Unimaginable Wellness For New Moms Who Are Founders, Entrepreneurs, Creators Melissa Llarena

What if your everyday mom moments could fill the pages of a book? What if motherhood has taught you leadership skills unmatched by any book or top-tier business school? What if the only thing holding you back from sharing your message with the world was simply not recognizing and appreciating your own value and the support others can offer once you do?
These personal topics, especially if you're a bookworm or entrepreneurial mom, are discussed in today's episode with Zibby Owens, bestselling author of "Blank". Zibby is also the award-winning podcast host of "Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books" and the founder and CEO of Zibby Media. With four children and a Harvard Business School graduate, Zibby's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Check out her full bio below.
In the meantime, don’t forget to say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/ to let me know who else you’d like me to have as a guest. I love guest and topic ideas.
This episode is sponsored by my book, "Fertile Imagination," A Guide for Stretching Every Mom's Superpower for Maximum Impact. In this episode, I realized that Zibby Owens possesses a fertile imagination, the ability to conceive of something that a mom may not have done before.
I mean, how many moms do you know who, after a decade of being a stay-at-home mom, decide to disrupt entire industries? That's precisely what Zibby is doing, and that's why I was so inspired to have her on Unimaginable Wellness. Through my podcast and the guests featured in my book, I aim to showcase individuals who harness their imagination for good, making an impact that can reshape opportunities for their children and future generations.
Helping moms ignite their imagination to solve meaningful problems is what truly ignites my passion. As your host, Melissa, I urge you to consider: Do you know what truly ignites you as a mom, a human, a woman? If not, and if you're unsure how to rediscover your interests, then "Fertile Imagination" is here to guide you.
As a mom of three young boys, I've experienced the Groundhog Day feeling and the endless cycle of sibling squabbles. That's why I wrote "Fertile Imagination," to help readers like you embark on a journey of activating your imagination, listening to its whispers, and integrating what excites you into your daily life.
So, whether it's Zibby's story or your own journey of exploration, "Fertile Imagination" is your roadmap to unlocking your inner powerhouse and designing a life aligned with your passions.
This is an amazing conversation for you to absolutely take notes and maybe even look some stuff up because if you want to be an entrepreneur, Zibby does drop some nuggets of wisdom in terms of some tools you might want to consider.
But at the same time, it's important to appreciate that Zibby was able to create and is still in the process of building an empire. She's authored several books based on everyday life moments that many moms, myself included, often overlook as potential sources of inspiration and revenue as entrepreneurs.
There's undeniable value in our daily experiences, even if we don't always recognize it. My book, "Fertile Imagination," guides you in harnessing these moments that ignite your passion and shows you how to share, sell, or leverage them to make your maximum impact on the world. Visit http://www.melissallarena.com/fertileideas or fertileideas.com to grab a free chapter of "Fertile Imagination."
Now, let's delve into the official bio of Zibby Owens.
Official Bio
Zibby Owens — like Pippa Jones — wears a lot of hats. She is the award-winning podcast host of Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books; founder and CEO of Zibby Media, which includes the publishing house Zibby Books, a book club, retreats, classes, and events; and is the proud owner of Zibby’s Bookshop, an independent bookstore in Santa Monica.

Her previous books include Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature, children’s book Prince

Attention, mom founders! With summer on the horizon and the impending chaos of kids being out of school, there's no better time to reclaim control over your precious time and accelerate your business growth. In this episode, Melissa dives deep into three common time wasters holding mom entrepreneurs back from reaching their full potential. But fear not, because she also provides actionable strategies to replace these obstacles with productivity and profit.
Say hi, I want to know if you agree or vehemently disagree with these three? https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/
Time Waster #1: Second-Guessing Yourself
It's time to kick self-doubt to the curb! Melissa shares valuable insights into overcoming the hesitation that often holds mom founders back from reaching out to potential leads and seizing opportunities. Learn how setting a timer and taking decisive action can transform your approach to networking and business growth.
Time Waster #2: Fixating on Gender Disparities in Funding
Don't let the fact or myth of effortless funding for male entrepreneurs discourage you! This is huge! Use your finite time focused on getting after it! Find the people who will be more likely to listen rather than waste one second on imagining who is not going to listen to you! Melissa encourages mom founders to channel their imaginative prowess into seeking mentors, partners, and opportunities for growth. Discover how embracing proactive networking strategies can empower you to break free from limiting beliefs and achieve your goals.
Time Waster #3: Spreading Yourself Too Thin
Are you juggling too many activities, diluting your focus and impact? Melissa highlights the importance of prioritizing strategic endeavors over scattered efforts. Learn how to refocus your energy on key initiatives and leverage targeted outreach to accelerate your business growth.
VIP Networking Day Opportunity: Take Action Now!
Ready to supercharge your networking efforts and achieve tangible results? Melissa introduces a limited-time opportunity for mom founders to participate in a VIP networking day. During this intensive three-hour Zoom session, you'll receive personalized guidance and hands-on support to execute your outreach strategies in real time.
How to Secure Your Spot: Act Fast!
With only two spots available, time is of the essence! Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to level up your networking game and propel your business forward. Sign up for a 15-minute Zoom call with Melissa within the next 72 hours to explore the details of the VIP networking day and secure your spot at the special rate. Remember, the clock is ticking, so act now to seize this opportunity for accelerated growth and success as a mom founder!
Contact Information:
For more information or to schedule your 15-minute Zoom call, sign-up here: https://go.oncehub.com/ClientSessionMelissaLlarena . Let's make this summer your most productive season yet!
TRANSCRIPT
 Three time wasters for mom founders and how to replace that time with more productive activities. I don't know about you, but I have three children. I am looking at the summer season and I cannot say that I'm going to have more time to devote to my business and my practice where I'm teaching mom founders like you to leverage the art of strategic networking for profit.
So what I have to do every single season right before is really map out The most optimal use of my day hours. So I wanted to give you a sense for some of the things I've noticed, some patterns I've noticed when I've been coaching mom leaders throughout these last 12 years. So here's the first time waster that I have noticed that are stealing money straight out of your pockets.
Okay. So time waster number one, second, guessing yourself. I'm just going to say it like it is. You are having sex with your self doubts, and apparently it seems to be something that feels very good because we do it quite often, and I include myself in this as well. Oft

Have you ever stopped to consider the significant role empathy plays not only in our personal lives, but also in our professional environment? That's exactly what we did in our recent conversation with Michael Tennant, the founder and CEO of Curiosity Lab. Michael, a new dad, shared with us his deep respect for his wife and all mothers, and how becoming a parent has forced him to remain present and lead with empathy. We explored how empathy can be a secret weapon for anyone - be it moms, founders, entrepreneurs, or creators - and how it can shape healthier, happier lives. 
Our exploration into the world of empathy didn't just end there. We dug deeper into our emotional understanding. You know those butterflies you feel in your stomach when you’re nervous or that lump in your throat when you’re sad? We discussed how our bodies physically respond to our emotions and how we can mindfully navigate these sensations. We also delved into the five core emotions - joy, fear, anger, shame, and sadness - and the three types of empathy - cognitive, somatic, and emotional. We learn that all these are here to keep us safe and, with a touch of practical exercises, we can use them to make intentional choices in our interactions with others.
This episode is brought to you by Fertile Imagination: A Guide For Stretching Every Mom’s Superpower For Maximum Impact – My book is now available on Amazon in its audiobook format, paperback version and Kindle format. Grab a free chapter on www.fertileideas.com. 
DM me on Instagram @melissallarena just type the word FERTILE and I’ll share the link if that’s easier to get to fertileideas.com for all the details you need to celebrate your own Fertile Imagination! Here’s that link: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/ 
About Michael Tennant
Michael Tennant is the CEO of Curiosity Lab, a purpose-driven venture studio and consultancy that aims to make empathy easy and accessible to learn and teach. He is also the author of the book "The Power of Empathy," a 30-day guide that walks readers through the five phases of empathy. Through Curiosity Lab, Tennant creates and incubates businesses that help values-aligned individuals and organizations use empathy to live happier and healthier lives and to nurture productive and inclusive environments. He also teaches empathy to various organizations, schools, government and non-profit organizations, including NASA. Tennant's approach to empathy has been shaped by personal loss and he advocates for greater emotional proficiency to deal with challenging moments and to foster connection. His innovative approach has led to his company receiving an investment from Pharrell and the Black Ambition Prize in 2022.
Let's face it - balancing motherhood and business isn't just hard, it's a superpower. Join us as we navigate through this enlightening journey of understanding empathy, emotions, and more. Share your thoughts and let's explore together.
 
In this episode, you will hear:
Michael’s leadership has steered the organization towards nurturing businesses that are not only empathetic but also align with individual and organizational values. 
His book, "The Power of Empathy" is structured as a 30-day guide, aiming to simplify the concept of empathy and make it accessible. 
The book takes readers through a comprehensive journey of understanding empathy, breaking it down into five phases. This approach provides a clear and easy-to-follow structure for those looking to improve their empathy skills.
Curiosity Lab aims to utilize empathy as a means to enhance various aspects of life and work. They believe that empathy can improve happiness, health, productivity, and inclusivity. 
Tennant’s collaboration with NASA, demonstrating the broad reach and relevance of his empathy training initiatives 
How Tennant's personal experiences, particularly his own losses, have significantly influenced his perspective on empathy –

In this episode, you'll delve into the insidious impact of imposter syndrome on mom entrepreneurs. Discover the toll it takes on your confidence, time, and financial opportunities, and learn why confronting it head-on is crucial.
I emphasize the necessity of breaking free from societal norms and embracing expansive thinking, a key component of your journey with my Imagination to Impact to Income Method™. We'll explore the risks of not addressing impostor syndrome, especially regarding missed networking opportunities and stalled career growth.
Through a strategic blend of personal anecdotes and actionable steps, I offer you a roadmap for overcoming imposter syndrome and maximizing your networking potential. Plus, I'll highlight the urgency of seizing the opportunity to enroll in my "Fertile Imagination to Instant Access" masterclass, available now at a beta rate with limited spots remaining.
You're encouraged to sign up for a 30-minute breakthrough session www.melissallarena.com/sessions with me to explore how the masterclass can transform your life and propel you towards success. Let's rewrite the narrative of your success story together and step boldly into your greatness.
Free Resource: From Contact to Connection: The Go First Networking & Follow-Up Playbook for Mom Entrepreneurs
SIGN-UP for playbook: https://bit.ly/hypernetworking
• Easy to follow steps to craft your networking outreach goal
• Research necessary to not ask silly questions or feel awkward
• Unconventional follow-up ideas and timing that will not come across as thirsty/ pushy
• Templates that you can tailor based on your business goals and personality
• Worksheet to uncover ways to add value to contacts and make everyone feel good
BONUS: 30-second elevator pitch that is MEMORABLE not FORGETTABLE---this is there too
TRANSCRIPT
Listen up, ladies! Are you familiar with that nagging feeling of not being "enough"? Do you have ideas, hopes, and dreams but no confidence to do them? Well, if you've been battling imposter syndrome, you're not alone. But here's the kicker: it's costing you more than just confidence; it's robbing you of time, money, and opportunities you can't afford to lose.
At last week’s Mom 2.0 conference, there were hundreds of attendees, including several famous ones. From video gamers to industry disruptors, I connected with many. Now, here's the kicker: If I let my impostor syndrome go unchecked, I wouldn't have had the courage to ask them to be guests on my podcast. Did I hear that little voice in my head saying, "Who am I to do this?" or "Melissa, you're out of your league"? You bet I did. But even as I hit send on those email invites, I reminded myself: With 12 years of coaching experience and my proven method, my impostor syndrome can stick around, but it won't stop the party.
Let’s turn this to you….Picture this: You've got dreams as big as the sky, but every time you take a step forward, that little voice in your head whispers, "Who are you kidding?" It's time to put an end to that self-doubt and reclaim your power.
As a mom founder, you're already juggling a million things. You don't have time or resources to waste on self-doubt. That's where my method comes in - it's not just about suppressing those feelings; it's about conquering them and stepping into your greatness.
Enter my Imagination to Impact to Income Method ™. This isn't your average self-help spiel; it's a battle plan tailored specifically for moms like us. With my proven strategies, you'll learn to crush imposter syndrome and turn your dreams into reality.
But don't take my word for it. Listen to what one of my incredible clients had to say:
Melissa will push you out of your comfort zone, will force you to really look at where you are and where you want to go, and then push you to think even further.  Then, she will help you come up with steps to get to your goal and provide support as you do the work.  Her ideas are incredible, h

Ever feel that pang of guilt when you finally score a kid-free getaway with girlfriends? How about when you go away to a conference and that means missing your son's trumpet solo? Big confession. I recently went to a conference and missed my kid’s solo. Yep, I felt mom guilt especially while I watched the livestream, but as a mom of three, I knew I was doing my best and that this conference (ironically the Mom 2.0 conference) was a big deal for my book and business. And (further justifications) it wasn't an on-stage solo in front of an audience...it was a Saturday morning classroom solo in front of a teacher. All of this to say, yes, mom guilt still continues to pop up for me when I pick career over family (and it doesn’t even happen a lot!), and yet it's a constant juggle. So imagine this: what if you had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live in another country without your family to explore your childhood career dreams? Sounds impossible? Would that make you feel guilty? This episode tackles the monster called "mom guilt."
Enter Alisha Fernandez Miranda, a super-achiever mom of twins who decided to hit pause on her high-powered CEO career at 40. We delve into her story and ask the lingering questions: Does mom guilt ever truly fade? Is self-care a selfish act, or a necessity? Most importantly, can our actions teach our kids valuable life lessons that words simply can't? Tune in to episode 225 for an honest conversation that will empower you to embrace motherhood on your own terms.
Let's connect on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/
In This Episode You Will Uncover:
-How to navigate the guilt of pursuing your own passions as a mom, especially if it means taking time away from your family.
-The importance of role modeling and showing your children how to live a fulfilling life, even if it means taking risks.
-Why it's better to try something and fail than to never try anything at all.
This Episode is Perfect For You If:
-You're a mom who feels stuck in a rut and longs to pursue your own interests.
-You're wondering if it's possible to chase your dreams while still being a good parent.
-You're looking for inspiration to break free from self-doubt and create a life you love.
Key Points:
-Many moms struggle to find inspiration for pursuing their own dreams because the media often portrays women who achieve success without children.
-The guilt of leaving your family can be a major obstacle, but sometimes the risk of not following your dreams is greater.
-By taking action and showing your children how to live a fulfilling life, you can inspire them to do the same.
-It's okay to fail, and in fact, it can be a valuable learning experience.
Taking time for yourself can ultimately make you a better parent.
This episode is brought to you by Fertile Imagination: A Guide for Stretching Every Mom's Superpower for Maximum Impact, which reached the #1 spot as an Amazon bestseller in both the motherhood and women and business categories! Woo hoo! And if this episode deeply resonates with you, then you are definitely invited to read my book, Fertile Imagination! In my humble opinion, I believe double-fisting Alisha's book The What If Year and mine, Fertile Imagination, would make for an epically fun weekend of reading. Dive into Alisha's adventures and live vicariously through a fellow mom, and then turn to my personal framework to help you think about your best first step on getting your imagination fired up about your own adventure!
As I alluded to earlier, this episode tackles the struggle of mom guilt that tugs at our hearts, even when we deserve a getaway or break from adulting! I’ve been there too!
Moreover, I, Melissa, share a vulnerable moment straight from my book, Fertile Imagination, where I spent Sundays unlocking a surprising talent. And guess what? It was totally worth it!
Intrigued to discover your own hidden mom superpower?
Head over to https://www.melissallarena.com/fertileide

Welcome to episode 224. Tired of sounding like everyone else at networking events i.e. boring? Wish you could stand out and really put yourself and your business out there in a way that will make an impact? This episode equips you with the tools to transform your elevator pitch and turn those events into meaningful connections, even if finding and sharing the essence of who you are and why your business is unique has been harder in the past! This is a special episode especially for my fellow mom business owners who are making the trek to in-person networking events like Mom 2.o in Nashville or the like! You are spending time, money, and changing up your family's logistics so tune in to ensure you make these big networking moments worth your time! Elevator pitch prep here we go!!!!!!!!
In this podcast, you will learn:
The 3 Powerful Ideas to revolutionize your elevator pitch - the slides for this can be grabbed here for FREE: https://bit.ly/hypernetworking
Be Brief & Tailor Your Pitch: Consider the person, their company, and your goals for the interaction.
Differentiate Yourself: What makes you unique? Highlight your niche and competitive advantage.
Make it Memorable: Use clear, concise language, metaphors, or anecdotes to stand out.
Plus, a Free Playbook Alert!  Download my "From Contact to Connection" playbook for mompreneurs – go here to grab this book! https://bit.ly/hypernetworking
Get my exact follow-up timeline, proven email templates, and strategies to master the art of following up without feeling like a bother.
Stop feeling like you're missing out!
Listen to this episode and grab the free playbook to craft a magnetic elevator pitch and build connections that matter at your next networking event!
P.S. Don't miss the free playbook with valuable templates and follow-up strategies!
P.P.S. Attending Mom 2.0? Look for me in the beige wide-brim hat! I’d love to connect with you in person and yes I’d love to hear your elevator pitch! Below is mine….. but don’t forget to grab the template right here: https://bit.ly/hypernetworking
SAMPLE ELEVATOR PITCH – grab your template: https://bit.ly/hypernetworking
For 12 years, I've coached women leaders to rediscover and resell at a profit their skills. My signature approach has been to equip them with the art of initiating strategic networking, streamlining the process and accelerating their success.
Fueled by my #1 Amazon bestseller, Fertile Imagination, I pivoted my own journey to empower mom founders, entrepreneurs, and creators.  Today I’m most psyched about bringing the same coaching to embolden unconventional leaders (i.e. the ones who struggle with impostor syndrome or feel more like introverts) to unlock their unique identities including that of a mom and reignite their creative thinking, transforming these into powerful competitive advantages.
What sets me apart? I skip gatekeepers and show you how to connect with high-level contacts, just like the CMO of GE I interviewed on my podcast Beth Comstock or GaryVee who has millions of people knocking at his digital door.  Together, we equip you with the crowbars to shatter the padlocks guarding the right doors, unlocking the connections that can catapult your business.
Love this episode? Let's connect: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/
This episode is brought to you by "From Contact to Connection: A Step-by-Step Strategic Networking Playbook for Mom Founders and Entrepreneurs" 
Not sure how to go first in networking, or perhaps what to say in a follow-up?
Answers to these strategic networking questions are addressed in a free resource that has helped me and my clients talk to the right people in way less time than it would take using traditional networking methods!
Download my FREE playbook, "From Contact to Connection," and learn:
•    Easy steps to find the right contacts and reach out confidently.
•    Unconventional follow-up tips to stand out and build relationships.