Grit, Grace, Growth

Kim Carroll and Ken Sines
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Biweekly

Life doesn’t always go according to plan (and that’s exactly where the best stories begin). Welcome to Grit, Grace, & Growth, a podcast hosted by Kim Carroll & Ken Sines, where real people share real stories of adversity, resilience, and transformation. From career pivots and personal setbacks to rebuilding after heartbreak and finding purpose through struggle, each episode explores what it truly takes to keep going when life gets hard. This is a podcast about progress, the climb, and discovering that even when life breaks you growth is still possible!

Episodes

  1. Aug 9

    Where Before Meets After with Dana Walker-Jackson

    In this episode of Grit, Grace, Growth, hosts Kim & Ken welcome Dana Walker-Jackson, breast cancer survivor, certified mastectomy fitter, and founder of Cinderella’s Closet Lingerie, a specialty boutique supporting women before and after breast cancer surgery. Dana’s journey began in 2013 when she heard the words, “You have breast cancer.” While undergoing treatment, she returned to school and earned her bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in marketing, graduating at the top of her class. Still, it would take a personal realization to reveal her greater purpose. After experiencing firsthand the physical and emotional challenges that follow breast cancer surgery, Dana recognized a critical gap in care. Her doctors had worked tirelessly to save her life, but few people were addressing what came next: rebuilding confidence, reconnecting with her femininity, and learning to recognize herself again. That realization inspired Cinderella’s Closet Lingerie, where women can receive personalized fittings for post-surgical garments, post-mastectomy bras, and breast prosthetics in a warm, welcoming environment. Dana opened the boutique on March 3, 2020 (just two weeks before the world shut down). Although she served only five clients during that first year, she used the unexpected pause to learn, secure insurance contracts, and build a strong foundation. Six years later, Cinderella’s Closet has supported more than 1,600 women. At the heart of this conversation is the powerful reminder that our most difficult experiences can lead us toward our purpose and that while we may not simply “get over” life-changing challenges, we can discover courage as we move through them. In this episode, we talk about: A 1976-themed “Two Truths and a Lie” featuring Jaws, Apple, and red M&M’sDana’s breast cancer diagnosis and the words that helped quiet her fearReturning to school while undergoing cancer treatmentHow her personal experience revealed the emotional gap in breast cancer careWhy beautiful, properly fitted post-mastectomy garments can help restore confidenceCreating a boutique that feels like home rather than a clinical settingOpening Cinderella’s Closet just two weeks before the 2020 shutdownGrowing from five clients in the first year to more than 1,600 women servedNavigating insurance while ensuring clients receive compassionate careThe importance of personalized fittings, conversation, and emotional supportDana’s plans to scale the business without losing its personal touchHow her breast cancer journey ultimately led her to her purposeWhy courage is forged in grit—and grace is essential along the wayConnect with Dana: Website: cinderellasclosetlingerie.comInstagram: @cinderellasclosetlingerieFacebook: Cinderella's Closet (@WhereBeforeMeetsAfter) Connect with Grit, Grace, Growth: Email: support@gritgracegrowth.com If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that even the most difficult journeys can lead us toward purpose, confidence, and meaningful growth.

  2. Jul 19

    The Power of Adaptation

    In this special episode of Grit, Grace, Growth, the tables are turned as co-host Kim Carroll steps into the interviewer’s seat to shine a spotlight on the man usually asking the questions...Ken Sines. What follows is an honest, funny, and deeply reflective conversation about the winding path that has shaped Ken’s life. From growing up in Pittsburgh as the child of young parents navigating difficult circumstances, to becoming the first person on his father’s side of the family to graduate from college, Ken shares a story defined not by a straight line, but by resilience, reinvention, and learning to pivot when life doesn’t go according to plan. Throughout the conversation, Ken opens up about living with an ADHD mind before anyone really understood what that meant, struggling with confidence despite appearing outgoing on the outside, and learning to extend grace to both the people who shaped his story and to himself. At the heart of this episode is a powerful realization that life doesn’t have to look the way you imagined for it to still be meaningful, joyful, and successful. Through career changes, unexpected detours, personal disappointments, and countless pivots, Ken has discovered that sometimes the journey matters more than the destination, and that some of life’s greatest gifts come from learning how to adapt rather than trying to control the outcome. In this episode, we talk about: • A Ken-themed edition of "Two Truths and a Lie" featuring broken bones, college degrees, and lacrosse history• Growing up in Pittsburgh with young parents and a nontraditional family story• Being the first person on his father’s side of the family to graduate from college• Navigating school and life with an ADHD brain before ADHD was widely understood• The confidence struggles hidden beneath humor and extroversion• Why "pivot" has become the defining word of Ken’s life• Career changes across media, education, and nonprofit leadership• Learning the difference between working harder and working smarter• Extending grace to parents, friends, and the people who hurt us• The grief and reality of building a life without children• Finding joy in a life that looks different than the one you planned• Why nobody really has life figured out, and why that’s okay• Ken’s philosophy on luck, opportunity, and making the most of both• The importance of appreciating the life you have while you're still living it If you've ever felt behind, off course, or like your life doesn't look the way you thought it would, this conversation is a reminder that there is no single roadmap for a meaningful life. Connect with Grit, Grace, Growth: Email: support@gritgracegrowth.com If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that a life that looks different isn't a life that went wrong.

  3. Jul 5

    Building Confidence from the Inside Out with Jackie Capatolla

    In this episode of Grit, Grace, Growth, hosts Kim & Ken welcome special guest Jackie Capatolla, entrepreneur, speaker, coach, and creator of the 360 Wheel of Confidence Methodology. Jackie shares the remarkable journey that took her from opening her first salon at just 27 years old to building multiple successful businesses and eventually stepping into a new calling as a confidence and business coach. After more than 30 years as an entrepreneur, Jackie reflects on the difficult decision to close the salon that had become part of her identity and how trusting her faith allowed her to embrace an entirely new chapter. Throughout the conversation, Jackie opens up about navigating fear, reinvention, and the uncertainty that comes with leaving behind something you've spent decades building. She explains how her passion for helping people transform from the inside out inspired her signature coaching framework, which helps entrepreneurs strengthen not only their businesses, but also their confidence, mindset, relationships, and personal growth. At the heart of this conversation is the reminder that confidence is something you build. Through faith, intentional action, and the willingness to trust your vision even when others don't understand it, Jackie shows how every season of life can prepare you for what's next! In this episode, we talk about: A Cancun-themed "Two Truths and a Lie" (including serpent nests, underwater statues, and cool-to-the-touch beaches)Growing from beauty school student to successful multi-salon ownerNavigating entrepreneurship through 9/11, the recession, and the pandemicMaking the emotional decision to leave behind a 27-year careerHow faith shaped Jackie's biggest business decisionsWhy confidence is built,not inheritedThe inspiration behind the 360 Wheel of Confidence MethodologyReinventing your identity after a major career pivotHelping entrepreneurs discover their message, brand, and purposeWhy taking imperfect action is often more important than waiting until you're readyConnect with Jackie: Website: jacquelineshouseofbeauty.com Connect with Grit, Grace, Growth: Email: support@gritgracegrowth.com If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that your greatest transformation often begins when you have the courage to trust yourself and take the leap anyway.

  4. Jun 21

    The Art of Bringing People Together

    In this episode of Grit, Grace, Growth, hosts Kim & Ken welcome special guest Ernesto Mandowsky, CEO of MDM, a CRM consultancy focused on helping people maximize relationships and create momentum in business and life. Ernesto shares the unconventional path that led him from throwing a 2,000-person graduation party in Miami at 18 years old to building systems and strategies for entrepreneurs, business owners, and organizations across multiple industries. What began as a love for bringing people together evolved into a career centered around hospitality, relationships, and helping others create meaningful growth through connection. Along the way, Ernesto opens up about the resistance he faced early on...from being told restaurants and hospitality weren’t “real careers” to navigating uncertainty, entrepreneurship, and the pressure of building something from scratch. Through every pivot, one thing remained constant: his belief that momentum matters more than perfection. At the heart of this conversation is the idea that success isn’t linear. It’s built through persistence, creativity, adaptability, and the willingness to keep moving even when you don’t have all the answers yet. In this episode, we talk about: An April showers-themed “Two Truths and a Lie” (featuring rain clouds, Hawaii, and Saturn’s moon Titan)Throwing a 2,000-person nightclub party at 18 years oldErnesto’s early passion for hospitality and bringing people togetherBeing pushed toward “stable” career paths while pursuing entrepreneurshipHow systems engineering unexpectedly shaped his business mindsetThe evolution from restaurant operations to CRM consultingWhy Ernesto believes relationships should be maximized, not just managedThe five “recipes” behind his relationship-building frameworkUsing systems and structure to create peace, performance, and profitabilityEntrepreneurship, uncertainty, and redefining success over timeWhy momentum matters more than perfectionConnect with Ernesto:Website: /www.yourmdm.co/Instagram: @momentum_ernestoConnect with Grit, Grace, Growth:Email: support@gritgracegrowth.com If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that success doesn’t have to be a straight line to still be the right one.

  5. Jun 7

    Conducting Your Own Symphony

    In this episode of Grit, Grace, Growth, hosts Kim & Ken welcome special guest Beth Goldsmith, Second Vice President of Practice Management and Development at Ameritas. Beth shares an inspiring and deeply personal journey that spans music education, motherhood, leadership, and career reinvention. Originally beginning her professional life as a music teacher, Beth opens up about the unexpected path that led her into the insurance and financial services industry...and how saying “yes, and” became the philosophy that transformed her career and life. From starting in an entry-level customer service role to eventually becoming a senior leader helping independent financial professionals grow thriving businesses, Beth reflects on the power of humility, resilience, curiosity, and continuous growth. Along the way, she discusses imposter syndrome, stepping into opportunities before feeling fully ready, and why women so often underestimate their own qualifications and potential. But at the heart of this conversation is family. Beth vulnerably shares what it was like becoming a mother to six boys at a young age, balancing career ambitions with raising a large blended family, and learning that the moments children remember most are simply the moments you showed up for them. Warm, thoughtful, and full of wisdom, this episode is a reminder that growth rarely happens in a straight line—and that sometimes the biggest transformations begin when you’re willing to take a chance on yourself. In this episode, we talk about: A Mayflower-themed “Two Truths and a Lie” (with some surprising American history trivia)Beth’s early career as a music teacher and her love of performanceTransitioning from education into the financial services industryStarting over in an entry-level role to build long-term career growthThe “Yes, And” philosophy that shaped Beth’s professional journeyWhy women often wait until they feel overqualified before pursuing opportunitiesNavigating imposter syndrome and learning to trust yourselfLeadership, mentorship, and helping others become the best version of themselvesBalancing career growth while raising a large blended familyThe realities and rewards of becoming a stepparent at a young ageHow family, resilience, and consistency shaped Beth’s outlook on lifeWhy showing up for people matters more than perfectionConnect with Beth:AboutLinkedInConnect with Grit, Grace, Growth:Email: support@gritgracegrowth.com If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that success doesn’t have to be a straight line to still be the right one.

  6. May 17

    Career Pivots - From Corporate Burnout to Consulting Freedom

    In this episode of Grit, Grace, Growth, hosts Kim & Ken welcome special guest Holly Knoll, founder of The Consultant Code and host of The Everyday Entrepreneur Podcast. Holly shares a raw and honest look at what it actually takes to build a career on your own terms. After starting her career at Accenture and working her way through major companies like Target Corporation, Sephora, and Taco Bell, Holly found herself in a breaking-point moment that forced her to rethink everything. Getting fired from a role that was never the right fit became the unexpected catalyst for building her own consulting business...one that’s now evolved into a thriving recruiting and placement firm in the tech space. Along the way, Holly opens up about navigating male-dominated industries, burnout, starting over (more than once), and what entrepreneurship really looks like behind the scenes. At the heart of this conversation is a simple truth that success isn’t linear and sometimes the hardest moments are the ones that push you exactly where you’re meant to go. In this episode, we talk about: A spring-themed “Two Truths and a Lie” (and why worms deserve more credit than we think)What a consultant actually does and why the term is so misunderstoodHolly’s early career in tech and project managementNavigating leadership as a woman in male-dominated spacesThe moment she knew a job wasn’t the right fit and what happened nextGetting fired and using it as fuel to start her own businessThe reality of entrepreneurship: risk, uncertainty, and resilienceHow mindset, energy, and alignment play a role in business growthSurviving the pandemic as a business owner (and starting over again)Pivoting from solo consulting to building a recruiting and placement firmWhy freedom is a driving force behind entrepreneurshipConnect with Holly:Podcast: The Everyday Entrepreneur PodcastInstagram: @hollyknollConnect with Grit, Grace, Growth:Email: support@gritgracegrowth.com If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that success doesn’t have to be a straight line to still be the right one.

  7. May 3

    How Unconventional Plans Help Us Lead With Purpose

    In this episode of Grit, Grace, Growth, hosts Kim & Ken welcome special guest Olivia McGraw, a wealth strategist with Unbridled Wealth whose story is anything but conventional. Olivia shares a powerful and wide-ranging journey that spans military college, international humanitarian work, and a complete career pivot into financial strategy. From attending The Citadel (one of the first generations of women navigating its male-dominated culture) to living in East Africa during and after periods of conflict, Olivia’s experiences have shaped a deeply resilient and purpose-driven perspective on life. After years working in the nonprofit sector and living abroad in places like Burundi and Rwanda, Olivia eventually found her way into the financial world in an unexpected way. What began as curiosity turned into a passion for helping others create long-term financial freedom through strategic planning and education. At the heart of this conversation is a theme of trust—trusting the process, trusting your path even when it doesn’t make sense, and allowing life’s detours to shape something greater than you originally imagined. In this episode, we talk about: A WrestleMania-themed “Two Truths and a Lie” (with some surprising celebrity trivia)Olivia’s experience attending The Citadel and navigating a male-dominated environmentLiving and working in East AfricaLessons learned from poverty, resilience, and global perspectiveTransitioning from nonprofit work into the financial sectorWhat it means to become a wealth strategist and help others build financial freedomThe concept behind “infinite banking” and alternative financial strategiesThe importance of trusting the process (even when you don’t have a clear plan)Building a life driven by purpose, adaptability, and growthConnect with Olivia:Visit: https://unbridledwealth.com/Connect with Grit, Grace, Growth:Email: support@gritgracegrowthpodcast.com If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share the podcast with someone who could use a little inspiration.

  8. Apr 19

    Rebuilding From Nothing: What It's Like to Start Over

    In this episode of Grit, Grace, Growth, hosts Kim & Ken welcome special guest Monica Sample, global real estate advisor, team leader of the Monica Sample Group, and a woman whose story is the definition of "resilience". Monica shares a deeply personal journey marked by reinvention and perseverance. From growing up between Washington State and Pittsburgh, to battling addiction as a young mother and making the life-changing decision to move with nothing but her daughter and a duffel bag, Monica opens up about the moments that reshaped her life forever. She reflects on the courage it took to rebuild from rock bottom, the support of her family, and how motherhood became the catalyst for change. From there, her story unfolds through heartbreaking loss, including the death of her infant daughter Scarlet, the trauma of family grief, and the mindset shifts that allowed her to keep moving forward. Today, Monica leads a thriving real estate team, mentors new agents, gives back through Homes for Heroes, and continues building a life rooted in gratitude, purpose, and connection. Her story is a powerful reminder that where you begin does not determine where you’re capable of going! In this episode, we talk about: A baseball-themed “Two Truths and a Lie” icebreaker with Pittsburgh Pirates triviaMonica’s journey from Washington State to PittsburghHer early career as a hairstylist and salon leaderThe difficult reality of addiction and the moment she chose to leave that life behindReturning home as a single mother and rebuilding from the ground upThe role family support played in her recoveryMotherhood as the driving force behind transformationNavigating profound grief after the loss of her daughter ScarletHow faith, perspective, and gratitude carried her through devastating lossBuilding a successful real estate career from family roots in renovation and investingLeading a team, mentoring new agents, and stepping into leadershipGiving back through Homes for Heroes and community-centered philanthropyWhy Monica wants to be remembered not for one chapter, but for the way she loved peopleConnectVisit: https://monicasamplerealestate.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, follow, and subscribe! If you're interested in being a guest or have any questions, reach out to us at support@gritgracegrowthpodcast.com

  9. Apr 5

    From Adversity to Advocacy - How Mindset Can Change Your Life

    In this episode of Grit, Grace, Growth, hosts Kim & Ken welcome special guest Allison Schaberg, owner and managing partner of Consolidated Planning Group, a holistic financial planning firm. Allison shares a deeply powerful and personal story shaped by advocacy and an unwavering commitment to her family. As a mother of four adult children (three with disabilities) her life has been anything but linear. From navigating cancer, complex medical needs, and major life transitions, to building a successful career in financial planning, Allison’s journey is a testament to perspective and purpose. Through both her personal experiences and professional work, Allison has dedicated her life to helping families facing similar challenges feel less overwhelmed and more empowered. She opens up about the realities of parenting children with special needs, the gaps in available resources, and why access to the right information can change everything. At the heart of this conversation is a powerful mindset shift: instead of focusing on what’s difficult, Allison chooses to focus on what’s possible—and why she still considers herself “the lucky one.” In this episode, we talk about: A fun spring-themed “Two Truths and a Lie” icebreaker (and why scurvy made an appearance) What holistic special needs financial planning actually means The hidden complexities families face when planning for lifelong care Why there’s no single roadmap (and how overwhelming that can feel) Allison’s personal journey as a mother navigating serious medical diagnoses The emotional and practical realities of raising children with disabilities Transitioning from pediatric care to adulthood—and the challenges that come with it The importance of having the right financial structures in place (and what can go wrong without them) Why hiring the right help can change everything How Allison turned her lived experience into a mission-driven career The creation of free educational resources to support families nationwide The mindset shift that helped her move from survival mode to empowerment Why she truly believes she is “the lucky one” Connect: Visit:https://www.consolidatedplanninggroup.com YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@ConsolidatedPlanningGroup If you enjoyed this episode be sure to like, follow, and subscribe! If you're interested in being a guest or have any questions, reach out to us at support@gritgracegrowthpodcast.com

  10. Mar 15

    Trust the Process: Reinvention & Rocking the Party

    In this episode of Grit, Grace, Growth, hosts Kim & Ken welcome their first guest, Gail Carey. She's the manager of Boston’s award-winning Hot Mess Band. Gail shares a remarkable story of reinvention (one that spans continents, careers, and unexpected opportunities). Originally from England, Gail’s life took a dramatic turn when her family moved to the United States for her husband’s job. What followed was a winding journey through immigration challenges, raising three daughters, navigating divorce, and rebuilding her life professionally. With no formal background in music, Gail eventually found her way into the entertainment industry, first booking bands and later partnering with Jason Silverman of Hot Mess. Her story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t always follow a straight line and that trusting the process can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be. Along the way, Gail opens up about  the mindset that helped her turn adversity into opportunity. The podcast’s first guest and a new “Two Truths and a Lie” game (with surprising music trivia) Gail’s move from England to the United States and the immigration challenges her family faced  Being unable to work for years after arriving in the U.S. and how that shaped her path  Raising three daughters while navigating major life transitions Rebuilding financially after divorce and starting over with a small income  How Gail entered the music industry with no prior experience The evolution of Boston’s Hot Mess Band and building a recognizable brand in the events industry What it takes to deliver unforgettable live entertainment experiences Why “trusting the process” became Gail’s guiding philosophy Connect: Visit: https://hotmessrocks.com  Email: support@gritgracegrowthpodcast.com  If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share the podcast with someone who could use a little inspiration.

  11. Mar 1

    Introducing Grit, Grace, Growth!

    Welcome to the very first episode of Grit, Grace, & Growth! In this kickoff conversation, hosts Ken Sines and Kim Carroll introduce the purpose behind the podcast: creating a space for real stories of adversity and transformation. Kim shares her personal journey...from teaching dance for 26 years to navigating divorce, financial instability, and rebuilding her life as a single mom. She opens up about what it really means to start over, push through fear, and discover the growth that comes from hardship. This episode sets the tone for what’s ahead: honest conversations, inspiring guests, meaningful lessons, (and plenty of humor along the way). In this episode we talk about: Why this podcast exists and what “grit, grace, and growth” really means The power of learning through hardship A fun “Two Truths and a Lie” icebreaker (goldfish, Caesar salad, and a very expensive pizza) Kim’s early career as a dance teacher and her love for performing arts The reality of divorce, survival mode, and rebuilding from the ground up Kim’s transition into banking and the moment she realized she could succeed The mentors and opportunities that shaped her career path Taking the leap into independent financial advising Why nothing is truly out of reach with planning and perseverance Kim’s pride in her children and their creative success! Special Mention Music featured in this podcast was composed by Ty Carroll, Kim’s son and a student at Berklee College of Music. Connect Learn more or schedule a conversation at www.kimcarrollcrc.com If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share the podcast with someone who could use a little inspiration.

  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Life doesn’t always go according to plan (and that’s exactly where the best stories begin). Welcome to Grit, Grace, & Growth, a podcast hosted by Kim Carroll & Ken Sines, where real people share real stories of adversity, resilience, and transformation. From career pivots and personal setbacks to rebuilding after heartbreak and finding purpose through struggle, each episode explores what it truly takes to keep going when life gets hard. This is a podcast about progress, the climb, and discovering that even when life breaks you growth is still possible!

Information

  • Creator
    Kim Carroll and Ken Sines
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Kim Carroll and Ken Sines
  • Show Website
    Grit, Grace, Growth