Who Made You the Boss?

Get ready for an inspiring and dynamic conversation as Lindsey sits down with her long-time friend, Matt Thomas, to explore how passion and philanthropy can drive life-changing achievements. From foundingBrawl for a Cause to becoming a Chess Boxing World Champion, Matt shares his incredible journey and reveals the secrets behind managing state changes and cognitive flexibility for peak performance. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, athlete, or someone striving to level up in life, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you optimize your mindset, routines, and impact. Don’t miss this energizing discussion!

What you'll learn in this episode:

• The concept of state change management and its application in both sports and daily life.

• Techniques for cognitive flexibility and performance optimization, including breath work, visualization, and meditation.

• How to pursue philanthropy through our passions.

• How to reframe life's challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement.

ABOUT MATT:

Matt Thomas, aka @movingwithmat, is the USA’s first Chessboxing World Champion, a combat sports commentator, and a content creator focused on chessboxing, wellness, and peak performance. As the founder of Brawl for a Cause, he’s helped raise seven figures for over 150 nonprofits through first-time fighters. A former tech professional, Matt has traveled to 40+ countries, becoming a certified yoga instructor and creating Fight and Flow, a fitness concept blending calisthenics and yoga. His mission is to grow chessboxing, fuse Eastern wisdom with Western science, and generate over $1B for philanthropy.

CONNECT WITH MATT:

Join leadership expert Jenni Catron for a candid conversation that will challenge the way you think about leadership and connection. In this episode, Jenni dives into the often-overlooked struggles of loneliness at the top, offering actionable strategies for building meaningful peer relationships and fostering continuous growth. Learn how to embrace the sacred responsibility of leadership, create a culture of empathy and support, and lead with intention. Packed with personal stories and professional insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to lead with impact while staying grounded and connected.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• The challenges of loneliness in leadership and strategies to combat isolation through community and peer support.

• The role of vulnerability and empathetic connection in effective leadership.

• How to create a positive organizational culture where team members feel seen, valued, and engaged.

• The importance of clear values and goals in building a successful and cohesive team.

ABOUT JENNI:

Kick off Season 4 with a powerful episode that will inspire you to turn your passions into a fulfilling career. Host Lindsey Epperly opens up about a pivotal moment in her life when an unexpected injury derailed her plans but ultimately taught her the importance of presence, resilience, and finding joy in the journey. Tune in to uncover how life’s disruptions can lead to deeper clarity, reflect on your own passions, and gain practical insights for embracing the messy, fun, and authentic pursuit of your dreams. This episode is your invitation to step into a life of purpose and play—don’t miss it!

What you'll learn in this episode:

• How unexpected events can shift your plans and how to navigate the change.
• The power of play and presence, especially in those everyday family moments.
• How the unpredictable can fuel personal growth and creativity.
• Why embracing imperfection is key when following your passion.
• Practical tips for turning a side project into a full-fledged professional endeavor.

ABOUT LINDSEY:

Lindsey Epperly is the founder and Chairwoman of Jetset World Travel, which she grew from a one-woman operation into a team of 100, earning two consecutive spots on the Inc. 5000 List of fastest-growing companies. Named to the Forbes Next 1000 List, Lindsey is passionate about championing entrepreneurs, addressing burnout and imposter syndrome, and turning obstacles into opportunities. Through her podcast, Who Made You the Boss?, and her in-progress fiction book, she shares the highs and lows of entrepreneurship to inspire others to lead with purpose and resilience.

In this deeply personal episode, Lindsey shares a monumental moment from her journey as she steps back from the company she founded, Jetset World Travel. She discusses the winding path that led her to make this decision, the personal and professional experiences that shaped her, and how bravery sometimes means letting go. Lindsey reflects on losing a dear friend, becoming a mother, and overcoming a health scare—all of which shifted her perspective on success and leadership. Tune in as she explains how this shift is not just about stepping back but about creating space for others to lead and expand into their own purpose.

This episode is for you if you’ve wondered:

• How to Listen to Your Inner Compass: Lindsey shares how she navigated the emotional and mental hurdles to know when it was time to step down as CEO and embrace a new chapter.
• What it Means to Redefine Leadership: The episode highlights how leadership isn’t always about being the face of the company, but understanding when and how to evolve into a new role that serves both the business and yourself.
• Tips for Navigating Career Transitions with Grace: Listeners will gain insight into the steps Lindsey took to make such a major decision—from prayer and reflection to facing fears of change—and how to apply these principles in their own career transitions.

ABOUT LINDSEY:

Lindsey Epperly is an entrepreneur, writer, and the founder of Jetset World Travel. With over a decade of leadership experience, Lindsey is passionate about helping others believe in their unique value and guiding them to lead with purpose.

Additional resources from this episode:

Shauna Niequist is the New York Times bestselling author of several books, including I Guess I Haven’t Learned that Yet and Present Over Perfect. She and her husband Aaron live in New York City with their sons Henry and William. She’s a bookworm, a beach bum, and a passionate gatherer of people, especially around the table.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Strategies to protect your peace, energy, and family time from negative social media interactions.
• The importance of maintaining meaningful relationships and having a support system.
• Daily practices for acknowledging pain and gratitude to start and end the day with intention.
• The concept of reframing hospitality to foster understanding and connection.
• The impact of incorporating playfulness and lightheartedness into serious aspects of life.

ABOUT SHAUNA:

Shauna Niequist is the New York Times bestselling author of Cold Tangerines, Bittersweet, Bread & Wine, Savor, and Present Over Perfect. She is married to Aaron, and they live in New York City with their sons, Henry and Mac. 

Connect with Shauna: