THE POWER OF REINVENTION with Kathi Sharpe-Ross

Kathi Sharpe-Ross

Welcome to THE POWER OF RE:INVENTION. Inspired by the best-selling book written by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? (March, 2020) these introspective interviews will provide stories, tips, tools and experiences of great reinventors and curiosity seekers. From Fortune 500 C-Suite Executives and Entrepreneurs, to Exhausted Dads, Homemakers and Artists, these men and women will give you a sense of what is possible in your life through their own journeys in business, career, relationships, health, entrepreneurship, spirituality, hobbies and passions.

  1. 4D AGO

    EP 154: A Common Thread: From Celebrity Styling to Finding Divine Purpose with Jennifer Principe

    Jennifer Principe is a stylist, author, speaker, and founder whose work blends fashion, faith, and emotional healing. After spending 14 years as a celebrity wardrobe stylist, she felt called to create something more meaningful — a space where style becomes a pathway back to confidence, dignity, and self-worth. She is the author of A Common Thread, a spiritually rooted memoir that explores clothing as a tool for inner transformation, and the founder of The Phoenix Effect, a nonprofit offering full styling, hair, makeup, and photography experiences for individuals facing life-debilitating illnesses. Her work has been featured on KTLA, BBC, Inside Edition, and across major outlets for its impact and heart. Before you listen to this episode, I want to share something with you: finding your purpose rarely appears as a straight, clear path. Sometimes it unfolds slowly, in detours and seasons we don’t fully understand at the time. When Jennifer told me she worked thirty different jobs before realizing what she was meant to do, it struck me in the best possible way. It’s a reminder that the things we’re drawn to — the small nudges, the recurring interests, the quiet whispers — aren’t random. They’re direction. In this conversation, Jennifer opens up about her journey from a difficult childhood to a thriving styling career, and how she ultimately discovered the deeper calling beneath it. Jennifer shares the moment she first learned about “enclothed cognition,” the idea that what we wear can shift how we feel and how we move through the world. It’s something she intuitively understood as a little girl seeking peace and play in the back of her grandmother’s gift shop. And then there’s the moment that changed everything: she’s out on a run, overwhelmed by life transitions, when she feels an unmistakable inner pull telling her to stop and give her gift away. She listens. She makes one phone call from the side of the road. That call becomes the beginning of The Phoenix Effect, a nonprofit that has helped countless individuals see themselves again with warmth, strength, and hope. Today, Jennifer has stepped away from her 14-year styling career to fully embrace this mission. When I asked her about fear, she told me she’s more afraid of never reaching her full potential than she is of stumbling along the way. There’s something incredibly grounding about that. Her book, A Common Thread, captures her journey beautifully — blending storytelling, faith, healing, and practical tools to help you reconnect with who you are at your core. If you’ve been waiting for a sign, waiting for clarity, waiting to feel ready… let this episode be the moment that encourages your next step. You deserve what’s on the other side. Shop A Common Thread (Amazon/Barnes & Noble) Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Common-Thread-Fashion-Soul-Book/dp/B09YL79827 Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-common-thread-jennifer-principe/1141622278?ean=2940166550262 Jennifer's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jenprincipestyles/?hl=en All of Jennifer’s Links! https://linktr.ee/jenprincipestyles THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE - for more Inspired Content, Blogs, Podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit https://www.thereinventionexchange.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReinventionExchIG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/⁠ FB: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross⁠

    40 min
  2. SEP 25

    Ep 153 - Two Moms, One Book, Endless Ambition with Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores

    Sometimes the most powerful Reinventions don’t start with a plan, but with two people realizing their different strengths belong in the same story. In this episode, I chat with the wonderful Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores, the dynamic co-authors of the sizzling debut novel Happy Wife. Happy Wife has captured national attention as a "Read with Jenna Book Club Pick," a SheReads Must-Read, and a Paste.com Most Anticipated Thriller. The novel has earned widespread praise, including Jenna Bush Hager’s “delicious, fun summer book” endorsement, along with acclaim from Booklist and Red Carpet Crash. But before their success, Meredith spent decades shaping stories in Hollywood, show running The Flight Attendant and developing new series with Netflix, Showtime and Paramount+, while Kendall built her career in communications, beginning with grant writing at the Orlando Science Center before moving into strategy roles at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Mailchimp. Their journeys took a turn when Kendall turned 40 and chose to stop telling herself the story that she couldn’t write a novel, just as Meredith was navigating the writers’ strike and searching for a new creative outlet beyond television. Together, they represent two sides of the same coin, and show what happens when you put different strengths together. As two working moms, they blended carpools with Zooms, powered through their first draft in a single summer with a fail-fast mentality, and showed that momentum outweighs perfection. More than anything, it’s about the courage to say your dream out loud, the power of creating with others, and the reminder that reinvention is possible—and exhilarating—at any stage of life. Key Takeaways  Embrace a fail fast mentality - experiment quickly, learn, and keep moving forward. It’s okay not to grind at the desk every day - sometimes the best creativity comes from stepping away, sitting on the couch, or just taking a breather. Saying your dream out loud invites accountability and energy - when others hear it, they often help you bring it to life. When your hobby becomes your job - build new rituals and outlets so your passion doesn’t get lost in deadlines. Confidence often comes after action - momentum builds belief faster than waiting to “feel ready.” Link to their book: https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Wife-Novel-Meredith-Lavender/dp/0593974379https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/771523/happy-wife-a-read-with-jenna-pick-by-meredith-lavender-and-kendall-shores/ Learn More about the Authors: https://www.meredithandkendall.com/ Kathi Sharpe-Ross and all things RE:INVENTION: IG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross     Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReinventionExch THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE - for more Inspired Content, Blogs, Podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit https://www.thereinventionexchange.com

    40 min
  3. AUG 28

    EP 152: The AI Anxiety Fix with Shiv Singh

    Shiv Singh grew up writing fiction in India, Hong Kong and Dubai, before he ever dreamed of shaping brands like PepsiCo or Visa. That early relationship with language, art, and culture became the backbone of how he now leads in a world being rewritten by AI. In this wonderful episode of THE POWER OF RE:INVENTION, I speak with Shiv about his career pivots, cultural values, and the humanity behind modern marketing. We talk about how AI is reshaping everything, from brand voice to business ethics, and why legacy is no longer just about what you build, but how you build it. Shiv shares reflections on his father’s advice, his early years in advertising, and the moment he realized that storytelling is strategic, necessary, and deeply personal. Whether you are a CMO, a parent learning how to connect with your young ones in this new world of AI, a founder, or someone navigating your next chapter, this conversation will challenge the way you think about innovation, leadership, and the responsibility that comes with both. Poetry and marketing are more alike than we think. Both are about clarity, emotion, and impact AI is a leadership issue, not just a tech trend. It forces us to ask what kind of world we are building Your values will show up in your marketing whether you plan it or not Legacy is created not through titles, but through moments of truth The best leaders listen more than they speak, and treat culture as strategy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivsingh/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/shivsingh/?hl=en X(Twitter): https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivsingh/ Link to his book: https://www.amazon.com/Marketing-Dummies-Business-Personal-Finance/dp/1394237197/ Shiv’s Website: https://www.savvymatters.com/ THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE - for more Inspired Content, Blogs, Podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.thereinventionexchange.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross     X: https://twitter.com/ReinventionExch

    40 min
  4. AUG 7

    EP 151: C-Suite to Soul work: How Maria Weaver Built XO Maria Louise

    Maria Weaver has led massive teams, shaped culture across media giants, and built brands at the highest level. But her latest chapter might be the most intentional of all. In this episode of THE POWER OF RE:INVENTION, I talk with Maria about her journey from acting as a child in New York City to rising through the ranks at HBO, Comcast, and Warner Music Experience. We discuss the decision to step away from corporate life to raise her daughters, the challenges of re-entry, and the many ways she Reinvented along the way. Maria shares how a quiet passion—handmaking gemstone bracelets for herself and loved ones—evolved into XO Maria Louise, a jewelry brand built on story, spirituality, and self-belief. She explains how she used every tool from her marketing and leadership career to build a business with heart, intention, and structure. If you’ve ever felt the tug to create something that’s yours, Maria’s story offers the blueprint—and the nudge to start. Key Takeaways: A creative pivot can begin long before it becomes publicResilience is a superpower, especially in times of transitionYou don’t have to choose between impact and intuitionBuilding something personal can be your most meaningful workSide hustles deserve real strategy and heartYour next Reinvention might already be with you—you just haven’t launched it yetExplore XO Maria Louise https://xomarialouise.com/ Follow Maria Instagram (brand): https://www.instagram.com/xomarialouise/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msmariaweaver/ For more inspired content, blogs, podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE: https://www.thereinventionexchange.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross Amazon Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/REINVENT-YOUR-LIFE-WHAT-WAITING/dp/1733393005

    38 min
  5. JUL 18

    EP 150: Reinventing Confidence & Speaking Without Fear - Shelley Goldstein

    If you can’t clearly and confidently explain who you are and what you do in 30 seconds, you’re not alone… but it’s costing you. We all speak every day. But few of us know how to truly communicate in a way that inspires action. In Episode 150 of THE POWER OF RE:INVENTION (yes, 150!), I’m joined by Shelley Goldstein, known as The Coach Whisperer, who shares what it really takes to embody your messaging and stop shrinking in rooms where you belong. Shelley has worked with thousands of professionals across five continents. Her #1 international bestselling book, Remarkable Speaking: A Framework to Embody Your Voice and Your Vision, is for anyone who wants to show up with more presence. In this episode, Shelley breaks down: • The hidden impact of labels like “introvert” or “imposter” • How to reframe fear when you’re stepping into something new • Why storytelling is still your greatest communication tool • Her signature “sprint method” to unlock clarity in minutes We first crossed paths at Ringling Brothers, Shelley was designing, I was handling PR. Even then, she had that rare blend of presence and purpose. Today, she teaches others how to find it in themselves. If you’ve ever wanted your words to reflect your value, this one’s for you. Key Takeaways: You do not need to be a professional speaker to speak with power Personal storytelling builds connection and credibility Labels like introvert, extrovert, or job title often limit our potential Reframing how you think about speaking is the first step to growth Effective communication is about essence, not perfection Confidence comes from clarity, repetition and self-ownership Everyone deserves to be heard, not just the loudest voice in the room Explore Remarkable Speaking www.remarkablespeaking.com Follow Shelley LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shelleygoldstein YouTube: www.youtube.com/@remarkablespeaking Book (Amazon): https://a.co/d/5eocSAo For more inspired content, blogs, podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE: https://www.thereinventionexchange.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross Amazon Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/REINVENT-YOUR-LIFE-WHAT-WAITING/dp/1733393005

    40 min
  6. JUN 26

    EP 149: Becoming Who You’re Not (Yet) with Beth Handel 

    What if the version of YOU you’re aiming for doesn’t speak your language yet? Who will you be that you’re currently not, to be able to yield the result you’re looking for - the “beingness?” Beth Handel, executive life coach, former co-founder of Handel Group, and the coach leaders call when they’re ready to shift for real, has the answers and we go deep into the conversation in this episode of THE POWER OF REINVENTION.   Beth has worked with major corporate C-Suite teams (I call her the “Wendy from Billions”) and coached such business luminaries like Gary Vaynerchuk/Vayner Media, Live Nation, NFL players - Justin Pugh and Nolan Carroll, and thousands of executives and creatives ready to rethink how they lead, live, and grow. She shares her “six-week mirror” method for Reinvention, tracking where you’re not showing up as the person you say you want to be. We explore how logging negative thoughts changes your internal script, what makes performance coaching different from therapy, and why most people avoid the work of change. Beth reflects on the influence of Dr. Joe Dispenza’s work on reprogramming thought patterns, and reveals how our inner voice often holds more sway than we realize. Beth also opens up about her own recent Reinvention leaving New York at 65 and building a brand-new life in Los Angeles. From mindset to leadership to redefining what’s next, this episode is packed with real tools and truth. Key Takeaways Your future depends on who you’re becoming Reinvention starts by noticing where you're not that person yet Logging your inner voice is the first step to rewriting it Coaching works best when you're ready to be honest Culture change begins with leadership, not HR There’s no expiration date on choosing something new Resources & Links Work with Beth or reach out:Email: beth@kibbutz.coach Connect with Beth online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-handel-9715795/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethhandel_coach For more inspired content, blogs, podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE:https://www.thereinventionexchange.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross Amazon Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/REINVENT-YOUR-LIFE-WHAT-WAITING/dp/1733393005

    41 min
  7. JUN 20

    EP 148: Food is Love: Chef Palak on Passion, Purpose & Bold Moves with Palak Patal

    🧠 Summary Love shows up in many forms. Sometimes, it’s a plate of food shared across generations. In this episode of THE POWER OF RE:INVENTION, I connect with my dear friend Palak Patel, an award-winning chef, best-selling author, and purpose-driven advocate for sustainable food systems. Palak’s journey began in a multi-generational home in India where food was family, identity, and joy. Her path took detours through pre-med, corporate marketing, and the startup world. But the quiet nudge of passion never went away. She shares the bold decision to go to culinary school at 31, self-funding her dream despite doubt and risk. Her Reinvention is rich with flavor, culture, and conviction—from launching her cookbook Food Is Love to addressing food waste with empathy and action. This episode is a reminder that your purpose may already be within you. Sometimes, it just needs time and courage to rise. Key Take Aways: Your five-year-old self might already know your purpose Food is a language of love, memory, and culture Reinvention isn’t linear, but it is always possible You can honor tradition and still make bold pivots Betting on yourself is a powerful decision Passion can turn into impact when you listen and act Explore Palak’s story and recipes on her official site: https://www.chefpalakpatel.com Follow Palak on Instagram for plant-based cooking and storytelling: https://www.instagram.com/chefpalak Connect with Palak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/palak-p-15a0462/ Order Food Is Love by Palak Patel on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Food-Love-Plant-Based-Indian-Inspired-Connection/dp/0063320649 For more inspired content, blogs, podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? visit THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE: https://www.thereinventionexchange.com Resources & LinksIG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross Amazon Link to Book: https://www.amazon.com/REINVENT-YOUR-LIFE-WHAT-WAITING/dp/1733393005

    38 min
  8. JUN 6

    EP 147: Do More Good - Reinventing the Way We Give with Neil Ghosh

    In Episode 146 of THE POWER OF RE:INVENTION, I connect with global changemaker, nonprofit leader, and author Neil Ghosh to explore a kind of meaningful Reinvention that’s rooted in empathy, reflection and intentional impact. Neil opens up about his personal journey—from childhood dreams of becoming a doctor to building a purpose-driven career across government, business and global philanthropy. His encounters with the Dalai Lama, President Clinton and others have influenced him along the way.  We explore the pivots, pauses, and personal revelations that shaped his path, and how choosing to do good—on any scale—requires both courage and consistency. This conversation also explores the ideas behind Neil’s upcoming book, Do More Good, which gathers life lessons and stories from extraordinary individuals he’s encountered throughout his journey. His message is clear: making a difference doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It can start small, and it can start now. Together, we unpack what it means to lead with empathy, how to stay grounded in a noisy world, and why Reinvention often begins not with a plan, but with one intentional act. Key Takeaways: Reinvention starts with reflection. The most powerful changes often come from quiet personal insight. Small, intentional acts can ripple outward. Doing good doesn’t require a platform—just presence. Mentorship is a form of legacy. Giving your time and attention can change someone’s direction—and yours. Empathy is a practice, not a trait. Especially in divided times, it becomes an anchor for impact. Purpose and sustainability can coexist. Nonprofit work doesn’t mean sacrificing structure or strategy. Connect with Neil Official Site: www.neilghosh.org Neil’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilghosh1/ Get your copy of his book Do More Good on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Do-More-Good-Inspiring-Extraordinary/dp/B0DJZFG75Z Amazing Huffington Post Article by Neil from Over 9 Years Ago! (Still Incredibly Relevant Today) https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-is-the-secret-of-ame_b_10812956 THE RE:INVENTION EXCHANGE - for more Inspired Content, Blogs, Podcasts, RE:INVENTION Virtual Chats, or to buy a copy of my book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, visit https://www.thereinventionexchange.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/kathisr_chief_reinventor/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/kathi.sharpeross/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathisharpeross     Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReinventionExch

    41 min
4.8
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Welcome to THE POWER OF RE:INVENTION. Inspired by the best-selling book written by Kathi Sharpe-Ross, RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? (March, 2020) these introspective interviews will provide stories, tips, tools and experiences of great reinventors and curiosity seekers. From Fortune 500 C-Suite Executives and Entrepreneurs, to Exhausted Dads, Homemakers and Artists, these men and women will give you a sense of what is possible in your life through their own journeys in business, career, relationships, health, entrepreneurship, spirituality, hobbies and passions.