Voices on the Verge with Paula Shepherd

Paula Shepherd
  • 5.0 (57)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Weekly

Join this audio revolution to ignite the fire for meaningful change within yourself and amplify the way for others. Through honest, thought-provoking conversations, this podcast explores what it really means to break the mold, listen deeply to your intuition, and take risks without regret. Host Paula Shepherd spotlights people living life on their own terms and making a positive impact through bold, fearless action, sharing their unconventional stories to inspire listeners to step into their own audacity. Each episode features everyday people who followed their inner voice to create innovative solutions, start influential businesses or change-making movements, or pursue seemingly "crazy" dreams against all odds.

  1. Sep 2

    Episode 99: Making Education Special For All with Dr. Amy Matthews-Perez

    Paula Shepherd talks with Dr. Amy Matthews Perez about her 34-year career in public education, her retirement, and why she launched MESA, which stands for making education special for all. The conversation centers on special education, relationship-building, and how parents, educators, and administrators can work together more effectively around the table. Dr. Amy brings deep experience as a classroom teacher, speech pathologist, diagnostician, special education coordinator, assistant principal, principal, director of special education, and director of special programs. She shares a practical, people-first approach to reducing conflict and creating progress in IEP and ARD meetings. Connect with Dr. Amy via email at dramymp@gmail.com or dramyperez.com/ Link to read her article - “Power Poker” at IEP Meetings Want to make it easy to be introduced to the very best people? Hit that SUBSCRIBE button so I can help you do just that! Have an idea for a future podcast? Email me at hello@thecourageblueprint.com TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Welcome to the episode and why Dr. Amy’s work matters 02:24 - Dr. Amy’s fifth-grade calling  06:41 - The hidden workload of parenting an adult child with special abilities 08:55 - Reframing “special” versus “special education” 10:04 - What “making education special for all” really means 11:24 - Why later is expensive in special education 14:09 - Why vulnerability matters in IEP and ARD meetings 20:26 - The need to set ego aside

  2. Aug 29

    Episode 98: Progress Over Perfection with Carolyn Langley

    What does it take to move from decades in corporate leadership roles into entrepreneurship? This week Paula sits down with Carolyn Langley, owner and managing partner of Input Idea, for a candid conversation about leaving corporate life, building a business, and learning to trust your own voice. We talk about the realities behind big career changes, the hidden conditioning that can show up in male-dominated workplaces, and how Carolyn is committed to helping small business owners simplify tech and content marketing. This is a practical and personal episode about growth, self-awareness, and creating work that fits your life.  Connect with Carolyn at carolyn@inputidea.com or inputidea.com Want to make it easy to be introduced to the very best people? Hit that SUBSCRIBE button so I can help you do just that! Have an idea for a future podcast? Email me at hello@thecourageblueprint.com TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Welcome back and meeting Carolyn through a chance connection 03:09 - From corporate roles to helping businesses demystify tech 05:45 - Why leave a successful corporate career for entrepreneurship 08:22 - Work-life balance, personal relationships, and the right timing 15:45 - The silent conditioning of male-dominated workplaces 17:44 - Speaking up without being labeled aggressive 21:39 - Turning reactions into questions instead of comments 24:33 - Grassroots building through community 32:37 - Why the human in the loop still matters

  3. Aug 21

    Episode 97: Email over Social Media with Liz Wilcox

    This week Paula sits down with email marketer Liz Wilcox to talk about something I think a lot of us need to hear: marketing doesn't have to be complicated to work.  Liz built a thriving $9/month membership in spite of the naysayers, because it made sense for her life and her audience. We get into the scrappy start of her RV travel blog, why she bet on email over social media as her main channel, and how a practical skill turned into a real, sustainable business. We also talk about giving yourself permission instead of chasing validation, and what it actually looks like to build something that fits your life instead of burning yourself out in the hustle game. If you've ever felt like marketing has to be dancing to trending music, yelling into the algorithm voice, or super complicated to work, this one's for you. Snag Liz’s $9/month email marketing membership here👇 https://fearless4life--lizwilcox.thrivecart.com/email-marketing-membership/ Heads up…some of the links in this post/email are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products, services, and tools I use and genuinely believe in. Connect with Liz and grab her FREE email swipes👇 lizwilcox.com Want to make it easy to be introduced to the very best people? Hit that SUBSCRIBE button so I can help you do just that! Have an idea for a future podcast? Email me at hello@thecourageblueprint.com TIMESTAMPS(2:02) - Going all in on email  (4:21) - Why consumers respond to unpolished, human advertising (8:26) - Why Liz rejected high-ticket business pressure (16:12) - Pricing as a long-term strategy, not a quick fix (27:01) - Why not me? Replacing doubt with action (29:49) - Giving yourself permission before giving yourself time (33:03) - Why human-to-human email beats polished corporate crap (37:08) - Paula’s results using Liz’s email marketing membership

  4. 07/30/2024

    EP 96: Inspiring more Human Workplaces with Austin Alliance Group

    If the values of your organization are not matching up with your personal values, this episode is for you!  In this conversation with the Austin Alliance Group team, we're tossing you the key to the golden handcuffs you're wearing at work as we explore the challenges and opportunities in creating a positive work culture. AAG has made it their mission to inspire workplaces to be more human. Fueled by the power of curiosity, vulnerability, and trust to create positive change in organizations, they know from experience, emphasizes the role of effective communication and feedback in building strong relationships between managers and employees. We discuss the importance of empathy, vulnerability, and trust in the workplace and the crucial need for leaders to take responsibility and lead by example.  Connect with the Austin Alliance Group Team: Website: www.austinalliancegroup.com  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/austin-alliance-group  Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Team from Austin Alliance Group 02:41 Changing the Mentality of HR 04:53 Challenging the Traditional Top-Down Approach 09:14 Evolving Leadership and Management Tactics 12:09 The Importance of Trust and Open Communication 16:50 Building Trust through Vulnerability 18:31 Authenticity in Creating a Positive Work Culture 23:11 Introduction and Discussion on Work Culture 24:40 Leadership's Role in Fostering a Healthy Work Environment 27:05 The Importance of Trust and Vulnerability in Building Strong Relationships 29:06 HR's Role in Shaping Company Culture 32:36 Navigating Difficult Work Situations: Prioritizing Well-being and Growth

  5. 02/13/2024

    Ep. 95: Transform Every Experience Into Sustainable Growth with Chandra Sanders

    Chandra Sanders shares her journey of personal growth and transformation, the essential upgrade. She discusses the importance of human sustainability, reframing challenges as opportunities for growth, and embracing a blank slate to create one's own identity. Chandra also highlights the need for workplaces to prioritize employee well-being and purpose, especially in the post-pandemic era. She addresses the challenges faced by individuals in their 40s and beyond, offering advice on finding balance and embracing change. Chandra encourages introspection and self-care as essential steps towards personal and professional growth. Timestamps:(03:24) Understanding Human Sustainability (08:54) Embracing Challenges as Opportunities for Upgrade (13:06 )The Power of a Blank Slate (19:14) Finding Transferable Skills and Embracing Change (25:20) Transforming Workplaces for Human Sustainability (30:23) Overcoming Ageism and Pivoting in Career Transitions (36:04) Balancing Hustle and Harmony (39:49) Preparing for an Essential Upgrade   Connect with Chandra Sanders here: Instagram  - @officiallychandra  Website: www.chandrasanders.co SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW Voices on the Verge and please subscribe if you like what you heard to connect with new voices each week.    Does someone you know need to hear this episode? Don't keep it to yourself, SHARE! Tired of boring conversations and small talk? Grab my  25 Conversation Starters for Genuine Connections HERE

  6. 01/23/2024

    Ep. 94: Bootstrapping Success and Big Ass Dreams with Jenae Goodin

    What happens when you're under-estimated but get scrappy and take daring risks?  In this episode, Jenae Goodin, founder and CEO of tech startup, Big Ass Bag, an innovative online shopping platform revolutionizing the way people shop online, shares how she had to make risky decisions that had the potential to affect her future, to founding her own tech company from one wild, in the moment, idea. As an advocate for entrepreneurship as a universal right, accessible to all backgrounds, Jenae is committed to helping others succeed against the odds. PLUS, she shares practical insights on how absolutely anyone can create something amazing even if they don't have the resources or see the way…yet. Timestamps: (03:06) Thinking Outside the Box and Getting Scrappy (09:20) Making Bold Decisions and Overcoming Challenges (16:41) Accidental Transitions to a New Industry (29:38) The Truth about Founding her Tech Startup  (35:31) Growth Fueled by Innovation  (40:23) Entrepreneurship as a Right for All (45:19) The Birth of Big Ass Bag (BAB) (47:07) Tips for Bootstrapping a Business Download your Own FREE Big Ass Bag here: www.bigassbag.com  Connect with Jenae Goodin here: Instagram  - @jenaejenesaisquoi TikTok - @jenaejenesaisquoi Follow Big Ass Bag on Social: Facebook Instagram LinkedIN Pinterest SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW Voices on the Verge and please subscribe if you like what you heard to connect with new voices each week.  Does someone you know need to hear this episode? Don't keep it to yourself, SHARE! Tired of boring conversations and small talk? Grab my  25 Conversation Starters for Genuine Connections HERE

  7. 01/16/2024

    Ep. 93: Step Into Your Audacity: Bold Ideas, Breaking the Mold, and Listening to Your Inner Voice

    With a new name and direction, Paula shares her move to let go of the old and and embrace the bold - focused on amplifying the voices of what appears to be "your average person", daring to break the mold. Stop living on autopilot and find the courage to pursue your wild ideas, no matter what others think.  Tune in every Tuesday for inspiring conversations to help ignite your audacity and take the first steps toward unprecedented change. Join the email list and receive 25 Conversation Starters for Genuine Connections  Timestamps: 0:10 Embracing Bold Ideas and Non-Conformity 2:12 Unconventional leaders making a difference 4:00 Overcoming fear and taking action despite it. 7:37 Prioritizing Helping Others Succees 9:38 Inner Power and Creativity

  8. 06/26/2023

    Ep. 92: My Therapist Eats Hay- Confidence, Leadership & Making Brave Choices through Equine Assisted Learning with Genevieve Nicholas

    How can spending time with horses drastically change your life? Today's guest, Genevieve Nicholas, shares her work as an Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator. Gen uses her horses as teaches on being present. Her work with women and teenage girls builds a feeling of safety, leadership and respect. Allowing her clients to walk away grounded, connected and confident in using their voice. We discuss different learning styles, making brave choices and developing the skill of speaking out as women. Gen is a horse mad seasoned entrepreneur who has a passion for horses and being outdoors. Originally from Australia, Gen now calls Plano, Texas, home having made the move with her husband and two children back in 2012.      Gen previously owned a successful café chain in Australasia, with five branches across Sydney. She had a strong career in corporate accounting and extensive leadership experience with a global corporate company. However, when she hit her forties Gen felt uninspired, done with the corporate life and was ready for a fresh start doing what she loved, with women who inspired her.     Gen knows in her heart that if she can make a difference in one person's life and help with their growth and development to provide some relief as well as tools they can utilize, she will have succeeded in her life mission - to change someone's world one human at a time! Connect with Gen! www.saddleuplifeskills.com   Or find her on Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn @saddleuplifeskills   If you're interested in working with Paula, send her an email paula@thecourageblueprint.com   Don't forget to rate and review The Confidence Sessions and please subscribe if you like what you heard! https://www.thecourageblueprint.com/podcast Timestamps: (02:17) Gen shares what it means to be an Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator and how it differs to therapy. (04:30) How the horses guide the humans through different learning styles and picking up on internal conflicts. (10:08) How learning with a horse parallels to learning in everyday life.  (12:10) The choices you make in life (12:50) Choices, using your voice, speaking up and being authentic in all areas of life. (14:50) Everybody is a leader! (20:10) Gen's personal experience of having children with mental health challenges, breaking the stigma and making a difference to mental health. (25:00) The results Gen has seen in her clients through her work in as little as 4 hours.  (28:30) Developing the skill of speaking out. (32:00) The Equine Assisted Learning Network - Equine options for those not in Plano Texas. (35:23) Tapping into your bold, brave self whilst working with Paula.

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About

Join this audio revolution to ignite the fire for meaningful change within yourself and amplify the way for others. Through honest, thought-provoking conversations, this podcast explores what it really means to break the mold, listen deeply to your intuition, and take risks without regret. Host Paula Shepherd spotlights people living life on their own terms and making a positive impact through bold, fearless action, sharing their unconventional stories to inspire listeners to step into their own audacity. Each episode features everyday people who followed their inner voice to create innovative solutions, start influential businesses or change-making movements, or pursue seemingly "crazy" dreams against all odds.

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