GRASP Confidence | Personal Growth for Leaders and High Performers

Tara LaFon Gooch
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GRASP Confidence is a leadership and personal development podcast for high-performing entrepreneurs, executives, and faith-driven leaders who want to expand their capacity, lead with confidence, and live with purpose. Hosted by 3X bestselling author, TEDx speaker coach, and founder of Best Branding Solutions, Tara LaFon Gooch, the show blends entrepreneurship, business strategy, Christian faith, and personal growth through the GRASP Method—Gratitude, Responsibility, Action, Sight, and Purpose. Each episode delivers transformational conversations and real-world tools to help elite leaders step into the best version of themselves and create impact. 📥 𝙀𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙡: Tara@TaraLaFonGooch.com 🌐 𝙒𝙚𝙗𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚:https://taralafongooch.com 🏢 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙒𝙚𝙗𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚: https://bestbranding.solutions

  1. #175: Our Beliefs Can Make You Sick or Well (Here's How to Shift Them) | Dr. Hamad Shirazi

    1D AGO

    #175: Our Beliefs Can Make You Sick or Well (Here's How to Shift Them) | Dr. Hamad Shirazi

    Aligned to Heal: Chiropractic, Consciousness, and Whole-Body Confidence   What if your pain isn't a problem to "fix"… but a message to listen to? In this episode of GRASP Confidence, I sit down with Dr. Hamad Shirazi (D.C., M.S.Ed.)—chiropractor, educator, and wellness leader—who introduces a powerful reframe: pain as a teacher guiding you back into alignment. I met Dr. Shirazi in Belize on a private island, and his grounded energy immediately stood out. In our conversation, we go far beyond "neck and back pain" and into the deeper root: posture, breath, nervous system regulation, belief, and purpose. We talk about how our beliefs can influence healing (yes, even the placebo effect), why many people stay stuck in suffering, and how shifting from fear to trust can change everything. You'll also hear a mind-blowing concept you may have never heard before: "pronoia"...the belief that life is conspiring in your favor. Inside this episode, we cover: Why Dr. Shirazi says "pain is direction"—not punishment The most common issues he sees (neck, back, shoulder, knee) and what they often reveal How he blends chiropractic + physical therapy principles + strength & conditioning to get to root cause The role of breathing, posture, mobility, and balance in lasting healing Why "being right" can keep you stuck—and how curiosity opens the door to change How gratitude, surrender, and nervous system safety support transformation If you've been feeling out of alignment—physically, mentally, or spiritually—this episode will help you reconnect to your body, rethink your beliefs, and move forward with intention. Listen now, and if it resonates, follow GRASP Confidence on your favorite platform and leave a quick Apple review—I read every one.   Connect with Dr. Hamad Shirazi: https://linktr.ee/coachshirazi     What does GRASP stand for? Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose. These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling. 🎙️ Have you subscribed yet? Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you loved today's episode, don't forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you.   🎧 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio   Share the inspiration Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others.

    33 min
  2. #174: The Spiritual Billionaire Code: Turning Vision Into Reality Through Alignment | Jocelyn Luko-Sandstrom

    6D AGO

    #174: The Spiritual Billionaire Code: Turning Vision Into Reality Through Alignment | Jocelyn Luko-Sandstrom

    What does it really mean to become a Spiritual Billionaire?   In this expansive and activating episode of GRASP Confidence, Tara sits down with global speaker and mentor Jocelyn Luko-Sandstrom, a visionary leader who helps high-performing individuals turn their deepest truths into lived abundance. The two first met on a retreat in Belize last month, where one powerful conversation quickly revealed a shared language around alignment, embodiment, and purpose-driven wealth. That connection naturally led to this conversation—one that goes far beyond manifestation buzzwords and into what it actually takes to live, lead, and create from integrity. Born in Hawaii and shaped by living and working in 12 countries, Jocelyn brings a truly global perspective to wealth, leadership, and consciousness. After transforming her own life through quantum energy work, NLP, neurological re-patterning, and embodiment practices, she moved from a high-profile career in fashion, film, and media—working with brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Yves Saint Laurent—to guiding visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives toward sustainable success without burnout. In this episode, Jocelyn shares what it means to release hustle, align with truth, and embody abundance from the inside out. Together, Tara and Jocelyn explore the shift from force to flow, identity-based wealth, and how leadership evolves when success is no longer separated from fulfillment. This conversation is for you if you've achieved outward success but know there's a deeper calling—or if you're building something meaningful and want to do it without losing yourself in the process. If you're ready to redefine wealth, elevate your leadership, and step into the frequency of a Spiritual Billionaire, this episode will meet you exactly where you are. 🎙️ Listen now and follow GRASP Confidence for weekly conversations on faith, confidence, purpose, and aligned leadership.   Connect with Jocelyn on all platforms!   What does GRASP stand for? Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose. These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling. 🎙️ Have you subscribed yet? Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you loved today's episode, don't forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you.   🎧 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio   Share the inspiration Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others.

    50 min
  3. #173: The Law of Momentum: Why You're Stuck (and How to Break Free)

    FEB 10

    #173: The Law of Momentum: Why You're Stuck (and How to Break Free)

    Momentum Isn't Motivation: It's a Universal Law   Momentum isn't something you wait for, it's something you activate. In this powerful episode of GRASP Confidence, Tara LaFon Gooch sits down with leadership coach and author David Wilkinson to unpack the Law of Momentum and why so many high-achieving leaders still feel stuck, stalled, or one setback away from sliding backward. What if the reason you can't "get your big break" isn't a lack of hustle… but a misunderstanding of how momentum actually works? David explains why momentum is as universal as gravity—always in effect—whether you know how to use it or not. If you've ever experienced a "flash in the pan" win you couldn't replicate, this conversation will show you why and how to build sustainable success instead of temporary spikes. David shares the unbelievable origin story behind his book, Creating Momentum in Your Sphere of Influence—including how he pre-sold 5,500 copies in 30+ countries before the book even had a title. From homelessness after the 2006–2008 crash to rebuilding his life and business in South Africa, David reveals what it really takes to create traction, influence, and compounding results. You'll also hear a practical framework for getting "unstuck," including a fast exercise to clarify your personal calling—and the "universal momentum question" that exposes what you truly want. This episode goes deeper than strategy. Tara and David explore the spiritual side of momentum—alignment, purpose, integrity, and partnership with God and creation plus the two hidden forces that sabotage progress: the fear of failure and the more common (and sneakier) fear of success. If you've been pushing the boulder uphill only to feel it roll back on you, you'll finally understand what it means to reach the "tipping point" where momentum starts working with you. Listen now and take notes—then choose one goal, write bold declarative statements about the impact you're here to create, and start building momentum today. If this episode spoke to you, share it with a leader who feels stuck and leave a review to help more people activate forward motion.   Connect with David on LinkedIn Join David's Momentum Monday Call!   What does GRASP stand for? Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose. These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling. 🎙️ Have you subscribed yet? Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you loved today's episode, don't forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you.   🎧 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio   Share the inspiration Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others.

    43 min
  4. #172: Why Mindset Isn't Fixing Your Burnout and What Neuroscience Says Will | Dr. Susie Hansley

    FEB 7

    #172: Why Mindset Isn't Fixing Your Burnout and What Neuroscience Says Will | Dr. Susie Hansley

    Why You Can't Think Your Way Out of Burnout—and How Biology Shows the Exit   What if burnout isn't a personal failure… but a biological response doing exactly what it was designed to do? In this powerful episode, Dr. Susie Hansley, Ph.D. dismantles one of the most damaging myths in modern leadership and high performance: that stress means you're not resilient enough. Instead, she reveals a science-backed truth—burnout is not a character flaw, it's a nervous system signal.   "My body wasn't broken. It was responding perfectly to years of unresolved stress."   A first-generation Mexican American who rose from poverty to earn an Ivy League Ph.D. and a tenure-track position, Susie did everything "right." And still, she burned out. Hard. It wasn't until a 2021 diagnosis of complex trauma that everything changed. What she once labeled as weakness was actually biology at work; a nervous system stuck in survival mode. In this conversation, Susie translates neuroscience, stress physiology, and trauma research into language leaders can actually use. She explains why mindset alone can't fix burnout, how stress becomes dangerous when it's unresolved, and why humans were never meant to regulate stress in isolation.   "Stress isn't the problem. The problem is being forced to carry it alone."   Today, Dr. Hansley helps organizations reduce stress by an average of 30%, working with teams at Google, Blue Shield of California, and Duke Health. Her approach is science-based, trauma-informed, and deeply human—earning 100% ratings for transformational impact.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why your nervous system—not your mindset—sets the ceiling for resilience How chronic stress reshapes biology and behavior What regulation actually looks like at work, at home, and in leadership Why collective regulation creates stronger teams than individual coping ever could   "Resilience isn't about pushing harder. It's about creating conditions where the nervous system can recover."   If you're a high achiever, leader, or caregiver who's ever wondered Why can't I handle this like everyone else?—this episode will reframe everything. This is not another productivity conversation. It's a biological reset. Listen now and discover how understanding stress—rather than fighting it—can transform the way you lead, live, and heal… together.   "When we know how to regulate stress collectively, we don't just survive—we become resilient communities."   Connect with Susie on LinkedIn Visit Susie's website & support her work!   What does GRASP stand for? Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose. These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling. 🎙️ Have you subscribed yet? Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you loved today's episode, don't forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you.   🎧 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio   Share the inspiration Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others.

    1h 10m

  5. FEB 2

    #171: Intention Over Outcomes: Why God Handles the Results (and We Don't Have To)

    Do the Work, Release the Results: A Leadership Lesson in Faith and Integrity   There's a revelation many leaders, creators, and high performers eventually come to—but often only after burnout, anxiety, or frustration sets in: We are responsible for intention and integrity. God is responsible for outcomes. In this solo episode, I share a recent personal reflection that reshaped how I approach leadership, creativity, and faith—rooted in wisdom from legendary producer Rick Rubin and anchored in a deeply spiritual truth. Rick Rubin is known for an unconventional creative philosophy: he is not concerned with the audience at all. Instead, his focus is singular—making the truest, most honest work he can make. He describes the process as a devotional practice. Once the work is complete, the outcome is no longer his responsibility. That insight stopped me in my tracks. Because it reveals something many of us struggle to accept: faithfulness and results are not the same thing. In a world obsessed with metrics, validation, reach, and reaction, this episode invites you to release what was never yours to carry. You'll hear why obsessing over outcomes drains presence, compromises integrity, and quietly disconnects us from our calling—while intention and integrity restore peace, clarity, and trust in God's timing.   This conversation is especially for: Leaders navigating pressure, visibility, or uncertainty Creators and entrepreneurs exhausted by outcome-driven culture High performers wrestling with control, anxiety, or perfectionism Anyone longing to lead, create, and serve from a place of faith rather than fear   Inside the episode, we explore: Why intention matters more than reception How integrity keeps your leadership aligned when outcomes feel uncertain What it means to treat your work as an offering, not a transaction How releasing control becomes a spiritual discipline Why God never asked you to manage the results—only your obedience   This isn't about doing less. It's about doing what actually belongs to you and trusting God with the rest. If you're ready to stop striving, start creating with devotion, and lead with lighter hands and deeper faith, this episode is for you. This is what faith-centered leadership looks like—gratitude for the calling, responsibility for our integrity, and trust in God for the outcome. Follow the podcast for more conversations that help you lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.     What does GRASP stand for? Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose. These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling. 🎙️ Have you subscribed yet? Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you loved today's episode, don't forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you.   🎧 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio   Share the inspiration Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others.

    33 min
  6. #170: AI Is Moving Faster Than Leadership—How to Lead Without Losing What Makes Us Human

    JAN 26

    #170: AI Is Moving Faster Than Leadership—How to Lead Without Losing What Makes Us Human

    Data, AI, and the Identity Crisis Facing Modern Leadership   In this powerful, forward-thinking episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast, host Tara LaFon Gooch sits down with Michael Clark — esteemed strategist, author, and global advisor on artificial intelligence (AI), data, and emerging technologies. If you're a leader, innovator, creator, or change-maker today, you already know this: technology isn't just transforming what we do — it's reshaping who we are. And the real question isn't whether AI will impact our future… it's how we will respond, lead, and live without losing what makes us human.   Why This Episode Matters Now As AI accelerates faster than organizations and institutions can absorb, the confidence gap becomes a strategic vulnerability. Leaders feel the pressure to adopt AI, harness data, and modernize work — but many struggle to reconcile rapid innovation with human-centered purpose, identity, and community. In this episode, Michael Clark challenges the traditional narrative around technology. Rather than viewing AI as a disruptor to be feared or a tool to be controlled, Michael reframes it as a catalyst moment — a pivotal opportunity for humanity to rethink our systems and realign our values. Through deep insight, strategic clarity, and narrative wisdom, he shows listeners how to lead with confidence in the age of AI, unlocking not just productivity but purpose.   Who Michael Clark Is — Credibility You Can Trust Michael Clark is a globally recognized strategist and advisor with an unparalleled ability to help leaders, governments, and investors understand what to do with AI, data, and emerging technology — not just what to think about. He bridges the worlds of innovation and human potential with humanity, ethics, and long-term thinking.   His work is rooted in: Leading large-scale transformation and innovation across sectors Advising decision-makers on the responsible deployment of AI Developing new models for education and work that are being adopted globally Reframing data as a real-world asset Clarifying strategy for organizations facing disruption Integrating human identity, community, and purpose with technology Michael's perspective isn't theoretical — it's shaped by real-world experience, both at the intersection of innovation and implementation.   About His Book — Our Moment: A Story of Destiny and Human Potential In his breakthrough narrative work, Our Moment: A Story of Destiny and Human Potential, Michael captivates early readers and thought leaders alike. Described by reviewers as a modern-day Alchemist for the digital age, Our Moment goes beyond instruction and analysis — it uses story to explore how humanity can learn, work, build, and live alongside AI, data, and emerging technologies without losing what makes us human. Rather than prescribing technical steps or theory, the book: Illuminates how identity and purpose shape our relationship with technology Articulates a vision of human-centered innovation Reimagines the future of learning, work, and society Inspires readers to lead with confidence in an AI-infused world This narrative-driven approach sets Our Moment apart as both a philosophical guide and strategic compass for leaders of all kinds.   What You'll Learn in This Episode Listeners to this episode will gain: ✔ New frameworks for leading with confidence in the AI era ✔ Actionable insights on integrating data and technology into strategy without sacrificing human dignity ✔ Visionary perspective on how future systems — from education to governance — must evolve ✔ Clarity around AI as a catalyst for purpose, not just change ✔ Strategies for resilient, ethical leadership in uncertainty Whether you are a CEO, entrepreneur, educator, policymaker, or aspiring leader, this conversation will equip you with the tools, mindsets, and confidence to thrive — not just survive — as technology reshapes our world.   Who This Episode Is For This episode is essential listening for: Executives and founders looking to integrate AI strategically Leaders in technology, innovation, and transformation Professionals navigating career reinvention in the digital age Human-centered thinkers focused on purpose and impact Anyone curious about the future of work, learning, and community   Connect With Michael Clark 📘 Book: Our Moment: A Story of Destiny and Human Potential 🌐 Official website: https://ourmoment.ai/ 📱 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mclarkglobal 📧 Contact: info@ourmoment.ai

    33 min
  7. #169: From CITGO to Caracas: Jose Pereira on Maduro's Capture and Venezuela's New Era

    JAN 23

    #169: From CITGO to Caracas: Jose Pereira on Maduro's Capture and Venezuela's New Era

    What happens when a nation stands at the edge of history?   In this powerful return to GRASP Confidence, former CITGO Petroleum CEO Jose Pereira joins the conversation to unpack the capture of Nicolás Maduro and what this pivotal moment could mean for Venezuela, the United States, and the future of global leadership. Drawing from his experience leading one of the world's most critical energy organizations and navigating geopolitical pressure at the highest levels, Jose offers rare insight into the political, economic, and human implications of this unfolding chapter. He speaks candidly about power, corruption, global influence, and the long road toward rebuilding trust, stability, and sovereignty. But above all, this conversation is rooted in hope. Hope for a Venezuela restored. Hope for ethical, values-driven leadership. Hope that even after decades of turmoil, a nation can heal, rebuild, and rise again. For listeners who want deeper context on Jose's personal journey—including his five years of captivity in Venezuela and the events that shaped his leadership—be sure to listen to Episode 30 of GRASP Confidence, where Jose shares his story in full. This is not just a conversation about politics or energy. It's a conversation about resilience, responsibility, faith in the future, and the belief that transformation is still possible, even when the road forward feels uncertain.   Connect with Jose Pereira: 🌐 Website: https://joseconnect.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-angel-pereira/ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JosePereira-nz4ps     What does GRASP stand for? Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose. These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling. 🎙️ Have you subscribed yet? Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you loved today's episode, don't forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you.   🎧 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio   Share the inspiration Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others.

    38 min
  8. #168: When Success Outgrows Your Capacity to Hold It | Brent Perkins

    JAN 19

    #168: When Success Outgrows Your Capacity to Hold It | Brent Perkins

    What happens when your success outgrows your capacity to hold it?   In this episode of GRASP Confidence, Tara LaFon Gooch sits down with Brent Perkins, former seven and eight-figure entrepreneur, two-time Inc. 5000 leader, author of Papercuts: The Art of Self-Delusion, and Fractional CEO for high-performing fathers. Brent's story is one many elite leaders quietly relate to: rapid growth, global influence, and external validation—followed by a personal collapse. His marriage ended. His health declined. And the life he built no longer aligned with who he wanted to be. Instead of rebuilding with hustle, Brent rebuilt with capacity. In this conversation, we unpack: Why success without expanded capacity eventually breaks you The hidden self-delusions high achievers fall into without realizing it How leaders can expand their internal capacity to sustain growth, impact, and presence Why integration—not balance—is the future of leadership How rebuilding your inner life changes the way you lead your business and your family   This episode is especially meaningful as Tara shares how these same principles are woven into her upcoming book, From Calling to Confidence, which dedicates an entire chapter to increasing capacity so calling doesn't turn into burnout. If you're a high-demand entrepreneur, CEO, author, or founder building something meaningful—and you want to grow without losing yourself—this episode is required listening.   👉 Learn more about Brent Perkins' process and how he helps leaders expand their capacity for sustainable success: https://www.3xbold.com/my-process   Grab a copy of Brent's book, Papercuts on Amazon!     What does GRASP stand for? Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose. These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling. 🎙️ Have you subscribed yet? Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you loved today's episode, don't forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you.   🎧 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio   Share the inspiration Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others.

    52 min
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GRASP Confidence is a leadership and personal development podcast for high-performing entrepreneurs, executives, and faith-driven leaders who want to expand their capacity, lead with confidence, and live with purpose. Hosted by 3X bestselling author, TEDx speaker coach, and founder of Best Branding Solutions, Tara LaFon Gooch, the show blends entrepreneurship, business strategy, Christian faith, and personal growth through the GRASP Method—Gratitude, Responsibility, Action, Sight, and Purpose. Each episode delivers transformational conversations and real-world tools to help elite leaders step into the best version of themselves and create impact. 📥 𝙀𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙡: Tara@TaraLaFonGooch.com 🌐 𝙒𝙚𝙗𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚:https://taralafongooch.com 🏢 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙒𝙚𝙗𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚: https://bestbranding.solutions

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