Marli Williams

What if the quality of every relationship in your life - personally and professionally - was a direct reflection of the relationship you have with yourself?In this week's episode, I sit down with relationship expert and author Barb Betts to explore what it really means to move from people pleasing to authentic connection. Together, we unpack how self-connection, emotional intelligence, and the courage to be seen shape the way we lead, love, and show up in the world.We dive into the power of visibility, vulnerability, and relatability - and why “stop hiding” might be the most important leadership advice you’ll ever hear. From navigating self-doubt and imposter syndrome to shifting from comparison to curiosity, this conversation is an invitation to rethink the way you build relationships and the legacy you’re creating through them.If you’ve ever found yourself performing, protecting, or trying to be who you think others need you to be, this episode will challenge you to come home to yourself. Because true connection isn’t built through perfection - it’s built through authenticity.Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, speaker, or someone craving deeper, more meaningful relationships, this conversation will spark new awareness and leave you reflecting on how you want to show up moving forward.Press play and discover what becomes possible when you stop people pleasing - and start relating from who you really are.Barb Betts BioBarb Betts is an International Keynote Speaker, CEO, and author of The Relationship Advantage, teaching leaders and professionals how to drive growth through authentic, trust-based relationships. Over the past 23 years, she has built businesses and led high-performing teams, including sustaining a seven-figure business for more than a decade with no ad spend and no cold strategies.A respected industry leader within the largest trade association in North America, she has worked with organizations including Fidelity and LVMH. Her message on confidence, authenticity, and human connection has been featured in Us Weekly, ABC and KTLA and her high-energy, actionable keynotes inspire audiences to connect with confidence and lead with authenticity.Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliamsStay Connected to The Marli Williams PodcastFollow us on Instagram: @marliwilliamsOur Website: www.podcast.marliwilliams.comHire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!www.marliwilliams.comReally love the podcast and want to share it??Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend. Let's Lead Together and reach more people - we appreciate your support!!

Have you ever felt stuck in old habits, and aren't sure how to break free. This week's episode will help you unlock the secret to your leadership edge with guest expert Susan Drumm! Susan is a dynamic CEO advisor and "pattern recognition expert," pulls back the curtain on the power of pattern disruption in professional growth and personal fulfillment. Hear how her surprising journey—from Harvard Law School to stages of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art—influenced her revolutionary approach to executive coaching. She explores the concept of "playlist leadership" and how music and neuroscience can help you break free from old stories and reach your next level. Whether you're feeling stuck, curious about career change, or passionate about transformational leadership, this episode teases new strategies and tools to help you find what truly lights you up. Don't miss out on inspiration and actionable insights for leaders at every stage!Susan Drumm's Bio:Susan is a CEO Advisor, Leadership Coach, Pattern-Recognition Expert, and USA Today Best-Selling Author. Her mission is to help extraordinary leaders uncover and transform the patterns that hold them back so they can fully realize their vision. She help executives recognize and replace the subconscious patterns that sabotage leadership potential. Through pattern-recognition, music, neuroscience, and results-driven coaching, Susan guide leaders to adopt powerful new approaches that drive measurable change.Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliamsStay Connected to The Marli Williams PodcastFollow us on Instagram: @marliwilliamsOur Website: www.podcast.marliwilliams.comHire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!www.marliwilliams.comReally love the podcast and want to share it??Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend. Let's Lead Together and reach more people - we appreciate your support!!

What if the secret to deeper connection, confidence, and belonging was already inside you?In this episode, I sit down with Evan Cudworth, known as the world’s first Party Coach, to explore something I believe leaders and humans are craving more than ever: real, meaningful connection.Together, we unpack why putting yourself out there can feel so risky in a world of scrolling, ghosting, and social anxiety, and why the courage to show up is exactly what creates the most powerful moments of belonging.Evan shares his idea of the “Party Within,” a powerful mindset shift that reframes what a party actually is. It’s not about substances, small talk, or escaping reality, it’s about participation, presence, play, and authentic connection.In this conversation, we explore: • Why authentic human connection feels harder, and more important than ever • How to overcome social anxiety and build confidence in social spaces • The surprising leadership skill hidden inside hosting and community building • Practical ways to create gatherings and experiences people actually remember • How courage, awkwardness, and play are the ingredients for real belongingIf you’ve ever wanted to feel more confident walking into a room, create meaningful experiences for others, or become the kind of connector who brings people together, this episode will inspire you to rethink what’s possible.Because the best parties aren’t about the music, the drinks, or the venue.They’re about the energy we bring, the courage to participate, and the connections we create together.Evan's Bio: Evan Cudworth’s journey has always been about seeking connection. Throughout his life, he found himself addicted to many things—social media, sex, drugs, validation, religion, spirituality, and especially partying. Evan realized that while these habits often began as ways to connect with others, something would eventually shift. Over time, the substance or activity that once built bonds would start to replace authentic human connection altogether.Embracing his experiences, Evan came to see himself not just as an addict, but as someone deeply aware of the power and pitfalls of seeking connection in all the wrong places. This understanding inspired him to reinvent his relationship with partying and connection, ultimately leading him to become the world’s first “party coach.” Today, Evan helps others navigate similar journeys, finding real connection within themselves and their communities—without letting addiction stand in the way.Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliamsStay Connected to The Marli Williams PodcastFollow us on Instagram: @marliwilliamsOur Website: www.podcast.marliwilliams.comHire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!www.marliwilliams.comReally love the podcast and want to share it??Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend. Let's Lead Together and reach more people - we appreciate your support!!

Curious about how to actually achieve inner peace—even when everything around you feels chaotic? In this episode of the Podcast, I sit down with Reba Parker, author of “The Peaceability Mindset,” to discuss practical tools for cultivating peace, which is something we need a lot more of right now. Listen in as we reimagine what “peace” really means, breaking it down into actionable steps like building safety, nurturing well-being, and fostering interconnectedness. Reba Parker explores how our perceptions have shaped what peace looks like, and how we can redefine it for ourselves, our families, and our teams. If you’re searching for real-life strategies to create a more grounded, harmonious environment at work or at home, this is your opportunity to start your peace journey!Reba's Bio: Reba Parker is a highly respected sociology professor, peace advocate, and community organizer with over 25 years of teaching experience at institutions including the College of Charleston and The Citadel. Known for her groundbreaking work in peace studies, Reba has redefined peace as a practical, measurable process that individuals can incorporate into their daily lives. Her innovative approach has inspired students and communities to view peace not as a distant ideal but as an achievable skill set for personal growth and societal harmony.Reba’s expertise lies in combining sociology with applied peacebuilding, a mission she has championed through teaching, writing, and community leadership. She founded Charleston Peace One Day, a nonprofit organization that brought peace education to life through citywide festivals, creative campaigns, and the planting of over 25 peace poles in Charleston and at institutions like The Citadel. She also co-created a conflict resolution curriculum for at-risk youth in partnership with college students, empowering young people to break cycles of violence. Her dedication has been recognized with numerous awards, including the College of Charleston’s inaugural Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award and Charlie Magazine’s 50 Most Progressive award.Reba lives in Portland, Oregon, with her wife and has three children and two dogs. When she’s not teaching or writing, she nurtures her creative spirit by tending to her vineyard, playing the ukulele, and participating in a weekly writers’ group.For practical insights on integrating peace into your life and community, visit her athttps://thepeaceabilitymindset.com.Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliamsStay Connected to The Marli Williams PodcastFollow us on Instagram: @marliwilliamsOur Website: www.podcast.marliwilliams.comHire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!www.marliwilliams.comReally love the podcast and want to share it??Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend. Let's Lead Together and reach more people - we appreciate your support!!

What if the root of your exhaustion isn’t burnout, but loneliness? In this thought-provoking episode, DeDe HalfHill—retired Air Force colonel turned leadership expert—shares vulnerable stories about the hidden costs of leadership and reveals why addressing “the messy human side” is non-negotiable. Together Marli & DeDe explore the power of authentic leadership, emotional intelligence, and what happens when leaders give themselves and their teams permission to be real. You’ll hear surprising examples from the military and beyond, plus practical mindset shifts for navigating chaos, self-doubt, and the ever-present imposter syndrome. Ready to upgrade your leadership toolkit and banish the myth of the lonely leader? Tune in and discover why normalizing messy emotions might be the ultimate performance hack.DeDe Halfhill Bio:Colonel DeDe Halfhill, USAF (Ret.), is a leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and founder of TAIOH Partners who helps organizations turn hidden friction and burnout into trust, momentum, and measurable performance. Her leadership has been featured on CBS’s 60 Minutes and in Dr. Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead, where Brown describes her as one of her “leadership heroes and a total badass.” Through her Master the UnseenTM framework, DeDe gives leaders practical language and tools to navigate hard conversations, name what’s really going on, and build resilient, deeply connected teams, especially amid uncertainty and change. Her clients include Salesforce, Lockheed Martin, Bank of America, Hearst, FEMA, and other organizations where courageous, emotionally intelligent leadership is a non‐negotiable.Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliamsStay Connected to The Marli Williams PodcastFollow us on Instagram: @marliwilliamsOur Website: www.podcast.marliwilliams.comHire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!www.marliwilliams.comReally love the podcast and want to share it??Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend. Let's Lead Together and reach more people - we appreciate your support!!