Embrace The Encore

Most people worry about getting hurt doing something bold. Dierdre Wolownick reminds us that turning into a couch potato can be even more dangerous. At 66, she became the oldest woman to climb El Capitan, one of Yosemite’s most iconic walls. But her real ascent began long before that, when she decided to stop accepting limits and start writing her own story.In this episode of Embrace the Encore, Marie Wallace sits down with Dierdre Wolownick to explore what it truly means to reinvent yourself at any stage of life. A professor, musician, marathoner, author, and lifelong adventurer, Dierdre has lived many lives and built each one through curiosity, courage, and persistence. Her latest book, Success in 7 Steps, turns those lessons into a clear, actionable method for anyone ready to pursue their dreams, no matter how far away they seem.Dierdre shares how running marathons in her 50s and climbing El Capitan in her 60s reshaped her understanding of fear, how journaling became her greatest teacher, and why success isn’t about talent but about having a method. Her story is proof that reinvention is not a one-time act. It is a lifelong habit of saying yes to what calls your heart.Tune in to episode 16 of Embrace the Encore to rediscover what’s possible when you stop asking, “Am I too old?” and start asking, “What’s next?”In This Episode, You Will Learn:How Dierdre defines reinvention and why it’s an ongoing process (3:20)The simple method behind her book, Success in 7 Steps (4:20)Why staying on the couch can be more dangerous than climbing rocks (6:10)How running marathons at 54 led her to discover a new version of herself (8:10)The mental shift that helped her see limits as choices, not rules (13:50)What climbing El Capitan taught Dierdre about trust, courage, and tenacity (15:30)The three categories that shape her Seven Step Method (24:20)How journaling can be your greatest tool for clarity and growth (30:20)What “Embrace the Encore” means to Dierdre and how she’s living it (39:40)Connect with Dierdre Wolownick:InstagramIMDbGet a copy of Success in 7 Steps by Dierdre WolownickLet's connect!WebsiteLinkedInEmail: marie@embracetheencore.com

Leaving behind a life you’ve built for decades takes courage. Leaving with no plan B takes faith. When Rosie Aiello made the decision to walk away from an abusive marriage, a familiar home, and everything she knew, she burned the boats behind her—and never looked back.In this episode of Embrace the Encore, Marie Wallace sits down with Rosie Aiello, a women's life and transformation coach, international speaker, best-selling author, podcaster, and founder of the Love Is Kind movement. With grace and honesty, Rosie shares how she rebuilt her life from the ground up after years of emotional abuse, teaching herself new skills, rediscovering her voice, and transforming her pain into purpose.Rosie’s wisdom runs deep. She reminds us that kindness is not a sign of weakness, that setting boundaries is a form of self-love, and reinvention begins with the decision to stop waiting for permission. Her journey is not just one of survival but of intentional self-reclamation—of creating a life rooted in dignity, joy, and freedom.Tune in to episode 15 of Embrace the Encore to hear how Rosie’s journey of self-reinvention can help you rediscover your power, rewrite your story, and remember that it is never too late to begin again.In This Episode, You Will Learn:How Rosie found the courage to “burn the boats” and start over with no plan B (3:10)The moment Rosie chose self-preservation over fear and guilt (6:10)Rosie's amazing story of self-education for survival (9:20)Why boundaries are essential to living in kindness and truth (12:10)Kindness is strength, not softness (15:40)The lessons she learned about forgiveness and self-worth (20:33)Why women often mistake endurance for love (23:10)How knowing your values can help you reclaim your power (29:18)Rewiring Beliefs: The Love is Kind Pledge (32:20)The Power of Mantras and Self-Compassion (35:00)What “Embrace the Encore” means to Rosie (41:20)Connect with Rosie Aiello:Website  LinkedInFacebookInstagramThe Love Is Kind NetworkEnjoy Rosie's FREEBIES:Love is Kind Empowerment Pledge—for everyone (Written by Rosie and her daughter) How Not to Get into Another Toxic Relationship  Let's connect!WebsiteLinkedInEmail: marie@embracetheencore.com

We lock our doors, close our windows, and check the lights before bed, but how often do you stop to protect your digital home? In a world where AI, scams, and cybercrime evolve faster than we can keep up, online safety isn’t just a tech issue; it’s an act of self-care.In this episode of Embrace the Encore, Marie Wallace sits down with Jocelyn King, the founder and CEO of Smarter Online Safety, known as the “Queen of Online Safety.” After surviving a traumatic cybercrime that upended her life, Jocelyn transformed her experience into a mission to help people build secure, confident, and empowered digital lives.Through her BOSS System (Better Online Safety Simplified), Jocelyn breaks down cybersecurity into practical, everyday steps anyone can follow. She explains how to build a “digital castle,” why your Wi-Fi router is your drawbridge, and how simple actions like updating software and using multi-factor authentication can make you 20 times safer online.You’ll also hear how Jocelyn rebuilt her career and identity, using courage, empathy, and education to turn trauma into purpose. Her story proves that reinvention doesn’t always start with success; sometimes it begins with survival.Tune in to episode 14 of Embrace the Encore to learn how to protect your digital world, regain control of your online data, and find empowerment through awareness, resilience, and action.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Jocelyn’s personal story of surviving a targeted cybercrime and rebuilding her life (1:50)The mindset shift that turned fear into purpose and mission (8:00)How to release “mental baggage” and step into new beginnings (10:00)Why fear can be your ally, not your enemy, when reinventing yourself (15:00)The inspiration behind the BOSS System and how it empowers everyday users (17:00)How to think of your online presence as a “digital castle” and protect your “drawbridge” (19:30)The three essential steps for safer online living: update, freeze, and authenticate (25:10)What AI-driven cybercrime looks like today and how to spot deepfakes (31:30)The truth about “privacy” on social media and how to post safely (40:00)The importance of owning your difference and transforming it into power (48:00)How to apply emotional and digital boundaries for true safety (51:30)What “Embrace the Encore” means to Jocelyn and how she’s living hers (53:20)Connect with Jocelyn King:Smarter Online SafetyLinkedInInstagramYouTubeListen to the Smarter Online Safety podcastLet's connect!WebsiteLinkedInEmail: marie@embracetheencore.com

Reinvention isn’t about starting over. It’s about carrying everything you’ve learned, lived, and built across what guest Rohanna Doylida calls “the Wisdom Bridge.” If you recently became an empty nester, were released from your job, or feel an urgency to pivot, this stage of life is not the end. It is the most powerful place to begin again.In this episode of Embrace the Encore, Marie Wallace welcomes Rohanna Doylida, brand strategist for Second Career Women and founder of the True Voice Brand Mastery Mentorship. From her beginnings on Chicago’s theater stages to building a gluten-free bakery to teaching for nearly a decade, Rohanna’s career has been anything but linear. But every twist prepared her for the work she does today: helping women recognize the value of their lived experience and turn it into credibility, clarity, and a personal brand they can stand behind with confidence.Rohanna shares how women can reframe the feeling of “starting over,” quiet imposter syndrome, and begin showing up authentically in the digital world. She unpacks her five-part mentorship framework, offers practical steps for shifting language from apologetic to empowered, and explains why celebrating small wins is the fastest path to building confidence.Tune in to episode 12 of Embrace the Encore and discover why your past has already equipped you for what’s next, how to leverage the Wisdom Bridge to move forward with clarity, and why it’s never too late to leave a meaningful legacy.In This Episode, You Will Learn:How Rohanna’s journey from performer to baker to teacher shaped her reinvention (02:40)Why women in midlife often feel like “beginners again” — and how to reframe it (06:30)The Wisdom Bridge framework for turning your past into power (10:20)How to stop apologizing for your story and start using it as credibility (12:20)The link between small successes and overcoming imposter syndrome (15:00)Practical tips for showing up authentically on social media (17:40)The first language shifts women can make to own their expertise (20:10)Why “stay-at-home mom” skills are hidden gold for second careers (23:00)How empty nesters and women laid off from long careers can leverage life skills for reinvention (26:20)The five-step brand mastery mentorship process (30:30)What legacy means to Rohanna and why branding plays a role (33:20)A simple but powerful first step you can take today (34:30)What “Embrace the Encore” means to Rohanna (38:30)Connect with Rohanna Doylida:FacebookLinkedInInstagramGet a Copy of Rohanna’s FREE Guide: Design With ConfidenceLet's connect!WebsiteLinkedInEmail: marie@embracetheencore.com

What if the next chapter of your life was not about slowing down, but about finally stepping into your most authentic self?In this episode of Embrace the Encore, Marie Wallace sits down with transformational coach and keynote speaker Andie Henrich, whose story of reinvention is both powerful and deeply relatable. After more than 25 years leading business transformations at IBM and Infosys, Andie left the corporate world for a mission that fuels her soul: guiding women through midlife transitions with clarity, courage, and authenticity.Andie shares her journey from corporate burnout to creating a life rooted in alignment, service, and impact. She opens up about battling self-doubt, navigating menopause, and the turning point when she realized a familiar but unfulfilling career was no longer the right path. Now, as the founder of Authenticity Ignited, she helps women reclaim their voice, release guilt, and embrace midlife as a season of wisdom, freedom, and possibility.Authenticity, Andie explains, is not only a personal practice. It is also a competitive advantage in business and leadership. In this conversation, she reveals the practices that keep her grounded, the tough choices that brought her life back in line with her values, and the legacy she hopes to leave for her children and future generations of women.Tune in to episode 11 of Embrace the Encore, a call to action reminding us that reinvention is not optional but the path to living with purpose and joy.In This Episode, You Will Learn:The moment Andie knew it was time to leave corporate and reinvent herself (04:33)The fears and imposter syndrome she faced during her transition and how she overcame them (07:56)Why authenticity is the foundation for fulfillment and leadership (10:06, 11:35)How midlife can be the most powerful season for reinvention (15:02)The patterns of guilt and self-doubt she sees in women she coaches (18:08)The first steps women can take when they feel stuck or disconnected from their dreams (21:06)Why authenticity builds trust and long-term success in business (23:32)Her personal signs of burnout and the radical steps she took to break free (28:05)The role of discomfort in transformation and why growth requires leaving your comfort zone (36:21)The legacy Andie hopes to leave and her message for every woman over 50 (41:40)Connect with Andie Henrich:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramLet's connect!WebsiteLinkedInEmail: marie@embracetheencore.com

What if your next chapter was the one that truly defined your legacy?In this episode of Embrace the Encore, Marie Wallace sits down with visionary entrepreneur Sarah Kugelman, whose career is a masterclass in spotting opportunities and seizing them, regardless of age. Sarah has founded three groundbreaking beauty brands, each aligning with seismic shifts in the industry: Gloss.com, Skin Iceland, and now, All Golden, her mission-driven skincare and haircare line celebrating women over 45.Sarah opens up about her relentless approach to entrepreneurship, her commitment to combating ageism, and how she is redefining what it means to stay relevant, confident, and daring in your 60s. From raising millions in venture capital to building brands that change cultural conversations, Sarah’s story is proof that reinvention is not just possible, it is powerful.You will hear why mentorship for women entrepreneurs matters more than ever, and the mindset shifts that make reinvention feel exciting rather than intimidating. She also shares the beauty and wellness practices that keep her feeling her best, along with the strategies she uses to stay focused and manage stress while running a business.Tune in to episode 10 of Embrace the Encore and discover why your next chapter could be your boldest move yet.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Sarah reflects on how spotting personal “voids” in the market led to three successful beauty brands (02:40)The moment she raised $5 million in a single day and quit her job (04:20)Why All Golden is about changing the conversation around women over 45 (06:00)Lessons on resilience, risk, and reinvention from a serial entrepreneur (11:00)The sobering statistic that drives her mission to mentor women (12:50)How she is disrupting damaging messages about aging (15:00)The simple but powerful confidence-boosting details built into her brand (17:10)Her self-care and wellness routines for staying energized as a founder and mom (20:30)The daily gratitude and mindset practices that set her up for success (23:20)What “Embrace the Encore” means to Sarah (34:40)Connect with Sarah Kugelman:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInXAll GoldenLet's connect!WebsiteLinkedInEmail: marie@embracetheencore.com

Why most women don't see their experience as one of their most valuable assets?Whenever someone says things like: "I just stayed at home all these years," or "I held the same position for decades in this company," they forget they didn't "just" do that. It is never too late to start writing a new chapter in our lives, and any experience is valuable.In this episode, we learn about the mindset changes every "seasoned one" must make for successful midlife transitions from the amazing Linda Ellen Anderson. Linda is a seasoned Realtor with 30+ years of experience selling homes and developing training programs for agents. She is also someone who walks her talk, since when she hit her later midlife, decided to transform her training experience into a new career, and got Certified as a John Maxwell Speaker, Trainer, Teacher, and Mindset Skillset Coach.Throughout this episode, you'll hear Linda's journey from a top-producing real estate agent to training and mentoring agents to becoming a Certified Mindset Skillset Coach. Linda also talks about why women in later midlife or, the "seasoned ones" have all they need to transition into new career paths if they wish to, the importance of mentoring and coaching, strategies to deal with limiting beliefs, and much more.Tune in to episode 9 of Embrace the Encore and learn how to transform your life experience into the most powerful asset of your next big step.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Linda reflects on the mindset changes every 40+ women should consider during life transitions (7:10)How can women improve their leadership skills (12:20)Linda shares strategies to overcome limiting beliefs (18:20)Every challenge is a learning experience (25:00)Linda explains what a Mindset Skillset Coach does (35:00)What does Embrace the Encore mean to Linda (41:20)Connect with Linda Ellen Anderson:LinkedInPhone: (916) 508-1677Email: skillsetace@gmail.comLet's connect!WebsiteLinkedInEmail: marie@embracetheencore.com

What if the only thing you need to live a life by design, free of chronic stress responses and anxiety, is getting your power of choice back?Stress is particularly skilled in kidnapping our capacity to make rational decisions. Therefore, the bigger the number of stressors in our lives, the smaller the chances of making good choices.In this episode, we learn how to rescue ourselves from red zones and stop turning every decision into a stress response from the delightful Isabelle Tierney. Isabelle is an internationally renowned Speaker and Educator and a sought-after Licensed Therapist whose work impacted the lives of thousands globally. She is the creator of the Methodology, a groundbreaking technique that helped individuals of all ages, families, and global corporations such as L'Oreal to transform their habitual reactions into conscious and positive responses.Throughout this episode, you'll hear about Isabelle's traumatic childhood and the creation of the Methodology, initially conceived to transform her life. Isabelle also explains what it means to be in the red zone and why every decision we make there comes from a cranky, irritable, and frustrated version of ourselves.Plus, you'll hear about why it is crucial to get our power of choice back, why you shouldn't relax in yellow zones, practical tips to take yourself out of the red zone directly into the green zone, and so much more.Tune in to episode 8 of Embrace the Encore and discover the steps to stop living a reactive, stress-based life by default and start living a fulfilling life by design.In This Episode, You Will Learn:About Isabelle's traumatic childhood and its impact on her life (2:40)The Methodology was Isabelle's lifesaver (7:10)How to get out of the red zone in three steps (9:20)Feel good habits. What are they and how they can help us (18:50)We need stress responses; we don't need them to be chronic (26:30)Who you become in the red zone is not your fault but it is your responsibility (32:20)Connect with Isabelle Tierney:WebsiteInstagramFacebookGet Isabelle's FREE Ebook: Change Your Habits, Change Your LifeLearn more about Isabelle's MethodologyHear about Loretta’s story and other success storiesLet's connect!WebsiteLinkedInEmail: marie@embracetheencore.com