Finding Brave Kathy Caprino

Building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is more than just a reflection of societal values; it’s a strategic necessity that fuels innovation, enhances talent retention, and ensures long-term business success in a competitive global market. Today’s guest, Sable Lomax, is a seasoned global DEI expert, consultant, speaker, and facilitator who joins us to share her experience in helping organizations across a wide range of sectors to supercharge their DEI initiatives.
With a rich background in facilitating DEI sessions for nonprofit, philanthropic, public multinational, and private companies, Sable partners with stakeholders to develop strategic plans, implement new learning and development programming, and design equitable initiatives that make a real impact.
In this episode, you'll find out why DEI isn't just the responsibility of HR professionals (even though many organizations and C-Suite leaders believe so) but a crucial element for building healthy, resilient organizations. Sable also highlights the importance of making DEI a priority, identifies common pitfalls in ineffective (and sometimes harmful) DEI initiatives, and provides actionable advice for fostering truly inclusive workplaces.
Tune in today to discover why prioritizing DEI is not just good ethics but also good business and gain invaluable insights to take your organization’s DEI efforts to the next level.
And don’t forget - You Can Watch our Finding Brave episodes on YouTube!
You can experience each Finding Brave episode in both audio and video formats! Check out new and recent episodes on my YouTube channel at YouTube.com/kathycaprino. And please subscribe and leave us a comment and a thumbs up if you like the show!
 
Key Highlights From This Episode:
Strategic challenges that HR professionals are struggling with right now. [05:20] Common approaches to DEI and reasons DEI is often overlooked or undervalued. [06:59] Why successful solutions to DEI require time, resources, and multiple iterations. [16:34] The importance of playing to the strengths of internal DEI experts as well as bringing in external support when necessary. [19:50] Ways that ineffective DEI initiatives could actually be harming your organization. [23:04] Actionable, data-driven advice to help companies make DEI a priority. [25:17] The courage and vulnerability needed to build a healthy, thriving, company culture. [30:38] How purpose and self-care can keep you grounded as you work to create change. [36:24] For More Information:
Sable Lomax
Sable Lomax on LinkedIn
 
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Are you ready to experience a true breakthrough to become the most confident, inspired, and impactful version of yourself – in your role, leadership, and career?
In 17 years of career and leadership coaching with thousands of people, I’ve observed and researched what I call the “7 most damaging power and confidence gaps” that negatively impact a staggering 98% of professional women, blocking them from reaching their highest and most rewarding career potential. My training helps women of all levels and fields recognize and close these gaps for good. The impact is remarkable, and I’ve seen that the training can shift everything about how you see yourself, how you operate in the world, and what you’re capable of creating and achieving.
If you’re ready for a more successful and fulfilling professional life, please visit mostpowerfulyou.com/videotraining and register today.
I’m honored that a division of the UN has sponsored it for members of its workplace, and many other companies have had me in to train this content live. If your organization offers expert training and tools dedicated to supporting women’s success, I hope you’ll ask for it in your place of work.
Thank you so much and here’s to all of us becoming the most positive, powerful, and impactful we can be!
 
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Why is it so hard for many of us to ask the right questions and make the right choices? As the co-CEO of Transcend, a nationally recognized innovation organization, and today’s guest, Jeff Wetzler has leveraged his expertise in learning and human potential to develop a game-changing approach to smarter decisions, more creative solutions, and deeper relationships by asking different kinds of questions that unlock possibility and connection.

Through a five-step process, Jeff teaches how to ask the right questions to create personal and professional growth. He joins us today to talk about his new book, ASK: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs In Leadership and Life, and to share his personal journey to asking, learning, and connecting more deeply.

Tune in as we dive deep into the psychology of what prevents us from asking and sharing honestly, including shame and safety. Using curiosity as an entry point, we explore different contexts for asking questions before diving into the five practices behind Jeff’s Ask Approach. Delving even deeper, we explore a new definition of curiosity as an act of care.

We also unpack what happens when we lose our connection to compassion, how to remain rooted in non-judgment to create a safe space for others, engage in meaningful reflection and reconnection, and much more! Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation with a guest who truly embodies his principles.
 
Key Highlights From This Episode:
Childhood experiences that sparked the premise for Jeff’s book. [06:44] What asking the right questions does for our relationships. [09:05] Blockers that prevent us from sharing honestly with others. [11:38] Why curiosity is important across different contexts. [12:47] Five practices that underpin the ASK Approach. [14:26] The role of compassion and non-judgment behind Jeff’s principle of “making it safe.” [22:29] What it means to ask quality questions. [27:07] Reflection and reconnection as the final part of the framework. [31:00] Three channels that unpack what it really means to listen to learn. [33:37] Observing the action piece in order to learn. [35:12]  
For More Information:
Jeff Wetzler on LinkedIn
Jeff Wetzler on Instagram
Jeff Wetzler on X
 
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 
Get your copy of Jeff’s latest book, ASK: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs In Leadership and Life.
 
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Are you making the most of your LinkedIn profile and presence to help you stand out and achieve your most thrilling career visions and goals?
Thanks for joining me today on Finding Brave! I’m very happy to share news about my new 2-session LinkedIn consulting program, expressly for folks who want to power up their LinkedIn profile and activity and take full advantage of all the amazing features and benefits that LinkedIn provides.
I’m very honored to be a “Top Voice” on LinkedIn with close to a million followers and subscribers, and I have to say that LinkedIn has been a true game-changer for me ever since I started publishing there regularly back in 2015.
With more than 1 billion users globally now, LinkedIn offers so many ways to move your professional endeavors forward. And it’s not just for job search either! It’s a powerful networking platform for anyone who wants to make a bigger impact doing meaningful work they love.
Join me in my unique Power Up Your LinkedIn Profile and Presence Program to take the most essential steps on LinkedIn to present yourself at the highest level and make the most of all that LinkedIn has to offer!
 
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Hi, folks! Kathy here. So, are you thinking of launching a new podcast or have you been at it a while and recognize that it’s time for more or better production help to create the best podcast you can? I totally un

Thank you for listening to our Finding Brave show, ranked in the Top 100 Apple Podcasts in Careers!

 
Please note: This is a special rerun of Episode 130.
“You are not your past. You are all of it, your past, present, and future. So do the work to release the shame, the humiliation, and the negative judgments you have about yourself. Release yourself.” – Kathy Caprino
Over the past several years on Finding Brave, I’ve offered some key information about what I’ve observed are the 7 most damaging power and confidence gaps along with key chapters from my latest book, The Most Powerful You: 7 Bravery-Boosting Paths to Career Bliss. Some time back, I offered a series of 7 podcasts dedicated to these gaps that negatively impact 98% of professional women today, and 90% of men, preventing them from reaching their highest potential, and their happiest, most rewarding success and fulfillment.
In this 7th installment of that series, I share the power gap that may be closest to my own heart and soul. I’m talking about how we unwittingly allow past trauma, pain and challenges that we’ve experienced to continue to shape and define us. And this unwanted pain and shame often brings to our lives unwanted experiences.
I have lived this in such a deep way (and continue to work on it - as you’ll hear in my upcoming interview, Episode #286 with Finnian Kelly - who helped me right on the show uncover a very painful trauma memory from when I was a teen, and connect that to some mindset (and behavioral) challenges I still have around money, work and safety.
I never fully recognized this Power Gap (of how our past continues to shape and define us unless we gain fuller awareness of the trauma and pain events/experiences and work committedly to overcome and release them) until I became a therapist and started doing the work on myself and with others to help us heal.
Unfortunately, life can hurt us badly sometimes and leave deep scars, and no one is immune. Every single one of us has experienced some form of pain, suffering, sadness, isolation, rejection, and trauma in our lifetimes. Many have experienced and witnessed things that alter how they see the world and operate within it. Sometimes, pain and hardship make us close down and stop trusting others.
Other times, it makes us turn our pain into rage and violence against the world. Yet some people, while crushed by their pain for a time, are able to find a way to become more of who they really are at their core – more loving, compassionate, hopeful, helpful, generous, insightful, brave, committed, and resilient and joy-filled  — through all of it. And some are fortunate to know exactly how to turn their emotional challenges into new ways to be of service in the world so they can uplift others while expanding themselves.
I sincerely hope that my “The Most Powerful You” series (for content on the other 6 gaps, check out Episodes #124 through #129) is enlightening, and in conjunction with my book and video training program, can help you uncover any power and confidence gaps that may be holding you back at this very moment.
As always, thank you for listening and I would be so happy to hear your feedback on not just this episode, but the entire series and The Most Powerful You book.
Remember that tremendous success, joy, and reward aren’t just reserved for a handful of people, but everyone, including you. You are worthy of an amazing life and career, and it’s waiting for you.

If you’d like to know which, if any, of the Power Gaps you may be facing today, take my quick Power Gap quiz.
 
Highlights from this Episode:
How trauma appears in our lives, and why it’s so damaging to hold onto [4:10]
What trauma really is, and how every single one of us has experienced it [4:45]
How becoming aware of your trauma will benefit all aspects of your life including your career [6:50]
A powerful example of someone who has transformed her trauma into growth and

During this episode, Dr. Judy Ho joins us to unpack key concepts from her newly published book, The New Rules of Attachment. Judy isa triple board-certified and licensed clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, a tenured associate professor at Pepperdine University, television and podcast host, and published author. Among her numerous professional pursuits, she conducts neuropsychological and psychodiagnostic evaluations, serves as an expert witness in legal cases, conducts clinical research, provides expert commentary to media, and is a sought-after public speaker.
Join us as we unpack the four attachment styles, and learn how they are formed and ways in which they influence the quality of our relationships and our lives. Judy also shares key key information about how we can begin to unravel the early experiences that have shaped our core beliefs and relational patterns today.
As Judy shares:
“If you don’t go into the past to understand why you formed these patterns in the first place, you’re just going to be continuing to be in the same cycle over and over again.”
We also explore powerful mindset and behavioral shifts to empower parents, and Judy shares helpful affirmations that anyone can implement to change their self-talk.
Join us for an instrumental and hopeful conversation filled with valuable insights to help you heal and grow, in your life, career and relationships.
 
Key Highlights From This Episode:
Welcome and introduction to Dr. Judy Ho and the premise of her healing work. [02:33] What we learn from our first relational experiences and how they define our approach to relationships as an adult. [08:02] Misconceptions about attachment and how to approach healing as an adult. [11:41] Hallmarks of the four attachment styles and a practical strategy to work with them. [16:40] Negative repercussions of the beliefs associated with anxious and avoidant attachment styles. [21:47] How a disorganized attachment style forms and the implications for adult life. [27:15] [30:10] Affirmations to emulate the self-talk of a securely attached person. [31:00] How to approach parenting with mindfulness to support children to form a secure attachment approach. [30:10] For More Information:
Dr. Judy Ho
Dr. Judy Ho on X
Dr. Judy Ho on LinkedIn
Dr. Judy Ho on Facebook
 
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 
Dr. Judy Ho’s Latest Book, The New Rules of Attachment
 
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READY FOR A CHANGE - AND HUGE BOOST - IN WHAT’S POSSIBLE FOR YOU - IN A REWARDING AND THRILLING CAREER YOU LOVE?
Are you ready to elevate your career to new heights? Join me as I guide and coach you through proven steps and strategies to unlock your fullest career potential. And for a limited time only, take advantage of my exclusive offer for my podcast listeners:

Take a 25% discount off both my 6-session private Career & Leadership Breakthrough coaching program and my Most Powerful You video training program that helps you address and close the 7 most damaging power and confidence gaps that negatively impact a staggering 98% of professional women today,  keeping them from reaching the success,  reward and fulfillment they deserve. 
And you can participate in both of these programs from the comfort of your own home, at your own pace.
Transform your career trajectory now and become the leader you dream to be. Go ahead - grab the 25% discount, and let’s work together to help you build a much brighter future. I can’t wait to be of help!
 
REGISTER NOW and use the 25% discount code FBRAVEPOD25 to save 25% on these programs TODAY!
Career & Leadership Breakthrough 6-session program
The Most Powerful You Self-Paced Video Training Program
 
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Today, we’re delighted to welcome back return guest, Austin Belcak, who joined us way back on episode five to talk about how to land a dream job at the salary you deserve, as well on episode 89 where he shared his insights on building an exceptional resume that gets real results. Through his personal experiences, Austin has developed a uniquely effective job search system that helped him go from being a new grad with a biology degree (and a job in healthcare) to landing interviews at multiple tech companies, including Microsoft, where he ended up working for over five years and was promoted multiple times.
Austin is the founder of Cultivated Culture, where he helps people secure jobs they’re passionate about, without relying on the need for traditional experience or online applications. The platform is a hugely valuable resource for job seekers and offers multiple free tools, including a resume builder and analyzer. He also hosts The Dream Job System Podcast where he shares bite-sized, highly actionable career advice. Additionally, Austin’s work has been featured in multiple publications including, Forbes, Business Insider, and Fast Co. Through his work he has helped thousands of job seekers earn roles at top companies like Google, Apple, and Amazon, without ever needing to apply online.
In today’s conversation with Austin, we delve into the subject of networking, why he’s found it to be infinitely more effective than traditional job-searching methods, and how he developed a jobs system that could help others just like him. We unpack why traditional approaches proved particularly ineffective for him, why he needed advice from people with first-hand experience, and how he went about reaching out to those individuals who could give him the insights he needed to succeed. Our conversation also examines some of the most common misconceptions when it comes to networking and what can be done to address them. 
Austin’s parting message emphasizes the importance of investing in yourself and actively creating things that other people will find interesting, before breaking down exactly how this will help your networking journey in the long run. His story serves as a powerful reminder that following your intuition and finding a braver path, will often be far more effective than sticking to more traditional routes. Join us today to hear all of Austin’s eye-opening insights as we discuss the nuances of networking and finding the job you truly want! 
 
Key Points From This Episode: 
Some background on today’s guest, Austin Belcak. [02:03]
How Austin founded Cultivated Culture. [05:45]
What made him reject traditional job search practices and try a different approach. [11:35]
Key factors that helped him determine the job he was looking for and where he wanted to work. [15:36]
How Austin found high-achieving individuals who would understand his experience, especially coming from a non-traditional background, and how he reached out for their input. [17:33]
Common misunderstandings around networking and advice on how to address them. [19:55]
Learning how to cultivate persistence when it comes to networking. [26:58]
Why people are more ready to invest in people who are already investing in themselves; how to establish channels that create value and make it easier to network. [31:09]
Where you can find Austin online. [35:16]
 
For More Information:
Austin Belcak on LinkedIn
Austin Belcak on X
Austin Belcak on Instagram
Cultivated Culture
Cultivated Culture Blog
Cultivated Culture Podcast
Cultivated Culture Tools
 
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Listen to Finding Brave Episode 5: How to Land a Dream Job at the Salary You Deserve with Austin Becak 
Check out Finding Brave Episode 89: Building a Crazy Effective Resume that Gets Real Results with Austin Belcak 
 
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Are you ready for a BIG positive shift in how you’re working and what you’re

Interviews can undoubtedly be daunting and intimidating, but they also present a thrilling sense of potential and promise. After all, one interview can change the course of your life. So, how do you bring your best self to an interview, regardless of which side of the table you find yourself on? Joining us today to share her keen insights on all things interviewing is Anna Papalia, CEO of Interviewology, and author of Interviewology: The New Science of Interviewing.
Anna has a deep and abiding passion for the interviewing process, and has spent the better part of her career studying, researching, and teaching the key tenets of interviewing. She has consulted with multiple Fortune 100 companies, coached over 10,000 clients on how to master interviews, and taught at Temple University’s Fox School of Business. Anna is also a career influencer; with over 1.5 million followers on social media, she is using her platform to educate, inspire, and transform the lives of job seekers and hiring managers one post at a time.
We use today’s conversation with Anna to delve into the science of her Interviewology method, why conventional interviewing advice doesn’t work, and how deeper self-awareness can transform your approach to interviews. Learn about the four key interviewing styles and their variations, the critical do’s and don’ts of interviewing, the top mistakes that almost every hiring manager will make, and why practice is essential for becoming better at interviews.
Join us today to hear all of Anna’s remarkable insights on interviewing, and learn how you can show up as your best self, regardless of whether you’re applying for a job or searching for the perfect candidate.
 
Key Highlights From This Episode:
• Anna Papalia’s professional background; how she mastered the art of interviewing. [02:18]
• Why self-knowledge is a critical part of transforming how you interview. [11:02]
• The core principles of Anna’s thesis on interviewing, Interviewology. [13:09]
• An overview of the four interviewing styles and their variations. [22:03]
• Why we tend to hire people who are similar to us, the downsides of this, and why diversity is essential for creativity and innovation. [28:23]
• The role of self-knowledge and self-mastery in your journey of transformation. [31:42]
• Key Do’s and Don’ts for job seekers and hiring managers. [36:13]
• The one thing not to say in response to the question, “Why do you want to work here”. [39:31]
• A round of questions from Anna that uncovered Kathy’s interviewing style. [43:05]
• Anna’s parting message: why the real power comes from owning how you are. [45:16]

 
For More Information:
Anna Papalia on LinkedIn
Anna Papalia on Instagram
Anna Papalia on Facebook
Anna Papalia on YouTube
Anna Papalia on TikTok
Anna Papalia on X
Interviewology
 
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Check out Anna’s book Interviewology: The New Science of Interviewing
 
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Ready to Take Your Professional Life and Leadership to the Next Level FAST?

Early bird enrollment for my 8-week LIVE coaching course “THE MOST POWERFUL YOU” is open now — Register before March 22nd to save $300 and get 7 truly terrific bonuses!
 
The course is the companion to my top-selling book, The Most Powerful You, which teaches you all about what I’ve observed from working with thousands of professional women around the world are the 7 most damaging power and confidence gaps that negatively impact 98% of women today, keeping them from building the successful, rewarding careers that long for and that they can thrive in.
Sure, we can be successful on the outside and make some great money, but Kathy teaches you more in this course, offering empowering strategies to become the true author of your life, take the reins, and take control with more confidence, self-esteem, presence, impact, communication, strength, and the authority you ne