What do you do when a conversation gets uncomfortable? When someone’s perspective challenges yours, do you lean in, get defensive or shut down? It’s easy to retreat into habits of self-protection, but these moments don’t have to push us apart — they can be opportunities for deeper understanding, growth, and connection when we create a space of compassion for ourselves and each other.[0:57] Chelle introduces Anna Milaeva, certified transformational coach and internal family systems practitioner who helps leaders, teams and organizations bridge deep inner work with practical execution.[2:39] Anna shares a "uniquely you" moment about bringing IFS coaching to lawyers despite her inner critic voices.[5:13] Anna explains Internal Family Systems (IFS) as a model of human transformation that views ourselves as a system with different parts that can be in conflict or alliance.[7:23] Anna describes how IFS helps us connect with our parts through conversation rather than pushing them away.[10:32] Anna shares how she introduces IFS workshops by creating space for curiosity.[14:19] Chelle and Anna discuss perfectionist parts and how IFS tools can help support them through conversation and understanding their needs.[16:39] Anna explains how connecting with our breath can help us access Self energy - the wiser, calmer version of ourselves.[19:41] Chelle and Anna discuss how transformation is a lifestyle that requires daily practice through regenerative habits that bring more energy rather than depleting us.[32:04] Chelle and Anna discuss how coming from Self energy with curiosity and compassion is more effective than blame and shame.[33:51] Anna emphasizes that transformation is practice and we'll all make mistakes, but we can build self-energy through regenerative habits and group support.[39:24] Anna and Chelle discuss how leading with compassion doesn't mean being passive.[43.28] Chelle & Evie post-show behind the scenes. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellemcquaid.substack.com/subscribe
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44:41
Do you uplift others?
Are you intentional about whose encouragement and support you seek out? Do you notice yourself or the women in your life silence achievements and downplay success to avoid seeming ‘boastful’? Is your instinct to compete and outshine, or to uplift and support other women?[2:06] Chelle and Evie recap Episode 9 with Kasey Edwards, columnist and bestselling author of ten books, including her latest Goodbye Good Girl, Hello Me!. [4:23] Evie shares ah-ha #1 on Kasey's "Critic Card" tool she shared which helps us filter criticism. [7:40] Chelle explains the 'Uniquely You' tool - The Cheer Squad Card - to identify supportive people in your life who can lift you up when you need it. [13:44] Chelle shares ah-ha #2 on how we can help break the pattern of bonding through self-deprecation.[17:32] Evie shares the 'Uniquely You' tool - Running Humble Victory Laps to help us savour our successes and celebrate others. [25:31] Chelle shares ah-ha #3- breaking the comparison cycle between women by recognizing how we've been groomed to see each other as competition.[29:01] Evie explains the 'Uniquely You' tool - The Gratitude Ripple - which helps us disrupt the cycle of comparison and criticism by intentionally creating ripples of appreciation between women. [33:53] Chelle summarizes the three ah-has and tools. [37:12] Behind-the-scenes conversation between Chelle and Evie. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellemcquaid.substack.com/subscribe
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37:58
How do you deal with criticism?
Do you feel your cheeks burn with shame and your stomach clench with humiliation when someone criticizes you? Does the fear of other people’s judgment keep you from sharing your ideas at work or in your community? Do you long to put yourself out there but worry that people will think you’re getting too big for your boots?[1:27] Chelle introduces Kasey Edwards, Australian columnist and bestselling author.[1:46] Kasey shares a ‘good girl’ moment dealing with the launch of her new book "Goodbye Good Girl, Hello Me!" [3:11] Kasey introduces the ‘Fig Jam List’ technique - F.I.G. J.A.M: "F***, I'm Good, Just Ask Me" and how it differs to gratitude lists.[6:53] Kasey shares a story about her experience with facing harsh criticism with her first book and columns.[9:41] Kasey shares her realization that criticism is inevitable for anyone who shows up.[12:32] Kasey shares the ‘Critic Card’ tool to help distinguish between useful feedback that helps you grow and criticism designed to diminish you.[18:13] Chelle and Kasey discuss how women are conditioned to critique other women.[20:28] Kasey shares the tool Stop Fat-Chat Club - how women bond through self-deprecation, especially about bodies and how we can flip the script on this.[24:39] Kasey teaches us the "I'm Not a Giraffe" Sisterhood tool which helps us uplift other.[34:19] Kasey shares her final thoughts.[36:00] Post-show behind-the-scenes between Chelle and Evie. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellemcquaid.substack.com/subscribe
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37:08
How do you show up to a huddle?
When you gather in a group, do you arrive anxious and disconnected? Are you stuck in your head and unable to truly show up for the collective experience? Do you struggle to trust the natural flow of energy that emerges when people come together?[2:10] Chelle recaps Episode 7 with Tina Bruce, intuitive mentor, co-founder of Soul Wander retreats and author of Big Little Breath[3:57] Chelle shares ah-ha #1 on understanding how perfectionism and control disrupt natural flow and connection in huddles. [7:40] Evie guides listeners through the 'Uniquely You' tool - Shiatsu Swings. A practice to regulate the nervous system. [11:18] Chelle shares another technique - "shake it out" to reset group energy. [13:25] Chelle shares ah-ha #2 - the importance of connecting to something greater than ourselves to find presence as we come together in group settings. [16:12] Evie explains her grounding practice - sharing 'Uniquely You' tool - Acknowledgement Of Country. [20:39] Chelle and Evie discuss the value of opening rituals in group settings.[22:50] Chelle shares ah-ha #3 - ceating spaces that are "safe enough" rather than perfect. [27:10] Evie's shares the 'Uniquely You' tool the 3S's of Holding Space that gives permission for people to honor their own boundaries. [34:47] Chelle summarizes the three AHAs and tools. [37:55] Behind-the-scenes conversation between Chelle and Evie. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellemcquaid.substack.com/subscribe
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38:58
Can you lead without being perfect?
Are you feeling the call to bring women together in a ‘huddle’? Do you worry that you first need to have everything perfectly figured out? Does the thought of holding space for others leave you feeling overwhelmed?[0:57] Chelle introduces Tina Bruce, intuitive mentor, author and co-founder of Soul Wander retreats. [1:55] Tina shares a recent experience with her "good girl" being triggered by criticism. [5:12] Tina and Chelle discuss their shared experience in Nepal and why they chose to start the conversation there. [18:54] Tina discusses accessing the subtle body and how she works with different modalities[21:33] Tina explains how she leads and holds space for women's groups. [25:51] Tina shares a breathwork practice called the "Bee Breath" - a humming practice that stimulates the vagus nerve and regulates the nervous system. [28:03] Chelle and Tina discuss managing diverse groups and leaving behind roles/identities. [34:19] Tina demonstrates and explains the "Get Off My Back" kriya practice to help release the self-judgment and criticism that can build up when we're trying to lead others.[37:29] Tina and Chelle discuss vulnerability in leadership and showing up authentically. [39:50] Tina shares the Ho'oponopono prayer practice - a traditional Hawaiian prayer helps you move from control to trust. [41:16] Chelle shares about writing her book and the challenging story about her mother. [44:32] Tina's shares her final thoughts about honoring transformation and finding community. [47:16] Post-show behind-the-scenes conversation with Chelle and Evie. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellemcquaid.substack.com/subscribe
Australia