Companies laying off employees is anything but rare nowadays.  But that doesn't make it any easier to deal with if you're at risk of losing your job or just found out you're now unemployed. In our last episode we discussed practical steps you can take to manage the logistics of getting laid off.  In this episode, we're discussing the wide variety of emotions that happen when you're dealing with job loss.    Let's learn some ways to cope with the loss of identity, confidence, friendships,...

The news today says that yet another company has announced layoffs. Layoffs have become such a standard operating practice for companies nowadays that there's corporate-speak to talk about them: RIFs (Reductions In Force), Rightsizing (yeesh), Corporate Outplacing (wow).  But calling it something different doesn't make it any easier to deal with if you're at risk of losing your job. However, there are practical steps you can take to manage the changes that happen if you're losing your job...

No, that's not hyperbole.  Stress really is trying to murder you.  This episode is all about stress: what it is, how it affects our brains and bodies.  But it's not all doom and gloom, because yes, beloved listeners, we also brainstorm some ways to reduce your stress.  Show that murdering jerk who's boss!  By relaxing.  And other stuff. Want to share something that's worked for you?  Let me know!  Email me at [email protected] Do your goals include getting a new (less...

If you're anything like me, by mid-February you've already fallen off the wagon with some (or all!) of your new goals or New Year's Resolutions.  It happens.  But instead of beating ourselves up for not being as disciplined as we should, let's consider a new way of looking at goal achievement - Goal Subtraction.  What's that?  Giving up on my goals?  But how would I achieve anything?  Oh my lovelies, take a listen and find out! Like this idea?  Want to share something that's worked for...

I'm so grateful for you!  And to say thanks for listening, here's a quick episode sharing some inspiring quotes about gratitude. Subscribe to our mailing list at bellydancealchemy.org Follow the podcast on Instagram @bellydancealchemypodcast We also have a Youtube channel with more content!  Belly Dance Alchemy Videos If you want to grow your professional skills, either 1:1 or through workshops at your company or organization, let's chat!  For a 30-minute complimentary consultation, email me...

In Part 2 of our first Belly Dance Alchemy Duet, I talk with Kristin Chesnutt, a friend, former colleague, instructional designer, and book lover about the challenges of finding our value outside of our work/title, the importance of appreciating work no matter the "corporate ladder" level, and some books she recommends (along with a lot of other great insights!) Kristin's recommended books: Laziness Does Not Exist by Devon Price PhD Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily...

In Part 1 of our first Belly Dance Alchemy Duet, I talk with Kristin Chesnutt, a friend, former colleague, instructional designer, and book lover about the challenges of finding our value outside of our work/title, the importance of appreciating work no matter the "corporate ladder" level, and some books she recommends (along with a lot of other great insights!) Part 2 coming to your ears soon! Kristin's recommended books: Laziness Does Not Exist by Devon Price PhD Burnout: The Secret to...

If you haven't heard the term "quiet quitting" yet, it's all over social media recently.   What does it look like?  Well, it doesn't mean quitting your job - it means doing only what's required for your job,  or setting boundaries that say "I'm not going to do more than I’m being paid to do." But is quiet quitting actually a solution to the problems that we're facing?   I vote No!  That’s what today's episode is all about.  Listen now! Subscribe to our mailing list at...

If you've never been to a belly dance convention, you're missing out!  In this episode, I share some lessons learned about the 4 P's of belly dance conventions: PlanningPacking (or overpacking...)ParticipatingPerformingListen now and get excited about attending one of these fantastic events!  Subscribe to our mailing list at bellydancealchemy.org Follow the podcast on Instagram @bellydancealchemypodcast We also have a Youtube channel with more content!  Belly Dance Alchemy Videos If you...

The Belly Dance Alchemy Podcast is back for its 3rd season!  We're kicking off our new competency-based format with a long look in the mirror.  Yes, this episode is all about self-awareness and self-management.  These two skill areas are critical for any other professional or personal growth you may attempt.  Without them, we're all just oblivious wrecking balls of human beings, and nobody wants that, right? Register today for the Resume Revamp online course: Resume Revamp | Nottingham...

Light out of darkness: the theme of so many holidays at this time of year. Know what else is all about light out of darkness? Resilience Resilience isn't being impervious to setbacks - it's the ability to bounce back from setbacks.  Which is good, because we all deal with disappointments! Think you're born with a set level of resilience?  Nonsense.  We can build that skill just like any other.  In this episode, we look at 2 ways to start strengthening your resilience muscle today! I'd...

It's Gratitude Time!   Gratitude gives us a different (bigger) perspective on our lives.  It can make us feel humble, small, receptive. That's awesome.  Except when it goes too far.  Then it's not great.  When we have too much humility, we may not advocate for ourselves like we should, whether at work, in dance, at home, or with any opportunity.   In this episode, we turn gratitude inward, to discover how to be grateful to ourselves, by ourselves. Does that make you feel weird or selfish?  Oh...

I’m going to go on record here saying that the word "priorities" plural is just messed up.  The word priority (singular) means the thing that goes first.    As in, the singular first position.  Saying that we can have more than one thing in the first position is a recipe for stress and overwhelm and divided attention. And here's a Big Truth:  Our priorities aren't what we say they are, they're what we actually DO.  Our priorities aren't defined by our vision boards or the goals we set for...

It's the spooky season and this is a rerelease of a great episode all about Fear!  No, it's not scary (I promise!), but we are going to chat about how we can use our fears productively.   Fear is there to help us - it keeps us safe and makes us alert to possible dangers, but sometimes gets so big and so all-encompassing that it holds us back in our lives and careers.   In this episode we explore:  The Benefits of Fear Three ways Fear can go haywire and control us too muchHow Fear can show...

Hot chocolate, pumpkin pie, and those puffy vests that people dig out of the back of their closet as soon as the weather gets a slight chill.  Ah yes autumn!  My favorite season. Whenever autumn comes around, it sends me into self-reflection mode.  Something about the world shedding its summer glory to rest into winter's chill inspires me to slow down and think: How has my year gone so far?  Are there things I need to change to get better results before the end of the year?  What results...

What if we discovered a switch in our psyches that would turn our fears into courage?  What risks would you take if your courage were doubled?  What if I told you that courage is not a prerequisite for taking risks, but a RESULT of taking risks?    Interested in learning more?  In today's episode, we explore a new way to think about courage: instead of an unpredictable emotion, courage is a muscle that we can train and build, so that it's ready to use when we need it. New learning...

Ever had a narcissist play you like an old ukulele?  Not fun. They can show up anywhere - home, work, dance, social settings, and they're hard to resist (at first, anyway). We're diving into the manipulative, self-centered world of narcissists today, to learn what they're thinking, how they interact with others, and most importantly, how we can protect ourselves from their wily ways!   Especially if you consider yourself an empathetic, loving person, don't skip this one.  You'll find you're...

Are you trying to find more balance between your work and the rest of your life?    And does the whole "finding balance" thing just feel like part of your To Do list?   Well in today's episode, we're going to explore a new way of thinking about work/life balance, one that will lift off the ACTUAL cause of work/life imbalance.   Most of the advice out there on how to balance our lives is off the mark.   Instead of giving people the freedom to enjoy the Life part of the equation, we're usually...

Ah, personal and professional branding.  There's a slew of information out there on creating your brand through your online profiles, your personal elevator speech, etc.  The problem?  You already HAVE a brand, whether you have a LinkedIn profile or not.    And if everyone thinks you're a pain in the butt, the fanciest elevator speech in the world won't help you.    In today's episode, we're going to look at the way our brands are ACTUALLY built, and discuss how perceptions play into our...

When you want someone to share your opinion, but you know you can't force them to agree with you, what's left? Influencing them, of course! And despite what social media influencers would have you think, influencing is not the same as just directly selling someone on an idea.  It takes some deep thinking, some reflection, and of course, a plan!   In this episode, you'll learn my 3-Step Influencing Model, so you can start persuading others to your point of view right away. During the episode,...

Whether it's knee-knocking terror or just butterflies in your stomach, fear of public speaking holds so many people back in their careers, their dance adventures, and life in general. In this episode, I share 4 practical approaches you can take to manage (and even conquer!) your fear of public speaking. Don't hide your voice and ideas - the world needs them now more than ever! So listen now and get ready to speak up!  "Conquer Your Fear of Public Speaking" is out now, wherever you get your...

Conflict is NOT a 4-letter word!     If your reaction to conflict is either: Slip on the ol' boxing gloves orRun away as fast as possiblethen today's episode is going to change your perspective (with no anger or yelling at all!)  The truth is, most of us don't like the idea of conflict - we think it'll feel messy, personal, and damaging.  But it doesn't have to be that way.   Conflict can be a wonderful opportunity to learn about ourselves and others around us, and it gives us a chance...

Humans are emotion-driven creatures, whether we want to admit it or not.  And many of the most challenging situations that come up for us aren't based strictly on fact - they're based on feeling: managing conflicts, change, influencing others, sales, delegating.  Trying to fix a feeling-based problem with a fact-based solution, ain't gonna help. In this episode we dig into the work of Daniel Goleman, who wrote (arguably) THE book on Emotional Intelligence (EQ).  He says: “The rules for work...

Hi dancers!  Does the thought of networking (for day job or dance life) make you feel:   Icky  Grumpy  Queasy  Terrified  All of the Above   Well fear not, listener!  In this episode we're going to bust four common myths about networking that keep many people from building the strong, mutually beneficial relationships that great networks provide.  No pushy or smarmy behaviors needed.  Who knows?  You might even learn to *gasp* LOVE networking! In this episode I mention a book that's been a...