Have you ever found yourself waiting for an apology that never comes, hoping it will finally make things feel better? I know I have. In episode 78 of The Unlock Lab, I share a powerful reframe: You don’t need anyone else to participate in to begin healing your heart. This episode is for you if you’re carrying unresolved hurt, disappointment, or confusion about relationships with no closure or repair.

My guest is Niccolò Tiberini, a winemaker from Montepulciano with truly deep roots; seven generations in the vineyard and cellar. I had the privilege of an unforgettable conversation with Niccolò after meeting him at his family’s winery in October 2025, and his clarity around choosing happiness over money, honoring tradition while adapting slowly, and trusting emotions in decision-making left a lasting impression.

There are moments on every professional journey when the answer is "no." When you’re met with rejection, closed doors, or silence, whether it’s a job application, a business opportunity, a club, or a community you hope to join, it’s easy for your confidence to take a hit. But your worthiness doesn’t hinge on who opens the door. In episode 75 of The Unlock Lab podcast, I talk about how to keep your confidence strong, even when the world seems determined to tell you "not now."

We all hit moments when our inner critic tries to keep us staying right where we are, especially when we’re standing on the brink of something new, uncertain, or daring. In Episode 30 of The Unlock Lab, I unpacked how this “comfort zone” inner critic tries to keep us from taking that leap, which often ends up blocking our growth, and erodes our confidence.

It's easy to get caught up in career success, chasing titles, deals, and accolades without noticing the toll it takes on our minds and bodies. For Roderick Jefferson, a globally recognized sales enablement leader and keynote speaker, success came with immense pressure, pressures he carried silently until a very near-fatal stroke in 2021 forced him to stop and reconsider everything.

My desire to level-up my life in many areas started at an early age and still hasn’t stopped. I often felt less than and left out because I did not fit any 'standard beauty' image. I wanted to feel unconditionally loved and accepted. I witnessed career paths with self-imposed limitations. I wanted to believe in bigger.  I used to joke and say; “I need to make friends who have awesome vacation homes.” The Truth? I wanted to BE the person with that second home.

Your career journey isn’t just a list of roles or a set of skills, it’s a living story. How you craft and share that story shapes how others perceive you, opens doors to new opportunities, and sets the stage for your next chapter. In episode 73 of The Unlock Lab, I explore what it truly means to take ownership of your brand, evolve your narrative, and prepare for year-end review season with confidence.

Money thoughts can be some of the loudest and trickiest inner critics we face. That nagging voice of scarcity telling you, "You can’t afford that" or "That’s selfish" can hold you back from living your fullest life and achieving your goals.

Being “in-between” jobs, careers, clients or opportunities is tough. It can feel isolating, uncertain, and pressure-filled. Most of us weren’t taught how to handle these moments with grace or ease; instead, we rush, shame ourselves, and wish away the discomfort. But there is good news! These phases are a natural part of life, not an indication of failure or moving backwards.

What happens when you flip the script and embrace uncertainty rather than hang on to the stress of it all? In this episode of The Unlock Lab, I explore that question with Pat Dwyer, a powerhouse motivational speaker. Our freewheeling conversation ranges from surviving dysentery in West Africa (three times!!), to performing with Second City, to guiding teams and organizations through the unpredictability of life and business.

There are certain times of year, or seasons of our life where we are ready for the chapter to end. Isn’t that the truth? What we crave but don't always realize is that at the end of a year, or at the end of any meaningful chapter (be that a job, relationship or even where we live), we want a way to tie it up with a bow so we feel complete, and ready for the fresh start that’s ahead.

The biggest thing you can do for yourself is create space; space to manage your emotions, process your triggers, and respond intentionally, rather than react automatically. Reacting often means we’re operating without that vital space, which can lead to unnecessary conflict and prolonged emotional distress.

I walked into a networking event, and I was feeling good. I came with the intent of having a good time. I wasn’t there looking for my next client, or business relationship. I said yes to this event because I wanted to get out of my office and just enjoy a fancy venue that was serving up food and beverage. I mean hey – I love a free meal as much as the next person.

Anton Gunn's story is a powerful reminder that greatness is rarely the outcome of a carefully mapped career, but more often a journey fueled by personal battles, community, and a relentless commitment to make things right. His ability to harness adversity using music, mentorship, and a deep sense of service, proves that leadership isn’t just about taking charge. It's about transformation from the inside out, especially when times are tough.

Have you ever reached a point where your plans fell apart and wondered if maybe, just maybe, those setbacks were life's way of preparing you for something greater? That’s the kind of crossroads Anton Gunn faced, and in episode 67 of The Unlock Lab, we go deep into the story behind his celebrated career. Anton is known for advising President Barack Obama, authoring bestselling books, and leading conversations on socially conscious leadership across the world.

What if the secret to success in the age of AI isn’t about technical skills, but about creativity, empathy, and the power of a well-told story? I had the privilege of interviewing Benjamin Wolff, Forbes leadership contributor, author, and former professional cellist, for an inspiring conversation on why the future of work belongs to those who embrace the full spectrum of human skills.

What decision are you putting off? We all get stuck. Whether it’s in our careers, relationships, or routines, it’s easy to drift into autopilot. On the The Unlock Lab podcast, I had a powerful conversation with David Atkins, retired New York State Police Captain, entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, and author, who believes we’re always just one decision away from rewriting our stories.

What if you knew without a shadow of a doubt that what was meant for you wouldn't pass you by?

What if decision-making could be less about pressure and perfection and more about self-trust, patience, and compassion for where you are right now?

We all hide things about ourselves; sometimes they're big things and sometimes they're small. I spoke with Ruth Rathblott, an expert on hiding and what it costs us on Episode 63 of my podcast. Ruth is a TEDx speaker, author, and workplace culture expert and she shared her deeply personal story of hiding her limb difference for more than 25 years. Her journey reveals just how much we all lose when we keep parts of ourselves in the shadows.