Are you navigating a season of unexpected change, feeling lost in your roles, or searching for your own definition of success? Discover how one woman rebuilt her life, career, and sense of self after a pivotal turning point, and find inspiration to trust your own inner voice—no matter what life throws your way.Kristen Selby, founder of Timely Executive Assistants and Chief Administrative Officer at The Thread, shares her raw and honest journey through divorce, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and rediscovering self-trust. This conversation is a heartfelt look at what it means to let go of external expectations, set boundaries, and build a life that feels truly authentic.HighlightsThe moment everything changed: turning 40 and facing an unexpected divorceFeeling like a single mom within a marriage and the challenges of raising three young childrenThe power of boundaries and the “only love in, only love out” philosophyRebuilding self-trust after years of seeking external validationStarting a business against the odds and finding empowerment in adversityLetting go of relationships that no longer serve youParenting through messy times and embracing vulnerabilityAdvice for anyone facing an unplanned life shiftThe importance of agency, self-compassion, and finding your “rainbow colors”Chapters00:00 — Introduction to Kristen Selby02:16 — The Big Shift in 202003:01 — Turning 40 and Reflecting on Life04:03 — Life in Wichita04:46 — Single Mom Within a Marriage06:32 — The Unexpected Divorce08:10 — Rebuilding After the Divorce08:24 — Finding Breadcrumbs of Self14:39 — Rediscovering Self-Trust17:10 — Seeking Freedom and Love18:06 — Building a New Home and Life19:10 — Starting a Business Against the Odds20:03 — Trusting Inner Knowing20:18 — Getting Your Sea Legs20:29 — Becoming Your Own Expert20:58 — Building Inner Trust21:09 — The Importance of Self-Trust21:56 — Facing Hardships with Self-Trust22:48 — Boundaries and Rebuilding23:49 — Support from Friends24:54 — Letting Go of Relationships27:18 — Parenting Through Messy Times28:54 — Homeschooling and Consistency29:28 — Embracing Vulnerability30:23 — Advice to 30-Year-Old Self31:39 — Letting Go of Control32:11 — Dealing with Your Own Issues33:49 — Finding Your Rainbow Colors35:44 — Closing ReflectionsResources MentionedTimely Executive Assistants — Kristen’s business providing fractional executive assistant support: https://www.timelyea.com/We Can Do Hard Things Podcast (Abby Wambach & Glennon Doyle): https://wecandohardthingspodcast.com/Want to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

What does it mean to stand in the gap for your community? Discover the journey, challenges, and unexpected stories behind Kansas State Troopers as we sit down with Joe Owen, lead recruiter for the Kansas Highway Patrol. From the rigorous training academy to the lighter side of law enforcement, and even a detour into ham radio, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and heartfelt moments that will change the way you see those who serve and protect Kansas.HighlightsThe unique path Joe Owen took from Oklahoma to Kansas and into law enforcementWhat it’s really like to become a Kansas State Trooper: selection, training, and the meaning behind the uniformThe broader role of the Kansas Highway Patrol beyond policing highways—including supporting federal and local agencies, and running the state’s Criminal Justice Information SystemThe importance of integrity, humility, and discipline in recruiting new troopersHow ham radio became a surprising passion and its relevance to emergency communicationsWinter driving safety tips every Kansan should rememberHow major events like FIFA coming to Kansas City impact law enforcement collaborationPersonal stories of loss, resilience, and the deeper meaning behind wearing the badgeAmusing and quirky moments from Kansas history, including windowless churches and blue lawsChapters0:00 – Kansas Comedy: Kathleen Madigan’s take on Kansas toll booths2:18 – Welcome & Introduction to Kansas State Troopers3:20 – Interview with Joe Owen: Background and Journey to Kansas4:30 – Joe’s Path into Law Enforcement6:07 – Lessons from the Road: No Stop is Insignificant15:21 – The Many Roles of Kansas State Troopers26:36 – Training, Recruitment, and What Makes a Good Trooper29:50 – Pop Culture, Agency Collaboration, and Favorite Law Enforcement Depictions44:14 – Ham Radio: A Trooper’s Unexpected Hobby49:34 – Winter Driving Safety Tips59:01 – FIFA’s Impact on Kansas City Law Enforcement1:03:01 – Reflections: The Meaning of the Badge1:09:28 – Post-Interview Reflections & Fun with Mustaches1:11:08 – Kansas History: Amusing Incidents and Blue Laws1:32:25 – Closing Remarks & AppreciationResources MentionedKathleen Madigan’s Comedy Special (available on Prime Video): Kathleen Madigan on Prime VideoKansas Highway Patrol: https://kansashighwaypatrol.gov/Blue Bloods (TV Show): Blue Bloods on CBSSuper Troopers (Movie): Super Troopers on IMDbNewspapers.com (Kansas history research): newspapers.comFCC Ham Radio Licensing: FCC Amateur Radio ServiceThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network, for more information, visit ictpod.net

Are you ready to make 2026 your most intentional and rewarding year yet? Discover how independent beauty professionals are redefining success, embracing clarity, and building businesses that truly support their lives. Today I’m going solo and sharing insights on simplifying your business, finding the right pace, and creating a sustainable, fulfilling career—without the overwhelm.HighlightsThe biggest lessons from 2025 and how they’re shaping the future of the beauty industryWhy clarity and simplification are the new keys to growthHow independent professionals are redefining “independence” to include support and structureThe power of consistency and calm in businessWhat it means to align your business with your life—not just your workThe growing importance of community and environment for long-term satisfactionPractical encouragement for building a business that supports you, not the other way aroundChapters00:00 — Reflecting on 2025: Industry Growth and Intentionality01:46 — Insights and Predictions02:25 — Clarity and Simplification in Business Practices04:21 — Redefining Independence: Support and Structure05:13 — Carrying Forward Lessons into 202606:14 — The Power of Consistency and Calm08:01 — Redefining Success: Predictability and Space08:44 — Community and Environment: Keys to Professional Growth09:53 — Final Thoughts: Building a Business That Supports YouTo learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!

Are you ready to become the star of your own second act? What if the experience you’ve gained so far is exactly what you need to launch a business you love—and get paid for it? Let’s explore how to turn your passion, skills, and life lessons into a thriving new chapter.HighlightsWhy your experience makes you uniquely qualified for your next ventureThe difference between a hobby and a business that excites you (and pays you)How to discover what you love, what you’re good at, and what the world needsThe power of your network and finding the right support for your journeyMy personal story: from corporate to multiple businesses to business coachingPractical steps to identify your “superpower” and visualize your future successTips for building momentum, overcoming imposter syndrome, and embracing the entrepreneurial bugChapters00:00 – Welcome & Purpose of the Show00:35 – Why the Second Act Business Owner Podcast Exists01:37 – What to Expect: Money, Fun, and Your Second Act01:56 – Today’s Agenda: Three Key Things & “Home Fun” Assignments01:56 – Embracing Your Experience and Passion02:40 – Doing What You Love (and Getting Paid)04:46 – My Second Act Story: From Corporate to Entrepreneurship07:12 – The Ikigai Framework: Love, Skill, Need, and Money09:53 – Building Your Support Network & Community11:52 – Finding Your Superpower & Visualization Exercise14:10 – The Entrepreneurial Bug & Closing Thoughts15:10 – What’s Next: Mindset, Strategy, and SystemsResources MentionedBNI (Business Network International) – Networking group: https://www.bni.comWant to get more help from Lee with your business? Visit her website: https://leegray.actioncoach.com/This show is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information, visit ictpod.net.

What if turning 40 isn’t a crisis, but a coming of age? Are you feeling a quiet shift—a pull toward something more honest, grounded, and true to yourself? Today we begin exploring the beauty and complexity of entering a new season of life, where ambition is redefined, softness is embraced, and the “second act” becomes a time for intentional living. Drawing inspiration from family, mentors, and cultural shifts, I reflect on what it means to move beyond proving yourself and start becoming who you truly are. Whether you’re approaching a milestone birthday or simply sensing a change, you’re not alone—and there’s so much more ahead.HighlightsEmbracing aging and the excitement of turning 40Lessons from my grandmother and mentors about thriving in your fortiesThe inspiration behind launching a new podcast season: “The Second Act”Shifts in workplace culture and the rise of the “human skills revolution”Balancing ambition with softness and clarityReflecting on Act One: building, striving, and learningDefining Act Two: living and leading with intentionChallenging the “midlife crisis” narrative and embracing a coming of ageInsights from Mary Oliver and Jane Fonda on living a meaningful lifeWhat to expect from this season: interviews, community stories, and honest conversationsChapters00:00 — Introduction: Embracing 4000:54 — Inspiration from Grandma and Mentors02:09 — The Second Act: A New Podcast Season02:28 — Shifts in Workplace Culture02:53 — Balancing Ambition and Softness03:44 — Life’s Precious Moments04:24 — The Human Skills Revolution04:42 — Reflecting on Act One05:25 — Defining Act Two10:12 — Midlife Crisis or Coming of Age?13:14 — Excitement for the Future14:10 — Mary Oliver’s Wisdom14:41 — Jane Fonda’s Advice16:10 — Season Overview and Expectations17:45 — Conclusion: Welcome to the Second ActResources MentionedLean In & McKinsey: Women in the Workplace 2025 ReportMary Oliver, “The Summer Day” (poem)Jane Fonda’s Advice on Aging (YouTube)Audra Dinell on Substack: The Second ActIf you’re feeling the softening, the clarity, or the pull to live a little differently, you’re not having a midlife crisis—you’re having a coming of age. Welcome to the Second Act.Want to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.