Rooted & Rehumanizing

Meg Laidlaw & Jillian Pezet

Rooted & Rehumanizing is a podcast for bold, heart-led leaders and entrepreneurs ready to do business differently. Hosted by Jillian and Meg, we explore what it means to lead with integrity, live with intention, and bring humanity back to work. Through raw conversations, real reflections, and unapologetic truth, this podcast invites you to root deeper, lead truer, and rise higher, in your work and your life.

  1. 5D AGO

    026: Goal Setting That Actually Sticks.

    Please Follow Us on Instagram: http://instagram.com/rootedandrehumanizing In this episode, Meg and Jill explore goal setting through a grounded, human lens, focusing on the science behind sustainable change rather than short lived motivation or perfection driven resolutions. What begins as a conversation about New Year’s goals unfolds into a deeper discussion about intention versus resolution, habit formation, nervous system safety, and why so many goals fail despite good intentions. They unpack how pressure, rigidity, and unrealistic expectations sabotage change, and what actually helps habits stick long term. Drawing from behavioral science, lived experience, and practical examples, this episode offers a compassionate and realistic approach to creating meaningful change that supports real life rather than fights it. We explore: • The difference between resolutions and intentions • Why intentions create direction without perfection • How self honesty is essential for sustainable change • Why goals must be enjoyable to be maintained • Making habits easy, visible, and realistic • The role of identity and alignment in goal setting • Why trial periods are more effective than long term commitments • How habit stacking increases follow through • Why reminders need to include the “why,” not just the task • Closing loops to reduce mental load • How compassion accelerates growth • Adjusting goals without self judgment • Creating systems that work with your nervous system • Why sustainable change is about consistency, not intensity This episode is encouraging, practical, and deeply supportive for anyone who feels frustrated by goal setting, stuck in cycles of starting and stopping, or ready to create real change without burning out. Powerful Quotes from This Episode “An intention is a posture, not a rule.” “Perfection is not sustainable. Alignment is.” “If it is not enjoyable, you will not keep doing it.” “Being honest with yourself is not limiting. It is liberating.” “Make it easy. Make it visible. Make it meaningful.” “We forget why something matters, not just what we planned.” “Sustainable change works with your nervous system, not against it.” We Would Love to Connect With You Your reflections, questions, and lived experiences mean so much to us. If this episode resonates, please share it, leave a review, or reach out. Connect with Jillian Website: https://trellissuite.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-pezet-trellis/ Email: jillianp@trellissuite.com Connect with Meg Website: www.profoundwellness.net Email: meg@profoundwellness.net Facebook: facebook.com/megan.fikse Instagram: instagram.com/m.laidlaw Meg’s Offerings Heart Math BioFeedback Device: a...

    30 min
  2. JAN 26

    025: Ego Is Not the Enemy. Letting Ego Lead Is.

    Please Follow Us on Instagram: instagram.com/rootedandrehumanizing In this episode, Meg and Jill unpack one of the most misunderstood concepts in leadership and personal growth: ego. Rather than treating ego as something to eliminate or shame, they explore ego as a natural part of being human. The real issue is not having an ego, but letting it lead unconsciously. Through grounded examples from leadership, corporate culture, family life, and identity, they show how unchecked ego quietly erodes trust, safety, and connection. The conversation moves from theory into lived experience, highlighting how ego often shows up as defensiveness, image protection, narrative control, and fear of not being enough. Instead of judging these patterns, Meg and Jill invite curiosity, compassion, and responsibility as the path forward. We explore: • Why ego itself is not bad or wrong • Ego as a protective function rooted in safety and identity • The difference between having an ego and being led by it • How ego shows up in leadership as optics, control, and narrative management • Why ego driven leadership destroys trust and psychological safety • The role of unconscious fear and not enoughness • Ego as a signal rather than a driver • Awareness and curiosity as the turning point • How ego fueled decisions fracture relationships and culture • Why truth builds more trust than image management • Compassion without excusing harmful behavior • Calling leaders forward without shame • How ego impacts families, teams, and organizations • Choosing aligned action instead of default reactions This episode is reflective, honest, and deeply human. It is especially supportive for leaders, founders, and individuals who want to take responsibility for their impact without turning self awareness into self attack. Powerful Quotes from This Episode “Ego is not the enemy. Letting ego lead is.” “Every human has an ego. Awareness is the difference.” “When ego leads, image matters more than truth.” “Unchecked ego creates cultures of fear and mistrust.” “Compassion does not mean avoiding responsibility.” “You can acknowledge ego without letting it drive.” “Leadership requires awareness, not perfection.” “Truth builds trust faster than optics ever will.” We Would Love to Connect With You Your reflections, questions, and lived experiences mean so much to us. If this episode resonates, please share it, leave a review, or reach out. Connect with Jillian Website: https://trellissuite.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-pezet-trellis/ Email: jillianp@trellissuite.com Connect with Meg Website: www.profoundwellness.net Email: meg@profoundwellness.net Facebook: facebook.com/megan.fikse Instagram: instagram.com/m.laidlaw Meg’s Offerings Heart Math BioFeedback Device:...

    16 min
  3. JAN 19

    024: Nervous Systems, Leadership, and the Cost of Micromanagement

    Please Follow Us on Instagram: instagram.com/rootedandrehumanizing In this episode, Meg and Jill explore the often overlooked root of micromanagement, not as a leadership flaw, but as a nervous system response. What begins as a conversation about micromanagement in organizations expands into a deeper discussion about regulation, anxiety transmission, trust, and how a leader’s internal state directly shapes culture, performance, and psychological safety. They unpack why pressure, manufactured urgency, and control are often attempts to self regulate, and how those behaviors unintentionally create fear, disengagement, and reduced effectiveness in teams. Rather than shaming leaders, this episode invites awareness, responsibility, and compassionate self inquiry. We explore: • Why micromanagement is a symptom of a dysregulated leader • How a leader’s nervous system state transfers to their team • The difference between regulation and control • Why anxiety reduces creativity and performance • How manufactured urgency creates counterproductive cultures • Culture as regulation, not values statements • Why values without nervous system alignment fail to land • Awareness, non judgment, and responsibility as the path forward • How leaders can model regulation instead of perfection • The role of transparency and honest communication • Agreements as a foundation for psychological safety • Assuming positive intent as a • Why autonomy and trust outperform micromanagement • Hiring for roles instead of hours • How operational clarity creates freedom and accountability This episode is reflective, honest, and deeply relevant for leaders, founders, managers, and parents who want to lead with trust, calm, and integrity without sacrificing results. Powerful Quotes from This Episode “Micromanagement is not the problem. It is the symptom.” “Your nervous system teaches people how to feel around you.” “Values do not set Culture. Regulation does.” “Pressure does not improve performance. Safety does.” “It is not your fault, and it is your responsibility.” “Assuming positive intent changes everything.” “You do not need control when there is clarity.” “Leadership starts with self regulation.” We Would Love to Connect With You Your reflections, questions, and lived experiences mean so much to us. If this episode resonates, please share it, leave a review, or reach out. Connect with Jillian Website: https://trellissuite.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-pezet-trellis/ Email: jillianp@trellissuite.com Connect with Meg Website: www.profoundwellness.net Email: meg@profoundwellness.net Facebook: facebook.com/megan.fikse Instagram: instagram.com/m.laidlaw Meg’s Offerings Heart Math BioFeedback Device:li...

    24 min
  4. JAN 12

    023: Time Blocking as a Budget for Your Energy

    Please Follow Us on Instagram: instagram.com/rootedandrehumanizing In this episode, Meg and Jill explore ideal week schedules and time blocking, not as rigid productivity control, but as a way to preserve energy, reduce mental load, and create freedom in both work and life. What begins as a practical conversation about scheduling unfolds into a deeper discussion about nervous system regulation, presence, creative flow, and the invisible weight of unclosed mental loops. They challenge the idea that structure limits creativity and instead offer structure as an act of self care and future self support. Using the metaphor of budgeting, they explain how intentionally assigning time creates clarity, energetic boundaries, and space to actually live your life, rather than constantly reacting to it. We explore: • Time blocking as an energy budget rather than a productivity hack • Why resistance to structure is often fear of losing autonomy • How unclosed loops create somatic heaviness and burnout • The importance of buffer time to synthesize and complete work • Why back to back meetings drain more than we realize • How structure can actually increase creativity and freedom • The concept of designing an ideal week instead of chasing perfection • Prioritizing non negotiables like rest, movement, and family time • How energetic boundaries help separate work and personal roles • Capturing creative ideas without letting them derail focus • Why your previous self supporting your future self changes everything • How intentional scheduling restores presence and reduces anxiety This episode is grounding, practical, and especially supportive for entrepreneurs, creatives, leaders, and parents who feel overwhelmed, scattered, or run by their calendars instead of supported by them. Powerful Quotes from This Episode “Structure is not about control. It is about conserving energy.” “Your previous self is giving your future self a gift.” “When you do not close the loop, your body carries the weight.” “Back to back meetings leave no room for synthesis.” “Structure does not kill creativity. It protects it.” “You are either running your life, or your life is running you.” We Would Love to Connect With You Your reflections, questions, and lived experiences mean so much to us. If this episode resonates, please share it, leave a review, or reach out. Connect with Jillian Website: https://trellissuite.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-pezet-trellis/ Email: jillianp@trellissuite.com Connect with Meg Website: www.profoundwellness.net Email: meg@profoundwellness.net Facebook: facebook.com/megan.fikse Instagram: instagram.com/m.laidlaw Meg’s Offerings Heart Math BioFeedback Device: span class="ql-ui"...

    21 min
  5. JAN 5

    022: Why Empathy Drains & Compassion Sustains

    In this episode, Meg and Jill explore the crucial distinction between empathy and compassion, especially in leadership and workplace dynamics. What many consider a strength can quietly lead to burnout, resentment, and disempowerment when left unchecked. They unpack how empathy saturates the nervous system, while compassion creates clarity, boundaries, and true support. This conversation is especially relevant for leaders, managers, caregivers, and recovering people-pleasers. They explore: • Why empathy and compassion are not interchangeable • How empathy leads to emotional saturation • Compassion as care without carrying • The difference between caregiving and caretaking • How empathy can unintentionally disempower others • Compassion as an empowerment tool • Supporting employees without absorbing their struggles • Asking better questions instead of making assumptions • Leadership through belief and trust • When empathy is appropriate and when it is not • The tarp versus sponge metaphor • Nervous system protection for leaders • Sustainable emotional presence at work This episode is practical, timely, and deeply supportive for anyone building teams or holding emotional space for others. Powerful Quotes from This Episode“Empathy is feeling with someone. Compassion is caring for them.” “When you take it all on, you leave nothing for yourself.” “Caretaking disempowers. Caregiving supports.” “You can hold space without carrying weight.” “Ask what they need instead of assuming.” “Be a tarp, not a sponge.” “Compassion protects everyone involved.” We Would Love to Connect With YouYour reflections and lived experiences mean so much to us. If this episode resonates, please share it, leave a review, or reach out. Connect with Jillian Website: https://trellissuite.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-pezet-trellis/ Email: jillianp@trellissuite.com Connect with Meg Website: www.profoundwellness.net Email: meg@profoundwellness.net Facebook: facebook.com/megan.fikse Instagram: instagram.com/m.laidlaw Resources Mentioned Heart Math BioFeedback Device: https://www.heartmath.com/coachmegSelf Mastery Program:a href="https://www.profoundwellness.net/self-mastery-program" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    15 min
  6. 12/29/2025

    021: Fear-Based Productivity vs. Flow-Based Productivity

    In this episode, Meg and Jill unpack two very different engines that drive productivity: fear and flow. While both can produce results, only one creates sustainability, fulfillment, and peace. They reflect on hustle culture, nervous system conditioning, and the hidden cost of fear based success. Through personal stories, coaching insights, and real world business examples, they explore how productivity shifts when trust replaces urgency. They explore: • The difference between fear driven productivity and flow based productivity • How hustle culture conditions the nervous system • Physical symptoms of fear based work • Why fear fueled success never feels like arrival • Awareness as the first step to change • The role of self judgment in keeping fear alive • Non judgment as a bridge to empowerment • Why conditional happiness never works • Flow as a spiritual and creative experience • How flow multiplies output with less effort • Recognizing personal flow patterns • Rituals that reliably activate flow • Why presence with family fuels creativity • How to build sustainable productivity practices • Letting go of guilt around ease This episode is clarifying and expansive. It is especially powerful for founders, leaders, creatives, and anyone questioning hustle as the price of success. Powerful Quotes from This Episode“Fear can get you there, but you will still be living in fear once you arrive.” “Self judgment is fear in disguise.” “When I slowed down, everything started working better.” “Flow feels like magic because you are aligned.” “You do not arrive at peace by delaying it.” “The journey can be what you are chasing.” “Flow is available more often than we think.” We Would Love to Connect With YouYour reflections and lived experiences mean so much to us. If this episode resonates, please share it, leave a review, or reach out. Connect with Jillian Website: https://trellissuite.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-pezet-trellis/ Email: jillianp@trellissuite.com Connect with Meg Website: www.profoundwellness.net Email: meg@profoundwellness.net Facebook: facebook.com/megan.fikse Instagram: instagram.com/m.laidlaw Resources Mentioned Heart Math BioFeedback Device: https://www.heartmath.com/coachmegSelf Mastery Program:https://www.profoundwellness.net/self-mastery-programBold

    27 min
  7. 12/22/2025

    EP 20: Declutter Your Mind, Transform Your Life

    In this episode, Meg and Jill explore the powerful connection between physical clutter and mental noise. What begins as a conversation about cleaning and household systems unfolds into a deeper discussion about nervous system regulation, coherence, conscious choice, and how we reclaim our energy. They reflect on how clutter impacts stress, family dynamics, productivity, and emotional wellbeing. The episode introduces the idea that while physical decluttering is helpful, true peace comes from learning how to declutter the mind regardless of the environment. They explore: • How physical clutter directly impacts mental and emotional regulation • Why systems and habits in the home matter more than perfection • The difference between control and structure • How resentment builds when responsibility is unevenly carried • The concept of being the default person in a household • Why shared responsibility builds connection and frees up time • How clutter creates invisible cognitive load • HeartMath technology and the concept of coherence • Restorative emotions versus depleting emotions • How thoughts directly impact heart rhythm and nervous system state • Why frustration keeps us stuck in depletion • Conscious choice as the gateway to peace • How to shift from reaction to agency • Gratitude as a physiological reset • Why you do not need external change to reclaim inner calm This episode is grounding, reflective, and deeply practical. It is especially supportive if you feel overwhelmed, overstimulated, or stuck in cycles of frustration at home or work. Powerful Quotes from This Episode“Anything they do not do falls on me, and that weight adds up.” “Physical noise becomes mental noise faster than we realize.” “Crap on the counter is not a lion, even though our body reacts like it is.” “Restorative emotions change your physiology in real time.” “You always have a choice, even when you are frustrated.” “Frustration is information, not a place to live.” “You do not need anyone else on board to reclaim your peace.” We Would Love to Connect With YouYour reflections, questions, and lived experiences mean so much to us. If this episode resonates, please share it, leave a review, or reach out. Connect with Jillian Website: https://trellissuite.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-pezet-trellis/ Email: jillianp@trellissuite.com Connect with Meg Website: www.profoundwellness.net Email: meg@profoundwellness.net Facebook: facebook.com/megan.fikse Instagram: instagram.com/m.laidlaw Resources Mentioned Heart Math BioFeedback Device: https://www.heartmath.com/coachmeg Self Mastery Program: https://www.profoundwellness.net/self-mastery-program li...

    20 min
  8. 12/15/2025

    019: Romanizing Life & Business: Conscious Choice as a Daily Practice

    In this episode, Meg and Jill get real about what it means to work in environments that are not fully aligned with your values, your energy, or your long-term direction. Not every workplace is conscious, healthy, or growth oriented. You still get to show up consciously, protect your inner peace, and make empowered decisions about whether to stay or leave. They explore: • Severing the identity string between who you are and how others treat you at work • Seeing other people’s reactions as a reflection of them, not you • How to maintain inner peace even when the environment feels chaotic • How to offer compassion without abandoning yourself • When mismatches are workable and when it is time for a hard no • How to set loving and firm boundaries that stop cycles of disrespect • The moment Meg confronted a charge nurse and how it instantly shifted the dynamic • Why complaining to coworkers harms you and the culture • What it means to stop perpetuating dysfunction • Journaling, clarity exercises, and reflection practices to help you decide what is next • The difference between misalignment and abuse • How to evaluate whether you are meant to stay, reposition, or leave entirely • The quiet heartbreak of pouring your genius into someone else’s vision • Signs that it may be time to explore your purpose, your path, and your own expression of work This episode is grounding, practical, and clarifying. It is especially helpful if you are in the gray zone of asking yourself whether to stay or go. Powerful Quotes from This Episode“I am safe everywhere I go. When you believe that, you get to act from integrity instead of fear.” “Other people’s reactions are about their nervous system, not your worth.” “If you do not speak up, you are unintentionally keeping the unhealthy dynamic alive.” “Compassion does not require you to carry someone else’s emotional load.” “Misalignment does not mean someone is wrong. It may just mean it is not your environment anymore.” “When you stay in a place that drains you, you start to perpetuate the very things you wish would change.” “Sometimes leaving is the most loving thing you can do for yourself and for the culture.” We Would Love to Connect With YouYour reflections, questions, and lived experiences mean so much to us. If this episode resonates, please share it, leave a review, or reach out. Connect with Jillian Website: https://trellissuite.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-pezet-trellis/ Email: jillianp@trellissuite.com Connect with Meg Website: www.profoundwellness.net Email: meg@profoundwellness.net Facebook: facebook.com/megan.fikse Instagram: instagram.com/m.laidlaw Resources Mentioned Self Mastery Program: profoundwellness.net/self-mastery-programBold Beautiful Life Membership: a href="https://www.profoundwellness.net/membership" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    29 min
5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Rooted & Rehumanizing is a podcast for bold, heart-led leaders and entrepreneurs ready to do business differently. Hosted by Jillian and Meg, we explore what it means to lead with integrity, live with intention, and bring humanity back to work. Through raw conversations, real reflections, and unapologetic truth, this podcast invites you to root deeper, lead truer, and rise higher, in your work and your life.