Biggest Small Things

The term mindfulness is everywhere these days. What is mindfulness, anyway? From MayoClinic.org, mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you're sensing and feeling in the moment without interpretation or judgment. So mindfulness practice includes breathing exercises, guided imagery, and practices to calm the body.  Everyone is talking about mindfulness. It's in magazines, podcasts, and all over social media. Friends and clients, alike, are becoming stressed about creating a mindfulness practice. There are so many options and so much chatter about it that it all becomes overwhelming. Instead of reducing stress, it is causing anxiety and judgment; all the things that we are trying to avoid (basically the antithesis of what mindfulness is supposed to be).  Today, I am going to take some time to bring awareness to the five mistakes that I've seen women make as they have strived to create a lasting mindfulness practice.  It is my hope that through this episode, you'l

This week I welcome Julie Tassy, founder of family-run business Ella B. Candles.  Ella B. Candles are all hand-poured, 100% soy, and make great gifts. They've got inspirational messaging which can be customized to show off where you're from as well. Julie and Ella B. are committed to empowering small businesses and they're also doing their best to keep it local. I was so touched by the heart Julie has and the way she communicates about her brand.  I was honored when she agreed to come on the show. In this episode, we explore passion and how it helps transcend our business and products. Putting your heart into your work is hugely important, but having a passion for people, making an impact, is equally, if not more important.  We talk about purpose, and what the driving factor, her family, was for starting Ella B. Candles. And we look at failing and how it doesn’t have to mean you quit. Instead, you just start something new and keep going.  One of the key takeaways from our talk was that by surrounding yourself

This week we have Katelyn Parsons joining us. Katelyn is a certified Holistic Health Coach and a Yoga Teacher in San Diego. She helps career-driven women release weight and restore energy so they have the confidence to pursue their dreams. Katelyn’s passion lies within creating a supportive environment for each of her clients and helping make food easy for them to understand. She delivers transformational results to her clients through her three-phase program. She enjoys traveling around the world with her husband.  In this episode, we explore freeing ourselves through mindset, setting intentions, and listening to your intuition. We talk about starting our day with purpose, setting intentions, and getting off to a good start. We look at how living in the moment can take our life to a new place free from struggle. Sometimes we can achieve what we think we want but intuitively find ourselves completely disconnected.  One of the key takeaways from our talk was to not be afraid of change and finding what you are

Are you feeling stuck in your life or your career? If so, know you are not alone. The feeling of being stuck is coming up everywhere. Clients, friends, in the news and in magazines, all we hear about lately is feeling stuck. I think it’s a little bit of an epidemic.  Taking care of family, taking care of parents, managing your life and your career, what was working 15 years ago may no longer be working today. And that’s okay. But of course, it leaves you feeling stuck. The idea that you feel stuck starts with your body and the awareness that you are not feeling as well as you could be. So what can you do?  In today’s episode, I will be sharing three mindset strategies to help you get yourself out of a rut so that you can move forward in life with grace and confidence. I’ll cover making peace with fear and why it’s so important, as well as understanding your strengths and how they can sometimes counteract fear. Plus, I’ll focus on making goals and shifting your mindset from where you currently are to where you

On this week’s episode, we have Emily Cassel, a leadership and business coach for ambitious and high achieving women entrepreneurs across the globe. Emily helps women leaders shift out of hustle mode and into a state of freedom, flow, and fulfillment so they can grow and scale their businesses to make a powerful impact. Emily is also the host of the podcast, Sexy Soulful Success, where she facilitates visionary conversation with women entrepreneurs and leaders to redefine success and womanhood.  Today we are talking about times in our life when we go through conflicting emotions and how to navigate through them. We look at how avoidance behavior can manifest and how to recognize it. We also discussed how to recognize when the path we set out for ourselves is no longer the right path for us to follow. Emily was gracious to share how a conversation halted the plan she had set out for herself and how she had to come up with a new plan instead. She also shared how she handled the fear of judgment when she pivoted

Today on the show, I welcome Enid Brenize, a published author, journalist, and former PR pro. She has ghostwritten books, developed apps, covered breaking news from the newsrooms to boardrooms, and worked from coffee shops as a freelance writer. One of the many questions, she will be answering today is, ‘What can we do with an English degree?’  We also talk about one of the common traps in freelancing: over-preparation and how to overcome it. We discuss being a type-A spreadsheet lover and yoga instructor; and what that looks like. We examine her intent on being uncomfortable in life. Because let’s face it, building an empire isn’t easy.  Sometimes it’s the small moments or even the uncomfortable ones, that really put everything into place. Show Highlights The three biggest takeaways for those starting their empire (aka business) Living uncomfortably and why it’s Important Reflecting on over-preparation  How do you decide between right and wrong? How we need to say no to what makes us comfortable and grow in

This week I welcome guest, Monica Barnett, personal stylist, and Chief Image Curator at Blueprint for Style. Monica has over 12 years of styling and branding experience and has been featured on many stages around the world. Her focus is always on the power of the first impression. Monica has styled heads of major corporations, athletes, politicians, and more. She aims to develop a more intentional approach of curating one’s outward appearance to align with one’s lifestyle and aspirations.  Today we talk about creating confidence in developing a brand and how you want people to see you. We also dive into the mindset of storytelling, what story we are projecting, and that there are no wrong stories. Plus, Monica shared openly about her experience getting fired, how it made her feel (lost), and how it ultimately shaped her path, leading her to where she is now.  One of the biggest takeaways from my time with Monica is this: when in business, you have to be willing and able to walk away. As someone who likes to c

Communication is the bridge that connects us not only to others but ourselves. Today’s guest, Laura Camacho, executive coach, corporation trainer, and international speaker, is the founder of the Mixonian Institute. Laura teaches how to have effective and successful conversations with others and how to clearly articulate what you need to say.  In this episode, she shares how our self-image and perception can impact our communication skills and how to use that knowledge to reflect on our conversations. Join Renee Manning and Laura Camacho in this miraculous conversation to learn how you can have more successful conversations with less work.    Show Highlights:    Methods to start a conversation  Good experiences that Renee and Laura have had recently  Defining moments in Laura’s life  How insecurity can influence your perception and interpretation of situations  Not letting your expectations control your emotions  Learning to operate and communicate without using an extensive vocabulary  The connection betwee

With all the chaos life throws at us, the first thing that tends to get neglected is our self-care. When we’re busy trying to juggle work and life, we tend to ignore our own needs, but that’s where we all go wrong. Today, Renee Manning shares how to stop this cycle with her top strategies to incorporate wellness and self-care practices into your daily life. This episode of Biggest Small Things is packed full of tricks to utilize your resources and live your best life.  Show Highlights:  Saying yes to yourself first  Finding the capacity to slow down and make our own decisions  Taking time to reconnect to yourself  Using your resources and community to tap into your most authentic self  Giving yourself permission to explore yourself  Being yourself and realizing your sphere of genius  Stepping out and taking hold of your genius  Creating the life you really want to live  Acknowledging the potential to achieve your goals  Taking hold of opportunities  Links:  https://biggestsmallthings.com     Subscribe to t

Often times, it takes someone else telling us what we’re missing in order to get in touch with ourselves and to fuel our motivation. We have to use discernment to identify what advice to take and what advice doesn’t align with our path.  Today Eli Dent, founder of Sidekik, shares experiences that impacted his life and how he used them to drive him. Eli and Renee Manning discuss not only how to receive advice but how to give advice that also motivates others without the pressure of expectations. Tune into this episode of Biggest Small Things to hear enlightening perspectives on the act of giving and receiving effective advice.  Show Highlights:  Experiences that fuel Eli now  Finding drive and motivation in proving people wrong Identifying what advice to take or ignore from people you respect  Why “should” can be toxic to relationships  Letting go of your ego and letting others fulfill their path  Getting in touch with what you’re missing and finding motivation  How we use advice as a contribution to others s

Death and grief are topics we tend to tiptoe around, but sometimes we have to acknowledge the inevitability of experiencing these misfortunes. Although, we often fail to recognize the growth and transformation that accompanies catastrophe, today Katty Douraghy, President of Artisan Creative, shares her story on how she experienced and overcame grief. Not only does she bring a unique multicultural perspective on processing grief but an abundance of wisdom and tranquility brought forth from her years of self-reflection. Join Renee Manning in this episode of Biggest Small Things for a refreshing take on finding life after death.  Show Highlights:  The refreshing feeling of having a belly-laughing experience  Catastrophizing situations  The shock of experiencing life after calamity  Recognizing the little things in life  Dealing with the judgment that comes with grief  Acknowledging the different grief cycles  How emotions reemerge in waves  Letting ourselves feel how we feel  Recognizing the importance of exper

Leadership is a topic presented to us from a young age, but do we really know what it means to be an effective leader? Today Krista Moore talks about her journey as a sales coach and the growth she experienced in pursuit of becoming an inspiring and motivational leader.    After years of working for corporate companies, Krista took a leap of faith and founded her own coaching business. Along with being the founder and CEO of K Coaching, Krista is also an author, talk show host, and works with National Association of Women Sales Professionals. To hear more about Krista’s tenacious pursuits, building up others, and the proficiency of intentional inclusion, tune into this episode of Biggest Small Things.     Show Highlights:    What it means to have humility  The difference between being acquired and hired  How management school changed Krista’s life  Applying different techniques to motivate and inspire others  Improving leadership skills authentically  Taking an average sales team to a top selling team Taking

Do you need a spark of imagination or creativity? On today’s show, Renee will let us in on one of her favorite small places to get inspiration from, through children’s books! Renee reads every day. She reads the newspaper, Wall Street Journal, books, magazines, and a little bit on the Kindle. Next to her bed is a stack of magazines and books. Whether or not you have children yourself, or need a gift for a child or are looking to spread some child-like whimsy and inspiration and learn from a new and creative place, join us today and find out Renee’s top 5 children books recommendations. Show Highlights: Being tech-free every night before bed Family-friendly books jogging your memory The Cat in the Hat – Dr. Seuss, an iconic book Eloise in Paris – Kay Thompson, a humorous and whimsical look at travel Stone Soup – Jon Muth, some wonderful lessons taught A Sick Day for Amos McGee –Philip & Erin Stead, children’s book without children in it Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons – Written by Eric Litwin and

Everyone learns lessons in life, but do you have a few that if you put them together they make you who you are today? Today’s guest is a wonderful businessman with entrepreneurial expertise, and yet still has a great sense of humor.  Brian Brault got his start as an entrepreneur at age 5.  He has since moved into numerous entrepreneurial roles.  He is a global business leader whose authenticity and strong work ethic have opened doors in both business and leadership.  He continues to evolve his life journey, launching a new business “Life by Design,” which is a company designed to help people live their best lives. Brian Brault is the owner of Pure Solutions of North America, an entirely new industry. He is involved in Advanced Facilities Services International Inc., a 28 year business for him. Also, he has recently rolled out The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) a global, peer-to-peer network that enables leading entrepreneurs to learn and grow, leading to greater success in business and beyond. Listen in tod

Do you get embarrassed over mistakes? Most people do, but it happens to everyone. Sharing small stories that are relatable, inspirational and universal, will help others learn from those mistakes. Today’s host Renee Manning speaks with one of the most international business women she knows. Kiri Masters, Founder and CEO of Bobsled Marketing, a digital agency, founded in 2015, to help consumer project brands grow and protect their Amazon marketplace channels. Being an awesome entrepreneur, she has a mind and passion for E-commerce, and is the author of Amazon ExpansionPplan, and a contributor on Forbes.com. She’s also been featured on the RetailWire, and has earned a silver Stevie Award for young female entrepreneurs. Listen in and discover a month in Kiri Masters' life. Show Highlights: In what ways the internet influences Kiri’s life A story early on of Kiri and her first business Not feeling any shame or being embarrassed by mistakes What’s next with Kiri and her business Bobsled Marketing and what it is a

Have you ever observed something others do not even notice? Today’s guest has the niche for that! Our host Renee has known Joan for 15 years, and they have worked together for a long time. As one of Renee’s mentors, Joan Mara is truly a behavioral science guru. Joan Mara a principal in Guardian Angel Consultants LTD, holds a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavioral Science and does tons of work with corporate leadership consulting, global forum services and executive coaching.  Joan is all about her health and is invested in taking care of her physical and mental health. Listen today and hear a moving and profound story of Joan Mara, the story of a plane ride.  Show Highlights: Renee explains how Joan reminds her of a Lioness as an image 300 orange theory classes, and tracking it with fish stickers before turning 60 A pursuit of physical strength for Joan What Joan is up to now Joan’s current great success at Orange Theory fitness A story that shares insight into Joan Being very observant in life helps Joan wit

Have you felt there was an underserved niche, and you knew just how to fill it? Creating a business to fill a niche in life is not an easy task, but if you do what you love as well, it can be one of the best things that have happened to you. Today’s guest, Mo Fathelbab has accomplished this and more!  Mo Fathelbab founder of Forum Resources Network, founded in 1997, a worldwide outsourcing provider of CEO-to-CEO learning forums. He has done over 2000 programs in 32 countries, literally all over the world.  Mo is also the author of a new book “The Friendship Advantage: 7 Keys to Building Relationships that Transform Corporate Culture and Drive Productivity”.  Mo has truly influenced our host Renee in such a positive way to be vulnerable, speak the truth and be in a different place with communication strategies. Tune in today and hear why Mo Fathelbab is so important to be a guest today! Show Highlights: How it all goes back to Mo’s very first forum training he attended A brief definition of forum training How

In this episode of Biggest Small Things, your host, Renee Manning shares stories of impact.