Heartbeat For Hire with Lyndsay Dowd

Nausheen I. Chen is a 3-time TEDx speaker, a Public Speaking instructor for the Executive MBA program at Central European University and Wesleyan, and a LinkedIn Learning Instructor with 600,000+ followers across LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. Nausheen coaches leaders at Google, Amazon, NASA and the UN as well as startup founders to speak fearlessly. Her clients have raised more than $115 million through winning investor pitches and successful exits. You can connect with her on: [email protected]. Summary: Public speaking coach Nausheen Chen joins Lyndsay Dowd to break down the real reasons people freeze under the spotlight — and the practical framework she uses to turn nervous executives and introverted entrepreneurs into compelling, confident communicators. Key takeaways: - Nervousness on camera isn't a personality flaw - The three-level speaking framework - Better pitching = better deals - Authenticity is the strategy Episode chapters: 0:00 Intro & episode preview 1:03 Nausheen's origin story 3:33 From filmmaker to speaking coach 6:06 The purple hair strategy 9:39 Speaking to investors: a $65M case study 14:18 Know your story before you tell it 16:39 The speaker's toolkit: voice, energy & body language 20:47 What inspires Nausheen 22:52 Legacy, ideal clients & what's next 24:49 Final advice & how to connect

Renée Marino is a dynamic International Keynote Speaker, Host, and Connection Expert who helps leaders and entrepreneurs communicate confidently and authentically to create real connection that leads to powerful opportunities. With over 30 years of experience mastering communication under pressure, Renée brings a rare perspective shaped on some of the world's biggest stages. She is best known for her role as Mary Delgado in Clint Eastwood's Jersey Boys film and for her work across Broadway productions including West Side Story, Pretty Woman: The Musical, Jersey Boys, Chaplin, and Wonderland. Connect with Renee Marino: Website: www.renemarino.com Instagram: @iamreneemarino LinkedIn: @RenéeMarino Visit here for more: https://book.glamandgritevent.com/home Episode Summary: In this conversation, Renee shares the raw story of how she almost missed her once-in-a-lifetime film opportunity because she was too afraid to speak up — and how that moment became the foundation of her entire philosophy on communication. She also opens up about her journey from Broadway to co-hosting Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi's global events, how she built her business from scratch during COVID by simply showing up as herself on video, and the mindset shift that makes confident communication available to anyone — on any stage, in any room. If you've ever shrunk when you should have owned it, or wondered why your message isn't landing the way you meant it to, this episode is your reset. Key Takeaways: - Speaking up can change everything - Human connection is your edge in an AI world - Most leaders are talking at people, not with them - Nerves are just excitement with a different label - Showing up consistently — as yourself — opens doors - Vulnerability builds trust - Regret is the worst outcome Episode Chapters: 0:00 Teaser – Why human connection beats AI 0:24 Episode intro & three things you'll learn 0:59 Guest intro: Who is Renee Marino? 2:06 Renee's story: From Italian kitchen table to Broadway 3:53 What it really takes to make it on Broadway 4:50 The Clint Eastwood moment — Jersey Boys on film 6:28 The audition she almost didn't get 7:44 Speaking up in the room and landing the role 9:33 Lessons from lunching with Clint Eastwood every day 11:24 The truth revealed: Clint had requested her all along 13:26 The "if you don't ask, you don't get" philosophy 14:13 Transitioning from Broadway to speaking & coaching 15:02 How Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi came into the picture 16:32 Going viral on video in a COVID Facebook group 18:02 Winning five days at Tony Robbins' Fiji resort by just showing up 19:11 Co-hosting Dean's world summit & joining Tony's team 21:29 3 tips to show up better on camera 21:40 Tip 1 – Treat the camera like a friend 22:38 Tip 2 – Reframe nerves as excitement 23:26 Tip 3 – It's not about you, it's about service 24:20 Bonus tip: It's not about perfection, it's about connection 27:22 What inspires Renee 28:10 Renee's legacy 28:33 What's next: The Glam & Grit women's event 30:40 Where to find Renee & closing words

Blake Schofield works with successful leaders and founders who feel drained, unfulfilled, and like their success doesn't feel the way it should—even though everything looks right on paper. After 18 years as a top-performing Fortune 500 executive—including turning around a $130M business at Target from –25% sales to positive growth for the first time in over a decade, delivering $7.5M in profit over plan, and building a new division at Stitch Fix to a 75,000-person waitlist in 11 months—she realized something most high performers don't see: They're not actually solving the root problem—and it's not because something is wrong with them. So they change jobs, start new businesses, go to therapy, hire coaches, or push through… but nothing actually fixes it. Because the issue isn't effort or capability. Episode Summary: Blake Schofield spent 18 years climbing the corporate ladder at Fortune 500 companies — leading turnarounds, scaling new divisions, and delivering results most executives only dream of. But behind the impressive résumé was a pattern she couldn't shake: six to nine months of excitement with every new role, followed by burnout, drain, and the nagging feeling that something was still missing. What she discovered in the years that followed changed everything. The problem wasn't the jobs, the bosses, or the industry — it was misalignment. And after investing over half a million dollars and tens of thousands of hours into understanding why traditional approaches fall short, she developed a framework around three core areas of misalignment that keep talented people stuck. Key Takeaways: - Changing jobs doesn't fix misalignment - Your natural wiring is unique - Most of our beliefs were formed before age 7 - Environment matters more than we think - Asking for help is a strength - Trust the unsettled feeling Episode Chapters: [00:00:00] — Cold Open: The Power of Beliefs [00:00:48] — What You'll Learn Today [00:01:08] — Welcome & Guest Introduction [00:02:22] — Blake's Story: From Psychology to Corporate to Burnout [00:05:03] — The Breaking Point at Stitch Fix [00:07:30] — The Misalignment Framework: Why the Same Cycles Keep Repeating [00:10:41] — Misalignment #1: How You're Naturally Wired to Thrive [00:14:59] — Misalignment #2: Beliefs and Conditioning [00:17:37] — Shining the Mirror: Blake's Coaching Philosophy [00:19:11] — Misalignment #3: Environment [00:20:53] — Who Blake Works With [00:21:20] — What Inspires Blake [00:23:31] — Blake's Podcast: Impact with Ease [00:25:39] — The Entrepreneurship Wake-Up Call [00:29:35] — Final Takeaways from Blake [00:30:52] — Outro & Show Close

Kait LeDonne is a New York-based personal branding strategist and LinkedIn coach who helps thought leaders, executives, and corporate teams turn expertise into visible authority, influence, and qualified deal flow. She is a featured instructor for CNBC Make It's "How to Build a Standout Personal Brand," bringing practical executive-grade playbooks to a broad audience. Her LinkedIn audience and "Build a Brand" newsletter community exceed 80,000 professionals. She has delivered training for organizations, including the United States Air Force and Kia. Listed by Favikon among the Top Personal Branding Influencers in the U.S., Kait is frequently cited in the media for clear, results-driven personal brand strategies professionals can sustain. Connect with Kait LeDonne: Website: www.kaitledonne.com Linkedin: @kaitledonne Episode Summary: In this episode, host Lyndsay Dowd sits down with New York-based personal branding strategist Kait LeDonne — a LinkedIn coach with 80,000+ followers, CNBC contributor, and newsletter founder — to break down exactly how executives, consultants, and thought leaders can stop being the best-kept secret in their industry. Kait shares how she went from a corporate marketing role to launching her own business within 90 days, all powered by LinkedIn. The conversation covers LinkedIn's newest AI-driven algorithm, the three content pillars every professional needs, and how to convert visibility into real revenue — without ever feeling salesy. Key takeaways: Your expertise is already there — the gap is visibility, and the key is clarity. You don't need more credentials; you need a clearer message. Personal branding isn't about being everywhere. It's about being unmistakable somewhere. Pick two to three topics and own them consistently. LinkedIn isn't just a resume — it's a revenue channel. Turning on your Services section, showcasing packages, and adding a soft CTA in posts can quietly drive real deal flow. Don't confuse engagement with your niche. A viral personal story proves you're human, not that you should pivot your entire brand toward it. Think like a reporter covering your own career. Your daily work is more fascinating to outsiders than you think — mine your schedule for content instead of waiting for big wins. Episode chapters: 0:00 Cold open & episode preview 0:44 Introducing Kait LeDonne 2:11 Kait's origin story 4:50 Personality on LinkedIn — the three Ps framework 9:21 Three tactical tips for LinkedIn beginners 13:21 LinkedIn as a revenue channel 16:23 What most people get wrong — the reporter mindset 19:31 LinkedIn video — what's really happening 23:29 Kait's ideal clients & what makes brands fly 25:38 What inspires Kait — and her legacy 28:03 Where to find Kait

In this special episode of Heartbeat for Hire, Lyndsay steps into the guest seat to celebrate a massive milestone: the show's 200th episode. Interviewed by Emmy-winning journalist Cristina Mendonsa, Lyndsay reflects on the journey of growing her podcast. The core takeaway: leading with heart isn't a soft skill, but a requirement for success in today's world. KEY POINTS - The Core Mission: How Lyndsay started the show and used it to share real-world examples of great leadership. - Leading with Heart: Lyndsay's core philosophy. Heart-centred leadership is not "fluffy"; it's an approach that drives real ROI. - The "Reformed Asshole": The story of a leader who moved from fear tactics to vulnerability. - The Power of Curiosity: The "secret sauce" for the podcast. How Lyndsay became a master connector for her audience. - Don't Be Precious with Episode One: Lyndsay's advice for new creators. TIMESTAMPS 1:26 The unexpected joy of building friendships with guests 2:20 The "why" behind Heartbeat for Hire 4:56 The common theme: 99% of successful guests lead with heart 9:56 Lessons from Mark Peters on community and employee resources 14:05 Don't be precious with the first episode 16:25 The emotional impact of audience support 19:48 Thoughts on her legacy ____________________________________________________ Lyndsay Dowd is a Speaker, Founder, Author, Coach, Podcast Host—and unapologetic Disruptor. With 25+ years of leadership experience, including 23 years rising through the ranks at IBM, she's built and led high-performing, diverse sales teams that consistently delivered results. She's also served as a Guest Lecturer at Harvard University, sharing her insights on modern leadership and culture transformation. As the founder of Heartbeat for Hire, Lyndsay helps companies ditch toxic leadership and build irresistible cultures that drive performance, retention, and impact. She's been featured in Fortune Magazine, Authority Magazine, HR.com, ABC, NBC, FOX, and over 90 podcasts. Lyndsay is a two-time author of Top Down Culture and Voices of Women, and the host of the globally ranked Heartbeat for Hire podcast—sitting in the top 2.5% worldwide. She's a frequent speaker, moderator, and guest, known for her candor, humor, and ability to spark action. I love to reward my loyal listeners with great deals. Use code LEADWITHHEART at any of these brands and find the deepest discounts you can find anywhere! https://MyDeals.Page/19c3 Connect with me on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Follow me on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Follow my Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/LyndsayDowdH4H Follow me on Tiktok! https://www.tiktok.com/@lyndsaydowdh4h #Leadership #HeartbeatForHire #BusinessCulture #PodcastMilestone #EmployeeEngagement #AuthenticLeadership #Resilience #ManagementTips #LeadingWithHeart #ProfessionalGrowth