The Optimized Mind

Latest Episodes:

Clearing Trauma with Dr. Don Wood Oct 01, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Dr. Don Wood, founder of The Inspired Performance Institute. The discussion focuses on Dr. Don’s path to developing a ground-breaking program to help people clear trauma, calm the mind and body and move towards potential. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include the importance of fixing the problem (unresolved trauma) and not just treating the symptoms (anxiety, depression, inflammation, etc). The ways in which it is possible to reset how the mind deals with trauma and why this is so important in unlocking one’s ability to maximize performance and potential across domains, and the power in the mind’s ability to default to strengths and focus on healing and not danger.

Don Wood, a PhD in clinical counseling, author and the founder of Inspired Performance Institute, helps people reframe their trauma and get their lives to a place of high performance.

After spending years researching how trauma affects our minds and our lives, Dr. Wood found that events and experiences throughout our lifetime continue to play a role in how we experience life in the present.

www.inspiredperformanceinstitute.com

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Empowering Girls with Shannon Addison Sep 24, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with entrepreneur and Mom, Shannon Addison. The discussion focuses on the evolution of Shannon’s brand – My Crumby World. Central themes which emerge through this powerful conversation include – the importance of empowering girls towards kindness to combat bullying and mean girl behavior, the far reaching implications of bullying on the self-esteem and self-concept of girls, the importance of teaching girls to embrace and appreciate individual difference, the impact of social media on girls, the importance of creating connection with our kids through activities, and helping girls to embrace the importance of failing as part of the process of learning.

Author Shannon Addison doesn’t consider herself a writer; she thinks of herself as someone who enjoys writing and has been doing so for most of her life. She finds inspiration for her writing through journaling, which she believes allows her to explore ideas without feeling constrained. Her love for journaling has inspired her to combine stories with journaling in her Breadcrumbz Presents format. Shannon believes that encouraging young girls to start journaling will help them express their feelings, address difficult questions, and receive positive messaging. Shannon's first story idea came from personal experience. While having lunch with her daughter at her school, she observed the interaction between girls at the next table and how easily and quietly they manipulated and bullied others without being noticed. This behavior was troubling and familiar to Shannon, prompting her to reflect on her own experiences at that age. She realized that little has changed in how young girls treat each other, and with today’s access to cell phones and social media, they have even more capable tools to inflict harm. This inspired Shannon to prepare girls for such conflicts and help them navigate them through better communication with parents and peers.

Shannon hopes that her books’ stories and problem-solving packets enable young girls to deal with friendship, feelings, conflicts, and failures, empowering them in the process. Her aim is for young readers to relate to the characters in her stories, accept themselves and others, and find their true inner strength, kindness, and generosity of spirit. “My Crumby Guide to Baking and Friendship Making” is the second book in the Breadcrumbz Presents collection. The first book, “My Crumby Guide to Failing,” is currently available on Amazon.

@mycrumbyworld

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Write with AI with Rob Kosberg Sep 17, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and the founder of Best Seller Publishing Rob Kosberg. The discussion focuses on the evolution of Rob’s business, along with his new book Write with AI. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include the advent of AI and how this can serve a powerful tool for authors if used in the correct ways, the difference between AI generated and AI assisted content, the power of book funnels in helping authors to build a business beyond their book, and the importance of integrating purpose and meaning across the domains of our lives.

Rob Kosberg is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and the founder of Best Seller Publishing. Rob’s Publish. Promote. Profit.™ book and system have been used by tens of thousands of authors in dozens of countries. Simply put, Rob helps entrepreneurs become the go-to authority in their market by writing, launching and profiting with a best-selling book.

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It's Time to Repot with Harvey Herman Sep 10, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with artist and author, Harvey Herman. The discussion focuses on a journey through Harvey’s amazing life within the context of his recently published memoir, It’s Time to Repot. Central themes which emerge through this powerful conversation include – The importance of family, acting without being held back by fear, failure or risk, the secret of staying young - passion, purpose, meaning in life, the importance of embracing individual difference and the power in following your dreams.

Harvey has been an artist as far back as he can remember. Even during his career in advertising, he never gave up on his painting. He was the Creative Director for four agencies, before starting his own. His Agency, Herman & Rosner, won many awards, and Harvey was named one of the Top 100 Creative people in that industry. Harvey has directed hundreds of commercials for children. He also directed a children’s television series for ABC...LIttle Vic, that was nominated for an Emmy. He continued to paint, but like so many people, he married and raised three children, so painting took a back seat to his career.

Harvey and his wife Elaine have moved to The Hamptons.

Harvey is finally painting full time. Since Harvey loved to work with children, when his 5 grandchildren came along, he taught each of them to paint. He set up a studio and every weekend painting became their first activity. One of his grandchildren has gone on to Art and Design High School, another The School of Visual Arts, and a third is studying to be a fashion designer. Harvey now shows and sells his work in his new Studio in Hampton Bays. He has been on the covers of Dan’s Papers twice. And, he has been featured in two shows on the

East End. Harvey also teaches painting to kids ages 7-11 years-old at the Hampton Bays Library.

To learn more about Harvey, please visit:

www.harveyhermanartist.com

www.amazon.com/Its-time-repot-Harvey-Herman

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www.katelundspeaks.com

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Empowering People with Therman Trotman Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Therman Trotman entrepreneur and Founder of The SharePoint Helpdesk. The discussion focuses on the ways in which SharePoint can streamline productivity for individuals and businesses – optimizing performance for both. Central themes which emerge through the conversation include an overview of SharePoint and how it ‬‭works; the benefits of SharePoint in optimizing workflow; the importance of understanding people and business strategy as a business owner and focusing on people first using technology as a support; fostering meaning and purpose in business; the value of leaning into your own context and the importance of embracing difference across domains. ‬

Therman Trotman is the Founder of The SharePoint Helpdesk‬‭ and brings decades of SharePoint‬ expertise from both public and private sectors. With over 20 years of IT experience, he excels at‬ demystifying technology without the typical "IT guy" vibe. He specializes in maximizing‬ Microsoft's SharePoint and helps professionals harness its power.‬‬

‭‬

In 2022, after transitioning to full-time independence, Therman received a call from a friend‬ drowning in “spreadsheet chaos.” Over six months, Therman collaborated closely, crafting‬ tailored solutions within the Microsoft 365 suite, liberating his friend from spreadsheet overload‬ and birthing The SharePoint Helpdesk.‬ Therman's passion transforms mundane tasks into thrilling endeavors. As a veteran,‬ entrepreneur, family man, and host of the SharePoint Helpdesk Podcast, he's not just about IT‬ solutions—he's about empowering people.‬

‭‬To learn more about Therman, visit:
bio.site/sphd

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Unlocking Peak Performance with Dr. Michelle Cleere Aug 27, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Global Performance Coach, Michelle Cleere, Ph.D. The discussion focuses on the non-linear path towards growth and potential. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include – the importance of taking the first step forward, how we can apply the principles of sports performance across domains, the importance of recognizing small successes along the way and seeing progress as an evolving process, the intersection of expectation management and goal setting, navigating fear of failure, the importance of focusing on what you can control and what you can do, as opposed to what you can’t do, the importance of reflection and awareness in creating a strong performance mindset and the power of aligning mind and body.

Dr. Michelle Cleere helps top athletes, musicians, and executives all over the world to unlock the power of the mind and develop the mental skills to be the best.

MIND EXPERT

Prior to becoming an elite performance expert, Dr. Michelle spent most of her life struggling with her own performance hurdles. Once she was able to overcome them, she developed her own systems and research-based methods for supporting others in their journey.

It is her passion, mission and promise that she continues to help prevent others from experiencing the same painful battles.

Her academic background includes a PhD in Clinical Psychology and a Masters in Sport Psychology, allowing her to help clients deal with performance anxiety, gain more confidence, and build resilience. As many clients attest, their experience with Dr. Michelle is exactly what they needed and more than they expected – it was life changing.

AUTHOR, ATHLETE, AND PROFESSOR

Dr. Michelle is also a best-selling author, athlete, international speaker and college professor. Dr. Michelle’s bestseller line, Beating the Demons, helps clients develop practical skills to gain more control over competitive environments and mitigate the interruption in play to overcome intense odds and defeat adversity. She has been involved in many different sports and understands the stress and demands to perform at the top. As a 15-year USAT Coach, she developed simple and effective tools to mentally train her athletes, and they are used by coaches, teachers and leaders around the world. She is a professor at John F. Kennedy University where she teaches her students to use the mind as an ally to improve performance.

To learn more about Dr. Michelle, visit:

www.drmichellecleere.com

www.beatingthefear.com

drmichelle@drmichellecleere.com

www.facebook.com/drcleere

www.instagram.com/drcleere

To Learn More, visit:
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Equus Coaching with Sue Willoughby Aug 20, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Sue Willoughby, Equus Coach and founder of Willoughby Coaching. The discussion focuses on Sue's lifelong love of horses and the powerful impact of horses within the coaching relationship. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include the power of the human animal bond, equine assisted coaching and how it helps people build awareness and trust. Sue provides a comprehensive overview of Equus Coaching illustrating the healing which is possible within the context of this work; the ways in which horses act as a catalyst for change.

Sue Willoughby is the Founder of Willoughby Coaching, where women over 40 confront their personal obstacles and change the trajectory of their lives with the power of Equus Coaching. Equus coaching helps you discover the profound impact of non-verbal communication and self-awareness as you engage with horses, gaining insights into your leadership, communication style, and personal growth.

Raised by a single alcoholic parent, Sue struggled with low self-esteem and learned from an early age to be self-sufficient and embrace discomfort. She came out at the age of 17 and struggled to find her place in the gay community, attempted suicide at 19, and was on a path of living hard and playing harder.

Her life dramatically improved when she met a new partner in the early 90s and moved across the country with her. After this move, Sue returned to school, started a new career, and became a homeowner and real estate investor.

Sue found coaching through her lifelong love of horses. They were always there to support her through some of the darkest and most difficult times of her life and she now finds fulfillment in being the coach she wished she had in those challenging times of her life.

Sue regularly practices what she preaches by getting out of her comfort zone; she’s been a Nightclub DJ, a standup comic, an actor, a private pilot, and a Roller Derby referee, just to name a few! Sue resides outside the Seattle area with a horse named Moose, 2 mini-longhaired Dachshunds, Benny and Buddy, and a VW Bus called Arlo.

To learns more about Sue, visit:

www.willoughbycoaching.com

@sue_willoughby

To Learn More, visit:

www.katelundspeaks.com

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The Happiness Habit with Michele Phillips Aug 13, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Michele Phillips, happiness expert and author. The discussion focuses on the science of happiness with emphasis on Michele’s book, The Happiness Habit and how she has brought the wisdom shared in the book to corporate leaders across domains, the intersection of mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being; the importance of integrating small habits into day to day life to optimize function; the link between emotional intelligence and happiness and navigating the reality of challenge and the power of intentional engagement and social support.

Michele Phillips is the founder of Key Performance who specializes in increasing happiness and individual performance in the workplace. By utilizing the latest findings of neuroscience, habits, and positive psychology, Michele shares the formula for happiness and success in an enjoyable and enthusiastic manner.

Michele’s boundless energy will instantly grab you, and her can-do attitude is delightfully infectious. Even better, her message is so practical that it can be applied and utilized immediately.

Michele’s professional experience spans more than 20 years facilitating engaging workshops, coaching programs, and keynote presentations with Fortune 500 & 100 companies around the globe, including TAG Heuer, PGA Golf Properties, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Barclay’s Capital, The New York State Bridge Authority and COACH leather, just to name a few.

She is the author of Happiness is a Habit – Simple Daily Rituals That Increase Energy, Improve Well-Being, and Add Joy to Every Day, cited in the top five most popular self-help books on Amazon in August 2017. (Cedar Fort

Publishing 2013).

Michele holds numerous certifications and has trained thousands of leaders and individual contributors in the science of habits, emotional intelligence, and leadership. Michele holds a M.A in Organizational Development from Fordham University and is a certified practitioner in the field of Positive Psychology.

To learn more about Michele Phillips, visit:

www.key2unlock.com

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www.katelundspeaks.com

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Well Empowered with Dr. Jessie Hehmeyer Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Dr. Jessie Hehmeyer, functional medicine expert and physician founder of Well Empowered. The discussion focuses on the power of functional medicine in guiding people to resolve health challenges, while allowing them to maximize potential and thrive; the importance of caring for yourself from a place of self-love, integrating wellness habits into a sustainable lifestyle and finally the importance of creating a 5-year wellness vision looking at what it looks like to thrive within your own unique context.

Dr. Jessie Hehmeyer is the physician founder of Well Empowered. She created Well Empowered with one commitment in mind, providing you the foundation of health and vitality that allows you to fully bring your gift to the world. How does Dr. H. live true to this? By taking the root cause, natural medicine approach, fueled by loving devotion and science. In working one on one and with groups, Dr. H. balances science and heart giving you information, inspiration and strategies needed to produce transformative health outcomes.

Dr. H. earned a Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States, a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine from National University of Health Sciences, and a Bachelor of Arts from UCLA.

Prior to attending graduate school, Dr. H. established herself as an expert in the fitness industry as a Certified Yoga Instructor and Master Level Certified SuperSlow High-Intensity Strength Trainer. In her spare time, you will find her hiking with my husband, hitting the weights at CWSS, or preparing a beautiful, healthy meal for loved ones.

To learn more about Dr. Jessie Hehmeyer, visit:

www.wellempowered.com

To Learn More, visit:

www.katelundspeaks.com

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The Mentally Strong Leader with Scott Mautz Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Scott Mautz, CEO/Founder of Profound Performance™, a keynote, workshop, and training company that helps business leaders become even better, more inspired versions of themselves. The discussion focuses on Scott’s book The Mentally Strong Leader and the leadership principles laid out in the book. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include an exploration of the concept of mental strength which is the ability to regulate thoughts, behaviors and actions in the face of adversity; the ability to manage internally to lead better externally; six mental muscles which make up mental strength (fortitude, boldness, confidence, decision-making, goal focused, messaging). These mental muscles are explored in depth in theory and application emphasizing how they come together to foster strong leadership. Dr. Kate and Scott also discuss the power of habit building science, among many other important aspects of mental strength.

Scott Mautz is CEO/Founder of Profound Performance™, a keynote, workshop, and training company that helps business leaders become even better, more inspired versions of themselves. He’s a former senior executive of Procter & Gamble, where he successfully ran several of the company’s largest multi-billion-dollar businesses. He’s an award-winning, bestselling author, popular course instructor on LinkedIn Learning, and faculty at Indiana University’s School of Business for Executive Education. His latest book is The Mentally Strong Leader: Build the Habits to Productively Regulate Your Emotions, Thoughts, and Behaviors.

Scott is a speaker and trainer commonly described as “riveting” (despite his daughter’s utter disbelief of that description). His one-of-a-kind blend of business experience, research, storytelling, tools, sprinkles of humor, and hi-octane delivery opens hearts & minds.

To learn more about Scott, visit:

www.scottmautz.com

www.scottmautz.com/mentallystronggift

To Learn More, visit:

www.katelundspeaks.com

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