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386 - Empathy in Action with Maria Ross
Welcome to the No Labels, No Limits Podcast, where we share inspiring stories about resilience and growth. In this episode, host Sarah Boxx talks with Maria Ross, a keynote speaker, author, and empathy advocate, about how empathy can transform leadership and everyday life.
Maria Ross’s life took a dramatic turn at 35 when she survived a brain aneurysm. This experience reshaped her perspective on connection and leadership. Now, as the founder of Red Slice and author of The Empathy Dilemma: How Successful Leaders Balance Performance, People, and Personal Boundaries, Maria helps organizations create cultures rooted in empathy. Her TEDx talk, How to Trojan Horse Leaders into Being More Empathetic, has inspired audiences worldwide.
- Compartmentalization: Maria discusses how leaders can compartmentalize emotions to handle challenges effectively while staying true to their values.
- The Five Pillars of Empathetic Leadership: Maria introduces the five pillars from her book, The Empathy Dilemma, which guide leaders to:
- Self-Awareness: Understand emotions and triggers for authentic leadership.
- Self-Care: Prioritize well-being to sustain effectiveness.
- Clarity: Communicate transparently to build trust.
- Decisiveness: Make tough choices with confidence and compassion.
- Joy: Embrace positivity and fulfillment in leadership.
- Building Empathetic Workplaces: Maria shares practical advice on overcoming barriers to empathy in organizations and fostering cultures where people and performance thrive.
Actionable insights:
- Learn how empathy drives personal and professional success.
- Discover tools for balancing emotions and decisions.
- Be inspired by Maria’s journey of resilience and transformation.
Free Gift: Get a free chapter of The Empathy Dilemma! Visit The Empathy Dilemma to claim your copy.
Connect and Learn More with Maria:
- Website: Red Slice
- LinkedIn: Maria Ross & https://www.linkedin.com/company/red-slice-llc
- Instagram: @redslicemaria
- Twitter: @redslice
- Facebook: Red Slice
- YouTube: Maria Ross Channel
Connect and Learn More with Sarah Boxx: The SandBoxx offers Nonprofit business consulting and coaching for leaders.
Empathy is a powerful force for good in leadership and life. Maria’s story reminds us that compassion and resilience can transform lives. Tune in to learn how to lead with empathy without losing yourself.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the No Labels, No Limits Podcast for more inspiring stories and practical insights.
#empathy #empatheticleadership #leadership #nonprofits #balance #inspiration
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389. 389 - From Darkness to Light: Transformational Tales with Mark Sullivan
45:20||Season 5, Ep. 389Dive into the heart of resilience, hope, and transformation with award-winning author Mark Sullivan. In this compelling podcast series, we uncover the incredible stories behind his best-selling novels and the life-changing experiences that led him to write them.Highlights of the Series:From Darkness to Purpose: Mark shares the deeply personal moment that brought him to the brink and the serendipitous journey that led him to uncover Pino Lella's extraordinary WWII story in Beneath a Scarlet Sky.10 Years in the Making: Discover the challenges Mark faced while piecing together Pino's story, honoring the memories of a war hero while staying true to the facts.Life After the Book: Hear how writing Pino's story reshaped Mark’s perspective and ignited a passion to inspire others with tales of courage and love.Unyielding Spirit in Uganda: Mark discusses his latest novel, All the Glimmering Stars, based on the real-life journeys of Anthony and Florence, two Ugandan teens who survived abduction by a warlord through lessons of hope and love passed down by their parents.Anthony's Wisdom: Navigating the stars and living with kindness, as taught by his father.Florence's Legacy: Belief in the transformative power of unconditional love, instilled by her mother.What You'll Gain:Insights into the power of storytelling to heal, inspire, and create change.First-hand accounts of resilience from individuals who rose above unimaginable circumstances.Practical lessons on navigating life's darkest moments through hope, love, and determination.Why Listen?Mark Sullivan's books and the stories within them have touched millions. This podcast takes you behind the pages to reveal the triumphs and trials of their creation. If you're drawn to narratives of human endurance and the profound impact of love, this is a series you don’t want to miss.Let Mark’s journey—and the lives of those he's written about—show you the extraordinary within the ordinary and the enduring strength of the human spirit.Connect and Learn More with Mark: Mark Sullivan – Author of All The Glimmering Stars and #1 Bestseller Beneath a Scarlet SkyConnect and Learn More with Sarah: The SandBoxx offers Nonprofit business consulting and coaching for leaders.#Resilience #PersonalGrowth #OvercomingAdversity #Storytelling388. 388 - Fueling Your Body and Life with Heather Deba
56:08||Season 5, Ep. 388Join us for an inspiring episode of the No Labels No Limits podcast as we welcome Heather Deba, a metabolic nutrition coach who has turned her struggles into a thriving six-figure business. Heather’s journey from financial hardship to empowering women to take control of their metabolism and lives is one of resilience, transformation, and empowerment.Heather’s turning point came when her 7-year-old daughter inspired her to make a change. Determined to create a better future, Heather set out on a path of self-discovery, education, and action. Today, she helps women break free from the yo-yo dieting cycle and step into a life of sustained health and confidence.Key Topics Discussed in This Episode:• Sustainable Health Strategies – How to achieve long-term health without extreme sacrifices. • Understanding Your Metabolism – The importance of knowing your metabolic rate and using calories and nutrients effectively. • Stress and Metabolic Health – Exploring how physical and emotional stress impact metabolic symptoms and diseases. • Breaking the Starvation Cycle – Why drastic diets fail and how to fuel your body for optimal health. • Practical Tools for Everyday Life – A simple daily exercise to boost focus, energy, and awareness.Using the analogy of building wealth, Heather explains: "To become a millionaire, you can’t save your way there—you need to create more income. Similarly, you can’t starve your way to better health; you need to fuel your body appropriately." She also highlights how extreme dieting often benefits corporations rather than individuals. Listeners will gain actionable insights and practical tools to start their journey toward sustainable health. If you’re ready to transform your approach to health and embrace a life of vitality and freedom, this episode with Heather Deba will inspire and empower you. Tune in and discover how small, sustainable steps can lead to significant changes in your life.Free Gift: A fire metabolism boosting kit (typically for paid clients)! DM Heather on Instagram: No LabelsConnect and Learn More with Heather: Website: https://success.hdbodyacademy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherdebaConnect and Learn More with Sarah: The SandBoxx offers Nonprofit business consulting and coaching for leaders.#Nutritioncoach #nonprofits #practicalhealth #Resilience #transformation387. 387 - Building Wealth and Humility with Entrepreneur Jose Berlanga
55:39||Season 5, Ep. 387In this episode, entrepreneur, real estate investor, author, and speaker Jose Berlanga shares valuable lessons from his nearly 40 years of experience across multiple industries. With a story rooted in resilience and adaptability, Jose offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing financial discipline, preparation for the unpredictable, and the importance of knowing your role in your business.Key Themes and Takeaways1. The Power of Financial DisciplineFinancial success requires more than earning money; it demands disciplined management of resources.Jose highlights specific strategies, such as:Avoiding unnecessary expenses, especially during business growth phases.Reinvesting profits wisely to create sustainable growth.A critical takeaway: Learn to delay gratification for long-term rewards instead of succumbing to short-term pleasures.2. Preparing for the UnpredictableBusinesses face inevitable challenges, from economic downturns to market shifts.Jose advises entrepreneurs to:Build a financial buffer to weather tough times.Operate with humility, knowing that external factors can disrupt even the best-laid plans.Stay grounded and focused, avoiding overconfidence during periods of success.3. Balancing Hands-On and Hands-Off LeadershipAs a highly involved entrepreneur, Jose thrives on understanding all facets of his businesses, from hiring to negotiations.However, he emphasizes the need to delegate effectively:"You can only do so much as one person."Learning to trust and empower your team is essential for scaling any business.Finding the balance between being engaged and stepping back allows for better decision-making and personal well-being.4. Defining Success on Your TermsSuccess is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Jose encourages entrepreneurs to:Clearly define what success means for them and their business.Assess their role in the business and the value of their time.Focus on what they do best and align their actions with their personal goals.Jose’s Personal Philosophy"It's life's job to push you beyond your limits, and your job to push back until you win."Success requires persistence, humility, and an understanding of your priorities.Practical Advice for EntrepreneursDevelop financial discipline and embrace delayed gratification to ensure sustainable growth.Prepare for the unexpected by staying humble and building a financial safety net.Strike a balance between being hands-on and learning to delegate responsibilities.Define success for yourself and align your business goals with your values.Connect and Learn More with Jose:Website: http://www.joseberlanga.com/Website: http://www.onyxtx.com/LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-berlanga-900a9518Connect and Learn More with Sarah: The SandBoxx offers Nonprofit business consulting and coaching for leaders.#Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #HumbleLeadership #Leadership385. 385 - Fix Your Cracked Lens: Steps to Achieve Purpose and Success with Nate Green
45:12||Season 4, Ep. 385In this inspiring episode, we’re joined by Nate Green—Leadership & Entrepreneur Performance Coach, Award-Winning Entrepreneur, and Best-Selling Author. Nate’s story is more than just one of success—it's about finding hope, stepping into your purpose, and pushing beyond your comfort zone to become the greatest version of yourself.Key Highlights:From Pain to Purpose: Nate shares how the pain of staying where you are is often worse than the pain of trying something new.Connecting to Your Why: Actionable steps to identify your purpose and align it with your actions.The Growth Zone: How stepping outside your comfort zone is where greatness is forged.Overcoming Hardships: Lessons from Nate’s transformation—shy kid to an 8-figure entrepreneur and impactful coach.Key Takeaways:Hope is the First Step: No matter where you’re starting, there’s a path forward.Purpose-Driven Success: True success begins when you connect to your deeper “why.”Courage Over Comfort: Growth begins when you’re willing to face the unknown and challenge yourself.Exclusive Gift for Listeners: Access Nate’s “Unstoppable Game Plan” course—a tool to help you take actionable steps toward your goals! DM Nate on IG with the message: Unstoppable Game PlanConnect and Learn More with Nate:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnategreenX: Nate Green (@IAmNateGreen) / XLinkedIn: (10) Nate Green | LinkedInWebsite: http://www.successwithnategreen.com/Connect and Learn More with Sarah: The SandBoxx offers Nonprofit business consulting and coaching for leaders.This episode is a call to action—Nate reminds us that life is too short to stay stuck. Whether you’re feeling lost, unmotivated, or unsure of your next step, this conversation will equip you with the mindset and tools to try, grow, and thrive.Tune in now and start your journey toward a greater version of YOU. #BreakThroughBarriers #FindYourPurpose #SuckLessDoBetter #GrowthMindset384. 384 - Beyond Burnout: Thriving as a Nonprofit Leader with Rachel Krinsky
43:51||Season 4, Ep. 384In this episode of the No Labels, No Limits podcast, host Sarah Box sits down with seasoned nonprofit leader and executive coach Rachel Krinsky. Rachel shares her journey from a burnt-out non-profit executive to a compassionate coach empowering leaders to thrive.Key Takeaways:The Challenges of Nonprofit Leadership: Rachel delves into the unique pressures faced by nonprofit executives, including heavy workloads, constant demands, and the relentless pursuit of impact.The Power of Positive Intelligence: She introduces Positive Intelligence (PQ), a framework that helps individuals shift from stress and anxiety to calm, focused, and creative states of mind.Practical Tips for Stress Relief: Rachel guides listeners through a simple mindfulness exercise, demonstrating how to reduce stress and increase focus in just a few minutes.The Art of Prioritization: She emphasizes the importance of effective prioritization, encouraging leaders to let go of non-essential tasks and delegate responsibilities to their teams.Cultivating Empathy and Effective Communication: Rachel shares strategies for fostering empathy and navigating difficult conversations, helping leaders build strong relationships and resolve conflicts.A Transformative Moment: Rachel shares a powerful story about a client who was on the brink of burnout. By applying the tools and techniques they learned together, this client was able to navigate a stressful situation with grace and resilience, ultimately transforming their experience of leadership.By applying Rachel's insights and techniques, nonprofit leaders can reduce stress, improve their work-life balance, and ultimately achieve greater impact.Free Gift: 45-minute Leadership Wellness Boost sessionhttp://www.rkadvising.com/Connect and Learn More with Rachel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-krinskyWebsite: https://www.rkadvising.com/Connect and Learn More with Sarah: https://sarahboxx.com/#positivepsychology #burnout #organizationalculture #boardgovernance383. 383 - Practical Emotional Intelligence for Modern Challenges with Dr. Robin Hills
57:14||Season 4, Ep. 383Join Dr. Robin Hills, a globally renowned business psychologist and emotional intelligence (EI) expert, as he delves into the fascinating world of emotional intelligence on the "No Labels, No Limits" podcast. With over 400,000 individuals in 195+ countries benefiting from his transformative training and resources, Dr. Hills offers invaluable insights into understanding and mastering emotions for personal and professional growth.In this compelling podcast, Dr. Hills unpacks how emotional intelligence influences every facet of our lives—decision-making, communication, leadership, and relationships. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your self-awareness journey, this series equips you with practical tools to navigate the emotional landscape of today's rapidly changing world.Key HighlightsDefining Emotional Intelligence: Understand the pillars of EI, including self-awareness, self-regulation, and social skills.EI isn’t about IQ—it’s about understanding emotional data for informed decisions and deeper relationships.Learn how emotions act as a sophisticated feedback system for navigating our environments.Practical Applications of EI:Leadership: Create inspiring and inclusive workplace cultures rather than fear-based environments.Communication: Decode non-verbal cues, even in unique contexts like hearing impairments.Stress Management: Recognize and manage the physiological effects of emotions to stay grounded under pressure.Decision-Making: Leverage emotional intelligence to make thoughtful, empathetic choices.Relationship Building: Enhance empathy and foster authentic connections.Exploring Emotions Without Judgment:Discover exercises to interpret emotions without labeling them as “good” or “bad.”Connect your emotional experiences to physical sensations for deeper insights.Learn to deconstruct emotions like fear and anger to harness their constructive potential.Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices in emotional intelligence!Gift: Four comprehensive online courses on EI at a discounted rate: Emotional Intelligence Courses.Connect and Learn More with Robin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinhills/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/ei4change/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EI4Change/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ei4ChangeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ei4change/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBBxGskYxL0wnRfuyz_wHZA/feedWebsite: https://ei4change.com/Connect and Learn More with Sarah: The SandBoxx offers Nonprofit business consulting and coaching for leaders.#EmotionalIntelligence #CommunicationSkills #PersonalGrowth382. 382 - Beyond Proving Yourself: Confident Leadership with Jenna Washnieski
44:07||Season 4, Ep. 382Welcome back to the No Labels, No Limits Podcast, the show that explores stories of personal growth, transformation, and leadership insights. In this episode, we are thrilled to host Jenna Washnieski, a dynamic leadership coach who combines her experiences in coaching and a semi-professional dance career to offer unique perspectives on personal and professional development.Key Highlights:Jenna shares her journey from feeling the pressure to prove her worth in an executive leadership role to embracing her authentic self.Discusses how connecting with one's values and passions leads to more effective leadership.Insight into balancing professional ambitions with personal passions, including her semi-professional dance career.Reflections on how the modern environment of passive entertainment differs from childhood experiences of creativity and exploration.The importance of self-awareness in leadership and how it fuels confidence and success.Jenna's perspective on notable leadership examples, such as the Lewis and Clark expedition, and the lessons they provide for today's leaders.An overview of Jenna's coaching practice—typical clients, engagements, and how she empowers leaders to unlock their full potential.Jenna’s Message: Tune in to learn how understanding yourself and making space for your passions can lead to profound professional and personal fulfillment. Don’t miss this episode if you’re aiming to become a more self-aware and impactful leader.Join us for an inspiring conversation that challenges the traditional boundaries of leadership and highlights the power of embracing your authentic self.Connect and Learn More with Jenna:Email: jenna@inwithcoaching.comWebsite: InWith CoachingInstagram: @inwithjennaLinkedIn: Jenna WashnieskiPodcast: In With The Podcast (with Jenna)Connect and Learn More with Sarah: The SandBoxx offers Nonprofit business consulting and coaching for leaders.#PersonalGrowth #CoachingInsights #SelfAwareness #WomenInLeadership381. 381 - Resilience, Risk, and Ready: A Guide to Bold Leadership with Miara Shaw
52:59||Season 4, Ep. 381In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Miara Shaw—leadership coach, speaker, and host of the Leadership Wellness Circle podcast. Miara’s journey is truly inspiring: she went from being one of the nation’s few female energy traders to becoming a thriving entrepreneur. Her personal philosophy—Capable, Prepared, & Ready® (CPR)—empowers individuals, particularly women, to balance leadership and personal well-being.Miara’s career path is anything but traditional. She didn’t complete college, yet she became one of the only Black female energy traders in the nation before transitioning into entrepreneurship. In this episode, Miara shares how this unconventional journey shaped her resilience, leadership style, and approach to overcoming adversity. As Miara says, “The work is not skippable”—each step, even the challenges, prepares us for what's next.Philosophical Roots: Empowerment & GrowthMiara’s coaching is rooted in philosophies that promote self-awareness, growth, and emotional intelligence. Drawing from psychological models like growth-mindset, she teaches how to navigate challenges and embrace opportunities for personal and professional growth.The CPR Philosophy: Capable, Prepared, & Ready®At the heart of Miara’s work is the CPR philosophy—a powerful tool to help leaders believe in themselves and take action. Miara explains how this framework helps individuals feel capable, prepared, and ready for whatever comes next. It’s about building confidence, developing skills, and taking bold steps forward.Turning Setbacks into OpportunitiesMiara’s own career includes moments of hardship, including being laid off, which ultimately catalyzed her entrepreneurial journey. She shares her insights on resilience and how obstacles often present unexpected opportunities. Miara encourages listeners to view challenges not as roadblocks, but as steppingstones to growth.Tune in for a conversation filled with insights on leadership, personal growth, and the courage to take the next step.Key Takeaways:Embrace uncertainty—sometimes taking risks leads to the greatest rewards.Resilience is essential—view setbacks as opportunities for growth.Balance is key—leadership is about integrating personal well-being and professional success.CPR framework—Capable, Prepared, & Ready® helps you confidently step into your next challenge.Free Gift: A free "Strategy Session" to listeners who connect with her: http://miarashaw.com/Connect and Learn More with Miara: Email: miarashaw@gmail.comWebsite: http://miarashaw.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mavenmiaraConnect and Learn More with Sarah: The SandBoxx offers Nonprofit business consulting and coaching for leaders.#Entrepreneurship #Resilience #OvercomingSetbacks #DiversityinLeadership