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As we are now at the last day of 2024, it’s time to pause, reflect, and unpack a few learnings that 2024 brought our way.

From the bold moves we made to the lessons that stretched us beyond our comfort zones, this is the perfect moment to step back and take inventory. Where did we find growth? What challenges sharpened our resilience? Where do we still need clarity to move forward? Most importantly, what commitments do we need to make to ourselves to align with the bold goals we’ve set for 2025?

In this special year-end episode of The Bold Lounge, I’ll dive into the moments that defined my year—both the triumphant and the messy—and revisit a few standout podcast episodes that left me inspired, challenged, and ready to grow. I’ll open up about the challenges that demanded perseverance and the pivotal lessons that shaped how I’ll approach the year ahead.

But this isn’t just about reflection—it’s about preparation. Together, we’ll uncover actionable insights and practical strategies to carry forward into the new year. From redefining success to embracing intentionality and purpose, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you hit the ground running in 2025.

Let’s set the stage for your boldest year yet—one rooted in clarity, confidence, and unstoppable momentum. Whether you’re ready to design bold goals, take that first brave step, or reignite a dream you’ve been holding back on, this conversation is here to spark your next move.

Grab your favorite drink, a journal, and spend a few moments with me for yourself—because this isn’t just about closing out 2024.

It’s about launching into the best and boldest version of you in 2025.

Don’t miss this reflective, empowering, and action-packed conversation!

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About This Episode

Jodi Durst, the visionary CEO and co-founder of ePaymints, shares her personal journey of embracing boldness and entrepreneurship through personal growth and the critical role of self-belief. By sharing her experiences, Jodi illustrates how embracing boldness and a sense of agency can empower you to dream bigger and prepare for any challenges, including fear and uncertainty. We also explore the alignment between personal and professional life, underlining the importance of simplifying complex processes for greater clarity and efficiency. Discover how reducing over-analysis and embracing action can be game-changers in both business and personal life. Jodi offers practical advice for aspiring changemakers, encouraging you to listen to your inner spirit and take small, actionable steps towards your goals. Join us as we celebrate Jodi's inspiring story and the bold mindset that drives meaningful change.

About Jodi Durst

Jodi Durst, a dynamic and accomplished leader in the world of business, has earned a reputation for her unwavering dedication to innovation and excellence. With years of experience, she has made a significant impact on the global payment landscape by founding and leading several successful companies. As the CEO and Co-Founder of e-Paymints, Jodi inspires and empowers countless individuals and aspiring entrepreneurs through her work and the impact it creates. Over the years, she has demonstrated her innate ability to recognize emerging trends, seize opportunities, make the complicated simple and develop disruptive business models that continue to shape the payment industry. Jodi's strategic growth mindset and adaptability have powered her to navigate the ever-evolving and competitive market with finesse. Jodi shares her knowledge and experiences by helping and supporting others through her mentoring, speaking engagements and the support of her community.

Additional Resources

Website: epaymints.com

Instagram: @jodi_durst

LinkedIn: @JodiDurst

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About This Episode

Ever wondered how embracing boldness can transform your life? Claire O'Connor, the visionary founder of Bright Life Coaching, joins us to share her story of courage and growth, where stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing mistakes can pave the way for incredible opportunities. Through real-life coaching stories and her own bold journey, Claire underscores the importance of self-advocacy and taking decisive action towards personal fulfillment. Claire takes a deep dive into the dynamics of evolving identities, whether in career paths or personal relationships, encouraging you to support and embrace your own transformations. She also touches on the power of essential connections and the importance of setting boundaries. Claire inspires us with bold stories of positive impact, demonstrating how taking even the smallest steps can lead to meaningful change. Get ready to be encouraged and inspired to embark on your own bold adventures!

About Claire O’Connor

Claire O’Connor is a Personal Executive and Leadership Coach. She has spent decades in education, well-being, facilitation, and coaching. Her teamwork and skills in Sports, TV and Media equip her to work with all kinds of teams, individuals, and leaders. She is the CEO and Founder of The Bright Life Coaching. Some of her 2-year research includes the areas of Burnout in the Workplace and Women in Leadership. Life started on a Farm in Rural and Rugged Ireland. She made a BOLD move 2 years ago- when she moved to the United States with her family and decided that she would set up her company here. She is joining us today to tell us her BOLD story and what she has been doing to empower women all over the world from Atlanta, Georgia.

Additional Resources

Website: thebrightlifecoaching.com

Your FREE “Refresh your Routine” Guide: joinzenyth.com/58-page-guide-page

Instagram: @thebrightlifecoaching

LinkedIn: @ClaireOConnor

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About This Episode

Tune in to hear the bold journey of Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, a global business powerhouse and the President & CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee. Lisa recounts her professional path marked by strategic self-advocacy and the courage to step beyond her comfort zone. She describes the powerful leadership insights that inspired her book, Making Waves: A Woman's Rise to the Top Using Smarts, Heart, and Courage. Lisa delves into how embracing oneself, fostering empathy, and taking calculated risks are essential as a leader. She also dives into how the principles of sports- integrity, collaboration, and mutual respect- find parallels in effective leadership. Lisa’s leadership philosophy, deeply rooted in kindness and empathy, extends from her influential work in the maritime industry to her plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Through her narrative of making waves and empowering others, Lisa inspires us all to embark on our own bold journeys, championing positive change and making a meaningful impact in the world.

About Lisa Lutoff-Perlo

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo is CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee responsible for all aspects World Cup strategies and operations for the matches in Miami. Previously she was Vice Chairman, External Affairs for the Royal Caribbean Group, where she worked on broad strategic initiatives with industry organizations and key external stakeholders. Prior to that, she served as President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises from 2014 to 2023, the first woman to take the helm of a Royal Caribbean Group brand and one of the few women then leading a multi-billion dollar brand. Lutoff-Perlo is a recognized trailblazer in the global hospitality industry. She is Chairwoman of the Board for Hornblower Group and is a member of the Board of Directors of Fortune 500 company AutoNation (NYSE: AN) and actively lends her expertise to numerous international and regional nonprofit organization boards. Lutoff-Perlo shares her inspiring journey and leadership insights in her best-selling book, Making Waves: A Woman’s Rise to the Top Using Smarts, Heart, and Courage and through numerous public speaking engagements.

Additional Resources

Website: lisalutoffperlo.com

Instagram: @lutoffperlo

LinkedIn: @LisaLutoffPerlo

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About This Episode

Award-winning keynote speaker and executive coach Rich Bracken joins us for an energizing conversation around what it truly means to be bold, focusing on self-belief and authenticity and how these elements can transform your life. He shares his personal journey, battling imposter syndrome and embracing fear, and how these experiences have shaped his bold persona. From the thrill of presenting unique ideas to the nerve-wracking moments before stepping onto a stage, Rich discusses the exhilarating blend of fear and excitement that comes with daring to be different. Drawing inspiration from his own life, Rich encourages listeners to shift their mindsets, viewing fear as a steppingstone toward new opportunities. This episode is packed with motivational insights designed to inspire you to uncover and pursue your own bold story. Tune in to discover how embracing your unique self can pave the way to extraordinary achievements.

About Rich Bracken

Rich Bracken is an engaging keynote speaker and executive coach known for his dynamic storytelling and entertaining style. He seamlessly blends data, research, and emotion to deliver powerful insights that inspire sustainable positive change. He is also the Brand Ambassador for TalentSmartEQ, the #1 emotional intelligence research and training company in the world. Leveraging his expertise in emotional intelligence, executive presence, and leadership, Rich infuses his presentations with the energy and creativity honed from his experience as a national touring DJ. His keynotes are not just informative but also captivating performances that resonate on both personal and professional levels. Rich has partnered with numerous Fortune 100 companies and global organizations, offering keynote speeches and consulting services that leave a lasting impact. A familiar face on national media, he is also a trusted presentation and public speaking coach to executives and celebrities nationwide. Recognized by Smart Meetings as a National Top Speaker, Rich’s creative, empathetic, and performative keynotes have set him apart in the world of professional speaking.

Additional Resources

Website: richbracken.com

Instagram: @richbracken1

LinkedIn: @RichBracken

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Content Warning: cancer, death of a parent, suicide, mention of car accident, mention of sibling loss

About This Episode

Tune in to hear the bold story of Amy Ware, a distinguished healthcare executive and mental health advocate. Amy shares her journey of resilience, from taking care of her mother as a young child to the moment she dared to step out on her own during high school to where she is today as the Associate Regional Vice President of Oncology for Sarah Cannon. Her bold commitment to authenticity and education carved a path of impact, turning life’s trials into a testament of courage and self-discovery. Amy also reflects on coping with profound losses, including her father's suicide. Through her story, we highlight the power of turning grief into a purpose that aids others and the crucial role of mental health support. This episode underscores the importance of empathy, genuine relationships, and the power of community in the healing journey. Embark on this episode with us to explore the strength found in vulnerability and the enduring impact of compassionate connections.

About Amy Ware

Amy Ware is a seasoned healthcare executive with a passion for elevating access to research-driven oncology care. As Associate Regional Vice President of Oncology for HCA's Sarah Cannon Cancer Network at TriStar Health, she oversees oncology across 10 hospitals, working to ensure comprehensive oncology care for those across Tennessee and Kentucky. Prior to her current role, Amy served as senior advisor to the CEO at one of the nation's largest cancer centers. There, she led high-impact initiatives driving strategic growth and operational excellence. Her professional accomplishments are complemented by a robust academic background. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Healthcare Administration from Franklin University, holds a Master's degree in Health Administration, a Master's degree in Education, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Beyond her professional achievements, Amy is a passionate mental health advocate. Motivated by personal tragedies—losing her stepbrother at age 8 and her father to suicide three years ago—she has become a powerful voice for mental health awareness. Leveraging her social platforms, she regularly speaks publicly about the importance of mental health, working tirelessly to destigmatize mental health issues and promote accessible, integrated care solutions that address both physical and emotional well-being.

Additional Resources

LinkedIn: @AmyWare

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About This Episode

Tune in to hear the inspiring journey of Sarah Gormley, an art gallery owner and author of The Order of Things: A Memoir about Chasing Joy. Through her story of building a corporate career to navigating personal loss to opening her own gallery, we explore how taking unexpected actions fueled by self-belief can lead to finding your own sense of joy. Journey with us as we reflect on the pressures of societal and personal expectations, and discover how stepping away from the need for external validation enabled Sarah to embrace her own happiness and creativity. She also explores the profound power of self-acceptance and the neverending journey of personal transformation. Sarah's courageous story and artistic journey inspire and exemplify how vulnerability and boldness can lead to meaningful impact. Don't miss this episode filled with stories of courage, healing, and finding one's true path.

About Sarah Gormley

Sarah Gormley is a writer and art gallery owner living in Columbus, Ohio. Her undergraduate degree from DePauw University reinforced an early love for literature and writing, while the heavy sprinkling of liberal-arts fairy dust taught her how to analyze and articulate a clear point of view. She rounded out this foundation with concentrations in marketing and operations from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. Her marketing career included work with several global brands, including IMAX, Martha Stewart, Girl Scouts of the USA, and Adobe. Gormley was honored as one of 2015’s Forty Women to Watch over 40, and she has been featured in Forbes and the CMO Club. In June 2019, she was invited to deliver the class address at her DePauw University class reunion and regrets not having her hair blown out. Today, Gormley owns a contemporary art gallery, Sarah Gormley Gallery (SGG), in downtown Columbus, Ohio. The gallery operates based on the belief that original art can be a source of joy for everyone and actively eschews pretense of any kind. She opened the gallery in 2019, twenty-five years after Grandma Cameron gifted her with her first piece of art.

Additional Resources

Web: sarahgormley.com

Instagram: @scgormley

LinkedIn: @SarahGormley

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About This Episode

Tune into this episode with Vitale Buford Hardin, a renowned expert in the intriguing intersection of perfectionism and boldness, as she shares her journey from seeking love through her actions to doing things from a place of love. With insights influenced by her transformative experience of motherhood, Vitale offers an authentic look at balancing professional success and personal fulfillment, all while embracing imperfections in both areas. Vitale reveals the most common causes of perfectionism, most of which often start in childhood for parental approval or social acceptance. With a keen eye on corporate environments, she distinguishes between slow perfectionism, often seen in procrastination and imposter syndrome, and fast perfectionism, marked by unrealistic expectations and people-pleasing. Vitale’s personal stories shed light on how these traits manifest and provide valuable guidance on managing them effectively. Tune in to hear how you can reclaim control from perfectionism's grip, especially through the boldness within you.

About Vitale Buford Hardin

Vitale Buford Hardin, leading expert in perfectionism and how it permeates corporate culture and individual performance, is the President and CEO of Vitale & Company. Having led two University studies focused on perfectionism in the workplace, Vitale is a true pioneer of thought leadership in this space. This study Revealed that 85% of workplaces have cultures of perfectionism as well as 86% of leaders in these workplaces seeing their work affected by perfectionism, further solidifying perfectionism as a crucial topic to be addressed in every work environment. Throughout Vitale’s life, she has overcome struggles with perfectionism and addiction which propelled her to becoming a published author, nationally recognized speaker and iPEC-certified executive coach. She brings 15 years of corporate experience to her custom trainings, strategic advisory, culture change initiatives and performance coaching.

Additional Resources

Website: vitaleandco.com

LinkedIn: @VitaleBufordHardin

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