Thriving in the Messy Middle

Balancing Motherhood, Marketing, and Professional Success in a Changing World

In this episode of Thriving in the Messy Middle, host Amy P Wilkins engages in a vibrant conversation with Michele Fino, a strategist renowned for her ability to bridge the realms of marketing and entertainment. Michele sheds light on her unique journey transitioning from corporate roles to running her own consultancy where she helps brands, nonprofits, and tech companies convey their stories through innovative content strategies. Michele's experience as a seasoned storyteller and consultant provides a window into the blend of creativity, leadership, and adaptability needed to succeed. Key topics include navigating the intersection of motherhood and career, the revolution in professional environments brought about by AI, and the importance of authenticity and making meaningful connections. With a particular focus on work-life balance, personal growth, and professional development, Michele offers practical advice for thriving during chaotic times and how meaningful storytelling can drive change and engage audiences. Through this episode, Amy creates a thoughtful space to explore pivotal moments and the challenges of the "messy middle" that women leaders often navigate. Key Takeaways * Balancing Roles: Michelle shares the intricate balance between being a mom and a marketing leader, illustrating the unique challenges and strategies in managing diverse responsibilities. * Career Transitions: Her leap from structured employment to establishing a consultancy highlights adaptability and creativity—keys to mastering the transition from employee to entrepreneur. * Navigating AI: The episode delves into how AI is transforming marketing, offering insights into leveraging technology while mitigating associated workforce challenges. * Storytelling & Strategy: Michelle emphasizes the power of storytelling in marketing, illustrating how purpose-driven strategies can bring brands to life. * Valuable Networking: Personal connections and remembered details about others can significantly enrich professional relationships and open doors to new opportunities. Michele Fino Quotes I like working for myself and helping as many companies as I possibly can.The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results.Get out there and meet people. Remember something about them.The value of a firm handshake, eye contact, and a smile. You don't get that from staying in a cube all day for nine hours.It's important to know what you're good at and what you're not good at. Mentioned in this EpisodeBeth Comstock [https://bethcomstock.info/] About Michele Fino Michele Fino [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelefino/] is the principal of her own minority owned, woman-run Branded Entertainment strategy consultancy. She is a Creative & Connected Strategic StorySeller. She helps brands, non-profits, production companies, media companies, tech companies, and networks with their content strategy and their StorySelling. She speaks at major conferences, runs thoughtful roundtables at events, & jumps in for creative ideations at agencies & brands. She believes that great storytelling can elicit behavior change. . . but people have to see it first. She is an idea generator that also plans, makes the right connections & writes deal terms for branded content, distribution, and marketing. She lives on the UES of NYC, has three kids, and owns a lot of gym shoes, but does not belong to an actual gym. Michele Fino Website [https://fino.marketing/] Michele Fino LinkedIn Profile [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelefino/]

The Hidden Grief Behind Career Transitions and New Beginnings

In this Messy Middle Moment, host Amy P Wilkins shares a deeply personal journey through professional challenges. With a history as a leadership coach and former media executive, Amy unravels a story many women encounter: a dramatic career transition that shook her confidence. The episode sheds light on the toll of toxic work environments and the slow erosion of self-belief, culminating in a profound session with an industrial psychologist. The conversation evokes a reflection on the values of resilience, validation, and self-awareness in overcoming professional setbacks and finding one's true path. The narrative continues with Amy's strategic career pivot, choosing a seemingly smaller role that prioritized her mental well-being and self-healing. This decision defies conventional wisdom but highlights the importance of safety and groundedness in rebuilding confidence. Amy eloquently articulates the necessity of grieving career losses and how processing these emotions is crucial to thriving in new opportunities. Her insights cater to women leaders facing transitions, encouraging them to pause, reflect, and embrace the winding road to leadership. Through compelling storytelling and actionable advice, the episode resonates with those navigating their messy middle while striving for growth and authenticity. Key Takeaways * Toxic work environments can significantly undermine self-worth and confidence, often without immediate realization. * Validation from external observers can act as a catalyst for self-reflection and change. * Embracing career transitions, even if they seem like a step back, can offer a crucial space for healing and personal growth. * Grieving the loss of a professional identity or role is essential, even when the departure was beneficial. * Leadership is a winding path, demanding pauses and reflection to truly thrive in uncertain times. Quotes Thriving isn't about having it all figured out. It's about learning how to grow, lead, and move forward, even when things feel messy.You've just described a morally bankrupt organization. You need to ask yourself why you're still here.Whenever something ends, even something that needed to end, there is still a loss.Not a straight line forward, but moments where something ends, and you're asked to pause, process, and begin again.You rebuild it by honoring what was. Thriving in the Messy Middle Podcast Mentioned In This EpisodeA Redirection: The Truth About the Right Path for You [https://chooseawe.com/a-redirection-the-truth-about-the-right-path-for-you/], [https://chooseawe.com/a-redirection-the-truth-about-the-right-path-for-you/]with featured guest Adrienne Valencia Garcia [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennevalenciagarcia/], a lawyer and transformational career coach.

Value Recognition: The Foundation for Stronger, More Empowered Women Leaders

In this riveting episode of Thriving in the Messy Middle, host Amy P. Wilkins invites Joh Morris Benichou, a powerhouse in personal transformation, to share her insights and experiences. Joh, CEO of Sensory Leadership, reflects on her transformative journey from losing her job and visa to becoming a prominent leadership coach. They discuss the inevitable messiness of life's transitions and how to navigate them with grace and resilience. Amy and Joh delve into the importance of trusting one's instincts and recognizing personal power, especially for women leaders who often juggle multiple responsibilities and societal expectations. Joh recounts a deeply personal and challenging period in her life that emphasized the importance of listening to her intuition and believing in her worth. Through Joh's story, the episode emphasizes that transformation doesn't happen in solitude but through community, resources, and self-awareness. As the conversation unfolds, Amy and Joh explore the value of guidance, the often hidden narratives of women's ambition, and the shift needed in corporate culture to truly honor women's multifaceted roles and potential leadership contributions. Key Takeaways * Trust Your Instincts: Joh emphasizes the power of listening to one's inner voice, especially during uncertain phases of life. * Value Yourself: Recognizing personal worth is crucial for women to step into leadership roles and invest in their development. * Community and Support: Transformation is communal; leaning on others and seeking guidance are vital steps toward personal growth. * Courage to Evolve: Moving forward through messy transitions requires courage and openness to see and improve upon our perceived limitations. * Corporate Culture Shift: A discussion on how the corporate world must adjust its metrics to better appreciate women's true contributions and challenges. Joh Morris Benichou Quotes Most people meet you once you have succeeded. They don't see you before the success.I was a woman on a mission. I just didn't know what the mission was.Thriving isn't about having it all figured out. It's about learning how to grow, lead, and move forward, even when things feel messy.Women only take themselves on when they realize that they are of value.You have the full range of being available. You just haven't accessed the full range.It took me a lot of courage to be an entrepreneur. Mentioned in this EpisodeWomen in the Workplace: McKinsey and Lean In Report [https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/women-in-the-workplace] (discussed in relation to women's leadership and ambition) About Joh Morris Benichou Joh Morris Benichou [https://www.withjoh.com/about] is a leadership activation speaker [https://www.speakingwithjoh.com/] and the founder of With Joh [https://www.withjoh.com/], where she works with executives, founders, and organizations to transform how leaders sustain performance under pressure. With over 30 years of experience and having worked with more than 50,000 leaders globally, Joh is known for creating powerful in-the-room shifts that restore clarity, energy, and presence. Trained directly by Werner Erhard, Joh spent years leading large-scale transformational programs before evolving her own methodology, Sensory Leadership—a practice that goes beyond mindset and strategy to fundamentally change how leaders experience themselves in high-stakes environments. Today, she works directly with executives, leads leadership activations, executive immersions, and private retreats, and is the creator of Tirtha [https://www.experiencetirtha.com/], a global community for women in leadership. Her work focuses on helping high-performing leaders sustain results without burnout and lead with greater impact, resilience, and authenticity. Joh's Website [https://www.withjoh.com/] Experience Tirtha [https://www.experiencetirtha.com/] Joh Morris Benichou [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joh-morris-31036622/] LinkedIn Profile

The Leadership Skill No One Talks About: How to Receive

Amy P Wilkins, leadership coach and host of Thriving in the Messy Middle, explores the dynamics of giving and receiving support in leadership. She discusses how women often shoulder responsibilities and hesitate to ask for help, and highlights the power of allowing others to contribute. Through personal insights and coaching experiences, Amy emphasizes that accepting support fosters collaboration, trust, and growth. She encourages leaders to embrace vulnerability and shared ownership, underscoring the importance of being part of the giving-receiving loop. The episode provides a compassionate yet firm reminder that allowing others to contribute isn't a weakness but rather an integral part of effective leadership. With her insightful perspective, Amy provides a safe space for listeners to slow down, identify what's truly going on, and maintain their authenticity amidst uncertainty. This episode is rich in reflections on the hurdles women face in balancing leadership roles and personal well-being. Key Takeaways * The concept of being a 'giver' in leadership often leads women to avoid asking for help, hindering personal and team growth. * Allowing others to contribute can deepen collaboration, improve trust, and lead to more effective leadership. * Recognizing the importance of receiving help can transform it from feeling burdensome to an act of generosity and connection. * Leadership involves setting an example and enabling others to step up, thereby reinforcing shared ownership and confidence. * Thriving in transitional phases involves more than having it all figured out; it's about learning, adapting, and remaining true to one's values. Quotes The very thing that feels uncomfortable for you is the thing you love offering to others.Letting someone help isn't a sign of weakness but an opportunity for both parties to connect and engage.Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do as a leader is to let folks in, let them contribute, and be a part of the outcome.Receiving help was never meant to be a one-way experience. It's a loop. And you're meant to be part of all of it.Giving isn't just generous, it's regulating and meaningful.People don't learn to step up in environments where no one ever lets them.

The Truth About Leading Through Uncertainty

In this engaging episode of Thriving in the Messy Middle, host Amy P Wilkins chats with Viktoria Degtar, a powerhouse in the media industry known for her leadership and innovation. Amy and Viktoria delve into the complexities of leading through disruption, with Viktoria sharing insights from her illustrious career, which includes key roles at Martha Stewart Living and Time. Despite her impressive journey, Viktoria highlights the importance of staying grounded and the critical role of maintaining a robust support network, both personally and professionally. The episode explores several themes, including navigating career challenges, embracing change, and leading with intention during uncertain times. Viktoria speaks candidly about her early career lessons and how she was shaped by mentors and rigorous training environments. They also discuss the current state of the media industry, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning, especially with the rise of AI technologies. Viktoria reflects on how maintaining clear communication and building strong team relationships can drive success even in the most challenging landscapes. Key Takeaways * Embrace Learning and Growth: Viktoria shares how early career challenges can be profound learning opportunities, illustrating the importance of continuous professional development. * Leadership and Adaptability: In uncertain times, effective leadership requires flexibility and the ability to pivot quickly when things don't go as planned. * Support Networks Are Essential: The importance of cultivating strong personal and professional support networks for navigating career and life challenges is highlighted. * Leverage Change as an Opportunity: Viktoria emphasizes the value of viewing industry disruptions as opportunities for growth and innovation rather than obstacles. * Transparent Communication: Reinforces the need for leaders to maintain open lines of communication to build trust and loyalty within teams during periods of change. Viktoria Degtar Quotes Go back to basics. That's where I learned how to negotiate.Never expect perfection or certainty. It rarely arrives.A good idea can come from anything and anywhere on any level.If anyone ever tells you that there is a balance between work and home, they're lying through their teeth. If you want to make a change, if you want to make a big difference, then you need to take some big swings.At the end of the day, if you're feeling uncomfortable, you're probably exactly where you need to be.The future is completely unpredictable.You need a really good, solid sounding board around you.Don't do the job you have. Do the job you want.You don't need to have all the answers, but you need to be able to have momentum.I always try to hire people who are smarter than me. Always. About Viktoria Degtar A powerhouse in media transformation, Viktoria Degtar [https://www.linkedin.com/in/viktoria-degtar-a5b1474/] has spent 30+ years scaling businesses, breaking into new markets, and driving double-digit revenue growth. As Global Chief Business Officer at TIME, she redefined monetization, rebuilt the global sales organization, and skyrocketed international revenue by 300%—now nearly half of TIME's total. She's the force behind commercializing major editorial franchises like TIME100 NEXT, TIME100 Health, and the TIME100 Impact Awards across the UAE, Singapore, and Africa. Previously, as Bloomberg Media's Head of Sales & Marketing for EMEA, Viktoria reversed years of revenue decline, turning the region into Bloomberg's top global performer while spearheading expansion into the Middle East and Africa. She's also held leadership roles at The Huffington Post, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, and the Financial Times, consistently driving growth, digital reinvention, and market breakthroughs. A bold strategist and dealmaker, Viktoria excels at scaling businesses, forging high-impact partnerships, and pioneering revenue innovation in an evolving media landscape. Viktoria Degtar [https://www.linkedin.com/in/viktoria-degtar-a5b1474/] LinkedIn Profile