Summary:
In this honest and energizing solo episode, Lori invites you to explore the quiet (and not-so-quiet) nudges that tug at your heart—the ones you’ve been ignoring, postponing, or rationalizing away. She opens up about the fears she had to face in order to reinvent her life: leaving her corporate VP role, claiming the title “Joy CEO,” and launching this very podcast.
This episode is a practical and heartfelt guide for anyone standing on the edge of a decision—big or small—and feeling the tension between fear and purpose.
If you’re craving clarity, courage, or momentum as you close out the year, this conversation will give you exactly the push you’ve been waiting for.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Your Inner Nudge Is Your Inner Knowing
Those persistent thoughts you keep circling back to? They’re not random. They’re invitations to grow, evolve, or take aligned action.
Audience follow-up → What nudge has been following you around this year?
Three Core Fears Hold High Achievers Back
Lori breaks down the most common fears she sees in leaders and clients:
- Fear of failure
- Fear of judgment
- Fear of disappointing others
- Recognizing them is the first step to disarming them.
- Audience follow-up → Which fear shows up most often for you?
Doing It Afraid Is Still Doing It
Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s movement despite it. Lori shares deeply personal examples of the moments she took the leap before she felt ready.
Audience follow-up → What’s one decision you’ve been waiting to feel “ready” for?
December Is Your Untapped Strategic Advantage
While the world slows down, you can use December for reflection, recalibration, and intention-setting. It’s a powerful month to step back, listen inward, and prepare to leap.
Audience follow-up → How will you use these quieter weeks to align with what’s next?
A Four-Step Framework for Taking Action
Lori introduces a simple, repeatable process to help you respond to your nudge—even if fear is sitting beside you.
Audience follow-up → Consider one nudge you have right now. What’s the next tiny step?
🔎 Mentioned in the Episode
- The Connect – Lori’s group coaching program for women leaders seeking clarity, confidence, and connection.
- Lori’s own transition story—from Corporate VP to Executive Coach & Joy CEO.
- The moment she claimed “Joy CEO” as her identity and let it guide her work.
- Her behind-the-scenes thoughts about launching this podcast.
✨ Reflection Prompts
- What nudge has been whispering to you lately?
- Where have fear and “what ifs” been holding you back?
- What small step could you take this week toward your inner knowing?
- How do you want to enter the new year—reactive or intentional?
🧠 Who This Episode Is For
- High achievers who overthink their next move
- Leaders craving clarity and more aligned action
- Women navigating career transitions
- Anyone who’s been “waiting to feel ready”
- Listeners who want to lead with more joy, courage, and authenticity
📩 Want to Go Deeper?
Follow Lori on LinkedIn to continue the conversation
🎧 Subscribe to The Joy CEO Podcast
⭐️ Leave a review to help other heart-centered leaders find the show
📲 Share this episode with someone who’s navigating pressure and wants to do it with more grace
