from CW Post In 1993. Bryan holds a M.S. in Social Studies 7-12, a M.S. in Liberal Studies, and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership through Stony Brook University. He earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Saint John's University. Bryan holds permanent certifications in social studies and school administration at the building and district level, and a graduate certificate in Cyber Policy from the University of Maryland. More information on Dr. Frank's extensive bio can be seen through these links: Stonybrook University Bio Covert Investigations Bio   Support the show If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers: 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie ChindamoExclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not ChanceUnlimited email correspondence with a coachSemi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members  https://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar

    1h 15m
  7. EP011 From Thought to Influence: Owning Your Narrative with Confidence

    02/06/2025

    EP011 From Thought to Influence: Owning Your Narrative with Confidence

    “We connect on an emotional level. We don't connect through facts and figures. There's a statistic that we remember 70 percent more information that's told to us through stories than through facts.” Tessa Rawson [EP011] - From Thought to Influence: Owning Your Narrative with Confidence.  In this episode of 'Choice, Not Chance: Simplifying Success,' host Marie Chindamo interviews Tessa Rawson, a highly experienced speaking coach and founder of Resonance Coaching, who has over 10 years of experience producing TEDx talks. Tessa shares insights on how to help individuals become effective speakers and confidently share their stories. Topics include common challenges in public speaking, the importance of storytelling, and practical tips to overcome fear and anxiety. Tessa also discusses the impact of public speaking on personal and professional growth and offers advice on applying for TED and TEDx events. The episode underscores the significance of embracing one’s voice and using storytelling to make a message impactful. 00:00 Introduction to the Show 00:27 Meet Tessa Rawson: Expert Speaking Coach 01:48 Life on a Sailboat: Tessa's Unique Living Situation 03:43 The Importance of Finding Your Voice 05:26 Overcoming Speaking Challenges 06:56 The Power of Storytelling 10:30 Tips for Women to Be Heard in the Workplace 14:30 Preparing for a TED Talk 16:04 Defining Success Beyond Views 21:46 How to Get on the TEDx Stage 27:41 Starting with the Core Idea 28:41 Building the Talk Framework 29:03 Engaging the Audience 31:04 Overcoming Nerves and Anxiety 35:13 The Power of Storytelling 39:13 The Birth of Resonance 44:52 Future Aspirations and Final Thoughts Connect with Tessa Rawson LinkedIn Website Books or Resources Mentioned: TedX Application Kit A little bit about Tess Rawson: After nearly 10 years of producing TEDx events in Europe and the US, Tessa founded Resonance because she genuinely believes everyone can be a powerful public speaker. Working with speakers has shown here over and over again that by gaining confidence in your voice, you can change not just your world but someone else’s, too. You already have all the tools you need, sometimes you need a little help figuring out what you want to say and how best to articulate it.  She has been sharing stories around the dinner table and on the stage in the US, Turkey, and Switzerland. Tessa now lives with her family on a sailboat in the Caribbean. She has coached leaders from across industries and geographies- everyone from non-profit founders and corporate executives to educators and artists.  Videos of their talks have been viewed over 2 million times on YouTube & TED.com, but more importantly, finding what they really want to say and the words to say it has allowed them to grow their brand and increase their impact.  Support the show If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers: 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie ChindamoExclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not ChanceUnlimited email correspondence with a coachSemi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members  https://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar

    53 min
  8. EP010 The Strength of Quiet Confidence: From Chaos to Clarity

    01/21/2025

    EP010 The Strength of Quiet Confidence: From Chaos to Clarity

    “The key to navigating power dynamics is knowing your own power. It doesn't matter if you're in a position of authority. Your power lies in your values, your boundaries, and your ability to act in alignment with them.” Marie Chindamo [EP010] - The Strength of Quiet Confidence: From Chaos to Clarity In this solo episode of 'Choice, Not Chance: Simplifying Success,' host Marie Chindamo delves into the importance of trusting your intuition, standing by your values, and making intentional choices in challenging situations. She builds on themes from a previous bonus episode, offering universal principles for managing life's disruptions. Marie emphasizes the power of aligning with our internal energy frequency and the strength found in quiet resilience. She explores strategies for navigating power dynamics and taking small, intentional steps over time to achieve transformative and sustainable change. Self-care, reflecting before reacting, setting clear boundaries, and celebrating small victories are key takeaways to maintaining personal power and integrity.   Show Highlights [Ep 010]:  Description 00:00 Introduction to Choice, Not Chance 00:27 Reflecting on Personal Challenges 02:45 Understanding Emotional Reactions 05:39 Navigating Power Dynamics 09:39 The Importance of Values and Intuition 14:30 Real-Life Examples and Applications 26:29 Strategies for Self-Care and Reflection 28:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Support the show If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers: 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie ChindamoExclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not ChanceUnlimited email correspondence with a coachSemi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members  https://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar

    32 min
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About

Have you ever considered how successful individuals break free from the conventional 9-to-5 mindset and create lives where they can embrace entrepreneurial opportunities inside and outside traditional organizations? Is it a myth that achieving great success requires sacrificing your joy? Are you intrigued by the possibility of experiencing extraordinary success while enhancing your enjoyment in life?Join us in exploring the remarkable journey of Marie Chindamo, an inspiring figure who took charge of her destiny, transforming from a state of bankruptcy to becoming a self-made millionaire entrepreneur. Marie reveals the specifics of her proven path and has analyzed the journeys of other top achievers to uncover the essential, non-negotiable traits that lead to tenfold success.“Choice, Not Chance: Simplifying Success” invites you to dive deep into your passions and equips you with the frameworks and strategies necessary to turn those passions into a fulfilling career. We unveil the secrets of highly successful people, dispelling the myths that they have access to abilities that you don’t. Join our dynamic community, where we challenge traditional norms and celebrate innovative thinkers, allowing you to connect with like-minded individuals.Whether you aim to transform your life completely, need guidance to overcome barriers or seek practical strategies to fast-track your progress, our episodes are filled with valuable tools, a supportive community, and actionable insights to empower your journey.Remember, change is a natural part of life. This podcast is dedicated to helping you embrace it, take charge, and lead the way! We are invested in your personal and professional development, providing unwavering support every step of the journey.

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