Amina Change Your Life

Latest Episodes:

Lia Avellino & Amina AlTai: The Ambition Trap — Purposeful vs. Painful Ambition Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

Lia Avellino, a relational and somatic psychotherapist, is also the CEO of Spokescircles. Her expertise in modern love and women's wellness, coupled with her role as a sought-after facilitator and media commentator, has seen her work featured in Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Men's Health, and The Tamron Hall Show. With a focus on helping individuals embrace their full, unapologetic selves, Lia brings a wealth of insight to the conversation on transitioning from painful to purposeful ambition while writing a book.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:02:16 - Good Enoughness and Ambition

00:08:03 - Spiritual Experience of Ambition

00:13:19 - Dealing with Resistance

00:19:26 - Overcoming Fear of Failure

00:25:20 - The When-Then Trap

Connect with Lia Avelino

Website: spokecircles.com

Instagram: @lialoveavellino

Instagram: @spokecircles

Connect with Amina AlTai

Website: aminaaltai.com

Instagram: @aminaaltai

TikTok: @theaminaaltai

Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai

Book: aminaaltai.com/book

Stacey Lindsay & Amina AlTai: The Ambition Trap - Writing a Book Without Losing Yourself Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

Amina's forthcoming book, The Ambition Trap, is now out in the world, but it took three long years of writing and a lifetime of lessons for this book to come to be. Amina sold the book to Penguin Random House's imprint Open Field from Maria Shriver in September of 2022. Along the way, Amina had support from loving friends, peers, and colleagues, and we're getting a chance for them to interview her on what it was like building this invaluable resource in this six part series. This episode's special guest is Stacey Lindsay, a broadcast and print journalist and writer who has extensively covered women's issues, gender equity, work, civics, health, and culture. With experience as an editorial director and consulting senior editor for digital publications, including Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper, Stacey has interviewed numerous public figures, from governors to scientists to actors, such as Lisa Ling, Phil Stutts, Savannah Guthrie, Nedra Tawab, Reese Witherspoon, Debbie Gibson, Sharon Raganoff, and Jay Shetty. As a longtime editor at goop and a former evening TV news anchor and reporter, Stacey's insights and storytelling delve into the exploration of women, societal expectations, and the challenges of navigating our 40's.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:03:29 - Overcoming Postponement and Finding Joy

00:08:44 - The Glass Child Phenomenon

00:12:11 - The Art of Receiving

00:18:48 - Embracing Creativity through Writing

00:24:31 - Democratizing Genius

00:34:27 - Unwinding Painful Ambition

Connect with Stacey Lindsay

Website: staceyannlindsay.com

Instagram: @staceylindsay

Connect with Amina AlTai

Website: aminaaltai.com

Instagram: @aminaaltai

TikTok: @theaminaaltai

Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai

Book: aminaaltai.com/book

Dr. Beth Kaplan on Creating Inclusive, Thriving Teams Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Beth Kaplan, author of the new book Braving the Workplace, is a recognized authority in the fields of belonging and leadership development. With a career spanning over two decades in executive roles, Dr. Kaplan has leveraged her expertise in human connection, learning, and leadership to make significant contributions to fostering workplace belonging. Her collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania to develop a pioneering belonging tool underscores her commitment to advancing the measurement and prediction of thriving within organizational contexts. Dr. Kaplan's impressive client portfolio encompasses renowned institutions such as Salesforce, the University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown University, and the Carnegie Foundation, reflecting the widespread impact of her work.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:03:34 - Defining Belonging

00:13:23 - The Four Types of Belonging

00:22:06 - The Role of Belonging in DEI Initiatives

00:26:14 - Practical Steps for Fostering Belonging

Connect with Dr. Beth Kaplan

Website: drbethkaplan.com

Instagram: @drbethkaplan

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/beth-kaplan

X: @drbethkaplan

Facebook: @drbethkaplan

Book: drbethkaplan.com/braving-the-workplace

Connect with Amina AlTai

Website: aminaaltai.com

Instagram: @aminaaltai

TikTok: @theaminaaltai

Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai

Book: aminaaltai.com/book

Robert Hartwell: Uncovering Your Divine Assignment and Spiritual Gifts Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

Robert Hartwell is recognized as a storytelling expert, HGTV and Own TV Host, Inc. 5000 Entrepreneur, Broadway performing artist, and award-winning director. Passionate about empowering the next generation of performers, artists, and entrepreneurs, Hartwell's Broadway Collective has an outstanding 97% success rate in guiding students into top musical theater college programs. His impressive Broadway career, along with his commitment to storytelling and education, continues to inspire and shape the arts and entrepreneurship communities worldwide. With his journey of creating Breaking New Ground, a series chronicling his renovation of a historic 1820s home, Hartwell exemplifies resilience and purpose in entrepreneurship, making him an inspiration to us all.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:03:12 - Origin Story and Family Influence

00:05:54 - Resilience and Spiritual Assignment

00:15:19 - Embracing Divine Signs

00:19:46 - Finding Purpose and Love

00:24:27 - Intentional Living and Gratitude Practice

00:30:58 - The Importance of Work Besties

Connect with Robert Hartwell

Website: bwaycollective.com/hb

Instagram: @sirroberttakespics

Show: Breaking New Ground on MAX

Connect with Amina AlTai

Website: aminaaltai.com

Instagram: @aminaaltai

TikTok: @theaminaaltai

Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai

Book: aminaaltai.com/book

Ruchika T. Malhotra: Responding to Attacks on DEI and Rolling Back Progress Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

Ruchika Malhotra, the best selling author of Inclusion on Purpose, An Intersectional Approach to Creating a Culture of Belonging at Work, brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation around DEI and how to navigate the current climate. As the founder of Candor, an inclusion strategy practice, and a recognized media expert on inclusive leadership and workplace culture, Ruchika's work has been featured in The New York Times and Harvard Business Review. With her deeply rooted understanding of the challenges surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion, Ruchika's expertise shines through as she shares her valuable perspectives on navigating DEI backlash and intentional actions.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:02:33 - Ruchika's Career Journey

00:05:55 - Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

00:13:55 - The Importance of Genuine DEI Efforts

00:20:59 - Pushing Forward in the Face of Adversity

00:25:24 - Solidarity and Strength in Numbers

00:32:49 - Embracing Commonalities and Diverse Perspectives

Connect with Ruchika T. Malhotra

Website: ruchika.co

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ruchikatm

Instagram: @rtulshyan

Book: uncompetebook.com

Connect with Amina AlTai

Website: aminaaltai.com

Instagram: @aminaaltai

TikTok: @theaminaaltai

Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai

Book: aminaaltai.com/book

Optimizing Work and Life Through Flow Cycles with Dr. Julia Colangelo Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

Bringing a wealth of experience as a licensed solution-focused therapist and flow researcher, Dr. Julia Colangelo has dedicated over 14 years to understanding the intricacies of flow and mindfulness. Her expertise extends to her role as the founder of hello Flow and the Flow Brain, where she imparts behavioral flow strategies and mindfulness skills to support social, emotional, and relationship growth. Educated at NYU, Columbia, and UPenn, Dr. Julia's journey from personal burnout to advocating for sustainable, mindful practices in helper professions adds depth and authenticity to the podcast conversation, making her insights invaluable for individuals seeking to achieve flow states.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:02:08 - Dr. Julia Colangelo's Career Journey

00:05:29 - Definition of Flow

00:10:13 - Micro vs. Macro Flow States

00:15:22 - Finding Microflow Moments

00:18:17 - Resilience and Recovery

Connect with Dr. Julia Colangelo

Website: drjuliacolangelo.com

Instagram: @theflowbrain

Instagram: @drjuliacolangelo

Instagram: @blueflowlife

Connect with Amina AlTai

Website: aminaaltai.com

Instagram: @aminaaltai

TikTok: @theaminaaltai

Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai

Israa Nasir: Redefining Productivity to Include Rest and Joy Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

Today, I'm joined by Israa Nasir, a New York City based psychotherapist, writer, and the founder of Well Guide, a digital community for mental health awareness. With a specific focus on mental health, identity formation, and healing for the AAPI first and second generation immigrant community, Israa has been featured in Time, Forbes, Harvard Business Review, NBC, Vox, HuffPost, Teen Vogue, Vogue India, and other major publications. She brings a wealth of expertise and experience to our conversation, drawing from her work with corporations and institutions such as Google, Pepsi, Ernst and Young, Meta, and Yale University.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:03:19 - Exploring Toxic Productivity Mindset

00:11:25 - Embracing Nuance and Balance

00:15:32 - Intersection of Identity and Toxic Productivity

00:19:53 - Decoupling Productivity and Self-Worth

00:25:28 - Reimagining Productivity

Connect with Israa Nasir

Website: israanasir.com

Instagram: @well.guide

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/israanasir

Connect with Amina AlTai

Website: aminaaltai.com

Instagram: @aminaaltai

TikTok: @theaminaaltai

Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai

Escaping the Invisibility Tax: How to Build Influence and Recognition Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

Chloé Nwangwu, known as the brand scientist, serves as the director of NobiWorks, a brand visibility consultancy. With a background in international conflict resolution and mediation, Chloé's journey into understanding under recognition began during her involvement in peace negotiations. Her work led to the identification of the phenomenon of under recognition and the formulation of the term "invisibility tax," which highlights the additional resources under recognized individuals must expend to attain visibility. Through her expertise, Chloé has developed scientifically formulated visibility strategies and systems designed to neutralize biases and enhance brand visibility in a competitive marketplace. Her insights are particularly relevant for professionals seeking to elevate their visibility and influence within their professional domains.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:02:03 - Chloe's Career Trajectory

00:05:26 - The Invisibility Tax and Its Facets

00:07:55 - Impact of the Ambition Penalty

00:14:11 - Racial Attention Deficit and Intersectionality

00:17:52 - Five Stages of Visibility

00:25:51 - Overcoming Invisibility and Bias

Connect with Chloé Nwangwu

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nwangwu

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/nobiworks

Instagram: @nobiworks

Resources mentioned in this episode

Connect with Amina AlTai

Website: aminaaltai.com

Instagram: @aminaaltai

TikTok: @theaminaaltai

Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai

Anne Marie Anderson on How to Build an Audacious Mindset and the Life You Deserve Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

Anne Marie Anderson, a three-time Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and keynote speaker, boasts over three decades in the sports television industry, covering prestigious events including six Olympic Games, heavyweight title fights, NBA and MLB playoffs, and the Super Bowl. Renowned as one of the most experienced female play-by-play announcers in the country, Anne Marie's upcoming book, "Cultivating Dismantle, Doubt, and Let Yourself Win," is set to be released in January, offering readers invaluable insights into overcoming barriers to living boldly and confidently. With her powerful and entertaining keynotes, including her signature talk, "Building an Audacious Mindset," Anne Marie brings a wealth of expertise, making her an exceptional guest for today's discussion on cultivating audacity for career and personal success.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:03:26 - Overcoming Fear and Making Audacious Choices

00:12:11 - Audacious Moves and Ikigai Exercise

00:14:24 - Front Row and Community

00:24:54 - Anne Marie's Seminal Moment of Audacity

00:29:11 - Embracing Rejection

Connect with Anne Marie Anderson

Website: annemarieanderson.com

Instagram: @Anneandersontv

Book: annemarieanderson.com/book

Connect with Amina AlTai

Website: aminaaltai.com

Instagram: @aminaaltai

TikTok: @theaminaaltai

Linkedin: linkedin/in/aminaaltai

Henna Pryor on How to Harness the Power of Awkwardness for Growth Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

Henna Pryor, a former top leader at a $2 billion executive search firm, possesses over 14 years of extensive experience in career transitions and leadership. As a highly sought-after global keynote speaker and 18 time award winning author, Henna's insights have been prominently featured in publications such as Inc. Magazine, Forbes, NBC, Washington Post, business.com, HuffPost, and Fast Company. Recognized as a Success Magazine Woman of Influence, she has established strong partnerships with leading organizations including Google, Workday, Johnson and Johnson, and JP Morgan Chase. With two TEDx speaking engagements and her book, "Good Awkward," endorsed by NFL quarterback Russell Wilson and former HBR editor Karen Dillon, Henna's professional journey and expertise in navigating career transitions position her as a credible and influential figure for professionals seeking guidance and inspiration.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:02:28 - Building Relationships Through Deposits and Withdrawals

00:13:34 - Compassionate Networking

00:24:21 - The Importance of Consistency in Personal Branding

00:27:00 - Building Resilience

00:28:38 - Fear of Not Meeting Imagined Potential

00:33:59 - Externalizing Self-Talk and Embracing Feedback

Connect with Henna Pryor

Website: pryoritygroup.com

Instagram: @Hennapryor

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hennapryor

Book: pryoritygroup.com/book