Life from Within

Kelly Dwyer
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Life from Within is for growth-minded professionals and leaders who know that the most powerful change starts from the inside out. Hosted by executive coach and strategic facilitator Kelly Dwyer, this show is for people who are navigating complex careers, meaningful leadership roles, and the lifelong journey of becoming more of who they truly are. Through candid interviews with thoughtful guests and insightful solo episodes, you'll explore how to: - Build personal power to lead with influence and integrity - Use career challenges and transitions as fuel for growth - Cultivate inner harmony to create outer impact - Communicate, collaborate, and lead across lines of difference - Discover what it really means to live a life well lived Life from Within is rooted in the belief that our external world reflects our inner one, and when we align the two, transformation happens. Kelly brings a rare blend of depth, warmth, strategic clarity, and soulful inquiry to each episode, helping you access the wisdom, clarity, and confidence that already live within you. If you’re ready to lead with more intention, grow through what you go through, and become the most powerful version of yourself, then start here.

  1. Oct 27

    Betting on Yourself: The Power of Self-Trust with SuitShop Co-Founder Diana Ganz

    In this episode of Life From Within, I’m joined by my fellow Colorado business leader, Diana Ganz, co-founder of SuitShop. Diana’s journey is a testament to self-trust, resilience, and adaptability. Long before co-founding a fast-growing, multi-million dollar direct-to-consumer suiting brand, Diana was scaling nonprofit operations - taking charge of a $5 million YMCA operation as Executive Director by age 27. She later earned her MBA from MIT Sloan, where she honed the operational and strategic fundamentals that paved the way for launching SuitShop alongside her childhood friend, Jeanne Foley. We dive into how life’s hardest moments - from childhood loss to early career rejections - build entrepreneurial muscle: betting on yourself no matter the odds. We also explore the realities of scaling a business, navigating supply chain disruption, maintaining strong founder partnerships, and learning to evolve as a leader. 💡Key Takeaways Betting on Yourself: Realizing that you have full ownership over your destiny, no matter what external challenges arise.The Reality of Entrepreneurship: What you don’t see founders doing on social media.Stay in Your Lanes: How to work with your best friend.Intrapreneurship as a Mindset: Taking ownership, experimenting, and bringing creative energy to your role within a larger organization yields similar fulfillment with less risk. Chapters 00:00 | Introduction 00:42 | Diana's Journey to Entrepreneurship 03:34 | The Biggest Learnings from Working at YMCA's 04:26 | Do You Still Use the MBA Classes Now? 05:31 | How to Adjust with Economic Shocks 09:47 | The AHA Moment for Suit Shop 11:22 | Why did You launch brick and mortar stores? 13:20 | Betting on Yourself a Hundred Times out of a Hundred 16:24 | Are You a Natural Risk Taker? 17:27 | How Do You Make Decisions with your Best Friend Who is Also Your Business Partner? 20:48 | Evolving Perspectives on Success and Ambition 21:53 | The Decision to Pivot Away From Nonprofit 25:28 | Now that SuitShop is Successful, what is next for you? 27:23 | Adapting to Change and Embracing New Skills 30:02 | The Realities of Entrepreneurship and Finding Fulfillment Guest Diana Ganz is a successful business executive, startup founder, and co-founder of SuitShop, an industry-disrupting e-commerce suiting brand. Beginning her leadership career in the nonprofit sector, Diana served as Executive Director of the Melrose YMCA by age 27, restoring the $5M operation to peak profitability. She went on to earn her MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management, where she co-developed the nonprofit consulting curriculum Leading with Impact. Leveraging her background in lean operations, Diana co-founded SuitShop to fill a gap in high-quality, inclusive wedding and everyday attire for all genders and sizes. Under her strategic leadership, SuitShop has achieved consistent triple-digit growth and widespread industry acclaim. Recognized by Forbes, CNN Business, and Ernst & Young, Diana lives in Denver, Colorado, with her family. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianaganz Website: https://suitshop.com/ Host Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach, facilitator, and host of Life from Within, a podcast exploring the inner work of leadership, growth, and career transition. She works with thoughtful leaders, founders, and seasoned professionals who are navigating complexity, change, and meaningful inflection points in their work. Through her coaching, facilitation, and podcast conversations, Kelly helps people find clarity, strengthen self-trust, and move forward with greater intention and grounded conviction. https://www.kellydwyer.co/contact Listen, subscribe and share Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube IG – @kd_lifefromwithin LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

    Betting on Yourself: The Power of Self-Trust with SuitShop Co-Founder Diana Ganz

  2. Oct 5

    From More to Enough: Redefining Ambition with Stef Jones, Founder of Feed Media

    It has officially been ONE YEAR of podcasting! Woo hoo! To kick off this anniversary I’m so excited to share this episode with you. Today, I sat down with my new friend Stef Jones, founder and CEO of Denver-based PR and marketing agency Feed Media. Stef has been running Feed Media for 23 years, and she brought so much wisdom, warmth, and fun to our conversation. We talked about everything from what makes a truly compelling business story to why "more, more, more" isn't always the answer in business. I think you're going to love this episode! 💡Key Takeaways The Magic of Storytelling: Stef shares how Feed Media had to pivot their clientele and when to say no to a prospective client.Choosing Contentment Over Constant Growth: What does it really mean to hit a point of contentment?a spousal partnership work so well.From Saying "No" to Saying "Yes": After spending 20 years mastering the power of "no" (including a very strict, non-negotiable "no assholes" client policy!), Stef shares why she's currently in a new season of saying "yes" to new connections, dinners, and unexpected adventures.Running a Business with Your Spouse: Stef’s husband joined Feed Media 12 years ago as COO (and tripled their revenue in five years!). She shares their secrets to making Work-Life Integration: Can you have a balance between the two?BONUS: Off-Brand Secrets: Wait until you hear about Stef’s secret childhood obsession that she still loves today. 🎩✨ Chapters 01:43 | Introduction and Background of Feed Media 06:23 | After 23 Years in Business, What Do You Still Love About Your Work 09:14 | How do You Keep it Interesting and Fresh as a Coach 15:09 | How my Differences as a Coach Help CEO's see Different Perspectives 16:44 | The Difference Between an Entrepreneur and a Business Owner 20:34 | Stef’s Contentment Realization 24:03 | Ambition for More Presence and Less Stuff 27:33 | How do You Fill Your Cup More 29:20 | Learning to Say Yes after 20 years of Learning to Say No 32:13 | The Innate Wisdom We all Have that Motivates Us 34:53 | Navigating Career Crossroads 38:01 | Should You Work with Your Spouse 42:00 | Work-Life Integration 43:59 | What is Something that is Surprising About You Guest Stef Jones is the president and founder of the 20-person PR and marketing agency, Feed Media, an award-winning firm based in Denver that serves clients across the country in industries including travel & tourism, hospitality, non-profit and technology. Stef is a frequent presenter at conferences and is a guest educator at Metro State and Colorado State University. She serves on the boards of several non-profits, is a mentor to women in communications, and provides executive level strategic council and crisis management support to the agency’s clients. Instagram: @feedmedia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanie-jones-5398845/ www.feedmedia.com Host Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach, facilitator, and host of Life from Within, a podcast exploring the inner work of leadership, growth, and career transition. She works with thoughtful leaders, founders, and seasoned professionals who are navigating complexity, change, and meaningful inflection points in their work. Through her coaching, facilitation, and podcast conversations, Kelly helps people find clarity, strengthen self-trust, and move forward with greater intention and grounded conviction. https://www.kellydwyer.co/contact Listen, subscribe and share Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube IG – @kd_lifefromwithin LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

    From More to Enough: Redefining Ambition with Stef Jones, Founder of Feed Media

  3. Aug 31

    Play the Long Game: Lessons on Pressure, Patience, and Success with Morgan Burns

    In this episode of Life From Within, Morgan Burns, a top corporate law partner in the Corporate practice at Faegre Drinker, who has led over 100 M&A transactions and 100 capital markets deals, discusses the high-stakes reality of corporate law, how he manages urgency without losing authenticity, and why kindness is a secret weapon in tough negotiations. Drawing from his background as a US ski team racer and software executive, Morgan offers sharp insights on managing high-pressure situations, overcoming distraction, choosing sobriety, and prioritizing mental health as a high performer. 💡Key Takeaways The Reality of High-Stakes Dealmaking: What factors make urgency critical in M&A transactions?Authenticity in Negotiation: Do effective law firm negotiators need to be overtly assertive?High Performance Lessons from Athletic Failure: Can you have the drive to succeed but also collaborate with a team?Slow Thinking & Compartmentalizing: Is multitasking effective or damaging?Choosing Sobriety: Morgan reflects on his decision to eliminate alcohol over six years ago, detailing how it improved his focus, enhanced his family life, and eliminated unnecessary social friction.Breaking the Stigma on Mental Health: Morgan candidly discusses his long-term work with a therapist, framing mental health care as simple health maintenance. Chapters 00:00 | Introduction 00:42 | Introduction to Morgan Burns 02:53 | Who creates the urgency in the transactions? 04:27 | Does BS ever get you anywhere? 07:04 | Do you have to be a jerk in order to have a backbone? 08:26 | Seeing the Business from the Client’s Perspective 13:23 | A professional athlete's insights on the long game 19:53 | Can you eliminate distractions? 25:25 | How has yoga benefited you? 27:02 | Transforming Relationship with Alcohol 32:17 | Mental Health and Vulnerability Guest Morgan Burns is a Partner in the Corporate practice at Faegre Drinker. He is a trusted adviser to public and private companies, their boards of directors and investment banks on a wide range of strategic matters, including mergers and acquisitions, capital markets transactions, and corporate governance. Morgan has deep experience across a number of industries and a variety of transaction structures, having led over 100 M&A transactions and over 100 capital markets transactions during his career. He has also advised numerous public companies on their most sensitive corporate governance and compliance matters. Earlier in his career, Morgan gained firsthand business experience as a corporate development executive and as co-founder of a successful software company. He has an A.B. in Government from Dartmouth College and a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. Morgan lives in Minneapolis with his three teenagers and his partner, Renee, who splits time between Minneapolis and Steamboat Springs, Colorado. https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-burns-a731501/ https://www.faegredrinker.com/en/professionals/b/burns-w-morgan#tab-Overview Host Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach, facilitator, and host of Life from Within, a podcast exploring the inner work of leadership, growth, and career transition. She works with thoughtful leaders, founders, and seasoned professionals who are navigating complexity, change, and meaningful inflection points in their work. Through her coaching, facilitation, and podcast conversations, Kelly helps people find clarity, strengthen self-trust, and move forward with greater intention and grounded conviction. https://www.kellydwyer.co/contact Listen, subscribe and share Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube IG – @kd_lifefromwithin LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

    Play the Long Game: Lessons on Pressure, Patience, and Success with Morgan Burns

  4. Jul 27

    The Inner Work of Entrepreneurship: What Got You Here May Not Get You There with Danny Walsh

    In this episode, I am joined by Danny Walsh, engineer turned entrepreneur behind Peak State - whole-bean coffee infused with adaptogenic and functional mushrooms. Danny shares his personal journey from an autoimmune disease diagnosis in college to finding healing in nature, a transition that sparked the creation of Peak State Coffee. In this episode, we talk about the challenging paradox of leading a wellness brand while managing the stress within entrepreneurship, the art of strategic pivots, and why regulating your nervous system is the ultimate weapon against a world full of digital distractions. 💡Key Takeaways The Entrepreneurial Paradox: Can you manage stress without compromising your vision?Kill What Stalls, Scale What Works: How to walk the line between entrepreneurial endeavors and the dataThe 10X Framework: Embracing Benjamin Hardy’s 10X is Easier than 2X philosophy, Danny shares how setting massive goals on impossible timelines reveals the only viable path forward.Nervous System Regulation: The tools needed to stay present in today’s world. Chapters 00:00 | Introduction 00:54 | Sponsored by Peak State Coffee 03:03 | The Rock Bottom Moment 05:27 | How has your Definition of Peak State Changed Since Starting? 08:12 | What are your Practices that Keep You Focused on the Highest Leverage Items? 11:34 | The Pivot 14:28 | Was it Easy for You to Say Yes to Getting Personal and Professional Support? 15:59 | How Did you Overcome the Resistance to Investing in Personal Growth and Learning? 18:45 | As an Entrepreneur, How Do You Stay Optimistic? 23:23 | What are You Optimizing For? 23:58 | How Are You Challenging Yourself Today? 28:02 | How Do You Marry Intuition with Data? 29:59 | The Most Present Theme for Danny Right Now. Books Mentioned Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork https://www.amazon.com/Who-Not-How-Accelerating-Teamwork/dp/1401960588 10x Is Easier Than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less https://www.amazon.com/10x-Easier-Than-World-Class-Entrepreneurs/dp/140196995X Guest Danny Walsh is the Founder & CEO of Peak State, a coffee company based in Boulder, CO that introduced a line of specialty, organic coffee with health benefits. He believes that business has the potential to be a vehicle for positive change in the world, and he created Peak State in order to introduce a healthier and more environmentally sustainable option. Danny holds a Bachelor of Science in engineering, and an MBA concentrating in Sustainable Business both from Northeastern University. Inspired by Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia, Danny believes commerce can be a tool to change the world, if done carefully and intentionally. Peak State is a certified B Corp, 1% for the Planet company, and was recently featured on the PurposeBuilt100 list of top 100 fastest-growing mission-driven companies in the US. Danny is a coffee lover, health and fitness fanatic, and an avid participant in body-powered outdoor sports. When he's not working or playing outside, you can find him cooking at home with his partner, cold plunging in the creek, or walking his dog Tuck. https://peakstatecoffee.com/ https://peakstatecoffee.com/life (for 20% off order) https://www.instagram.com/peakstatecoffee Host Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach, facilitator, and host of Life from Within, a podcast exploring the inner work of leadership, growth, and career transition. She works with thoughtful leaders, founders, and seasoned professionals who are navigating complexity, change, and meaningful inflection points in their work. Through her coaching, facilitation, and podcast conversations, Kelly helps people find clarity, strengthen self-trust, and move forward with greater intention and grounded conviction. https://www.kellydwyer.co/contact-3 Listen, subscribe and share Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube IG – @kd_lifefromwithin LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

    The Inner Work of Entrepreneurship: What Got You Here May Not Get You There with Danny Walsh

  5. Jul 13

    Persevere or Pivot? The Hardest Decision in a 10-Year Business Partnership with with Ali Schiller and Marissa Boisvert

    When you set out to scale a business, the standard playbook tells you that bigger is always better. But what happens when growth backs you into a job you no longer enjoy? In this episode, Ali Schiller and Marissa Boisvert, co-founders of Accountability Works and co-creators of the Mindful Accountability Approach, share a raw, behind-the-scenes look at their 10-year business partnership. They open up about the difficult decision to pivot away from a traditional "scaled" model and the unexpected benefits of that switch. They also dive deep into why non-judgmental observation is the truest catalyst for change, and how building a strong "personal foundation" is the ultimate antidote to professional burnout. 💡Key Takeaways Redefining Accountability: It becomes a powerful mechanism for learning and intentional action.Persevere vs. Pivot: The signs that it is the right time.The Scalability Trap: How to notice if scaling a business will make an organization more brittle rather than more resilient.The "Personal Foundation" Magic: True resiliency isn't just about business systems (SOPs); how to hold personal practices to the same standard as revenue goals. Chapters 00:00 | Introduction 01:02 | The Mindful Accountability Approach 02:11 | How Non-judgmental Observation Drives Change 05:07 | Vision and Growth of Accountability Works 09:06 | How to Discern When it’s Time to Pivot or Scale 13:37 | Lessons Learned and Future Outlook 16:33 | The pivotal moment 21:51 | Building Resilience in Business Coaching 28:11 | The Role of Accountability in Business 31:50 | The Magic of Balancing Goals and Well-Being 36:30 | How to Incorporate Your Own Learning into Your Business 36:51 | Adapting Goals Based on Experience 42:26 | Key Takeaways Guests Marissa Boisvert, Co-Founder + Accountability Coach Ali Schiller, Founder and Accountability Coach Ali Schiller and Marissa Boisvert are the Co-Founders of Accountability Works® and Co-Creators of Mindful Accountability™. Their work is built on the belief that non-judgmental observation drives change. The Accountability Works Framework has helped professionals do everything from tripling their income to getting into top-tier MBA programs, and so much more, without sacrificing their health or themselves. Download their free Accountability Action Plan to get clear on what you want to be doing and start turning intention into action. Accountability Action Plan download: https://accountabilityworks.com/action-plan/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaboisvert https://www.linkedin.com/in/alischiller/ https://www.instagram.com/accountabilityworks/ Host Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach, facilitator, and host of Life from Within, a podcast exploring the inner work of leadership, growth, and career transition. She works with thoughtful leaders, founders, and seasoned professionals who are navigating complexity, change, and meaningful inflection points in their work. Through her coaching, facilitation, and podcast conversations, Kelly helps people find clarity, strengthen self-trust, and move forward with greater intention and grounded conviction. https://www.kellydwyer.co/contact-3 Listen, subscribe and share Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube IG – @kd_lifefromwithin LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

    Persevere or Pivot? The Hardest Decision in a 10-Year Business Partnership with with Ali Schiller and Marissa Boisvert

  6. Jun 29

    Why Vision and Action Aren’t Enough to Create Change with Kelly Dwyer

    In this solo episode of Life From Within, I explore why meaningful personal and professional change can be so difficult, especially in a world shaped by chronic stress, uncertainty, and constant disruption. Using the Beckhard-Harris Change Equation as a starting point, I share why I believe this classic framework needs an update for modern life and leadership. I introduce what I call the Life From Within Change Formula and explore the role of agency: the inner capacity that helps us move from insight into action. Tune in for a practical and reflective look at resistance, nervous system attunement, perspective shifting, and what it takes to step into your next chapter with more clarity and resourcefulness. 💡Key Takeaways and HighlightsWhy frameworks matter: How a simple thinking tool can help make sense of complex personal and professional change.The classic change equation: A practical look at the Beckhard-Harris model and why it has helped leaders understand transformation for decades.Where change gets stuck: Why dissatisfaction, vision, and action steps often are not enough when stress and resistance enter the picture.The missing modern variable: The additional capacity I believe we need in today’s world to move from insight into meaningful action.How agency is rebuilt: Why nervous system attunement and perspective shifting matter when you are trying to make a consequential change.The role of coaching: How this updated formula helps clients move from overwhelm, paralysis, or “comfortable misery” into clearer, more resourced action. Chapters 00:15 | Introduction to Frameworks 01:36 | Transformation Framework: Beckhard-Harris Change Equation 01:45 | Examples of the Change Equation 02:38 | Why Modern Stressors Break the Old Formula 03:39 | Updating the Beckhard-Harris Change Equation 05:21 | Life from Within Change Formula Visual Explained 05:54 | Agency is Fueled by Attunement and Perspective Shifting 07:27 | How I Use the Formula with My Clients Resources Mentioned: Life from Within Change Formula Visual Host Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach, facilitator, and host of Life from Within, a podcast exploring the inner work of leadership, growth, and career transition. She works with thoughtful leaders, founders, and seasoned professionals who are navigating complexity, change, and meaningful inflection points in their work. Through her coaching, facilitation, and podcast conversations, Kelly helps people find clarity, strengthen self-trust, and move forward with greater intention and grounded conviction. https://www.kellydwyer.co/contact-3 Listen, subscribe and share Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube IG – @kd_lifefromwithin LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

    Why Vision and Action Aren’t Enough to Create Change with Kelly Dwyer

  7. Jun 15

    When Your Strengths Become Shadows: Using the Enneagram for Growth with Micah Mador

    In this episode of the Life From Within podcast, I chat with ops, partnerships, and community consultant Micah Mador to explore how deep self-awareness transforms personal and professional growth. Micah shares his personal evolution from identifying as an Enneagram Type 7 (The Enthusiast) to discovering his core of Type 2 (The Helper), and how redefining his identity shaped his consulting work in the venture capital and startup ecosystems. Together, we unpack the dynamics of the Enneagram triads and analyze what happens when an individual's greatest workplace strength is overdone and turns into a shadow or weakness. 💡Key Takeaways and HighlightsShifting Profiles: From Enneagram 7 to Enneagram 2: Embracing his identity as an "enthusiastic helper" ultimately became the anchor for his independent consulting business.My Path to Type 9: Kelly recounts her realization of being an Enneagram Type 9 (The Peacemaker/Mediator) and navigating the initial resistance to that type's core aversion to conflict.Understanding the Enneagram Positivity Triad: Twos, sevens, and nines compose the Enneagram’s harmonic "positivity triad," meaning they easily see silver linings and future possibilities.Overcoming Conflict Avoidance & The Clearing Model: “Never expect an unrecognized need to be met.” Chapters 00:00 | Introduction to Micah Mador 04:03 | The Enthusiastic Helper 06:31 | How to Navigate Learning Your Enneagram Number 11:04 | Using the Enneagram Triad for Team Dynamics 17:55 | Navigating Conflict and Self-Expression 20:19 | Understanding Giving and Receiving Help as Enneagram 2 and 9 25:31 | Exploring Personal Energy and Commitment 32:04 | Authenticity in Entrepreneurial Journeys 37:09 | The Enneagram Triad in Professional and Personal Life 41:44 | Creativity and Generativity in Leadership 43:57 | The Enneagram and Its Depth in Understanding Self 48:40 | Your Free Enneagram Assessment Resources Mentioned: ColoradoStartups.org: https://coloradostartups.org/ The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile - https://www.amazon.com/Road-Back-You-Enneagram-Self-Discovery/dp/0830846190 The Clearing Model - https://conscious.is/resource/the-clearing-model/ Give First / Startup Communities by Brad Feld - https://www.amazon.com/Give-First-Mentorship-Brad-Feld/dp/1646871324 Previous Episode: Life From Within interview with Darrin Murriner, Co-Founder and CEO of Cloverleaf - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-builders-path-ai-leadership-and-the/id1840787981?i=1000769619191 Free Cloverleaf Enneagram Assessment - https://www.kellydwyer.co/enneagram Guest Micah is a VC/PE Ops, Partnerships, and Community consultant, a startup community instigator, and an outdoor enthusiast. Previously, he led VC Partnerships at Bolster (Exec Talent Startup), ran the Network and Community at Foundry Group ($3b AUM fund), was an Associate at Techstars, and worked in Israel at a competitive intelligence startup (Signals). He has a passion for nature, technology, entrepreneurship, people, and their ideas. You can find him: skiing, hiking, biking, reading, cooking, camping, backpacking, lounging in a hammock, and playing with his two dogs and sons! Host Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach, facilitator, and host of Life from Within, a podcast exploring the inner work of leadership, growth, and career transition. She works with thoughtful leaders, founders, and seasoned professionals who are navigating complexity, change, and meaningful inflection points in their work. Through her coaching, facilitation, and podcast conversations, Kelly helps people find clarity, strengthen self-trust, and move forward with greater intention and grounded conviction. https://www.kellydwyer.co/enneagram Listen, subscribe and share Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube IG – @kd_lifefromwithin LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

    When Your Strengths Become Shadows: Using the Enneagram for Growth with Micah Mador

  8. May 26

    The Builder’s Path: AI, Leadership, and the Conversations We Still Have to Have with Darrin Murriner

    In today’s episode, I have Darrin Murriner, the co-founder and CEO of Cloverleaf. Darrin shares his journey from spending 15 years in the structured corporate world to launching an automated team coaching platform. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Darrin spent 15 years in the corporate world with roles in risk management and auditing at Munich Re, Arthur Andersen, and Fifth Third Bank. He is also the author of two books, Corporate Bravery and Thrive, both focused on helping organizations build adaptable cultures in the face of uncertainty. We talk about what it truly means to step out on your own, the distinct difference between identifying as a "builder" versus an "entrepreneur," and the mindset shift needed to navigate constant rejection during fundraising. Darrin also offers profound insights into how Cloverleaf intentionally uses AI to coach human behavior rather than replace it, and why teaching the next generation to embrace discomfort is vital for long-term success. 💡Key Takeaways and HighlightsThe Breaking Point in Corporate Life: A severe compliance challenge served as the catalyst for Darrin to finally step away. He emphasizes the absolute necessity of open communication and financial planning with a partner before making a major career leap. Surviving the Arthur Andersen Collapse: Early in his career, Darrin lived through the sudden overnight disappearance of Arthur Andersen during the Enron scandal. He was part of a 700-person group that broke off to form a new brand under Robert Half, giving him his first taste of building from scratch.The "Builder" Identity vs. "Entrepreneur": Darrin views true entrepreneurship as being an explorer, akin to Lewis and Clark, navigating spaces without a clear map.AI as a Coach, Not an "Easy Button": Darrin discusses Cloverleaf’s intentional integration of AI, noting that the platform focuses on driving long-term behavior change and real-world dialogue.Overcoming the Soul-Crushing "No": Reflecting on fundraising, Darrin details how shifting his mindset to view rejection as a standard process—where it regularly takes 50 to 100 nos to get a single yes—helped him stop taking business rejection personally.Building Resilience in Gen Z: As a father of three teenagers, Darrin shares his perspective on the high levels of career stress and anxiety in younger generations. He emphasizes the critical need for parents to intentionally push youth into uncomfortable situations to build resilience before they enter the workforce. Chapters 00:00 | Introduction 02:19 | Corporate Experiences and Realizations: Darrin's Journey 04:43 | Discovering the Builder Within 08:37 | The Decision to Leave Corporate Life 10:53 | Planning for Transition 14:30 | Building Cloverleaf and Its Mission 17:36 | The Role of AI in Team Dynamics 18:17 | The Human Element in AI Integration 25:19 | Introspection Lessons from Building a Business 34:22 | The Importance of Shifting Your Mindset with Career Pivots Guest Darrin Murriner is the Cofounder and CEO of Cloverleaf.me - a technology platform that is bringing automated team coaching to the entire enterprise through real-time, customized coaching in the tools employees use everyday (calendar, email & Slack / Teams). The result is better collaboration, improved employee relationships and a more engaged workforce. Prior to starting Cloverleaf, Darrin had a 15 year corporate career that spanned Munich Re, Arthur Andersen and Fifth Third Bank. Darrin is also the author of Corporate Bravery and Thrive, books focused on building organizational cultures that thrive in the face of change and uncertainty. Website: https://cloverleaf.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/murriner/ Purchase Corporate Bravery and Thrive: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Darrin-Murriner/author/B014X2DSPO?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Host Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach, facilitator, and host of Life from Within, a podcast exploring the inner work of leadership, growth, and career transition. She works with thoughtful leaders, founders, and seasoned professionals who are navigating complexity, change, and meaningful inflection points in their work. Through her coaching, facilitation, and podcast conversations, Kelly helps people find clarity, strengthen self-trust, and move forward with greater intention and grounded conviction. https://kellydwyer.co Listen, subscribe and share Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube IG – @kd_lifefromwithin LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer

    The Builder’s Path: AI, Leadership, and the Conversations We Still Have to Have with Darrin Murriner
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About

Life from Within is for growth-minded professionals and leaders who know that the most powerful change starts from the inside out. Hosted by executive coach and strategic facilitator Kelly Dwyer, this show is for people who are navigating complex careers, meaningful leadership roles, and the lifelong journey of becoming more of who they truly are. Through candid interviews with thoughtful guests and insightful solo episodes, you'll explore how to: - Build personal power to lead with influence and integrity - Use career challenges and transitions as fuel for growth - Cultivate inner harmony to create outer impact - Communicate, collaborate, and lead across lines of difference - Discover what it really means to live a life well lived Life from Within is rooted in the belief that our external world reflects our inner one, and when we align the two, transformation happens. Kelly brings a rare blend of depth, warmth, strategic clarity, and soulful inquiry to each episode, helping you access the wisdom, clarity, and confidence that already live within you. If you’re ready to lead with more intention, grow through what you go through, and become the most powerful version of yourself, then start here.

Information

  • Creator
    Kelly Dwyer
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Kelly Dwyer
  • Show Website
    Life from Within

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