Write Your Outcome

Michele Phillips

Welcome to Write Your Outcome, the podcast where I, Michele Phillips, empower leaders to take control of their personal and professional destinies. Drawing on over 25 years of experience in positive psychology and emotional intelligence within Fortune 100 and 500 companies, I'm here to guide you through the transformative "Write-the-Outcome" method. In each episode, I'll equip you with practical tools, expert tips, and profound insights to craft your path to success. Whether you're navigating workplace challenges, managing emotions, or aiming for higher leadership, this podcast offers actionable strategies to help you stay focused and inspired. Join me as I interview world-class leaders who have mastered the art of creating next-level success for themselves and their teams. Together, we'll explore how writing your outcome empowers you to lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose. The number one person you lead is yourself.

  1. 6d ago

    Are You Surviving Success… or Truly Living? with Sarah Draper | #11

    What if success isn't about pushing harder... but about finally asking yourself where you're headed? In this episode of Write Your Outcome, Michele Phillips welcomes Sarah Draper, founder of Leading Well Strategies, former FBI Supervisory Special Agent, West Point graduate, and leadership expert who has spent nearly three decades leading in some of the world's highest-pressure environments. Together, they explore a challenge facing so many leaders today: how to stop surviving and start leading with clarity, resilience, and purpose.  Drawing from her own journey through burnout and survival mode, Sarah shares the pivotal moment she realized that outward success wasn't enough. That realization led her to redefine leadership, shifting from simply achieving results to helping people thrive. Michele and Sarah dive into why so many leaders lose themselves in the pursuit of performance, how organizational culture shapes our behaviors, and why clarity about what you're working toward is essential for lasting fulfillment.  In this episode, you'll discover: Why survival mode keeps even high achievers feeling stuck The difference between grit and true resilience How the simple practice of a "Future Walk" can unlock clarity and creativity Why asking better questions leads to better decisions The connection between nature, movement, and innovative thinking How conscious leaders create healthier organizations by first leading themselves If you've been carrying the weight of endless responsibilities, wondering what's next, or feeling successful on paper but disconnected inside, this conversation offers practical tools to help you reconnect with your purpose and create a future that feels as meaningful as it is successful. Because writing your outcome isn't about adding more to your load. It's about gaining the clarity to carry only what truly matters.    About Sarah Draper Sarah Draper is the founder of Leading Well Strategies, a West Point graduate, former U.S. Army Military Police Officer, and retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent. Today, she helps leaders build resilience, improve well-being, and create high-performing cultures where both people and organizations flourish. A certified Positive Psychology Practitioner, Resilience Practitioner, and Health & Well-being Coach, Sarah combines decades of leadership experience with evidence-based strategies to help leaders thrive personally and professionally.    Connect with Sarah Draper Website: https://www.leadingwellstrategies.com Podcast: Future Walk

  2. Aug 6

    Awaken to the Now: Finding Freedom Beyond the Thinking Mind | #10

    What if the greatest obstacle to peace isn't your circumstances—but the constant noise inside your own mind? In this solo episode of Write Your Outcome, Michele Phillips invites you to step off autopilot and rediscover the freedom that exists in the present moment. Building on this season's exploration of consciousness, she challenges one of our deepest assumptions: that we are our thoughts. Instead, Michele reveals how learning to observe your thinking—rather than becoming consumed by it—opens the door to greater peace, clarity, creativity, and authentic leadership.  Through personal stories, practical exercises, and powerful mindset shifts, Michele explores why so many of us spend our lives rushing, reacting, and replaying yesterday while missing the beauty unfolding right in front of us. She shares simple practices that help quiet the mind, reconnect with your body, and cultivate the awareness that transforms not only your personal life but your leadership as well. In this episode, you'll discover: Why you are not your thoughts—and why that realization changes everything How unconscious thinking fuels stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion Practical ways to become more present through breath, awareness, and conscious habits Why conscious leaders respond instead of react How slowing down creates more creativity, wisdom, and joy Small daily practices that help you awaken to the life you're already living If you've been feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or disconnected from yourself, this episode offers a gentle invitation to pause, breathe, and remember that your greatest source of freedom has been available all along: this moment. Because writing your outcome doesn't happen in yesterday's regrets or tomorrow's worries. It happens when you awaken to the only moment where your life is actually being lived—right now.      More from Michele Phillips Website: https://www.energizeyourhappiness.com Books: Happiness Is a Habit & Energize Your Happiness Podcast: Write Your Outcome Executive Coaching, Leadership Development & VIP Retreats Instagram: @michelephillips

  3. Jul 30

    What Makes Elite Performers Different? with Dr. Amy Athey | #9

    What separates elite performers from everyone else? It's not talent. It's not luck. And it's certainly not simply working harder. In this episode of Write Your Outcome, Michele Phillips sits down with performance psychologist and executive coach Dr. Amy Athey to explore what it really takes to consistently perform at your best—whether you're leading a Fortune 500 company, raising a family, competing at the Olympic level, or navigating everyday life. Drawing on decades of experience working with Olympic athletes, Navy SEALs, executives, and high-performing teams, Dr. Athey reveals why sustainable success is built through holistic preparation, not last-minute effort.  Together, Michele and Dr. Athey unpack the mindset and daily habits that help people perform with greater confidence, resilience, and intention. They discuss why courage often matters more than confidence, how to recover from setbacks without getting stuck, and why awareness—not perfection—is the foundation of conscious leadership. In this episode, you'll discover: Why elite performers prepare differently than everyone else The power of holistic performance, from sleep and nutrition to mindset and recovery Dr. Athey's "Moment Ready" framework for showing up when it matters most How to stop ruminating on mistakes and refocus with intention A simple two-question reflection that transforms setbacks into growth Why conscious leadership begins with awareness, presence, and purposeful action Whether you're leading a business, a team, or simply trying to become the best version of yourself, this conversation offers practical strategies you can begin using today to perform with greater clarity and consistency. Because writing your outcome isn't about waiting until you're ready. It's about preparing your mind, body, and spirit so you're ready when your moment arrives.    About Dr. Amy Athey Dr. Amy Athey is a performance psychologist, executive coach, and founder of AC Performance. For more than two decades, she has helped Olympic athletes, Navy SEALs, corporate executives, and leadership teams perform at their highest level through an evidence-based approach to human performance. Her work integrates psychology, wellness, resilience, leadership development, and performance science to help individuals and organizations thrive under pressure. She is also the author of Moment Ready, a guide to helping people consistently show up for life's moments that matter.    Connect with Dr. Amy Athey Website: https://www.dramyathey.com AC Performance: https://www.acperformance.com LinkedIn: Dr. Amy Athey Instagram: @dramyathey Book: Moment Ready

  4. Jul 23

    Are You Communicating... or Just Performing? | #8

    What if the biggest barrier to great communication isn't what you're saying... but your ability to access your authentic self? In this episode of Write Your Outcome, Michele Phillips sits down with Ann Keil Dux, communication strategist, former television journalist, and creator of the Go-To You Method™, to explore why even the smartest, most accomplished professionals struggle to communicate under pressure. Ann explains why communication isn't simply about choosing the right words. It's about staying connected to yourself when the stakes are high. Together, she and Michele discuss how anxiety, self-doubt, and performance pressure disconnect us from our natural confidence, and why authentic leadership begins long before we ever open our mouths.  You'll learn: Why great communication is an access problem, not a knowledge problem How breathwork and emotional awareness improve executive presence The three-step Go-To You Method™ for communicating with confidence Why storytelling and authenticity create stronger leadership than perfection How AI and technology make human connection more valuable than ever Ann also shares the powerful personal journey that reshaped her career after a cancer diagnosis, revealing how life's greatest challenges can reconnect us with our purpose and help us lead with greater courage, clarity, and compassion. Whether you're leading a meeting, delivering a keynote, interviewing for a new opportunity, or simply trying to communicate more effectively in everyday conversations, this episode will help you move from performing... to truly connecting. Because writing your outcome begins when you stop trying to sound perfect and start showing up as your authentic self.      About Ann Keil Dux Ann Keil Dux is a communication strategist, executive coach, and former television journalist who helps leaders communicate with confidence in high-pressure moments. Through her Go-To You Method™, she teaches executives, founders, and professionals how to strengthen their leadership presence, overcome anxiety, and build trust through authentic communication. Her unique approach combines emotional intelligence, storytelling, and practical communication strategies to help leaders access their best selves when it matters most.    Connect with Ann Keil Dux Website: https://www.duxcommunications.com LinkedIn: Ann Keil Dux

  5. Jul 16

    Are You Leading Your Life… or Just Reacting to It? | #7

    What if the most important person you'll ever lead... is yourself? In this episode of Write Your Outcome, Michele Phillips explores why so many intelligent, successful people still find themselves overwhelmed, exhausted, and disconnected. The problem isn't a lack of knowledge or ability. It's that we've become experts at managing everything outside ourselves while neglecting the one thing we truly have control over: our own inner world.  Drawing from more than 25 years of coaching Fortune 500 leaders, Michele shares the three qualities that set conscious leaders apart in an increasingly reactive world. She explains why true leadership begins with self-awareness, how emotional regulation creates better outcomes than emotional reaction, and why purpose will always outperform pressure. In this episode, you'll discover: Why self-leadership is the foundation of every great leader How to respond instead of react during challenging moments The difference between creating from purpose versus performing under pressure Why presence is more powerful than perfection Simple ways to reconnect with your intuition, inner wisdom, and authentic leadership If you've been feeling like you're constantly chasing the next achievement, reacting to the noise around you, or searching for more peace in your personal or professional life, this conversation offers a different path—one rooted in awareness, alignment, and intention. Because writing your outcome doesn't begin when the world changes. It begins the moment you choose to lead yourself first.  More from Michele Phillips Website: https://www.energizeyourhappiness.com Books: Happiness Is a Habit & Energize Your Happiness Podcast: Write Your Outcome Executive Coaching, Leadership Development & VIP Retreats Instagram: @michelephillips

  6. Jul 9

    Stop Trying to Fix Your Life. Start Here. | #6

    What if the peace you've been searching for isn't somewhere out in the world... but within you? In this episode of Write Your Outcome, Michele Phillips explores one of the most transformative shifts we can make: reclaiming our inner territory. While so much of life encourages us to control the economy, social media, other people's opinions, and the uncertainty around us, Michele reminds us that the only place we truly have authority is within ourselves.  Drawing on decades of leadership coaching and her own awakening journey, Michele shares why our thoughts, emotions, attention, and energy create the foundation for every outcome we experience. She explains how mindfulness isn't about escaping reality, but about courageously facing it, becoming aware of the stories we tell ourselves, and choosing responses that align with who we truly want to be. In this episode, you'll discover: Why your inner world shapes your outer results How to stop trying to control everything outside yourself The connection between your thoughts, emotions, and personal energy Practical tools to cultivate mindfulness, presence, and emotional awareness Why true leadership always begins with leading yourself first If you've been feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or caught in a cycle of worry and reaction, this conversation offers a practical path back to peace, clarity, and conscious living. Because writing your outcome begins the moment you stop chasing control and start reclaiming the only territory that has ever truly belonged to you: yourself.      More from Michele Phillips Website: https://www.energizeyourhappiness.com Books: Happiness Is a Habit & Energize Your Happiness Podcast: Write Your Outcome Executive Coaching, Leadership Development & VIP Retreats Instagram: @michelephillips

  7. Jul 2

    The Awakening: 5 Signs You're Unconscious | #5

    What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't your circumstances—but your level of consciousness? In this thought-provoking solo episode of Write Your Outcome, Michele Phillips explores the difference between living consciously and unconsciously, and why awareness may be the most important skill you can develop in both your personal and professional life. Drawing from her own awakening journey, Michele shares how consciousness impacts everything—from the way we lead, communicate, love, and make decisions, to how we respond when life doesn't go according to plan. She challenges the common belief that intelligence, success, wealth, and power automatically equate to wisdom, revealing why true growth begins when we become aware of the patterns, beliefs, and fears that are quietly driving our lives.  In this episode, Michele walks through: Five signs you may be operating unconsciously Five signs you're growing in consciousness The difference between reacting and responding Why fear, ego, and the need to be right keep us stuck How conscious leadership creates trust, innovation, and psychological safety Practical ways to become more present, self-aware, and aligned If you've ever felt like you've outgrown old ways of thinking, questioned what truly matters, or sensed there's a deeper level of fulfillment available to you, this episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and awaken to what's possible. Because writing your outcome begins when you stop living on autopilot and start creating your life with intention.    More from Michele Phillips Website: https://www.energizeyourhappiness.com Books: Happiness Is a Habit & Energize Your Happiness Podcast: Write Your Outcome Executive Coaching, Leadership Development & VIP Retreats Instagram: @michelephillips

  8. Jun 25

    What If The Most Powerful Leadership Skill Isn't Having All the Answers—But Asking Better Questions? Inquisitive Leadership with Frederica Paterson | #4

    What if the most powerful leadership skill isn't having all the answers—but asking better questions? In this episode of Write Your Outcome, Michele Phillips sits down with Frederica Peterson, award-winning executive coach, leadership architect, and author of Inquisitive Leadership: A New Approach to Cultivating High Performance. Together, they explore why curiosity may be the most underutilized leadership tool in today's workplace. Frederica shares how leaders often feel pressure to have all the answers, only to discover that true influence comes from creating space for others to think, contribute, and grow. Through what she calls courageous curiosity, leaders can move from control to connection, unlocking higher performance, stronger engagement, and greater innovation across their teams. Michele and Frederica dive into the relationship between vulnerability and leadership, why many adults lose the curiosity they naturally had as children, and how our deepest breakthroughs often lie on the other side of the questions we're afraid to ask. They also explore Frederica's CAPP Model for high-performance leadership, emphasizing connection, assessment, valuing people, and purpose as essential foundations for creating thriving teams.  Whether you're leading an organization, a team, a business, or simply leading yourself, this conversation will inspire you to replace certainty with curiosity and discover the possibilities that emerge when you stop trying to have all the answers. Because writing your outcome begins when you're willing to ask a better question.    About Frederica Peterson Frederica Peterson is a two-time bestselling author, award-winning executive coach, and leadership architect. She is the creator of the CAPP Managed Performance Model and author of Inquisitive Leadership: A New Approach to Cultivating High Performance. Over her career, she has coached and trained more than 1,000 executives across organizations including NASA, Accenture, Prudential, Honeywell, and the NBA. Her work focuses on helping leaders drive performance through connection, courageous curiosity, and human-centered leadership.    Connect with Frederica Peterson Book: Inquisitive Leadership: A New Approach to Cultivating High Performance Executive Coaching & Leadership Development: Frederica Peterson Consulting LinkedIn: Frederica Peterson

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Welcome to Write Your Outcome, the podcast where I, Michele Phillips, empower leaders to take control of their personal and professional destinies. Drawing on over 25 years of experience in positive psychology and emotional intelligence within Fortune 100 and 500 companies, I'm here to guide you through the transformative "Write-the-Outcome" method. In each episode, I'll equip you with practical tools, expert tips, and profound insights to craft your path to success. Whether you're navigating workplace challenges, managing emotions, or aiming for higher leadership, this podcast offers actionable strategies to help you stay focused and inspired. Join me as I interview world-class leaders who have mastered the art of creating next-level success for themselves and their teams. Together, we'll explore how writing your outcome empowers you to lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose. The number one person you lead is yourself.