In this episode of 'Choice, not Chance: Simplifying Success,' host Marie Chindano welcomes Mahrukh Imtiaz, a podcast coach and trusted advisor, to discuss overcoming fears, embracing imperfection, and finding inspiration. Mahrukh shares her journey of transitioning from a corporate job to becoming a successful content creator and podcaster, highlighting the importance of starting imperfectly and learning from experiences. The conversation touches on the challenges of entrepreneurship, the significance of investing in oneself, and the value of staying true to one's unique voice.

“I'm making the choice of showing up as me and being okay with not being everyone's cup of tea and that's the intentional choice I'm making because that is the healthy way in my opinion to go about life.” - Mahrukh Imtiaz, Host of Spicy Chai podcast

00:00 Introduction to 'Choice, Not Chance'

00:42 Meet Mahrukh Imtiaz: From Corporate Success to Personal Fulfillment

02:27 Overcoming Fears and Embracing Imperfection

05:43 The Journey of Podcasting: Lessons and Reflections

09:42 The Importance of Authenticity and Personal Growth

20:19 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Personal Life

24:18 Shifting Energy in Business and Podcasts

25:03 The Growth Process and Comfort Zones

25:59 Learning New Skills and Technology

26:34 The Role of AI in Content Creation

28:09 Embracing Imperfection and Human Mistakes

29:00 Introduction to Spicy Chai Podcast

29:43 Learning from Practical Role Models

31:02 The Importance of Authenticity

36:12 Advice for Aspiring Podcasters

41:40 Significant Life Choices and Future Focus

45:45 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Contact Guest FEATURED ON THE SHOW:

https://mahrukhimtiaz.com/

Spicy Chai Podcast

Social Media Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahrukh-imtiaz/

https://www.facebook.com/mahrukh.imtiaz.1/

https://www.instagram.com/mahrukh.m.imtiaz/

https://www.tiktok.com/@mahrukh.imtiaz?_t=8fI2gBC3Oef&_r=1

https://www.youtube.com/@spicychai-apodcastforconte6645

Support the show

If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers:

• 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie Chindamo
• Exclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not Chance
• Unlimited email correspondence with a coach
• Semi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members

https://protilly.graphy.com/membership

In this episode of 'Choice, Not Chance. Simplifying Success,' host Marie Chindamo discusses a thought-provoking topic on the importance of communication, especially for individuals with high cognitive function but no capacity for language. Guest Elaine Keuning, a speech and language pathologist, shares her experiences and methods in working with individuals with Rett syndrome, a neurological disorder that affects communication. Keuning highlights her journey from broad-spectrum speech therapy to specializing in aiding non-verbal communication using advanced technological solutions, relentlessly helping her clients find their voice so they can expand their personal purpose. Despite encountering various professional challenges and societal hurdles, she emphasizes the transformative power of intentionality and constant learning. The episode underscores the triumphs and continuous efforts in supporting and giving a voice to those who communicate differently.

00:00 Welcome to Choice, Not Chance

00:27 The Importance of Communication

02:07 Introducing Elaine Keuning

04:41 Understanding Rett Syndrome

07:56 Challenges and Success Stories

29:21 Launching a Private Practice

34:45 Gaining Expertise in AAC and Rett Syndrome

35:35 Building a Client Base and Starting a Business

36:32 Challenges and Specialization in AAC

42:25 Core Values and Influences

47:08 Parallels Between Athletics and Business

55:11 Future Aspirations and Gene Therapies

57:53 Access to Devices and Insurance

58:44 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

A little bit about Elaine Keuning:

Elaine Keuning is a speech and language pathologist with 14 years experience, She carved her own path to focus on an underserved population of individuals with complex needs.

Before starting her own business Elaine worked as an employee for several agencies servicing the tri-state area. Currently she leads the Rett Syndrome communication clinic at Montefiore Children’s Hospital and has her private practice Williams Speech and Language Pathology PLLC.

Elaine believes that access to language is a basic human right and individuals of all abilities should be able to have their own voice.

Connect with Elaine Keuning:

LinkedIn

Books or Resources Mentioned:

RettSyndrome.org

Reverserett.org

Support the show

If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers:

• 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie Chindamo
• Exclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not Chance
• Unlimited email correspondence with a coach
• Semi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members

https://protilly.graphy.com/membership

Subscriber-only episode

In this deeply personal episode of 'Choice, Not Chance,' host Marie Chindamo shares an intimate story from her past that significantly impacted her life. She recounts a traumatic incident involving a trusted father figure and mentor who betrayed her trust. Marie discusses the overwhelming emotions she faced and how she navigated through the confusion and distress. She eventually found her voice, built resilience, and learned valuable lessons about intuition and inner strength by taking small, intentional actions. This episode emphasizes the importance of trusting your intuition, taking action, and understanding that one can find strength even when words fail. Join me as I share how I navigated through these challenges to become a stronger, more confident individual. It's a reminder that even in the toughest situations, we hold the power to shape our destinies.

00:00 Introduction to Choice, Not Chance
00:28 A Personal Story of Overcoming Devastation
03:43 Navigating Family and Work Challenges
08:38 A Betrayal of Trust
23:13 Finding Strength and Moving Forward
33:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Marie
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-chindamo/
www.protilly.com

If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers:

• 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie Chindamo
• Exclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not Chance
• Unlimited email correspondence with a coach
• Semi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members

https://protilly.graphy.com/membership

Empowering Choices with Elisa Padilla: From Sports Executive to Inspirational Leader

In this episode of Choice, Not Chance, host Marie Chindamo interviews Elisa Padilla, a seasoned executive in the sports and entertainment industry and current Chief Marketing Officer at the New York Red Bulls. Elisa shares insights from her impressive career, her approach to leadership, and the genesis of her inspirational Instagram series, Kick It by EP.

We discuss how to embrace the power of intentional living—find balance with your values and let them guide your success journey.

Elisa shares her strategies for leading a team, advocating simplicity, and the significance of process in achieving success. The episode closes on a reflective note about the true meaning of success and the importance of health, kindness, and authenticity.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:22 Interview with Elisa Padilla
00:51 Elisa's Journey and Achievements
01:59 The Inspiration Behind Kick It by EP
05:41 Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges
11:20 Defining Success and Future Aspirations
16:07 Leadership and Team Management
21:04 Simplifying Success and Marketing Insights
26:00 Future Choices and Consulting
35:30 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Connect with Elisa Padilla:

LinkedIn

Instagram

Website

Books or Resources Mentioned:

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Support the show

If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers:

• 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie Chindamo
• Exclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not Chance
• Unlimited email correspondence with a coach
• Semi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members

https://protilly.graphy.com/membership

"Rely less on wishful thinking and creating a mental picture of where you want to be. That picture sits in the forefront of your mind to the exclusion of everything else and when you make that happen, when you make that a priority, you'll determine where your energy should go and where your energy no longer belongs."

Marie Chindamo

[EP003] - Choice, Not Chance: Simplifying Success with Marie Chindamo

In the inaugural episode of 'Choice, Not Chance,' host Marie Chindamo shares her personal journey from hardship to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She discusses the importance of making deliberate choices to shape one’s destiny and introduces the key principles of her M.IN.D. Set playbook. Marie emphasizes the power of mindset in achieving success, drawing inspiration from extreme athletes and her own experiences in various roles, from administrative assistant to running a consulting practice. She also provides insights on creating a vision, overcoming obstacles, and the significance of persistence. Tune in to learn strategies for simplifying tough life decisions and consciously crafting the life and career you desire.

00:00 Introduction to Choice, Not Chance

00:28 Marie Chindamo’s Personal Journey

01:55 Turning Hardship into Success

04:20 Career Growth and Mindset

07:14 The Power of Mindset

07:32 Learning from Extreme Athletes

10:13 Creating a Vision and Overcoming Obstacles

21:41 Persistence and Teamwork

25:06 Launching the Podcast

29:15 Final Thoughts and Motivation

Connect with Marie Chindamo

LinkedIn

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Support the show

If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers:

• 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie Chindamo
• Exclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not Chance
• Unlimited email correspondence with a coach
• Semi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members

https://protilly.graphy.com/membership

In this episode of 'Choice, Not Chance. Simplifying Success,' host Marie Chindamo interviews Chris McAuley, an accomplished speaker and actor known for his expertise in business storytelling and presentation skills.

We emphasize the importance of authenticity in human connection and how to craft your message so it has the greatest impact.

Chris shares valuable insights on common communication fears, the importance of knowing your material, strategies for managing your nerves, and the power of storytelling in engaging and persuading an audience. He emphasizes the significance of tailoring your message to the audience, varying your presentation delivery, and ensuring the content is concise and impactful. The conversation underscores the role of communication in building effective connections in both business and personal contexts, advocating for authenticity and emotional engagement to achieve success. We discuss the power of storytelling, how to handle hecklers, and why understanding your audience is key.

Whether you're a business leader or just starting out as a speaker, this episode has some great advice to help you communicate with more confidence and clarity.

Highlights from this episode:

[02:35] Overcoming Presentation Fears

[04:30] The Power of Owning Your Material

[17:36] The Impact of Storytelling in Presentations

[30:37] The Benefits of Co-Presenting

[33:21] Handling Distractions During Presentations

[35:41] Engaging Different Types of Audience Members

[37:02] The Ideal Presentation Length

[44:55] The Importance of Human Connection in Business

Connect with Chris McAuley:

Website

LinkedIn

Books or Resources Mentioned:

Toastmasters

TEDx

A little bit about Chris McAuley:

Chris McAuley is a seasoned speaker and business storyteller with over 35 years of experience in both not-for-profit and for-profit sectors. His expertise in crafting impactful narratives helps him effectively communicate with diverse audiences, from executives to frontline employees. Chris is also an accomplished actor, with over 40 stage and film productions under his belt, bringing a strong understanding of performance techniques to his storytelling approach. As the founder of MCAVOY Inc., he helps professionals enhance their presentation skills and delivers coaching and workshops focused on building trust, improving employee engagement, and revitalizing workplace culture. Outside of work, Chris is an active volunteer, jazz enthusiast, family-oriented, and is preparing a solo show for a 2025 tour.

"When we speak from our heart, the audience feels that. They are going to listen from their heart, that's how you move people "

Chris McAuley

Support the show

If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers:

• 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie Chindamo
• Exclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not Chance
• Unlimited email correspondence with a coach
• Semi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members

https://protilly.graphy.com/membership

In this episode of Choice Not Chance: Simplifying Success, I sat down with my sister, Laura Longo. We discuss Laura's remarkable 25-year career in education, how she manages various responsibilities from kindergarten through 12th-grade science programs, and her pursuit of a Ph.D. Despite her demanding career and raising three children, Laura shares her secret to balancing it all, highlighting the importance of intentionality, structured processes, and lifelong learning.

We talk in-depth about how leadership skills are developed in unconventional ways and the importance of investing in yourself and leaning into experiences to craft your future. Our engaging conversation covers topics like work-life balance, strategies for career advancement, and the value of being a strong, confident woman in leadership roles.

Highlights from this episode:

[02:28] Balancing Career and Family

[05:18] Journey into Science Education

[12:03] Navigating Challenges as a Female Leader

[23:54] Building a Supportive Community

[29:39] Divine Interventions and Human Connections

[34:32] Investing in Yourself

[36:29] Navigating Career Transitions

[42:54[ Balancing Career and Personal Life

Connect with Laura Longo:

LinkedIn

Books or Resources Mentioned:

A little bit about Laura Longo:

Laura Longo is an accomplished educator with 25 years of experience in the field of science education. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Mathematical Physics and a Master's degree in Secondary Education of Physics, and she is certified in Educational Leadership. Laura is currently working on her dissertation for a PhD in Science Education at Stony Brook University.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers:

• 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie Chindamo
• Exclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not Chance
• Unlimited email correspondence with a coach
• Semi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members

https://protilly.graphy.com/membership

Subscriber-only episode

In this second episode of 'Choice, not Chance,' host Marie Chindamo continues her story, sharing her journey through adversity and triumph. Marie recounts her early life challenges, from her brother's severe brain injury to her father's dysfunction and ultimate abandonment. At a young age, she assumed significant caregiving responsibilities while maintaining an optimistic outlook for her future. Despite numerous setbacks, including foreclosure and bankruptcy, Marie chose resilience and determination, pushing through education and work challenges to rebuild her life. This episode emphasizes the importance of taking charge of one's circumstances, using obstacles as stepping stones for betterment rather than adopting a victim mentality.

00:00 Welcome to Choice, not Chance

00:22 A Life-Altering Event

01:12 Overview of the family situation following my brother's brain injury.

02:52 My role as a caretaker and the challenges faced.

04:09 Struggles and Optimism

04:15 Facing Harsh Realities

05:11 Struggles and Optimism

08:43 A Father's Desperation

12:31 The impact of these experiences on my education and aspirations.

12:02 Pursuing Independence

17:26 Marriage and Motherhood

23:33 Facing Financial Hardships

25:02 The struggle to provide for my children, working multiple jobs, and the challenges of financial instability.

27:36 The loss of my home and the emotional impact on me and my children, particularly the heartbreak of selling my daughter's bed.

29:58 Rebuilding and Moving Forward

If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers:

• 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie Chindamo
• Exclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not Chance
• Unlimited email correspondence with a coach
• Semi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members

https://protilly.graphy.com/membership