Mindset Unlimited: Tips, Tools, and Inspiration for Women in a Time of Change

262 Women’s Project with Deb Drummond

Cultivating an intentional community is a powerful and critical antidote to the disconnection fed by our current societal structures and now is the time to cultivate. I say that because we’re living in a time where those structures are breaking down. Our individualistic, hierarchical culture is hitting its limits, and it feels rather like it’s composting itself. But compost makes great soil, and with intention, we can use that breakdown to grow something new.

In this episode of Unlimited , I invited sisters Nancy and Amy Harrington to join me in a conversation about cultivating intentional community and the shifts that support connection, collaboration, and care.

Some of what we talk about in this episode includes:

Rebuilding trust in relationships with other women
Redefining leadership—from hierarchy to a circle of self and co-leadership
Developing community agreements rooted in consent, care, and shared responsibility
Practicing the power of asking, receiving, and mutual support

Through this episode, you’ll gain inspiration and ideas for building community rooted in belonging, consent, and care.

LINKS TO REFERENCES MADE IN THIS EPISODE:

Dia Bondi – Communication Coach

Becky Mollenkamp

Cher Hale – On the Death of Mentorship

CONNECT WITH AMY AND NANCY:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

The Passionistas Project Sisterhood

CONNECT WITH VALERIE:

Listen to the Unlimited Playlist

2 Listeners

Identifying Your True Goals: Finding and Leading from Your Truth Center with Amy Pons

Mindset Unlimited: Tips, Tools, and Inspiration for Women in a Time of Change

03/19/25 • 50 min

Women Making Moves: Coaches on Coaching with Valerie Friedlander

Identifying your true goals is the starting point to transforming your life from the inside out. In this powerful episode of Mindset Unlimited, I sit down with fellow Chicago-based life coach, Amy Pons, to unpack the powerful journey of breaking through learned limitations and discovering your authentic path. We explore how to lead from your truth center, navigate uncertainty, and create meaningful shifts in your life by embracing gratitude, curiosity, and self-discovery. If you're feeling stuck, yearning for authentic growth, or ready to unlearn societal conditioning, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiring perspectives on reclaiming your personal power and designing a life that truly resonates with your soul.

In this episode of Mindset Unlimited, I invited Amy Pons (she/her), a healer and life coach, to join me in a conversation about identifying your true goals so that you can find and lead your life from your truth center.

Some of what we talk about in this episode includes:

The importance of the journey and what you accrue along the way matters as much or even more than the end goal
Claiming your power begins by releasing control of what’s not yours
Gratitude, embracing duality, curiosity and other ways to support a mindset shift
When to get a coach and how to choose the right fit

LINKS TO REFERENCES MADE IN THIS EPISODE:

The Human Array

CONNECT WITH AMY:

Website

Amy on LinkedIn

CONNECT WITH VALERIE:

Website

This podcast was produced by Valerie Friedlander Coaching

Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective

1 Listener

What Is Draining My Energy? Inside an Energy Leadership Index Assessment Debrief [coaching]

Mindset Unlimited: Tips, Tools, and Inspiration for Women in a Time of Change

04/16/25 • 58 min

Unlocking Your Leadership Energy episode

What’s really draining your energy isn’t solely the stressors in your life but the patterns you’ve learned to deal with them. If you’re feeling emotionally drained, constantly second-guessing yourself, or stuck in a cycle of over-responsibility and burnout—you’re not alone, and there’s nothing wrong with you. The ways your unconscious has learned to help you may no longer support the life you want. While the state of the world is undeniably overwhelming, many of the most persistent energy drains come from within—especially in how we respond to stress, pressure, and high expectations. In this real-life Energy Leadership Index (ELI) debrief, I walk through a coaching session with a creative, purpose-driven client who’s feeling depleted. Together, we explore how her energy is shaped by both external stressors and internal beliefs, including guilt around setting boundaries, fear of letting others down, and the pressure to always get things right.

In this episode of Mindset Unlimited, you’ll hear Valerie use the Energy Leadership Index Assessment Debrief to help a client explore the question: “What’s really draining your energy and how can you reclaim it using your strengths?”

Some of what we engage in this episode include:

What the Energy Leadership Index (ELI) Assessment is and how it works
The 7 levels of energy and how they influence stress, mindset, and behavior
How your energy levels can lead to exhaustion, motivation, and or both
Identifying practical strategies that fit you when it comes to supports like setting boundaries and honoring your capacity

If you’re navigating stress, fatigue, or emotional exhaustion and want insight into how to reclaim your energy and feel more empowered, this episode is for you.

LINKS TO REFERENCES MADE IN THIS EPISODE:

You’re More Than Your Personality Test episode

Toxic Positivity episode

CONNECT WITH VALERIE:

This podcast was produced by Valerie Friedlander Coaching

Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective

1 Listener

Unlocking Your Leadership Energy: How to Shift from Stress Response to Intentional Action

Mindset Unlimited: Tips, Tools, and Inspiration for Women in a Time of Change

04/02/25 • 37 min

You’re More Than Your Personality Test episode

Unlocking your leadership energy isn't just for executives—it's for anyone navigating life's complex challenges. In this episode, I dive deep into how we can shift from reactive stress responses to intentional, powerful action. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty or stuck in unproductive patterns, I'll share transformative insights from the Energy Leadership Index (ELI) that can help you understand your inner dynamics, break free from limiting beliefs, and step into a more empowered version of yourself. Join me as we explore practical strategies to lead more effectively, both in your personal life and professional journey.

In this episode of Mindset Unlimited, I explore a specialized tool to facilitate unlocking your leadership energy, so you can act with intention instead of reacting from stress.

Some of what I explore in this episode includes:

Why understanding your energy patterns is key to responding rather than reacting in high-stress situations.
How the ELI differs from personality tests and provides actionable insights for leadership and resilience.
The seven levels of energy and how they shape your mindset, communication, and decision-making.
Practical steps to start shifting your energy today—even if you don’t take the assessment.

Through this episode you’ll gain insights, a framework, and a reflection tool to engage stress proactively without toxic positivity.

LINKS TO REFERENCES MADE IN THIS EPISODE:

Forbes article Best Tests to Help You Understand Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Identifying Your True Goals with Amy Pons episode

Stress Release Strategies guide

PROMOTIONAL LINK: Queer News with Anna Deshawn

CONNECT WITH VALERIE:

This podcast was produced by Valerie Friedlander Coaching

Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective

1 Listener

Planting Seeds of Hope: Mindset Strategies for Women Leaders in a Time of Uncertainty

Mindset Unlimited: Tips, Tools, and Inspiration for Women in a Time of Change

03/05/25 • 37 min

The Wildwood Tarot: Wherein Wisdom Resides

Planting seeds of hope is a radical act of resilience during times of uncertainty and upheaval. When fear threatens to paralyze us, hope becomes our most powerful tool. Spring invites us into the sacred work of seeding dreams—not for immediate gratification, but with generational wisdom. We may not personally witness the full bloom of our efforts, but there is profound joy in tending to what matters most, knowing our actions create pathways for future generations.

In this episode of Your Mindset Unlimited, I explore how we start planting seeds of hope that inspire aligned action.

Some of what I explore in this episode includes:

The evolution of the podcast and what to expect this season
How to harness spring's creative energy for personal growth
Strategies for overcoming fear and embracing discomfort
The importance of community and connection in achieving our goals

Through this episode you’ll access hope through the possibilities inherent in aligned, purposeful action.

LINKS TO REFERENCES MADE IN THIS EPISODE:

Let this Radicalize You: Organizing and the Revolution of Reciprocal Care

Parable of the Sower

CONNECT WITH VALERIE:

This podcast was produced by Valerie Friedlander Coaching

Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective

1 Listener

Understanding the 5 Love Languages

Mindset Unlimited: Tips, Tools, and Inspiration for Women in a Time of Change

04/03/24 • 31 min

Understanding the 5 Love Languages has helped facilitate communication for many people but it has numerous limitations. While the 5 Love Languages has become an extremely popular relationship tool, it’s not a fix-all and it may not be the right approach for everyone. What about this tool makes it helpful and where it falls short can help you determine if and how to apply it in your own life.
In this episode of Unlimited, I’m exploring understanding the 5 Love Languages and how to apply it appropriately in your own life.
Some of what I’ll cover in this episode include:

What are the 5 Love Languages
Limitations of the 5 Love Languages model
Learning what you need and communicating it
Reflections to support self-love
Tips to use the 5 Love Languages model

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! @unlimitedcoachval
I love to hear your thoughts and I'm always happy to answer any questions.
You can shoot me an email at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram
LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:
5 Love Languages Website
The 5 Love Languages Book
Is There Science Behind the 5 Love Languages
Building a Relationship to Pleasure and Intimacy with Daniela Stevens
Understanding Your Stress Language
Stress Language Quiz
HS Emotion Wheels & Needs Wheels
Ask Val Form
CONNECT WITH VALERIE:
Facebook
Instagram
Get email updates!
Work with Valerie!

1 Listener

Accessing the True Power of Gratitude: Beyond Individualism

Mindset Unlimited: Tips, Tools, and Inspiration for Women in a Time of Change

11/22/23 • 35 min

Accessing the true power of gratitude requires going beyond the individual mindset approach that is typically referenced. Expressions of gratitude have been observed among many communally based species. It supports group functioning. Thus, the true power of gratitude is in collective connection, not individual mindset. Studies show that there are a plethora of benefits to gratitude. The problems of toxic positivity and tolerating unacceptable behavior shows up when gratitude is used as a tool of individualism.
In this episode of Unlimited, I’m exploring accessing the true power of gratitude through shifting out of individualistic thinking and into collective consideration.
Some of what I’ll cover in this episode include:

The biological purpose of gratitude
Guilt vs responsibility
Individualism’s distortion of gratitude
Developing a gratitude practice

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! @unlimitedcoachval
I love to hear your thoughts and I'm always happy to answer any questions.
You can shoot me an email at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram
LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:
The Science of Gratitude white paper
Neuroscience Reveals Gratitude Literally Rewires Your Brain to be Happier
How to Make Stress Your Friend TedTalk
The Book of Joy
Understanding Your Stress Language episode
You’re More Than Your Personality Test episode
Toxic Positivity episode
Helpful vs Harmful Mindset Work episode
Making Holiday Magic Workshop
Private coaching session
CONNECT WITH VALERIE:
Facebook
Instagram
Get email updates!
Work with Valerie!

The Myths Around Productivity

Mindset Unlimited: Tips, Tools, and Inspiration for Women in a Time of Change

10/06/21 • 39 min

The myths around productivity are hurting both your productivity AND your mental health. Mythologies always have a purpose for being created, usually to explain something or to illustrate a cultural ideal. These myths of productivity were generated to turn abusive labor practices into an internalized cultural ideal that we then perpetuate upon ourselves. This narrative leads us to abuse ourselves to live up do this mythology’s “good person” and the belief that if we are good enough we will eventually achieve some future dream life.
In this episode of Unlimited, I call out the lies that have become our myths around productivity and invite you into a new narrative of holistic wellness and sustainable living.
Some of what I talk about in this episode includes:

The definition of productivity and its impact
Stories you tell yourself that keep you stuck
Motivation and the story of lazy
Re-thinking time management
Creating a process that supports you

Thank you for listening and be sure to tune in next week for more tips on motivation and time management!
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it! Take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me: @unlimitedcoachval
Want to share your thoughts or have questions? Send me a message! I love to hear from you.
You can email me at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram
AND don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast!
LINKS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE:
Making decisions I can trust
More self-control is not always the answer
Dealing with Burnout beyond the 9-5
Apply for a recorded coaching session
Submit a question anonymously
CONNECT WITH VALERIE:
Facebook
Instagram
Get email updates!
Work with Valerie!

Creating Your Ideal Day YOUR Way

Mindset Unlimited: Tips, Tools, and Inspiration for Women in a Time of Change

03/31/21 • 42 min

There are tons of books all about creating an ideal day or how to start your day so that you set yourself up for success. The problem with all these strategies is that they often tell you to do things that may not fit YOU and instead leave you feeling more frustrated and less productive. The truth is that your level of productivity will look different on different days and how you support your day needs to meet you where you’re at. At the same time, outlining what you want and creating routines are definitely helpful for productivity and life enjoyment. So, what’s the happy medium?
In this episode of Unlimited, I’m diving into how to create supportive foundations for making the most of your day.
Some of what I’ll cover in this episode include:

How to bake flexibility into your plans
Determining routines that support you
Meeting yourself where you’re at in creating new habits
Understanding the relationship between time and energy
Exercises to assess where you’re spending your energy

I went into survival mode with my time when Covid locked us all down, mostly feeling like all I had space for was whatever felt most pressing in that moment. Living like that can become a habit without you even realizing it isn’t necessary anymore, that you actually have at least some of your bearings back. It takes pausing to notice, assess, and envision something different in order to start shifting that way of being. Hopefully this episode helps you begin that process.
If you're interested in judgment-free support to holistically realign life and work to the person you want to be, let's talk. Just schedule a time on my calendar HERE

Collaborative Leadership from Boardroom to Patient-Centered Caregiving with Heather Maurer

Mindset Unlimited: Tips, Tools, and Inspiration for Women in a Time of Change

08/21/24 • 43 min

Collaborative Leadership from Boardroom to Patient-Centered Caregiving is essential for fostering effective relationships between CEOs and board members, as well as between healthcare professionals and patients. This approach not only enhances organizational dynamics but also improves patient outcomes by prioritizing communication, trust, and shared goals. By empowering all stakeholders and embracing transparency, collaborative leadership creates an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and innovative solutions can emerge to address complex challenges in healthcare and beyond.
In this episode of Unlimited, I invited Heather Maurer (she/her) CEO of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health to join me in a conversation around advancing collaborative leadership from boardroom to patient-centered caregiving.
Some of what we talk about in this episode includes:

Listening to yourself, saying no, and respecting your own expertise and role
Empowerment vs control and collaborative decision-making
Building trust through transparency, time, and accountability
Separating systems and humans as we advocate
Ways to support asking for what you need

LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Cultivating Collaboration Over Competition
Navigating Our Relationship with Death
CONNECT WITH HEATHER:
Website
LinkedIn
Her Health Matters Podcast
CONNECT WITH VALERIE:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
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