The Optimized Mind

Latest Episodes:

Leading with Kindness with Christy Pretzinger May 14, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Christy Pretzinger, owner and CEO of WG Content. The discussion focuses on Christy’s vision of effective leadership. Central themes which emerge through this fascinating discussion include – The importance of awareness and understanding our own motivations and behavioral tendencies and how this impacts our effectiveness at work; the importance of fostering health and wellness inside and outside of our business lives to maximize potential; the power of meditation and the ways in which kindness fosters well-being at work and beyond. Christy also talks about her upcoming book which outlines the strategies for creating an environment where people can thrive. Some of these principles include flexibility, passion and integrity in leadership, and the importance of boundaries, among many others. Dr. Kate and Christy further explore how to instill these ideas in our children and the power in doing this.

As the owner and CEO of WG Content, Christy Pretzinger transformed the landscape of healthcare content creation. She has built an industry-leading company that delivers superior content strategy and creation to healthcare brands across the country. Along the way, she also changed what it means to work at a growing organization. She’s a popular guest speaker for both organizations and podcasts, always ready to guide audiences on how to grow leaders and build an employee-centric workplace.

Christy has always been intentional about building her business based on kindness. That approach has proven to be good for people — and the bottom line.

Over time, Christy discovered her true calling: to create a workplace that nurtures personal and professional growth, resulting in an environment where people can thrive. She’s been featured on numerous podcasts, including From Founder to CEO, The Insight Interviews, Lead Like a Woman, Perky Caller Radio Show, Smart Business Revolution and Blossom Your Awesome.

See for yourself how Christy is reinventing the way people look at work. It all starts by building on a foundation of kindness.

To learn more about Christy,visit:
www.wgcontent.com

To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

Living Authentically with Randy Scobey May 07, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with author Randy Scobey. The discussion focuses on Randy’s journey to embrace his identity as a gay man and find true belonging. Dr. Kate and Randy explore, through this powerful conversation, the ways in which religion and early life experiences influenced his sense of self and identity. They also take a deep dive into Randy’s upcoming memoir which helped him to discover his true self and is sure to help many people.

As featured in the award-winning documentaries Pray Away and For They Know Not What They Do, Randy’s story reveals the struggle of coming to terms with being a gay man of faith. In his former career, Randy served as the last Executive Vice President of Exodus International. In his executive role, Randy contributed to several books, was featured in The Los Angeles Times, and was interviewed by worldwide media outlets as a lead spokesperson for the organization he would eventually help shut down.

Since (re)embracing his life and his truth, Randy works passionately against the toxic ideology that underlies conversion therapy—especially in its “pastoral” form of exgay ministry—further proving that the abuse must end. Ultimately, his extraordinary story proves that the proverbial “stained glass closet” is no match for authentic love. Today, Randy lives with his husband Dan, their daughter, and two fur babies in the suburbs of Orlando.

To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

The Heart of an Athlete with Laine Karwoski Apr 30, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Laine Karwoski, an elite rower and runner. The discussion focuses on Laine’s evolution as an athlete, the lessons learned through rowing and running at an elite level and how this informs her work and perspective today. The conversation also touches on Laine’s passion for fitness and the multiple ways she integrates and shares this every day. Central themes which emerge through the discussion include – fostering fitness in kids, the importance of recovery, the importance of balance in optimizing fitness and boosting health and wellness, nutrition for peak performance and the importance of human connection as a coach in helping people to integrate activity as a lifestyle.

Laine Karwoski is an elite rower and runner from Grosse Pointe, MI. She rowed for Detroit Boat Club from 2007-2011 racing all over the US. Laine was recruited to row D1 at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Throughout her 4 years, she medaled at Big10s and competed in multiple NCAA Championships. She earned the University of Wisconsin - Madison Student Athlete 2015 Performance Excellence Award. Since competing in rowing she has raced two marathons - the 2016 Chicago Marathon and the 2019 Boston Marathon. She now rows professionally and leads workouts on the waterways all around the world for Hydrow, a connected fitness rowing company. Laine also works as a Pro on Tagalong with a Pro where she creates customized training plans, 1:1 workouts, and 1:1 customized form/guidance sessions.

To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

Food as Medicine with Nicolette Richer Apr 23, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Dr. Nicolette Richer, DSocSci, is a serial entrepreneur, author, plant-based whole food endurance athlete, Chronic Disease Reversal Specialist, podcast host, speaker, and a lululemon ambassador. Nicolette is the CEO and Founder of Richer Health Consulting, Green Mustache Organic Cafes, and Sea to Sky Thrivers Society—a group of companies and a charity that's committed to giving back and transforming lives.

The discussion focuses on food as medicine, metabolic nutrition and detoxification, the direct connection between food and health – physical and mental, the prevalence of chronic conditions and how this impacts function and productivity across domains, the challenges of integrating the idea of food as medicine, the limitations of prescription medications in treating disease; healing from the inside out with food, the link between nutrition and optimized mental health, helping people get in touch with their WHY for making a lifestyle change.

Dr. Nicolette Richer, DSocSci, is a serial entrepreneur, author, plant-based whole food endurance athlete, Chronic Disease Reversal Specialist, podcast host, speaker, and a lululemon ambassador. Nicolette is the CEO and Founder of Richer Health Consulting, Green Moustache Organic Cafes, and Sea to Sky Thrivers Society—a group of companies and a charity that's committed to giving back and transforming lives.

A savvy wellness expert, Nicolette has created a multitude of services and programs to reach her mission of teaching 22 million people how to eradicate their chronic diseases using food as medicine by 2030. Over the past 18 years, she’s helped thousands of people reverse their diagnosed chronic diseases using metabolic nutrition, detoxification, and cellular regeneration. With 25+ years as an international speaker, including a TEDx talk and successful Dragons’ Den appearance, named a Force for Good by Tony Robbins, and years researching the connection between the microbiome, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, mental health, infertility, CF, cancer, autoimmune illnesses, and more, Nicolette is equipped and ready to help you achieve optimal health.

To learn more about Dr.Nicolette, visit:
www.nicolettericher.com

To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

The Power of Personal Branding with Jonathan George Apr 16, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Jonathan George, CEO of Unleash Your Rockstar, a personal brand agency which stands as a visionary leader in the personal branding space. The discussion focuses on Jonathan’s evolution in the music world in Los Angeles, successful coaching career and recently released book – Unleash Your Rockstar. Central themes which emerge during this powerful conversation include – the importance of authentic relationships and living your authentic truth, the power of a personal brand, the difference between “doing and being,” the importance of sharing personal stories, building belief in self from the inside out and living in that space with purpose and passion.

Jonathan George, the CEO of Unleash Your Rockstar® | Personal Brand Agency, stands as a visionary leader in personal branding. With a roster of celebrity clients boasting over 150 million online followers, he has earned the title of “The Human Hitmaker.” Driven by a passion for Millennials and Gen Z, he consults globally with Fortune 500 companies, CEOs, and educational institutions, rapidly transforming individuals for personal and professional success. Through innovative methods, people break through self-doubt, find unwavering clarity, and master their mental well-being as they carve their paths to success in an overly stimulated world.

To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

Creating Successful Internships with Robert Khoury Apr 09, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Robert Khoury, a successful business leader and author who has worked across domains. The discussion focuses on Robert’s recently released book Intern Management: Principles for Designing an Exceptional Internship and his approach for helping interns to thrive. A central theme which emerges through this thought-provoking discussion includes – Building successful internships and how these experiences foster potential and a sense of self belief and direction. Robert clearly outlines nine principles of a successful internship as part of the discussion, noting that dignity and an ability to connect with interns on a human level is at the core of his philosophy.

Robert Khoury is co-founder and CEO of Agile Rainmakers, a high impact business development advisory and consulting firm based in Chicago. His 20+ year career in the financial industry has seen him in many roles – an equity derivatives trader, portfolio manager, corporate strategist, chief operating officer, recruiter, hedge fund executive and private equity investor. Rob earned a BSE in electrical engineering at Princeton University and his MBA in finance and international business from Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. He takes great pleasure in supporting both Princeton and Duke. He is past president of Chicago’s Princeton Club and has won awards from both universities for his service. He is also a very active fundraiser for Providence Country Day School, the high school he attended in Rhode Island where Rob was born and raised. Rob led personal and professional development seminars for Landmark Worldwide for several years. He enjoys volunteering, philanthropy and family vacations and lives with his wife Mary, a freshwater ecologist and his two children in Chicago.

To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

Living an Authentic Life with Wendy Cole Apr 02, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with transition mentor Wendy Cole. The discussion focuses on Wendy’s realization at an early age that she was in fact a girl. Wendy describes in depth the evolution of this early. Knowing and what it has meant to her for over 40 years until she started her own transition. Wendy speaks eloquently about the power of living an authentic life throughout this powerful conversation.

As a Transition Mentor, Wendy Cole helps her clients identify, explore, and eliminate the stress of facing life’s changes. Since 2017, Wendy has guided others to learn to embrace change. Her life experiences are the tools she uses. She believes in the mind’s powers; she practices mindfulness, shifting her beliefs and energy to support herself going forward, making profound changes in her life, health, and finding joy in being.

This is the starting point of every Transitional Change. You KNOW who you truly are, in every aspect. But the outside is what matters. That is what people see. And taking that first transitional step is TERRIFYING. It’s the stress. Stress of the journey, stress of the mental weight, stress of worrying about the outside world. The physical transitional change is the easiest part. It’s getting through the mental aspects that hold us back. Applies to everyone...

Knowing from childhood she was a girl, Wendy yielded to familial and societal expectations to fit in. At age 67, Wendy changed her life with her transition. Beginning in January 2015 she focused internally: accepting who she really was, confronting fears, doubts, and anxieties that held her back for decades. She took the leap of faith to find freedom and joy in being herself. By July 2015, Wendy was living as a woman. She had her long-awaited surgery at NYU Medical in 2017. Wendy knows by focusing inwardly to find freedom and joy will benefit the rest of your life.

To connect with Wendy: https://MeetWendyCole.com

Website: https://wendycolegtm.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wcole212/@wcole212

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendycolegtm

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wendycole8326

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-cole-gtm/

To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

Steps Along The Way with Dr. Jonathan Marion Mar 26, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Dr. Jonathan Marion, coach, consultant, and speaker. The discussion focuses on Dr. Marion’s unique coaching model and how this aspect of his life and career have evolved over time. Dr. Marion shares the importance of knowing who we want to be in the world at any given moment and knowing where we are starting from as both inform our ability to change. Dr. Kate and Dr. Marion take a deep dive into the “how” of moving forward through exploration of what has worked in the past and applying those lessons. Dr. Marion also highlights the power of “why” and the importance of flexibility in thinking in seeking change.

Dr. Jonathan Marion believes that when we LIVE, CONNECT, & COMMUNICATE authentically, we send out ripples… which send out ripples… which make the world a more caring and connected place, one ripple at a time. Having seen this dynamic over 20+ years as an award-winning cultural anthropology professor and author, Jonathan feels that how we show up is the key to living deeply meaningful and fulfilling lives, and now works as a transformational life coach to be a catalyst for exactly such transformations.

As a coach, consultant, and speaker, Jonathan draws on decades of experience teaching diverse audiences and is trained in Emotional Intelligence, Group Coaching, Positive Psychology Coaching, Clear Beliefs Coaching, and Body-oriented Coaching. Overlapping his coaching and academic work in powerful and unexpected ways, Jonathan is also passionate about and has worked as a photographer and partnered dance instructor, now primarily focusing on Brazilian zouk.

Bringing all of this together, Jonathan is passionate about supporting clients and audiences in transcending external accomplishments as measures of success to live truly aligned, rewarding, and meaningful lives.

To Learn more about Dr.Jonathan, visit:
www.stepsalongtheway.global

To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

Fix Your Reflection First with Rhonda Farrah Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Rhonda Farrah, a lifestyle empowerment coach. The discussion focuses on the importance of fixing your own reflection first. Rhonda shares her approach for helping people change from the inside out and find opportunity in challenge, no matter how big or small. Central themes which emerge throughout include -- the power of surrender; finding gifts and blessings in challenge; taking responsibility for your choices; the reasons why we need to fix our reflection first and the powerful impact this has. Finally, Rhonda shares a powerful formula for living an empowered life.
In more than 25 years as a practicing Educational Counselor and Psychotherapist, Rhonda M. Farrah, MA, DRWA has consulted with clients and companies in a variety of industries and environments. Rhonda has applied her experience and education as a coach, author, speaker, and teacher specializing in Health and Wellness Empowerment in all aspects of Life.
As a speaker, Rhonda has proved to be a highly articulate and effective communicator, recognized for her creativity; and a visionary who sees “the big picture”. Her imaginative flair has served others, and earned her recognition as a resource person, problem solver, and creative leader. Rhonda is blessed in that she excels in developing and presenting seminars and classes based on a balanced lifestyle; all including her key areas of experience ranging from Human Dynamics & Development, Motivation, to Spiritual Awareness & Development.
As a practicing LIFEstyle Empowerment Coach, Rhonda assists individuals in Empowering themselves, as well as those that surround them, thus actualizing their health and wellness goals and objectives on both personal and professional levels. Rhonda has a demonstrated talent for motivating, encouraging, and leading individuals in a positive direction for betterment and Empowerment. Rhonda’s creative endeavors are dedicated to individual Empowerment and the conscious evolution of humankind, that we may align perfectly with our Creator, fulfilling our purpose while enjoying its process…All culminating in a Collective Consciousness for the Highest and Best GOOD of ALL concerned!
To learn more about Rhonda, visit:
www.helpmerhondanow.com
To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

Let Yourself Off The Hook with Liam Naden Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate talks with Liam Naden, transformative teacher, speaker, and author. The discussion focuses on Liam’s self-developed coaching model which helped him to rebuild his life after losing everything. Themes which emerge throughout the discussion include understanding how the brain works, and using each part of the brain as it was designed, the power of letting go of resistance in trying to solve problems; focusing on what is; an explanation of the four-part brain rebalancing model developed by Liam and the power of the creative brain.

“If you really want to succeed in your life you have to Let Yourself Off the Hook!

Stop trying to solve your problems, achieve your goals and manage your life through force and struggle.

This is the message of Liam Naden, a transformative teacher, speaker, and author who helps successful people overcome their negative limitations and find fast and practical solutions to their problems. He guides them in resetting their brain and thinking creatively instead of getting stuck in their fear-based fight-or-flight mode.

Using a unique science-based method to reset and realign the brain, Liam shows you how to unlock your natural creativity and problem-solving ability,

enabling you to discover and live a truly rewarding and fulfilling life.

Liam’s only journey has taken him from the successes of being a serial entrepreneur as owner of more than 18 businesses and multi-millionaire - to losing everything and becoming homeless in his mid 40s. It was only as he rebuilt his life and wealth in a much more satisfying way that he realized the missing link to true success: the correct functioning of the human brain.

He is now the host of the Let Yourself Off the Hook podcast, a best-selling author and creator of Brain Rebalancing - a process which gets the four parts of the brain working they way they should - and bringing you the success you should have.

Through his coaching programs and guest appearances he now teaches individuals from around the world to understand that there’s a more natural way to solve problems in all areas of life. It aligns with the brain’s ability to find creative solutions to challenges rather than attempting to fight against them. When you adopt this mindset, you achieve true and lasting success much more quickly and without the limitations of struggle and stress.

As Liam will show you, “True success only happens when you give up the struggle and Let Yourself Off the Hook!”.

To learn more about Liam,visit:
www.liamnaden.com

To Learn More, visit:
www.katelundspeaks.com

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

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