Time To Be You Podcast - Entrepreneurship - Self-Development - Motivation and Business with Laura Berens

Episode 44 Reflections of the Book The Let Them Theory

📖 Episode Summary In this heartfelt solo episode, Laura dives into the Let Them Theory, inspired by a popular book she recently read. Speaking candidly about her personal experiences in relationships, business, parenting, and personal growth, she shares how this philosophy has shifted her mindset and given her greater emotional freedom. Rather than trying to fix, control, or change others, the Let Them Theory is about releasing control, setting internal boundaries, and focusing on how we respond instead of trying to change people. This short but powerful reflection is a must-listen for anyone seeking peace of mind in relationships, entrepreneurship, and everyday life. 🧭 Key Points & Timestamps [00:00:00] – Introduction & Why This Topic Matters * Laura opens up about reading a book that's gone viral on social media – "The Let Them Theory." * She shares that it deeply resonated with her and sparked this impromptu solo episode. [00:01:00] – Key Lesson #1: Let People Be * Letting people make their own choices—even wrong ones—is freeing. * Removes the burden of constantly correcting or helping others. * Applies to friendships, family, kids, and work. [00:02:00] – Key Lesson #2: Boundaries Without Chaos * Quietly setting personal boundaries can reduce conflict. * You don't always need to vocalize your limits if you're clear within yourself. [00:03:00] – Key Lesson #3: Applying It in Business * Negative comments, copycats, unsubscribers are part of entrepreneurship. * Letting things go instead of reacting protects your peace. * Laura shares a real-time story about receiving a body-shaming comment on an ad and how she handled it gracefully. [00:05:00] – Key Lesson #4: Romantic Relationships * Laura shares how letting her husband "just be" has improved their dynamic. * Trying to change small habits causes more stress than it's worth. * Example: "Let him be a slob" (though she notes her husband is very clean!). [00:06:00] – Key Lesson #5: Parenting Through the Theory * Laura applies the concept to raising her 9-year-old. * She emphasizes allowing her daughter to make mistakes and face consequences rather than micromanaging. * Empowers the child to learn and grow independently. [00:08:00] – Key Lesson #6: Letting Go of Emotional Baggage * Laura asks herself daily: "What am I holding onto?" * Reflects on moments with friends and family where she chooses to release frustration rather than dwell on it. [00:09:00] – Final Reflections & Recommendation * She notes that you are the one who changes, not necessarily others. * The book's chapters span relationships, work, parenting, and more—making it widely relatable. * Laura encourages everyone to read it. 💬 Notable Quotes from Laura * "Letting people be who they are gives me so much freedom." * "It's exhausting trying to change someone. It's hard enough to change your own habits." * "Where can I just let that be?" * "You don't always have to vocalize your boundaries—just act on them." * "What am I holding onto?" That's the question I ask myself now. 📚 Resources Mentioned * Book: The Let Them Theory https://www.melrobbins.com/book/the-let-them-theory/ [https://www.melrobbins.com/book/the-let-them-theory/] https://www.amazon.com/Let-Them-Theory-Life-Changing-Millions/dp/1401971369 [https://www.amazon.com/Let-Them-Theory-Life-Changing-Millions/dp/1401971369] Connect with Laura Berens: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itslauraberens/ [https://www.facebook.com/itslauraberens/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itslauraberens/ [https://www.instagram.com/itslauraberens/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-berens-b094897/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-berens-b094897/]

Episode 43 From Lawyer to Inventor How Lisa Myers Revolutionized Breastfeeding for Working Moms

Guest Bio Lisa Myers is the CEO and Founder of Ceres Chill, a company dedicated to ensuring the success of breastfeeding parents and the health of the world's most vulnerable infants. In just the last few years, Lisa became a mother of two, was promoted to equity partner at an international law firm and created a company - all while enduring universal breastfeeding challenges. She struggled and failed to meet her breastfeeding goals. Through her struggles, she was inspired to invent a patented breast milk chilling thermos to help women all over the world keep their breastmilk safe and achieve their breastfeeding goals. She will never stop advocating for working women and breastfeeding families. Summary In this episode, Lisa Myers, founder of Ceres Chill, discusses her journey in creating a breast milk storage solution that revolutionized how working moms handle breastfeeding. Lisa shares personal stories of the challenges she faced as a new mother balancing work and motherhood. From an emergency C-section to being a partner in a law firm, Lisa realized there was a gap in the market for breast milk storage. This led her to create Series Chill, a product that not only empowers moms but fosters a community of support. Along with her experience in product creation, Lisa offers insightful advice on balancing entrepreneurship and family, while also emphasizing the importance of women supporting other women in business. Key Takeaways 1. Introduction & Background - [00:00:00] * Lisa and Laura reflect on knowing each other for a few years and introduce Series Chill, a brand focused on breast milk storage and supporting mothers. 2. The Birth of Series Chill - [00:01:30] * Lisa explains how Ceres Chill evolved from a simple idea to a community of moms supporting each other. She also mentions her struggles with breastfeeding and how that led her to create the product. 3. Challenges of Breastfeeding as a Working Mom - [00:02:00] * Lisa describes the challenge of storing breast milk when she returned to work as a lawyer and how the existing options in the market didn't meet her needs. 4. From Idea to Product Creation - [00:06:00] * Lisa talks about the process of coming up with the product idea and how she navigated through patenting, engineering, and manufacturing to bring her vision to life. 5. Overcoming Initial Manufacturing Challenges - [00:08:30] * She shares how the first version of Ceres Chill had manufacturing delays but persevered and launched during the pandemic in January 2020. 6. Advice on Balancing Entrepreneurship and Motherhood - [00:10:00] * Lisa gives advice to mothers on how to balance their corporate jobs and side hustles. She explains that you don't have to quit your day job right away and should ensure financial security first. 7. Supporting Women in Business & Networking Tips - [00:14:30] * Lisa and Laura discuss how important it is for women to support and hype each other up in business. They share networking tips on how to empower fellow entrepreneurs. 8. Ceres Chill's Growth & Impact on Moms - [00:17:30] * Lisa explains the pivotal moments in Ceres Chill's growth, including her decision to support essential workers and content creators during the pandemic. 9. Choosing Content Creators Over Ads - [00:20:30] * Lisa shares her strategy of supporting content creators instead of spending large sums on ads and how that approach helped build a loyal community. 10. Motherhood & Entrepreneurship - [00:24:00] * The conversation turns to how Lisa navigates being both a business owner and a mother. She talks about the importance of having a supportive partner and how she makes the most of small moments with her children. 11. Upcoming Product Launches - [00:27:00] * Lisa talks about the upcoming launch of a new glass bottle and how it's designed to be functional for the rest of your life. Quotes Lisa on the moment she realized there was no solution for pumping moms: "I was a partner at a law firm, tucking breast milk into my suit pockets and walking down the hall, thinking, 'How is this my reality?' That's when I knew—this product had to exist, and if no one else was going to do it, I would." Lisa on the frustrations that sparked her innovation: "I didn't need another cooler. I didn't need more bags weighing me down. I needed something that worked, something that respected my time as a working mom—and it didn't exist." Lisa's advice to moms balancing work and entrepreneurship: "You don't have to mortgage your house or leave your job overnight. Keep your options open. Always work from a place of strength, not fear." On supporting fellow women entrepreneurs: "Women are so hard on themselves. We need to remind each other—constantly—that we're doing incredible things. Hype each other up, because there's enough room for all of us to succeed." On what Series Chill stands for: "It's about more than just breast milk storage—it's about empowering moms to lead incredible lives while achieving their goals as parents. We give them choices and support because being a mom is hard enough." Resources Ceres Chill Website: http://serieschill.comhttps://www.cereschill.com/ [https://www.cereschill.com/] Amazon Store: Search for "Ceres Chill" on Amazon for their products, including the upcoming glass bottle launch. Connect with Lisa Myers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cereschill/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/cereschill/?hl=en] Connect with Laura Berens: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itslauraberens/ [https://www.facebook.com/itslauraberens/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itslauraberens/ [https://www.instagram.com/itslauraberens/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-berens-b094897/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-berens-b094897/]

Navigating Authenticity and Mental Health with Kristina Kuzmic

Summary: In this compelling episode, Laura engages in a heartfelt and insightful conversation with Kristina Kuzmic, a mom of three who transitioned from waiting tables to becoming a successful content creator, comedian, and author. Kristina shares her journey from creating cooking videos to being discovered by Oprah, the challenges she faced with authenticity in the media, and her pivotal decision to focus on real, relatable content. The discussion delves into Kristina's personal and professional hurdles, her advice for content creators, and her latest book that addresses her son's mental health struggles. Kristina also discusses her evolution from a control-focused parenting style to one centered on connection and curiosity, emphasizing the importance of self-care, the pitfalls of seeking external approval, and practical advice for balancing parenting with a career. Additionally, she highlights the significance of support groups for children and the need for early mental health education. Key Points Discussed: Introduction to Kristina (00:00:00 - 00:00:44) * Kristina's background and journey into content creation. * Her initial discovery by Oprah and the resulting pressures. Authenticity and Media Pressure (00:00:44 - 00:04:09) * Struggles with media expectations versus authentic self. * Oprah's advice on authenticity and dealing with TV producers. * Transition to making humorous, relatable parenting videos. Navigating a Content Creation Career (00:04:09 - 00:06:29) * Transition from waiting tables to full-time content creation. * Balancing media pressures and authenticity. * Creating a mission statement to stay focused. Impact of the Pandemic on Career (00:06:29 - 00:07:37) * The pandemic's effect on her book tour and comedy shows. * Adapting to career disruptions. Advice for New Content Creators (00:07:37 - 00:09:29) * Kristina's approach to content creation. * Handling algorithm changes and focusing on mental health. Maintaining Mental Health and Authenticity (00:09:29 - 00:11:01) * Managing the ups and downs of social media. * Importance of self-kindness and authenticity. Kristina's Latest Book on Mental Health (00:11:01 - 00:17:34) * Inspiration from her son's mental health struggles. * Collaborative writing process with her son. Control vs. Connection (00:18:08 - 00:18:26) * Christina's realization about choosing connection over control in parenting. Curiosity Over Assumption (00:18:26 - 00:19:02) * Importance of approaching children with curiosity. Parenting with Fear (00:19:02 - 00:19:52) * Negative impacts of fear-based parenting. * Being a calm and supportive parent. Listening vs. Advising (00:20:24 - 00:21:30) * The value of asking children if they want advice or just to be heard. Self-Care and the Myth of Selflessness (00:21:49 - 00:23:12) * Necessity of prioritizing self-care. The Illusion of Fixing Everything (00:24:09 - 00:24:53) * Pressure parents feel to fix everything for their children. Support Groups and Mental Health (00:25:22 - 00:26:58) * Benefits of support groups and early mental health education. Balancing Career and Parenting (00:28:42 - 00:30:00) * Kristina's perspective on managing dual roles without guilt. Living for Self-Approval (00:31:39 - 00:32:03) * Importance of personal happiness over external approval. Dropping Unnecessary Suitcases (00:33:00 - 00:34:07) * Letting go of negative judgments and pressures. Notable Quotes: * "People don't want to see a perfect mom in a perfect kitchen because most of us know that it's fake. Nobody has a perfect life." * "The harder the day, the kinder I have to be to myself." * : "I have a choice to make, whether I want to control or connect. I cannot do both." * "When a parent comes from a place of fear, the kid has nobody steady now because you're shaken up." * "I will not feel guilty for choosing to have a career that makes me fuller and makes me a better human and support system for my kids." * "Do not live for other people's approval. When someone is judging you, they're handing you their suitcase." Mentioned Resources * Book: * "I Can Fix This and Other Lies I Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child" by Kristina Kuzmic https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/720466/i-can-fix-this-by-kristina-kuzmic-foreword-by-dr-shefali-tsabary/ [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/720466/i-can-fix-this-by-kristina-kuzmic-foreword-by-dr-shefali-tsabary/] https://www.amazon.com/Can-Fix-This-Parenting-Struggling-ebook/dp/B0CCNBLGBT [https://www.amazon.com/Can-Fix-This-Parenting-Struggling-ebook/dp/B0CCNBLGBT] * Programs: * Tap Outs: A virtual support group for children starting at the age of four, offering sessions to help them deal with mental health challenges. Other Resources: Website: https://kristinakuzmic.com/ [https://kristinakuzmic.com/] Connect with Kristina Kuzmic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakuzmic/ [https://www.instagram.com/kristinakuzmic/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristinaKuzmic [https://www.facebook.com/KristinaKuzmic] Connect with Laura Berens: WEBSITE STORE: www.loveandfit.com [http://www.loveandfit.com] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itslauraberens/ [https://www.facebook.com/itslauraberens/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itslauraberens/ [https://www.instagram.com/itslauraberens/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-berens-b094897/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-berens-b094897/] Upcoming Events * Kristina is currently on a 23-city book tour. For more details on tour dates and locations, visit her website. Thank you for tuning in! We hope you found this episode both enlightening and empowering. Stay connected with us for more engaging discussions and valuable insights.

41: From Breast Pump Bags to Advocacy for Working Moms Sarah Wells Entrepreneurial Journey

Summary: In this episode, Laura engages Sarah Wells, founder of Sarah Wells Bags, in a deep dive into her entrepreneurial journey, from creating breast pump bags to expanding her brand into clothing products. They explore Sarah's motivation, challenges faced, and strategies for navigating rapid growth and financial hurdles. The conversation also delves into the evolution of consumer needs, adaptation during the pandemic, and Sarah's advocacy for working moms through her book. Key Points Discussed with Timestamps: * Introduction (00:00:00 - 00:00:29) * Laura introduces Sarah Wells and discusses their shared background in e-commerce businesses. * Sarah's Background and Business Start (00:00:29 - 00:04:57) * Sarah shares her journey from identifying a need for breast pump bags while exclusively pumping for her first daughter to founding Sarah Wells Bags. * Balancing entrepreneurship with new motherhood and quitting her job to focus on her business full-time. * Reflecting on the risks taken and the immense support received from her partner, childcare, and business mentor. * Entrepreneurial Spirit and Product Expansion (00:05:33 - 00:10:07) * Sarah discusses her entrepreneurial spirit and the evolution of her brand from breast pump bags to cooler bags, wet/dry bags, and clothing products. * Adapting to changing consumer needs, especially during the pandemic, by introducing washable and durable products. * Overcoming Business Hurdles (00:10:51 - 00:13:50) * Challenges of scaling rapidly and maintaining financial stability. * Difficulties in securing financing and managing inventory quantities. * Managing Inventory Dynamics (00:13:50 - 00:15:24) * The challenge of forecasting demand accurately amidst market fluctuations. * Balancing inventory across different sales platforms like Amazon and personal websites. * Adapting in Business and Parenting (00:15:24 - 00:16:57) * The necessity of pivoting quickly in response to challenges in business, akin to adapting in parenting. * Learning from experience and understanding that challenges will be overcome with time. * Advocacy for Working Moms (00:17:21 - 00:39:44) * Transitioning from the nonprofit sector to entrepreneurship and advocating for systemic changes in corporate environments to support working moms. * Writing a book focused on guiding managers and employers to create a supportive environment for working moms. * Emphasizing the importance of dialogue between employers and employees and fostering a culture of support for all caregivers. * Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship (00:26:46 - 00:39:44) * Supporting caregivers in the workplace benefits all employees, fostering empathy and productivity. * Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship by prioritizing quality interactions and advocating for a supportive work culture. * Sarah's DIY approach to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of understanding every aspect of the business. Notable Quotes: * "Creating a product is great. You always have to step into creating the product, but just know that it's always going to transform." * "We're never going to have it like this. There's no perfect spreadsheet... accepting that it's going to be an ebb and flow." * "What I really want is not just lots of reading, I want lots of change." * "Children appreciate presence more than multitasking." Resources Mentioned: * To learn more about Sarah and her book "Go Ask Your Mother," visit goaskyourmothers.com [https://goaskyourmothers.com/]. Other Resources: BIO: https://goaskyourmothers.com/pages/about-sarah-wells-author-ceo-mom [https://goaskyourmothers.com/pages/about-sarah-wells-author-ceo-mom] WEBSITE STORE: sarahwellsbags.com [http://sarahwellsbags.com/] Connect with Sarah Wells: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahwellsbags/ [https://www.instagram.com/sarahwellsbags/] Connect with Laura Berens: WEBSITE STORE: www.loveandfit.com [http://www.loveandfit.com] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itslauraberens/ [https://www.facebook.com/itslauraberens/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itslauraberens/ [https://www.instagram.com/itslauraberens/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-berens-b094897/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-berens-b094897/]

40: How to Stop Peeing Your Pants + Balancing Motherhood & Entrepreneurship with Amanda Fisher

Summary: In this episode of the Time to Be You podcast, Laura interviews Amanda Fisher, a pelvic floor physical therapist from Empower Your Pelvis. Amanda shares her personal journey of experiencing pelvic floor issues and how it led her to specialize in pelvic floor physical therapy. They discuss various topics related to pelvic floor health, including common issues, exercises, bladder symptoms, and lifestyle factors affecting pelvic health. The conversation also delves into the challenges of balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights and practical advice for listeners. Key Takeaways: * Introduction (00:00:00 - 00:00:46): * Laura introduces Amanda Fisher, a pelvic floor physical therapist, and sets the stage for the discussion. * Amanda's Background and Journey to Pelvic Floor Therapy (00:00:46 - 00:02:33): * Amanda shares her background as a pelvic floor physical therapist and how her personal experiences with pelvic floor issues influenced her career path. * She discusses her journey of discovering pelvic floor physical therapy during grad school and realizing the need for such specialized care. * Amanda emphasizes the importance of addressing pelvic floor issues with positivity and hope. * Preparing for Pelvic Floor Health (00:02:33 - 00:05:36): * Amanda and Laura discuss the importance of preparing for pelvic floor health, especially during and after pregnancy. * They highlight the significance of proper form and functional movements in daily activities to support pelvic floor muscles. * Amanda emphasizes the need for a full range of motion in pelvic floor muscles and the impact of poor form on pelvic health. * Exercises and Rehabilitation for Pelvic Floor Health (00:05:36 - 00:14:00): * Amanda explains the challenges of pelvic floor exercises and the importance of connecting with the pelvic floor muscles. * She discusses internal pelvic floor assessments and the different layers of pelvic floor muscles. * The conversation touches on the role of stress, anxiety, and lifestyle factors in exacerbating bladder symptoms. * Amanda provides insights into bladder irritants and strategies for managing bladder symptoms through hydration and diet. * Overcoming Challenges and Adopting Healthy Habits (00:10:06 - 00:14:00): * The discussion explores personal challenges, such as reluctance to drink water due to busy schedules. * Amanda explains how the bladder adapts to increased fluid intake and encourages listeners to prioritize pelvic health despite challenges. * Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship (00:14:00 - 00:25:50): * Urinate every 2 to 3 hours to prevent bladder retention and stretch. * Practice relaxation exercises for pelvic floor muscles to ease pain during sex. * Recommended exercises include deep squats, child's pose, and happy baby pose. * Techniques like contract-relax can help alleviate pain and tension. * Guest's experience balancing three boys and a business. * Strategies for time management and setting boundaries. * Importance of being present with family and prioritizing tasks. * Overcoming imposter syndrome and fear of failure in entrepreneurship. * Encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs to start imperfectly and embrace growth. Quotes: * "Your bladder is a fast learner. Once it starts to know that you're adding extra fluid, it'll start to stretch out the length that you're holding your urine in again." - Amanda Fisher on bladder adaptation. * "It doesn't have to be perfect all the time...just start it and just build the rest." - Amanda Fisher on starting imperfectly in entrepreneurship. Resources Mentioned: Empower Your Pelvis website: empoweryourpelvis.com [https://www.empoweryourpelvis.com/] Connect with Amanda Fisher: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empower.your.pelvis/ [https://www.instagram.com/empower.your.pelvis/] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@empoweryourpelvis?_t=8lZrrUrl58i&_r=1 [https://www.tiktok.com/@empoweryourpelvis?_t=8lZrrUrl58i&_r=1] Connect with Laura Berens: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itslauraberens/ [https://www.facebook.com/itslauraberens/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itslauraberens/ [https://www.instagram.com/itslauraberens/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-berens-b094897/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-berens-b094897/]