Finding Purpose Beyond the Nine to Five: The Forward Kind Story

Redefining Possibility: Overcoming Trauma and Building Forward Ep. 269

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443605/fan_mail/new] This week, we're joined by Michael, whose journey is a masterclass in perseverance through radical change. From life on submarines and a dream engineering career to surviving a ruptured brain AVM that wiped out most of his memory, Michael’s story will grab you from the first minute. He opens up about what it’s really like to relearn everything—walking, thinking, and even basic daily activities—after a life-changing event, and how he learned to let go of what he lost so he could explore new possibilities instead of settling for less. You’ll hear how Michael copes with daily disabilities and reshaped his expectations for himself, from rebuilding his life in California and Arizona to creating custom journals designed to help others face sudden disability and trauma head-on. He shares the honest realities of PTSD, systemic hurdles like ableism, and why he’s determined to give people tools that didn’t exist when he was going through the hardest seasons. Our conversation covers how to start over, set new goals, and stay creative—whether you’re running into life’s big walls or just feeling stuck in your routine. If you want to see how optionless moments can birth new hope—and how you can apply this mindset to your own challenges—this episode is for you. Ready to connect or check out Michael’s journals? Visit MFoglietta.com [http://mfoglietta.com/] If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough [https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough]

Finding the Courage to Quit: Overcoming Fear and Taking the First Step

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443605/fan_mail/new] This week, we’re tackling one of the scariest—yet most liberating—moves you’ll ever make in your career: finding the courage to quit when you know it’s time. Are you living with that nagging voice that says, “Something has got to change”? I open up about my own struggles with the decision to leave a job that no longer fit, sharing what it really felt like to write my resignation, confront my boss, and walk away from a place I’d invested years into. We unpack the myth of fear, from “False Evidence Appearing Real” to the hidden origins of most of our anxieties about change and difficult conversations. You’ll hear stories about handling a tough boss, the surprising power of taking that messy first step, and why the dread you feel before a leap is almost never as real as your brain tells you. If quitting, starting fresh, or even having that uncomfortable conversation is on your mind, you’ll find both practical wisdom and a jolt of courage here. Ready to cut through the flimsy layer of fear and become truly unstoppable? Listen now, and let’s get you unstuck. Want more hands-on support? Visit kenwilliamscoaching.com [https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/] to connect! If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough [https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough]

Finding Purpose Beyond the Nine to Five: The Forward Kind Story

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443605/fan_mail/new] What if you could keep your 9-to-5 and still build something deeply meaningful on the side? In this episode, I sit down with Mateo Platsidakis, the founder of The Forward Kind, to talk about what it means to chase “more” out of life without blowing up everything you already have. Mateo’s story is one so many of us can relate to—a job he enjoys, but a sense that something important was missing, leading him to launch a brand built on mental health awareness, resilience, and community. We dig into the power of side projects to not just fill the gaps in our lives, but to make us better—not only at work, but as people. Mateo’s journey shows how giving ourselves permission to pursue that “something more” can actually help us flourish in unexpected ways. We get real about grief, change, and why kindness (to ourselves and others) is absolutely non-negotiable if you want to keep moving forward through hard times. If you’re looking for a reason to bet on your own “what if,” or just need a reminder that you’re not alone when things feel heavy—you don’t want to miss this conversation. Click over to theforwardkind.com [http://theforwardkind.com/] or follow @theforwardkind on Instagram to join Mateo’s movement, grab some gear, or just see what real connection can look like. If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough [https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough]

Why Playing It Safe at Work Is the Riskiest Career Move

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443605/fan_mail/new] This week, we challenge one of the biggest myths out there—the idea that a traditional job is supposed to make you feel safe and secure. Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “If I just made more money, then I’d finally feel safe”? I unpack why that sense of security you’re searching for will never come from your job title, paychecks, or even the size of your bank account. We’ll explore real stories and insights from a recent coaching call that illustrate how chasing external safety is a moving target—no matter how much you earn or what your circumstances look like, there’s always a new worry waiting around the corner. Instead, the real key is learning to trust yourself. I break down actionable ways you can start building genuine confidence and a sense of safety that comes from within, rather than hinging your peace of mind on an employer or career status. If you’re tired of letting your sense of security depend on someone else’s decisions, this episode will give you the mindset shift you need. Let’s dig into why “playing it safe” is actually the riskiest thing you can do—and what to focus on if you want to create a career and life you can truly trust. Want to connect or get personal support? Head to kenwilliamscoaching.com [https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/] for more info. If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough [https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough]

When a Layoff Opens the Door: Making Peace with Change

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2443605/fan_mail/new] This week, I sit down with Shruti, a fellow coach, to explore what really happens when you're handed an unexpected chance at a fresh start. Shruti opens up about her abrupt transition from IT operations—13 years strong—to making coaching her full-time pursuit after getting laid off. She shares the vulnerable truth about ignoring her mental health for over a decade, the stigma she faced around therapy in the workplace, and the powerful moment she realized being let go might just be the freedom she always wanted. We dig into how personal losses, especially the pain of pregnancy loss, shaped Shruti’s calling and led her to build a business focused on supporting bereaved mothers. You'll hear honest discussion about battling “the template life” that society pushes, the unexpected sense of relief from job rejections, and why trusting yourself—rather than the false security of a steady paycheck—is the only real safety net. Looking for hope after a layoff, or curious about building a career that actually honors your experiences? Shruti’s story offers both practical steps and inspiration for anyone ready to move beyond burnout and start creating work that matters. Connect with Shruti on TikTok, Instagram, or LinkedIn, and check out her complimentary breakthrough session—she’ll even let you vent, no pressure.  If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough [https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough]