Trusting Yourself: Kirsten Duncan's Journey from Fearful to Fearless

Transforming Fear into Confidence: Montana Von Fliss on Effective Public Speaking

In this episode of Pivot to Joy, host Dele Downs Kooley sits down with her coaching client Montana von Fliss, public speaking coach, actor, and TEDx Bellevue Women speaker. Montana shares her journey from a lifelong love of acting and teaching to speaker coach, ultimately stepping onto the TEDx stage herself. Together, Dele and Montana explore the universal struggle with confidence, the science behind nerves, actionable tools for managing self-doubt, and what it truly means to move from fear to confid...    Tune in now!    Timestamps:  [00:01:04] Introduction to Montana von Fliss and her background as an actor and coach  [00:03:52] Montana’s journey from coaching to speaking at TEDx Bellevue Women  [00:07:09] How Montana’s talk and coaching intersect in helping others find confidence  [00:16:25] The “silent sentence” technique for managing nerves and shaping self-talk  [00:25:24] Montana’s biggest takeaway from the TEDx experience and her personal growth  [00:34:08] A powerful story on the impact of her TEDx talk and connecting with her “one person”  [00:39:23] Advice for overcoming self-doubt and the process of creating constructive self-talk  [00:43:28] The link between body language, confidence, and practical speaking hacks  [00:50:11] What’s next for Montana and her ongoing passion for coaching and performing    Quotes:  “The words that you say silently to yourself before your talk... an example, one that I use, I have several, but one that I say often, it's in the talk, is something along the lines of I invite you to be here with me while I am here with you so that I can help you to the best of my ability.” [00:17:21]  “You are not alone. That is totally normal. That is completely, as far as I can tell, a universal human experience. It's really what you do next, I think that matters the most.” [00:39:23]  “I believe that we can set up the conditions where it's more likely that we'll feel better, maybe feel more confident. But mostly what we're setting up in this repeatable, reliable process... is making this repeatable process to help us manage through whatever feelings come.” [00:48:11]  “I don't think I'm ever going to want to retire because I kind of love this too much.” [00:50:00]    Resources:  • Montana von Fliss: Website and LinkedIn  • Listen to Montana’s TEDx Bellevue Women talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVFzbxmKNUw    [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVFzbxmKNUw]If today’s episode resonated with you, follow along on your favorite social media and explore resources to elevate your voice, refine your story, and build a powerful personal brand.  And remember sharing is caring. SHARE with your friends – because transformation is even better when we do it together!    Connect with me:  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley]•Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching [https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching]•Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching [https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching]• Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com    Additional Resources:  • Journaling Worksheet & Complete Show Notes: https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast  [https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast]• Special Offer: Mention this podcast and receive $250 off any coaching program!    Subscribe to Pivot to Joy and let’s embark on this journey together—own your voice, share your story, and create a brand that truly inspires!

The Power of Personal Empowerment: Parul Sharma’s Transformative Journey

In this episode of Pivot to Joy, host Dele Downs Kooley sits down with Parul Sharma, creative director, artist, and 2024 TEDx Bellevue Women’s speaker, to explore the power of developing a "protagonist mindset." Parul shares her journey from childhood as an artist in India, through pivots in her career and personal life, to taking the TEDx stage. She details how her Buddhist practice shaped her worldview, influenced her development as both a creator and a parent, and inspired her to share her story of ...    Tune in now!    Timestamps:  [00:01:28] Parul on sharing her TEDx talk and the powerful responses received  [00:03:58] The concept and meaning behind "Developing a Protagonist Mindset"  [00:05:43] Parul’s upbringing, her journey from India to the US, and early career pivots  [00:13:09] How Buddhism and the concept of karma influenced her worldview  [00:19:49] Practical steps for aspiring TEDx speakers  [00:26:24] The importance of the protagonist mindset in times of change  [00:34:46] Buddhism’s role in personal development and managing stress  [00:41:10] Turning obstacles into opportunities for growth  [00:45:25] The impact of the TEDx experience on Parul, professionally and personally  [00:52:18] What’s next for Parul, and her return to making art for joy and meaning  [00:53:22] How to connect with Parul Sharma    Quotes:  "It's sort of a mindset that you very much are capable of shifting…it has such a power over you that you are, in fact, capable of overcoming it and really, like, shifting to a state in which you feel more empowered and in control." [00:04:17]  "If you think like that [this is the ideal circumstance], what it does to your mindset is that you stop thinking of your life as a punishment. Your life is not, you know, a series of, you know, like negative things that you're weighed under. But it's like, these are my circumstances, and how can I create the most value from them?" [00:14:28]  "I decided to actually sit and write down my entire talk first because my, my, the way I am built, I felt that I didn't even want to approach someone else to say, would you give me an opportunity? Until I knew that I had a talk in me." [00:19:53]  "The idea that is sensitive, if I may define the protagonist mindset, it is this idea that a change within me can change my circumstances. So while the world may be changing and shifting rapidly, and yes, it impacts you, the way to take charge in that circumstance is to say, “What can I do? What can I do?” My response is so important, you know, not my reaction, but my response, you know, because the response is more grounded in what do I want to do in this world." [00:27:49]    Resources:  • Connect with Parul Sharma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parulxsharma  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/parulxsharma]• Listen to Parul’s TEDx Bellevue Women talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZoqKtbFsUQ  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZoqKtbFsUQ]• Buddhability: https://buddhability.org/  [https://buddhability.org/]• Book: “The Buddha in Your Mirror”    If today’s episode resonated with you, follow along on your favorite social media and explore resources to elevate your voice, refine your story, and build a powerful personal brand.  And remember sharing is caring. SHARE with your friends – because transformation is even better when we do it together!  Connect with me:  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley]•Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching [https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching]•Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching [https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching]• Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com  [https://delekooleycoaching.com/]   Additional Resources:  • Journaling Worksheet & Complete Show Notes: https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast  [https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast]• Special Offer: Mention this podcast and receive $250 off any coaching program!    Subscribe to Pivot to Joy and let’s embark on this journey together—own your voice, share your story, and create a brand that truly inspires!

Pivot to Impact: Claudia Longo's Story of Transformation and Community Building

In this episode of Pivot to Joy, Coach Kooley sits down with coaching client Claudia Longo, founder of MS, I’mpossible and a 2024 TEDx Bellevue Women speaker. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at just 18, Claudia defied the odds by returning as a Division 1 soccer player at the University of Washington. As the founder of MS Impossible, she connects and empowers young adults living with MS, transforming personal challenge into community support and meaningful advocacy. Claudia shares her inspiring journey from her family's health battles in childhood, to launching a nonprofit with help from the Seattle Kraken, and embracing pivots that align with her values. The conversation dives into the power of support systems, leaning into community, navigating the unknown, and actionable advice for those facing a diagnosis, dreaming of a TEDx talk, or aspiring to start a nonprofit.    Tune in now!    Timestamps:  [00:02:08] Claudia’s introduction and early challenges  [00:03:50] Shaving her head in solidarity with her mother  [00:05:23] Founding MS, I’mpossible and redefining the MS narrative  [00:10:02] Launching the nonprofit with support from the Seattle Kraken  [00:14:19] Advice for newly diagnosed young adults and the importance of support  [00:20:16] Claudia’s role at BoardReady and the impact of corporate governance  [00:23:25] Making career pivots and finding transferable skills  [00:25:26] Staying motivated, focused, and the power of whiteboard goal-setting  [00:27:51] Advice for aspiring TEDx speakers and nonprofit founders  [00:36:06] Ms. Impossible's goals for impact and authentic community  [00:39:40] Books, resources, and information for young adults with MS  [00:44:49] How to connect with MS, I’mpossible and support the cause  [00:48:07] Closing thoughts and additional resources    Quotes:  "The biggest thing is what she did in that moment by reaching out to me is going to change the trajectory of her diagnosis. She had to realize that she didn't have all the answers, but there was an organization that could help." [00:14:29]  "I think when you have an idea, it's easy to just chase it down and go after it. What's important is to also stop and say, okay, that's been my experience. But what about other people, you know, who are in similar situations or maybe different situations?" [00:31:25]  "I think one of the best things that I did is I stayed away from TikTok. I stayed away from all these. Any narrative that would like, kind of eat at what I was trying to do, I avoided because I think there is so much information out there that it's really hard to find the right information to consume." [00:39:40]    Resources:  • Connect with Claudia Longo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudialongo2/  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudialongo2/]• MS, I’mpossible: https://www.ms-impossible.org/  [https://www.ms-impossible.org/]• Listen to Claudia’s TEDx Bellevue Women talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDEPWuqYhS8    [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDEPWuqYhS8]If today’s episode resonated with you, follow along on your favorite social media and explore resources to elevate your voice, refine your story, and build a powerful personal brand.  And remember sharing is caring. SHARE with your friends – because transformation is even better when we do it together!    Connect with me:  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley]•Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching [https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching]•Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching [https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching]• Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com    Additional Resources:  • Journaling Worksheet & Complete Show Notes: https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast  [https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast]• Special Offer: Mention this podcast and receive $250 off any coaching program!    Subscribe to Pivot to Joy and let’s embark on this journey together—own your voice, share your story, and create a brand that truly inspires!

Trusting Yourself: Kirsten Duncan's Journey from Fearful to Fearless

In this episode of Pivot to Joy, host Dele Downs Kooley sits down with coaching client, Kirsten Duncan—healthcare leader, speaker, and now published TEDx presenter—to explore the journey of embracing fear and uncovering the unexpected gifts that lie on the other side of discomfort. Kirsten opens up about her transformation from living with anxiety and self-doubt to rebuilding trust in herself after major life transitions. She discusses how watching and listening to others’ stories, especially TEDx and podcasts, provided a roadmap back to courage and self-worth. With practical advice for listeners—especially women in corporate spaces—Kirsten shares strategies for facing fears, building self-trust, the value of authentic networking, and why mindset is the foundation for resilience.    If you want inspiration to step through your own fears or are curious about how to translate setbacks into growth and even joy, this episode is for you!    Timestamps:  [00:02:43] Kirsten’s TEDx journey: “Embracing fears, Discovering the unexpected”  [00:03:32] Overcoming the fear of self-trust  [00:05:15] Kirsten’s background and what inspired her TEDx talk  [00:08:37] Defining fear, and why it holds power  [00:10:23] Common fears for women in corporate settings  [00:13:49] Practicing what you preach: Kirsten’s own job leap  [00:16:22] Practical strategies for facing fear  [00:19:30] The decisive role of mindset and attitude  [00:22:31] Daily practices for courage and resilience  [00:26:40] Advice for women in corporate to move beyond fear  [00:30:54] Leadership: Creating cultures that encourage risk-taking  [00:32:35] The value of mentorship and approachable networking  [00:39:16] Networking reimagined: Connection over pitch  [00:41:50] Why the message of overcoming fear resonates  [00:44:25] Leaving a legacy of courage for others  [00:45:34] How facing fear creates joy  [00:47:27] How to connect and support Kirsten’s work    Quotes:  “My biggest fear was learning to trust myself and that deep within myself, I actually had some of these answers and I had the ability to face some of these fears.”  “I think one of the biggest fears is that we don't think that we're good enough for the job, that we don't have enough skills for the job, that we're not going to be able to execute.”  “Coming with a mindset, a can-do mindset, a positive mindset, a mindset where you're thinking about the perspective and rather than, you know, there's a saying of, you know, this didn't happen to me, this happened for me.”  "I had written in reminders that would pop up as calendar reminders. You are worthy, you are strong, you are courageous. Because I didn't believe those things about myself yet, but I felt that I needed to be saying those things and affirming those things."    Resources:  - Connect with Kirsten Duncan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-duncan/  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-duncan/]- Listen to Kirsten's TEDx Bellevue Women talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P65DDz0g2CQ    [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P65DDz0g2CQ] If today’s episode resonated with you, follow along on your favorite social media and explore resources to elevate your voice, refine your story, and build a powerful personal brand.  And remember sharing is caring. SHARE with your friends – because transformation is even better when we do it together!    Connect with me:  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley]•Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching [https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching]•Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching [https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching]• Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com  [https://delekooleycoaching.com/]    Additional Resources:  • Journaling Worksheet & Complete Show Notes: https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast  [https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast]• Special Offer: Mention this podcast and receive $250 off any coaching program!    Subscribe to Pivot to Joy and let’s embark on this journey together—own your voice, share your story, and create a brand that truly inspires!

Pivot to Joy: Dr. Darvish's Insights on Joy as a Path to Longevity

In this powerful episode, Coach Kooley welcomes her coaching client, Dr. Nooshin K. Darvish, award-winning naturopathic physician, founder of Holistique Medical Center, and author of “The Golden Gate: Unleash Your Feminine Powers to Graceful Aging.” Dr. Darvish shares her inspiring journey to the TEDx stage, explores the transformative power of joy, and reveals how her family’s legacy and personal experiences have shaped her calling in regenerative medicine and women’s health.  With over three decades of clinical practice, Dr. Darvish discusses the connection between joy, longevity, and healing — sharing tangible insights and practical tips for finding joy even in the midst of life’s challenges. Listeners will hear about the importance of trusting your inner voice, the balance between masculine and feminine qualities, and daily habits for graceful aging.  This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to infuse their life with more joy, prioritize health, or make their own pivot toward purpose and thriving.  Tune in to be inspired!  Timestamps:  [00:01:09] Introducing Dr. Nooshin K. Darvish’s background and work  [00:02:18] The significance of joy & the quote: "Joy gives us wings"  [00:04:37] Dr. Darvish’s journey to the TEDx stage  [00:07:14] Crafting and revising the TEDx Talk  [00:10:16] The influence of Dr. Darvish’s mother and great-grandmother  [00:14:21] Joy, family health, and longevity: her mother’s cancer journey  [00:17:24] Personal inspiration for pursuing naturopathic medicine  Quotes:  * “Let go of the deep, heavy burdens that we are carrying on a day to day basis. These burdens age us.” [00:10:16]  * "We women have capacity to transform the world around us and our future generations. And we underplay that capacity, we underplay that responsibility." [00:27:15]  * “If we can create joy even in the midst of these traumas and dramas and elevate ourselves beyond the physical realm that we are facing, we're not only going to impact our cellular system and slow down that aging process... but we are also going to create a stronger conscience throughout the world that is more elevated, more powerful, more peaceful.” [00:11:48]  * “Joy is not just a fleeting moment of happiness. Now, we can all be happy momentarily, and then it goes away… but joy is actually a state of being. [00:37:15]  * “Don't try to do all of it at the same time. Pick one thing that feels doable in the life that you live today. And even if it's only 30 seconds, if you're able to be consistent in that 30 seconds of focus internally... that will make a difference to take you that much closer to connecting with your own joy.” [00:53:39]  Resources:  * Dr. Nooshin K. Darvish: Website [https://drdarvish.com/] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-nooshin-k-darvish-nd/]  * Listen to Dr. Darvish’s TEDx Bellevue Women talk: Unleashing Joy: Secrets to Graceful Aging | Dr. Nooshin Darvish, ND, ABAAHP | TEDxBellevueWomen [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_T1kgO-KNc]   * Holistique Medical Center: https://holistique.com [https://holistique.com/]  * “The Golden Gate”: Available on Amazon [https://a.co/d/b4CiHmO] and other major bookstores    If today’s episode resonated with you, follow along on your favorite social media and explore resources to elevate your voice, refine your story, and build a powerful personal brand.  And remember sharing is caring. SHARE with your friends – because transformation is even better when we do it together!  Connect with me:  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dele-downs-kooley]   * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching [https://www.instagram.com/delekooleycoaching]  * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching [https://www.facebook.com/dele.kooley.coaching]  * Website: https://delekooleycoaching.com [https://delekooleycoaching.com/]  * Thrive Speaker Program:   Additional Resources:  * Journaling Worksheet & Complete Show Notes: https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast [https://delekooleycoaching.com/podcast]  * Special Offer: Mention this podcast and receive $250 off any coaching program!  Subscribe to Pivot to Joy and let’s embark on this journey together—own your voice, share your story, and create a brand that truly inspires!