Perfectly Imperfect

E22 - Carri Mcquerrey-Funk - Part 3 - "Don't Wish You Would Have"

Hello Friends! After a bit of a hiatus, I’m back today specifically to sit down with my friend, Carri McQuerrey-Funk, who you may remember from Episode #12, titled “Maddie’s Message” where she told the story of tragically losing her daughter to a furniture tip-over, and Episode #13, titled “Leading Through Grief”, where she told us how she came back from that horrific loss and how it changed her whole perspective on what it means to be a leader. The link to those episodes will be in the show notes so you can go listen if you haven’t already. Today, I’ve got BIG NEWS! I am SO excited to share with you that Carri is now a published author of the newly released book, titled “Don’t wish You Would Have; Choosing Resilience In The Face Of Loss.” In our conversation, Carri gives us a sneak peek from the book, how a “love shove” from her coach made it all happen, the reasons why she wrote it, and the lesson we should all take away from it. Get your copy of her book and register for her 5k below. 👇   Podcast Links: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perfectly-imperfect/id1749176697 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandy-aquino1     7:12   What's inside the book 10:27   Maddie's Message / STURDY Act 18:24   Book take-aways 40:46   What's next fr Carri 43:00   Why having a coach matters 48:13   Where to find the book and how to register for the Race To Secure 5k 10/4/25      How to connect with Carrie: "Don't Wish You Would Have" Amazon Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Wish-You-Would-Have/dp/1963922166 [https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Wish-You-Would-Have/dp/1963922166] 5k Race to Secure Registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/VirginiaBeach/MaddiesMessageRaceToSecure5K?fbclid=IwY2xjawNKfrFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFmSEpBVlBvalcyWnJVdVdNAR5MgoAvsh6dK6NLs5W5mEyF72G7zGFyCCC6_g4aydLgXoHniGC7DHICLK0c6A_aem_URoEwEOcTl9iYnNAcwuaPQ [https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/VirginiaBeach/MaddiesMessageRaceToSecure5K?fbclid=IwY2xjawNKfrFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFmSEpBVlBvalcyWnJVdVdNAR5MgoAvsh6dK6NLs5W5mEyF72G7zGFyCCC6_g4aydLgXoHniGC7DHICLK0c6A_aem_URoEwEOcTl9iYnNAcwuaPQ] Website: https://www.maddiesmessage.com [https://www.maddiesmessage.com/contact-us] Contact Info: https://www.maddiesmessage.com/contact-us [https://www.maddiesmessage.com/contact-us] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576637377660 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576637377660] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carri-mcquerrey-funk-89788539/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carri-mcquerrey-funk-89788539/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@candidconversationscarri [https://www.tiktok.com/@candidconversationscarri/photo/7552709755521748238] Women In Consumer Finance Conference Registration: https://www.womeninconsumerfinance.com/ [https://www.womeninconsumerfinance.com/]   How to connect with Sandy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyaquino/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyaquino/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proximityleadershipnetwork/ [https://www.facebook.com/proximityleadershipnetwork/] Proximity Leadership Network Website: https://www.proxleadnet.com/ [https://www.proxleadnet.com/] Proximity Inner Circle: https://www.proxleadnet.com/InnerCircle-Proximity-Leadership-Network [https://www.proxleadnet.com/InnerCircle-Proximity-Leadership-Network] Kajabi Affiliate Link: https://www.proxleadnet.com/affiliate_users/sign_up [https://www.proxleadnet.com/affiliate_users/sign_up]

E21: Sandy Aquino - 4 Steps to Achieving Goal Clarity

Today, as we approach the end of 2024 and look ahead to 2025, we’re talking about one of the most underrated skills you can master as a leader: Goal Clarity. It doesn’t sound like much and it’s not sexy, I know, but it’s important to get it right.   Whether you’re trying to get to the next level, or just want to be the best leader to your team, I’m sharing four practical steps that everyone can do to gain clarity and get into alignment with your boss to make your work life calmer, more productive, and far less demoralizing. You probably know a few people who are always complaining about being SO BUSY, all day, every day, but they never seem to actually get anything done, right? Don’t be this person. It just means you’re not prioritizing. If you are running around like a firefighter all day putting out every fire, eventually you’ll burn up yourself. I’ve been where you are—blindsided, overworked, and feeling like I’m missing the mark. But then I learned this very effective technique around goal setting and not only did it allow me to consistently exceed expectations, but it unlocked this superpower to become the boss’s “go-to” person, and I’m here to share that with you today. Listen Here: 🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perfectly-imperfect/id1749176697 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perfectly-imperfect/id1749176697]  🎧 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandy-aquino1 [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandy-aquino1?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0rHbDV4hvWRG1h7W0VJoKPkDk_9u5F7IUI23PgMAUfvZO9pB6NwOzXLmg_aem_Qg2pJwZsKgLkR-euTqBfGg]      7:38  The problem with undefined goals   9:17  The power of goal alignment 10:15  Step 1: Obtain your goals in writing 10:42  Step 2: Have a sit down with your boss 12:28  Step 3: Understanding priorities and KPI's 14:02  Step 4: Prioritize your boss's biggest worries 15:34  Incorporate your new alignment into your teams' goals    🔥  UPCOMING FREE VIRTUAL WORKSHOP EVENT  🔥 BECOMING SUPERWOMAN: BREAKING THE CHAINS OF SELF-DOUBT FRI JAN 17, 2024 11AM PST / 2PM EST  Registration Link: https://www.proxleadnet.com/Becoming-Superwoman-Registration-Form [https://www.proxleadnet.com/Becoming-Superwoman-Registration-Form]    How to connect with Sandy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyaquino/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyaquino/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proximityleadershipnetwork/ [https://www.facebook.com/proximityleadershipnetwork/] Proximity Leadership Network Website: https://www.proxleadnet.com/ [https://www.proxleadnet.com/] Proximity Inner Circle: https://www.proxleadnet.com/InnerCircle-Proximity-Leadership-Network [https://www.proxleadnet.com/InnerCircle-Proximity-Leadership-Network] Kajabi Affiliate Link: https://www.proxleadnet.com/affiliate_users/sign_up [https://www.proxleadnet.com/affiliate_users/sign_up]

E20: Katie Keich - Part 2: Pass The Torch

Welcome back to Part 2 of my conversation with Katie Keich, consultant, entrepreneur, coach, and now AUTHOR? Oh my gosh, that’s so fun to say! Katie has so much to share today. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 (that’s episode #19), be sure to go back and listen to that. You don’t want to miss a minute of our conversation. I mentioned in Part 1 that Katie’s got that “IT” factor. That GRIT that we all wish we had when life throws us a curveball. Well, in today’s episode, Katie’s gonna talk about where that comes from and how - when things get hard, she gets harder! Then, she’s got an open call for you to get involved in her newest venture, it’s called “Pass The Torch”. It’s a very high-profile mentorship program designed to support, protect & advocate for junior high athletes all the way up to Olympic and professional athletes. I’ll let her tell you all about it, but you can get involved if you're a current or former athlete, or you’re raising kids who are, or if you’re an executive at a company that would like to sponsor and support her mission. She needs our help getting the word out, so let’s spread the word, share this episode with your friends and colleagues who might want to get involved, and reach out to Katie if you’re interested. Her contact info is below. Podcast Links: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perfectly-imperfect/id1749176697 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandy-aquino1     3:15    Katie announces her new book venture 14:28    The real purpose of youth sports 20:08    "Pass The Torch" mentorship program for athletes at all levels     How to connect with Katie: Website: https://www.athletesinleadership.org/ [https://www.athletesinleadership.org/] Email: contacts@athletesinleadership.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katie.keich [https://www.facebook.com/katie.keich] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiekeich/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiekeich/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_keich/ [https://www.instagram.com/katie_keich/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katie_keich [https://www.tiktok.com/@katie_keich] Katie's book recommendations (1) Traction, then (2) Rocket Fuel: https://ginowickman.com/books/ [https://ginowickman.com/books/]   How to connect with Sandy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyaquino/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyaquino/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proximityleadershipnetwork/ [https://www.facebook.com/proximityleadershipnetwork/] Proximity Leadership Network Website: https://www.proxleadnet.com/ [https://www.proxleadnet.com/] Proximity Inner Circle: https://www.proxleadnet.com/InnerCircle-Proximity-Leadership-Network [https://www.proxleadnet.com/InnerCircle-Proximity-Leadership-Network] Kajabi Affiliate Link: https://www.proxleadnet.com/affiliate_users/sign_up [https://www.proxleadnet.com/affiliate_users/sign_up]

E19: Katie Keich - Part 1: The One Thing Holding Women Back

If YOU’VE ever been an athlete or you’re raising CHILDREN who are athletes, this episode is for you. In this episode, my guest is a former basketball player turned coach, business consultant, entrepreneur, and my friend - Katie Keich. When I met Katie 6 years ago, I could just tell she’s one of those women with a rocket ship strapped to her back. Her career is already so impressive, yet she constantly pushes the limits of what she’s capable of. She sets goals and reaches them, sets more goals and reaches them. No matter the challenge, she’s up for it. She’s confident in her ability to figure it out. Adversity? No problem, she’ll get around it. She’s got that “IT” factor. That grit that doesn’t let her give up. And today, she’s gonna tell us where that comes from! Katie & I covered a lot of ground during our chat, so again, I’ve broken the conversation into 2 parts. In part 1, Katie will walk us through her career journey from corporate executive to entrepreneur. Katie’s been in rooms with some pretty powerful women and she’s spoken on some very BIG stages. Be sure to listen all the way through, because she’s going to reveal what she’s found to be the ONE THING that’s REALLY holding women back. It’s the one common theme she’s heard across all events, all industries, all levels of success, even across corporate America and professional sports. And it’s not what you think it is! And then come back for Part 2, where Katie's got BREAKING NEWS about her NEW BOOK! And she's introducing us to her new project, “Pass The Torch”, a very high-profile mentorship program for athletes at all levels. She’s got an open call for current and former athletes that want to join the program and help her start a movement. You could be one of those people!   Podcast Links Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perfectly-imperfect/id1749176697 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandy-aquino1     6:00   Katie's journey from corporate exec to entrepreneur 19:06   The ONE thing holding women back 30:44   The Power of Networking   How to connect with Katie: Website: https://www.athletesinleadership.org/ [https://www.athletesinleadership.org/] Email: contacts@athletesinleadership.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katie.keich [https://www.facebook.com/katie.keich] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiekeich/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiekeich/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_keich/ [https://www.instagram.com/katie_keich/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katie_keich [https://www.tiktok.com/@katie_keich]   How to connect with Sandy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyaquino/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyaquino/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proximityleadershipnetwork/ [https://www.facebook.com/proximityleadershipnetwork/] Proximity Leadership Network Website: https://www.proxleadnet.com/ [https://www.proxleadnet.com/] Proximity Inner Circle: https://www.proxleadnet.com/InnerCircle-Proximity-Leadership-Network [https://www.proxleadnet.com/InnerCircle-Proximity-Leadership-Network] Kajabi Affiliate Link: https://www.proxleadnet.com/affiliate_users/sign_up [https://www.proxleadnet.com/affiliate_users/sign_up]

E18: Georgianne McConnell - Transformation From The Inside Out

If you’re in a bad or an unhealthy relationship and you want to leave, but the voice in your head is telling you that you couldn’t make it on your own, or you’re not worthy of the happiness you see in others, or that you just can’t find the strength to deal with such a huge change, then this episode is for you. Today, I’m bringing back a previous podcast guest. She’s a business money coach who helps empower women to build the life of their dreams by transforming their relationship with money, but NOW, she’s coming back to us as a critically acclaimed and LA Tribune #1 Best-Selling author of the new book, Triumphs of Transformation: Inspiring Stories of Resilience and Life Change. That’s right, I have Georgianne McConnell back in the house today! Do you know what the odds are of becoming a best selling author? Something like 0.08% of books published in the US annually make the US Best Seller lists. You have a better chance of winning the lottery or being struck by lightning TWICE than writing a book, getting it traditionally published, and making the Best Sellers list! Georgianne is a contributing author to this compilation book where 30 authors share their personal stories of resilience and triumph, and act as a beacon of light for others going through similar difficult times. Georgianne is women’s money coach, but what she writes about in this book has nothing to do with money. She shares the story of how going through a divorce was the catalyst to learning to lover herself again. It’s a story of hope and inspiration for all the women out there who are staying in relationships that aren’t serving them because they lack the belief in themselves and the understanding that you will be okay on the other side of that decision. At the time we recorded the podcast episode, my pre-ordered copy of her book hadn’t yet been delivered, but I’ve since received it, and read Georgianne’s chapter and I can’t wait for you to hear all about it in this episode.   Podcast Links Website: https://www.proxleadnet.com/podcasts/perfectly-imperfect-2 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perfectly-imperfect/id1749176697 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sandy-aquino1   10:00   Why sharing transformation stories is so important 14:18   Georgianne reads an excerpt from the book 25:34   Georgianne's transformation story 35:43   Advice for women who want more   How to connect with Georgianne: Website: https://www.georgiannemcconnell.com/ [https://www.georgiannemcconnell.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgianne.mcconnell [https://www.facebook.com/georgianne.mcconnell] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiannemcconnell/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgiannemcconnell/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgianne_mcconnell/ [https://www.instagram.com/georgianne_mcconnell/] Georgianne's book - "Triumphs of Transformation: Inspiring Stories of Resilience and Life Change": https://www.amazon.com/Triumphs-Transformation-Inspiring-Stories-Resilience/dp/1646871936 [https://www.amazon.com/Triumphs-Transformation-Inspiring-Stories-Resilience/dp/1646871936]   How to connect with Sandy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyaquino/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyaquino/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proximityleadershipnetwork/ [https://www.facebook.com/proximityleadershipnetwork/] Proximity Leadership Network Website: https://www.proxleadnet.com/ [https://www.proxleadnet.com/] Proximity Inner Circle: https://www.proxleadnet.com/InnerCircle-Proximity-Leadership-Network [https://www.proxleadnet.com/InnerCircle-Proximity-Leadership-Network] Kajabi Affiliate Link: https://www.proxleadnet.com/affiliate_users/sign_up [https://www.proxleadnet.com/affiliate_users/sign_up]