What if the reason your marketing isn’t working has nothing to do with your tactics and everything to do with how you’re positioning yourself?
In this Season One finale of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita is joined by Brad Luttrell, founder of Prologue Stories LLC, for a powerful live conversation on marketing, storytelling, personal branding, and relationship-driven growth.
At the center of this episode is a game-changing idea:
👉 Are you positioning what you do as a painkiller, or just a vitamin?
Most businesses, entrepreneurs, job seekers, and personal brands unknowingly market themselves as “nice-to-have” solutions. Brad breaks down why this approach fails, how to identify the real pain your audience is trying to solve, and why people are willing to pay a premium for immediate relief, not long-term promises.
The painkiller vs. vitamin framework and how it applies to marketing, sales, and personal branding
Why feature-based messaging doesn’t convert—and what to say instead
How internal teams lose context and assume their message is clear when it isn’t
Why you can’t rush trust or assume relationship buy-in
How to build a warm network so you never have to rely on cold starts
Why content marketing is a long game (and why “instant results” are a myth)
The 80/20 content rule that builds emotional connection without selling
How consistency compounds into momentum over time
Brad also shares his entrepreneurial journey, from founding and scaling GoWild, navigating rapid growth, fundraising, and market collapse, to ultimately shutting it down and discovering his true strength as a storyteller. That realization led to the creation of Prologue Stories, where he now helps companies clarify their messaging, reposition their brands, and launch podcasts that actually resonate.
An entrepreneur, founder, or business owner
A marketer, consultant, or creative
A career changer or personal brand builder
Someone struggling to explain what they do in a way that clicks
Tired of chasing tactics and ready to build trust, clarity, and demand
The episode closes with a powerful reminder:
👉 Don’t assume your audience knows you.
👉 Don’t lead with vitamins.
👉 Build the relationship and offer the painkiller when it matters.
Because you never know who’s paying attention.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Audible.
Do you feel stuck in self-doubt, constantly battling negative thoughts, or struggling with an inner critic that never seems to rest? In this episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita sits down with executive coach, workshop leader, and international speaker Michelle Phillips to explore the transformative power of discovering, naming, claiming, and taming your internal narrators.
Michelle shares her personal journey of identifying her relentless inner critic, Wanda, and her empowering inner coach, Grace, offering practical strategies to take control of your thoughts, emotions, and personal destiny. Learn how to create emotional distance from self-criticism, invite supportive inner voices, and reclaim your personal power—both in your relationships and within yourself.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
How naming your inner critic can create an emotional buffer and stop self-sabotage.
The difference between your inner critic and inner coach, and how to summon your supportive voice.
Techniques to process emotions, prevent negative spirals, and manage stress effectively.
How to use awareness and forgiveness to reclaim agency and strengthen relationships.
Insights from Michelle’s work with Fortune 100 & 500 companies on mastering mindset and emotional intelligence.
Whether you’re navigating self-doubt, emotional overwhelm, or career transitions, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you quiet your inner critic, strengthen your confidence, and make empowered decisions.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Audible.
What happens when being late to a dinner changes your entire leadership philosophy?
In this episode of The Story I'm Telling Myself, host Rita sits down with John Brooks, CEO of Warehouse on Wheels, to explore a transformative moment that redefined his approach to business leadership and company culture.
John shares the remarkable story of arriving late to a CEO dinner—only to find himself seated between two intimidating strangers in the back corner. Those strangers turned out to be Navy SEALs Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, co-authors of the bestselling leadership book "Extreme Ownership."
In This Episode, You'll Discover:
About John Brooks:John Brooks is the CEO of Warehouse on Wheels, a company providing cost-effective storage and logistical solutions for manufacturing, distribution, and reverse logistics companies. Under his leadership, the company has experienced exponential growth while maintaining a culture of accountability, ownership, and purpose.
Key Topics Covered:Leadership development | Extreme ownership | Company culture | Employee engagement | Business growth strategies | Navy SEAL leadership principles | CEO insights | Entrepreneurship | Team building | Decentralized command | Humble leadership | Performance accountability
Connect with John Brooks: LinkedIn @JNBrooksSIV
Sometimes being late is exactly what you need. Tune in to discover how one unexpected dinner conversation sparked a leadership revolution.
🎧 Subscribe to The Story I'm Telling Myself for more inspiring conversations about transformative moments, leadership lessons, and the stories that shape who we become.
#Leadership #ExtremeOwnership #BusinessPodcast #CEOInterview #NavySEALs #CompanyCulture #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #TeamBuilding
In this powerful episode of “The Story I’m Telling Myself,” host Rita sits down with global executive assistant trainer and bestselling author Bonnie Low-Kramen (Be the Ultimate Assistant, Staff Matters) to unpack the true cost of burnout, poor boundaries, and the internal narratives that keep high achievers—especially women—stuck in toxic work habits.
Bonnie shares her dramatic wake-up call after years of overwork as the longtime personal assistant to Oscar-winning actress Olympia Dukakis, including the moment a doctor linked her double pneumonia to extreme stress and lack of rest. Rita reflects on her own mental burnout during a demanding travel-heavy consulting role, revealing how “being indispensable” can drive us into exhaustion, resentment, and self-betrayal.
Together, they explore:
✨ Burnout warning signs and why high performers ignore them
✨ The myth of indispensability and how it harms women in the workplace
✨ How people-pleasing, overcommitment, and gratitude culture fuel burnout
✨ The employer’s duty of care vs. personal responsibility
✨ Why boundaries are essential for long-term career success
✨ Practical, real-world strategies to speak up, renegotiate expectations, and reset balance
✨ How AI tools can support smarter, more sustainable work
✨ Why “it’s a marathon, not a sprint” when it comes to career and wellbeing
If you’ve ever struggled with overworking, people-pleasing, feeling undervalued, or believing “they can’t do it without me,” this episode offers clarity, compassion, and actionable steps to help you reclaim your time, energy, and self-worth.
In this episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita sits down with Kelly Blackmon, founder of BE Consulting, for a powerful and timely conversation about the future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today’s workplace.
With DEI facing public scrutiny, political backlash, and leadership burnout, Kelly challenges the idea that DEI is “dead” and instead explores how it can evolve through emotional intelligence, empathy, and human connection.
Together, Rita and Kelly unpack:
Why DEI efforts rise and fall in cycles, and how to break the “DEI crisis cycle.”
The emotional intensity after 2020 and how high emotion can spark change but sabotage sustainability.
The rise of “reverse racism” and what happens when any group feels “othered.”
The psychology of victimhood, choice, and empowerment in identity conversations.
How labeling fuels tribalism, and why connection must come before identity.
Why the workplace has become the new community, and how leaders can create cultures of belonging and purpose.
💡 Key takeaway: DEI isn’t dying, it’s transforming. Real progress starts when we connect human to human, build common ground, and lead with emotional intelligence instead of ego.
📚 Connect with Kelly Blackmon:
Book: Future Proofing HR Today (available on Amazon)
Free Culture Kit: beconsulting.com
LinkedIn: Kelly Blackmon / CultureEQ
🎧 Listen to The Story I’m Telling Myself on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Audible for honest conversations that challenge what we believe about leadership, growth, and the stories we tell ourselves.
#DEI #LeadershipPodcast #EmotionalIntelligence #WorkplaceCulture #FutureOfWork #TheStoryImTellingMyself
Ever felt like you're one mistake away from being “found out”? That no matter how accomplished, capable, or praised you are… there's still a voice whispering you don’t belong?
In this powerful episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita sits down with educator, author, mentor, and former CPA Deborah Kevin to peel back the layers of impostor syndrome, high-achiever burnout, perfectionism, and the invisible weight many women carry in silence.
Deborah shares her journey from corporate over-performer to abuse survivor to empowered author and book coach, revealing how trauma, childhood programming, and a fear of visibility can shape a lifelong “fraud story.” Through art-therapy lessons (yes, including Shrek!), internal work, and learning to trust her voice, she rebuilt her sense of worth from the inside out.
Together, Rita and Deborah explore:
Impostor syndrome and the “fraud mindset” in women leaders
How perfectionism becomes emotional armor
The link between trauma, self-doubt, and overachieving
Healing after abusive relationships and reclaiming visibility
Why entrepreneurship can trigger (and ultimately dissolve) self-worth wounds
The courage to publish your story and own your voice
Practical tools to quiet the inner critic and build true confidence
You’ll learn actionable strategies for breaking free from self-doubt, challenging the internal critic, building safe and empowering community, and stepping into your worth without needing external validation.
✨ If you’re a high-performing woman, recovering perfectionist, or someone doing the deep inner work to stop “proving yourself” and start believing in yourself, this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Audible
In this powerful episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita Ernst sits down with Dr. Nikki Lanier, CEO of Harper Slade and founder of the Rare Woman Collective, for an honest and deeply moving conversation about fear, race, motherhood, and the narratives that shape our lives.
Through the lens of her lived experience as a Black mother raising a son in America, Dr. Lanier opens up about the emotional reality of preparing her child to navigate a world that often misreads his worth and humanity. From creating a “police pouch” to protect her teenage son, to redefining what it means to lead with grace and courage, she invites listeners to reflect on the stories society assigns us , and how we can disrupt them.
Together, Rita and Dr. Lanier unpack powerful themes of racial equity, leadership, fear management, emotional intelligence, and advocacy. They explore how fear can both protect and paralyze us , and how to transform it through connection, awareness, and intentional action.
Key topics include:
The emotional toll of racial narratives on Black families
The “police pouch” story and redefining safety through love
Fear as both a survival tool and a limiting belief
How white allies can engage in advocacy with grace and empathy
Building authentic multicultural workplaces and communities
🎧 Tune in to The Story I’m Telling Myself on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Audible to hear a conversation that challenges bias, inspires reflection, and reclaims humanity — one story at a time.
#TheStoryImTellingMyself #RitaErnst #DrNikkiLanier #RacialEquity #Motherhood #FearAndCourage #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #BlackMothers #SocialChange #Advocacy #PodcastDescription #StorytellingPodcast
In this powerful episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita Ernst sits down with Dr. Nikki Lanier, CEO of Harper Slade and founder of the Rare Woman Collective, for an honest and deeply moving conversation about fear, race, motherhood, and the narratives that shape our lives.
Through the lens of her lived experience as a Black mother raising a son in America, Dr. Lanier opens up about the emotional reality of preparing her child to navigate a world that often misreads his worth and humanity. From creating a “police pouch” to protect her teenage son, to redefining what it means to lead with grace and courage, she invites listeners to reflect on the stories society assigns us , and how we can disrupt them.
Together, Rita and Dr. Lanier unpack powerful themes of racial equity, leadership, fear management, emotional intelligence, and advocacy. They explore how fear can both protect and paralyze us , and how to transform it through connection, awareness, and intentional action.
Key topics include:
The emotional toll of racial narratives on Black families
The “police pouch” story and redefining safety through love
Fear as both a survival tool and a limiting belief
How white allies can engage in advocacy with grace and empathy
Building authentic multicultural workplaces and communities
🎧 Tune in to The Story I’m Telling Myself on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Audible to hear a conversation that challenges bias, inspires reflection, and reclaims humanity — one story at a time.
#TheStoryImTellingMyself #RitaErnst #DrNikkiLanier #RacialEquity #Motherhood #FearAndCourage #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #BlackMothers #SocialChange #Advocacy #PodcastDescription #StorytellingPodcast
In this powerful episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita sits down with Melissa Trelfitt, a seasoned fractional HR leader with over 25 years of experience, to unpack one of the most relatable workplace experiences: that moment when you start asking yourself, “Am I crazy, or is this place actually toxic?”
Inside this episode, you’ll learn:
What toxic leadership and organizational dysfunction really look like beneath the surface
How power dynamics, gender roles, and generational differences shape how we respond to workplace intimidation
The real emotional toll of working under abusive or ineffective leaders
Why HR professionals often get caught between integrity and politics
Practical ways to set boundaries, trust your instincts, and protect your mental health at work
Melissa shares a raw story about confronting a toxic leader during the pandemic, the physical intimidation she faced, and how she found the courage to walk away. Together, she and Rena explore the deep psychology behind self-doubt, the “make your boss happy” culture, and the cost of staying silent in dysfunctional organizations.
Key Themes:
Toxic workplaces & dysfunctional leadership
Emotional safety and psychological resilience
Gender & power dynamics in corporate culture
HR integrity and leadership accountability
Setting boundaries and aligning with your values
This episode is a must-listen for HR professionals, corporate leaders, and anyone questioning their sanity in a toxic workplace. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is it me?” this conversation will remind you: it’s not.
🎧 Tune in now to learn how to recognize dysfunction, reclaim your power, and lead with courage, even when it’s uncomfortable.
#ToxicWorkplace #LeadershipPodcast #CareerGrowth #HRLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #WorkplaceCulture #Boundaries #MentalHealthAtWork #CareerTransitions #WomenInLeadership
What really drives you to make a career change, fear or purpose?
In this powerful episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita sits down with leadership and organisational development consultant Suze Shaner-Brodax to unpack the push and pull behind major career transitions. From corporate life to entrepreneurship and back again, Suze has navigated the professional world three different times, each move revealing something deeper about identity, values, and the stories we tell ourselves about success.
Through raw honesty and hard-earned wisdom, Suze shares:
How to know whether you’re being pushed by fear or pulled by purpose
The importance of self-awareness in aligning your career with your values
What happens when ambition clashes with well-being, and how to listen when your body says “enough”
Her Four S’s of Transition: Situation, Self, Support, and Strategies, a simple framework for navigating change with clarity and confidence
If you’re standing at a career crossroads, facing burnout, or craving a more meaningful direction, this episode will help you redefine success on your own terms.
🎙️ Tune in to “The Story I’m Telling Myself” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Audible, and discover how to approach your next transition with intention, courage, and purpose.
Guest: Suze, Leadership & Organizational Development Consultant, Executive Coach.
🔗 Learn more about her work at sagelead.com.
#CareerTransitions #LeadershipDevelopment #SelfAwareness #PersonalGrowth #WomenInLeadership #CareerChange #WorkLifeBalance #MindsetMatters #TheStoryImTellingMyselfPodcast
What do you do when you lose your job, the one you’ve given your time, energy, and heart to?
In this special edition of The Story I’m Telling Myself Podcast, Rita sits down with Liz Dehart, a marketing expert who was recently laid off after six years at Glasser’s Collision Centers. Instead of reacting with anger or resentment, Liz chose gratitude, grace, and growth, inspiring this honest and hopeful conversation.
Together, they explore:
If you’ve ever faced a career transition, questioned your next step, or supported someone through change, this episode will remind you that sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is go high.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Audible.
#TheStoryImTellingMyselfPodcast #JobLoss #CareerTransitions #Resilience #MindsetShift
Have you ever done everything right, followed the rules, checked every box, worked hard, and still wondered why things weren’t working out? You’re not alone.
In this episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita sits down with Jenn Whitmer, an international keynote speaker and workplace culture consultant, to challenge the hidden narrative that obedience guarantees success. Together, they explore how blindly following the “right way” can actually keep you stuck, and why reclaiming your agency is the true path to growth, influence, and freedom.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
The toxic story behind “If I just do everything right, it will work out”
How Jenn’s personal health journey revealed the limits of blind obedience
Why redefining your relationship with authority unlocks new possibilities
The cost of choosing safety over power, and how to take responsibility for your life
Practical ways to rewrite your internal story and claim your agency
Whether you’re navigating career growth, leadership challenges, or personal change, this conversation will help you stop handing over your power and start writing your own ending.
✨ “Be careful the tales you tell, that is the spell.” Into the Woods
🔗 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & Audible.
#MindsetShift #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #Podcast
Are you over 40 and wondering if it’s too late to pivot your career or redesign your life? In this empowering episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita sits down with Andrea Bjorkman, CEO & Co-Founder of Find Your Fizz, to talk about breaking free from age-related stereotypes, self-limiting beliefs, and outdated societal expectations.
At 58, Andrea left a high-level corporate executive role, only to discover how deeply her identity and worth were tied to her career. Faced with grief, ageism in the job market, and the fear of “starting over,” she transformed that experience into a new mission, helping women over 40 navigate professional and personal transitions with courage and clarity.
In this candid conversation, you’ll learn:
How to recognize and rewrite the self-limiting stories holding you back (“I’m too old,” “I’m not good enough”).
Why reclaiming a new identity is more powerful than trying to get your old one back.
Simple, practical steps to start moving toward a more authentic life today, without needing to “have it all figured out.”
Why putting yourself first isn’t selfish, but essential for keeping your spark alive.
How to shift from chasing external validation to finding fulfillment in making a difference, even for one person.
If you’re ready to release outdated rules, rediscover your purpose, and embrace the idea that your best chapter can still be ahead, this episode will show you how.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Audible to feel inspired, motivated, and empowered to start your next chapter, no matter your age.
#MidlifeReinvention #CareerChangeAfter40 #FindYourFizz #TheStoryImTellingMyself
In this episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, Rita talks with professional speaker and coach Olivia Fitchett about overcoming crippling anxiety, self-doubt, and the stories that hold us back.
Olivia’s journey, from growing up in Southern Indiana with clinical anxiety to unexpectedly landing a White House internship, is a testament to courage, persistence, and the power of self-trust.
🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Olivia turned a “joke” application into a life-changing White House internship
The role a supportive friend played in challenging her self-doubt
Practical ways to challenge and rewrite your own self-limiting beliefs
Why the real win is in the attempt , not just the outcome
How to build self-trust, walk through doubt, and act even when you’re scared
The moment Olivia shifted her mindset from “I’m not good enough” to “Why not me?”
Perfect for you if you’re:
Battling imposter syndrome
Considering a bold career or life change
Looking for motivation to push through fear and self-doubt
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & Audible and start embracing your own “Why not me?” mindset today.
#OvercomingAnxiety #SelfDoubt #WhiteHouseInternship #WhyNotMe #TheStoryImTellingMyself
Are you ready to break free from limiting beliefs and step into unstoppable growth? In this episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, Rita sits down with entrepreneur and community builder Sabrina Victoria, founder of Her Nation Global, to uncover how she transformed her life from victimhood to victor
Sabrina opens up about the turning points that forced her to confront her inner narrative, growing up in a strict religious household, facing abandonment, surviving an abusive relationship, and ultimately choosing to rewrite her story. With courage and raw honesty, she shares the practical mindset shifts that helped her build thriving businesses, create supportive communities for women, and embrace a fearless “go big or go bigger” philosophy.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in your past, battled self-doubt, or wondered how to move from survival mode to thriving, this conversation will give you the roadmap. Discover how to release your victim story, reframe fear as an opportunity, and step fully into the empowered version of yourself.
Don’t miss this inspiring episode filled with real stories, powerful takeaways, and the motivation you need to finally go bigger in your own life.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Audible.
In this deeply moving episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself podcast, Rita sits down with Karen Taylor, grief integration coach, to explore the complexities of grief, loss, and guilt. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I to blame?” after losing a loved one, this episode is for you.
Karen shares her personal journey of grief after the tragic loss of her sister and explains the difference between grief (the emotional response to loss) and grieving (the long-term process of learning to live without someone). She dives into the stages of grief, including the “free fall,” and why rumination and guilt are natural responses that can help, but can also hold you back if you get stuck.
You’ll learn:
How to navigate guilt and self-blame after a loss
The difference between grief and grieving
Healthy ways to process rumination and “what ifs”
How to reframe painful thoughts using the “even if” technique
Why moving forward doesn’t mean leaving your loved one behind
The importance of being present and holding space for yourself and others
This episode is essential for anyone experiencing grief, supporting someone through loss, or seeking guidance on emotional healing, coping with loss, and mental health after tragedy.
🎧 Listen to The Story I’m Telling Myself podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Audible.
In this episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself, host Rita sits down with Kelly Charles, a high-stakes communication expert, keynote speaker, and four-time author, to explore the stories we tell ourselves and how they shape our lives.
Kelly opens up about her journey from thriving lawyer to professional speaker, sharing the pivotal moment when she realized she could “cashflow what she knew” instead of grinding long hours in court. From battling self-doubt to embracing her identity as both attorney and speaker, she reveals how women can own their accomplishments and stop leaving parts of themselves behind.
The conversation dives into:
How to recognize and rewrite the stories holding you back
Why women must proudly own their “receipts” and credibility
Strategies for navigating confrontation with dignity and purpose
The power of bringing your whole self into every room
This episode is a reminder that it’s not bragging if it’s true, and that your lived experiences, skills, and resilience are your greatest assets.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Audible.
#TheStoryImTellingMyself #KellyCharlesCollins #CareerChangeJourney #WomenInLeadership #ProfessionalSpeaker #HighStakesCommunication #PersonalGrowthPodcast #RewriteYourStory #CareerTransitions #EntrepreneurMindset #WomenEmpowerment #AuthenticLeadership #ConfrontationSkills #MindsetShift #LeaveNothingBehind #EmpoweredWomenEmpowerWomen #SelfDoubtToSuccess #CareerRedefinition #LeadershipDevelopment #OwnYourPower
Have you ever felt left out, unseen, or “not chosen” and instantly turned that moment into proof that you’re not enough? In this episode of The Story I’m Telling Myself Podcast, host Rita is joined by Tracy Borreson, a marketer and coach, to explore the powerful self-help concept of being “leavable.”
High achievers and driven professionals often carry silent fears of abandonment, rejection, or being overlooked. These fears become ingrained stories that shape our relationships, careers, and self-worth. Tracy shares her journey of recognizing her “I’m leavable” narrative, from childhood memories to divorce and career decisions, and how she learned to rewrite it into a new story: “I can create.”
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why your brain is wired to confirm negative beliefs and fears
How “the unreliable narrator” in your head keeps you stuck
Practical tools to replace limiting stories with empowering ones
Why reframing rejection can lead to growth, creation, and resilience
How high achievers can stop shrinking in fear and start living limitlessly
This conversation is a must-listen for anyone in the self-help and personal development space who wants to overcome fear, heal feelings of rejection, and step into empowerment.
🎧 Tune in now to From “Leavable” to Limitless: Rewriting the Story in Your Head on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Audible.
Will I Be as Good? The Leap from Corporate Peak to Entrepreneur with Susan Collins
What if the best time to make a career change… is when you’re at your peak?
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Susan Collins , career strategist, coach, and “The Network Concierge” to talk about her bold decision to leave a thriving 25-year career in corporate talent acquisition to start her own business.
Susan shares her journey from “steady Eddie” in the corporate world to stepping into the unknown, helping people see their full potential, and empowering them to ask for more , more money, more opportunities, and more from life.
We dive into:
Whether you’re feeling stuck, dreaming of something new, or simply curious about what it takes to leap from security to possibility, Susan’s story will leave you motivated, thoughtful, and ready to think ahead.
🎧 Listen now to The Story I’m Telling Myself Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & Audible, and start building the life you can’t stop thinking about.
What’s Stopping You From Asking for Help?
The hard truth every high-achiever needs to hear.
If you’ve ever felt like asking for help makes you look weak, incapable, or not cut out for leadership, this episode is your permission slip to think again.
In this honest and eye-opening conversation, host Rita is joined by Leanne Elliot, Chartered Organizational Psychologist and host of Truth, Lies, and Work. Leanne shares the story of how her first big management role at just 27 went sideways, not because she wasn’t smart enough, but because she didn’t ask for help.
The result?
A tough demotion.
But also… a turning point that reshaped her career.
This episode is a must-listen for high performers, new managers, and ambitious professionals who are silently struggling under the pressure to do it all.
Inside this episode, we cover:
Why high-achievers fear asking for help (hint: it’s not about ego)
The psychology behind help-seeking behavior at work
Real data that shows people are more willing to help than you think
How Leanne turned a career low into her most powerful leadership lesson
Practical tips to build trust, vulnerability, and psychological safety with your team
Spoiler: You’re not weak for needing help, you’re human. And leaders who ask for support often build the strongest teams.
🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, and YouTube
💌 Need help but don’t know where to start? Reach out to Leanne: hello@truthliesandwork.com
#TheStoryImTellingMyself #HighAchievers #LeadershipPodcast #AskForHelp #WorkplaceWellbeing #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #ImposterSyndrome #DemotionRecovery #VulnerabilityIsStrength #YoungProfessionals #WomenInLeadership #TruthLiesAndWork