Graham Skidmore: From Corporate Success to Conscious Living

In this episode of Authentic Conversations with Adele, host Adele Bernard welcomes Graham Skidmore, former Rocket Mortgage executive turned entrepreneur, activist, and mystic, to explore personal transformation, awakening, and rediscovering our authentic selves.

After approximately 24 years in the corporate world, Graham found himself burned out and disconnected from who he truly was. Leaving corporate life began a journey of healing, self-discovery, and exploring consciousness, intuition, and human potential.

Through Western, Eastern, Indigenous, and spiritual perspectives, Graham challenged long-held beliefs and discovered new ways of understanding himself and the world. Today, his work focuses on consciousness, healing, and empowering people to recognize their unique gifts.

• Redefining success: Looking beyond material achievements to find meaning and fulfilment.

• Breaking free from conditioning: Recognizing how societal expectations and learned beliefs shape our identity.

• Honouring individual gifts: Understanding that everyone's journey of growth and self-discovery is unique.

• Understanding emotions: Learning from our emotions rather than avoiding discomfort.

• Shifting perspective: Seeing life's challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation.

• Trusting inner guidance: Developing greater awareness and making choices that support wellbeing.

• Creating an inclusive world: Moving beyond conformity and embracing individual differences.

As founder of Transition Clarity and a Soul Strategist and Intuitive Guide, Adele helps people navigate life's transitions, find clarity, and reconnect with their authentic selves. Through her work, she encourages people to look beyond old beliefs and expectations to discover new possibilities.

Together, Adele and Graham explore how curiosity, compassion, and openness can help us move through life's challenges and create a more meaningful path forward.

Connect with Graham Skidmore

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham-skidmore⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@understandingthescienceofyou⁠

Connect with Adele Bernard

Navigating a life transition? Book a free introductory conversation with Adele.

⁠https://transitionclarity.as.me/⁠

Enjoying Authentic Conversations with Adele? Please like, share, comment, and subscribe.

Donations help support the continuation of these conversations.

Donate here: ⁠https://buy.stripe.com/3cs28DaQn45IdYQdR6⁠

Thank you for listening and being part of the conversation!

Graham Skidmore: From Corporate Success to Conscious Living

In this episode of Authentic Conversations with Adele, host Adele Bernard welcomes Graham Skidmore, former Rocket Mortgage executive turned entrepreneur, activist, and mystic, to explore personal transformation, awakening, and rediscovering our authentic selves.

After approximately 24 years in the corporate world, Graham found himself burned out and disconnected from who he truly was. Leaving corporate life began a journey of healing, self-discovery, and exploring consciousness, intuition, and human potential.

Through Western, Eastern, Indigenous, and spiritual perspectives, Graham challenged long-held beliefs and discovered new ways of understanding himself and the world. Today, his work focuses on consciousness, healing, and empowering people to recognize their unique gifts.

• Redefining success: Looking beyond material achievements to find meaning and fulfilment.

• Breaking free from conditioning: Recognizing how societal expectations and learned beliefs shape our identity.

• Honouring individual gifts: Understanding that everyone's journey of growth and self-discovery is unique.

• Understanding emotions: Learning from our emotions rather than avoiding discomfort.

• Shifting perspective: Seeing life's challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation.

• Trusting inner guidance: Developing greater awareness and making choices that support wellbeing.

• Creating an inclusive world: Moving beyond conformity and embracing individual differences.

As founder of Transition Clarity and a Soul Strategist and Intuitive Guide, Adele helps people navigate life's transitions, find clarity, and reconnect with their authentic selves. Through her work, she encourages people to look beyond old beliefs and expectations to discover new possibilities.

Together, Adele and Graham explore how curiosity, compassion, and openness can help us move through life's challenges and create a more meaningful path forward.

Connect with Graham Skidmore

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham-skidmore

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@understandingthescienceofyou

Connect with Adele Bernard

Navigating a life transition? Book a free introductory conversation with Adele.

https://transitionclarity.as.me/

Enjoying Authentic Conversations with Adele? Please like, share, comment, and subscribe.

Donations help support the continuation of these conversations.

Donate here: https://buy.stripe.com/3cs28DaQn45IdYQdR6

Thank you for listening and being part of the conversation!

Lizzie Thomas: Music, Authenticity & Finding Freedom

In this episode of Authentic Conversations with Adele, host Adele Bernard welcomes Lizzie Thomas, a New York-based singer, songwriter, producer, and founder of Goddess Legacy Records. Rooted in jazz while embracing R&B and pop, Lizzie creates music that encourages listeners to reconnect with themselves and experience the freedom of authentic expression.

Adele and Lizzie explore the journey of being an artist, the importance of creative freedom, and how music brings people together across generations and cultures.

Finding Freedom Through Music

Lizzie shares her journey as a musician, from her classical training to discovering the creative freedom of jazz. She explains how learning the foundations of music provides the skills and confidence to improvise, explore, and develop an authentic voice.

For Lizzie, jazz is an endless art form. Even when performing the same song, the experience can be completely different each time. Through listening, responding, and creating in the moment, musicians develop a unique connection with one another and their audience.

Practice, Growth & Staying Curious

Lizzie emphasizes the importance of consistent practice, dedication, and a willingness to keep learning. Working alongside accomplished musicians has strengthened her commitment to excellence and taught her the value of listening deeply—not only to other musicians but also to the music itself.She encourages artists to understand their craft, respect their limits, and remain open to new experiences. Authentic expression grows when strong foundations meet curiosity, courage, and the freedom to explore.

This Is Freedom — A New Chapter

Lizzie discusses her latest album, This Is Freedom, an artistic statement exploring authenticity, creativity, resilience, and the courage to live freely. Following her previous album, Awakening, this project represents an important step in her evolution as an artist.Rather than rushing toward the next project, Lizzie is embracing the music she has created, sharing it with audiences, and expanding her reach through performances and collaborations in North America and Europe.

Why Music Matters

Adele and Lizzie also discuss the importance of music education and ensuring children have opportunities to discover their creative gifts. They reflect on how music can change lives, build confidence, and create connections that transcend language and background.Their conversation highlights music as more than entertainment. It is a source of vitality, expression, and unity—something that helps people reconnect with themselves and one another.

About Lizzie Thomas

Lizzie Thomas is a singer, songwriter, arranger, producer, and the founder of Goddess Legacy Records. Blending jazz with elements of R&B and pop, she brings emotional honesty, intuition, and creativity to her work. Through her music and live performances, she invites audiences to experience familiar sounds in new ways and discover their own sense of freedom.

Find Lizzie Thomas by searching Lizzie Thomas or Lizzie the Jazz Singer on social media and streaming platforms.https://www.facebook.com/LizzieTheJazzSinger/https://www.youtube.com/user/lizziethejazzsinger/videos

About Your Host, Adele Bernard

Adele Bernard is the host of Authentic Conversations with Adele and the founder of Transition Clarity. As a Soul Strategist and Intuitive Guide, Adele supports people navigating life's transitions as they move through uncertainty, reconnect with their authentic selves, and discover a deeper sense of meaning and direction.

Connect with Adele:⁠ https://transitionclarity.as.me/⁠

⁠https://linkedin.com/in/adelebernardtc⁠

⁠https://facebook.com/transitionclarity⁠

Enjoyed This Episode?

If this conversation resonated with you, please like, share, comment, and subscribe to Authentic Conversations with Adele. Your support helps these conversations reach more people.

Donate: ⁠https://buy.stripe.com/3cs28DaQn45IdYQdR6

Lizzie Thomas: Music, Authenticity & Finding Freedom

In this episode of Authentic Conversations with Adele, host Adele Bernard welcomes Lizzie Thomas, a New York-based singer, songwriter, producer, and founder of Goddess Legacy Records. Rooted in jazz while embracing R&B and pop, Lizzie creates music that encourages listeners to reconnect with themselves and experience the freedom of authentic expression.

Adele and Lizzie explore the journey of being an artist, the importance of creative freedom, and how music brings people together across generations and cultures.

Finding Freedom Through Music

Lizzie shares her journey as a musician, from her classical training to discovering the creative freedom of jazz. She explains how learning the foundations of music provides the skills and confidence to improvise, explore, and develop an authentic voice.

For Lizzie, jazz is an endless art form. Even when performing the same song, the experience can be completely different each time. Through listening, responding, and creating in the moment, musicians develop a unique connection with one another and their audience.

Practice, Growth & Staying Curious

Lizzie emphasizes the importance of consistent practice, dedication, and a willingness to keep learning. Working alongside accomplished musicians has strengthened her commitment to excellence and taught her the value of listening deeply—not only to other musicians but also to the music itself.

She encourages artists to understand their craft, respect their limits, and remain open to new experiences. Authentic expression grows when strong foundations meet curiosity, courage, and the freedom to explore.

This Is Freedom — A New Chapter

Lizzie discusses her latest album, This Is Freedom, an artistic statement exploring authenticity, creativity, resilience, and the courage to live freely. Following her previous album, Awakening, this project represents an important step in her evolution as an artist.Rather than rushing toward the next project, Lizzie is embracing the music she has created, sharing it with audiences, and expanding her reach through performances and collaborations in North America and Europe.

Why Music Matters

Adele and Lizzie also discuss the importance of music education and ensuring children have opportunities to discover their creative gifts. They reflect on how music can change lives, build confidence, and create connections that transcend language and background.

Their conversation highlights music as more than entertainment. It is a source of vitality, expression, and unity—something that helps people reconnect with themselves and one another.

About Lizzie Thomas

Lizzie Thomas is a singer, songwriter, arranger, producer, and the founder of Goddess Legacy Records. Blending jazz with elements of R&B and pop, she brings emotional honesty, intuition, and creativity to her work. Through her music and live performances, she invites audiences to experience familiar sounds in new ways and discover their own sense of freedom.

Find Lizzie Thomas by searching Lizzie Thomas or Lizzie the Jazz Singer on social media and streaming platforms.

https://www.facebook.com/LizzieTheJazzSinger/

https://www.youtube.com/user/lizziethejazzsinger/videos

About Your Host, Adele Bernard

Adele Bernard is the host of Authentic Conversations with Adele and the founder of Transition Clarity. As a Soul Strategist and Intuitive Guide, Adele supports people navigating life's transitions as they move through uncertainty, reconnect with their authentic selves, and discover a deeper sense of meaning and direction.

Connect with Adele: https://transitionclarity.as.me/

https://linkedin.com/in/adelebernardtc

https://facebook.com/transitionclarity

Enjoyed This Episode?

If this conversation resonated with you, please like, share, comment, and subscribe to Authentic Conversations with Adele. Your support helps these conversations reach more people.https://buy.stripe.com/3cs28DaQn45IdYQdR6

Shirley Sutton: Leadership, Workplace Culture & Finding Your Voice

In this episode of Authentic Conversations with Adele, host Adele Bernard welcomes Shirley Sutton, a leadership coach and people and culture leader with extensive experience in recruitment, HR, and leadership development across banking, financial services, and technology.

Together, they explore leadership, workplace culture, and navigating professional transitions while building healthier relationships between employees and organizations.

Drawing on her corporate HR experience and NLP coaching background, Shirley created the Truth Authority Shift Program to help managers become unstuck and lead with greater confidence, clarity, and influence.

Shirley understands that excelling in a technical role doesn't automatically prepare someone to lead people. New managers must develop communication skills, navigate changing relationships with former peers, deliver constructive feedback, and recognize their impact on others. Her approach focuses on practical, manageable changes that make a meaningful difference.

Leadership Is More Than a Title

Stepping into management requires personal growth alongside new skills. Shirley highlights the importance of self-awareness, communication, and understanding individual strengths.

The Role of HR

We discuss how HR can bridge communication gaps, address concerns, and encourage fair outcomes. Both employees and managers also have a responsibility to communicate directly and take ownership of their relationships.

Technology, AI, and Workplace Challenges

They explore how AI-generated complaints can create additional work for HR teams and why thoughtful investigation, due diligence, and human understanding remain essential.

Treating People Well Through Change

How organizations handle employee departures matters. Shirley and Adele discuss fair processes, respectful offboarding, and protecting people's dignity during employment transitions.

Finding Balance in a Changing Workplace

Remote and hybrid work offer flexibility but can also bring challenges involving isolation, burnout, trust, and work-life balance. Finding the right approach depends on the individual, role, and organization.

Knowing When It's Time for a Change

Shirley supports experienced professionals who feel unseen, struggle for recognition, or are considering moving beyond corporate life. Her work helps individuals and business owners assess their circumstances and identify their next steps.

As host of Authentic Conversations with Adele and founder of Transition Clarity, Adele supports people navigating transitions who feel uncertain, stuck, or disconnected from their purpose.

She brings attention to authenticity, personal responsibility, and recognizing when change is needed. Whether navigating a corporate career, becoming an entrepreneur, or reconsidering life's direction, clarity begins with understanding where you are and what matters most.

This conversation invites us to rethink leadership, how we treat people through change, and how to create workplaces where individuals and organizations can thrive.

Shirley Sutton

Learn more about Shirley's leadership coaching, NLP approach, and Truth Authority Shift Program.

• Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/shirleysutton/⁠
• LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirleysutton/⁠
• YouTube: ⁠http://www.youtube.com/@AscendlyCareerCoach⁠
• Free Personal Branding Checklist: ⁠https://ascendly.online/personal-branding-checklist/⁠

Adele Bernard | Transition Clarity

At a crossroads and looking for clarity about your next steps? Book a complimentary 15-minute conversation.

⁠https://transitionclarity.as.me/⁠

Please like, share, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover Authentic Conversations with Adele.

To support the continuation of the podcast, donations are gratefully appreciated:

⁠https://buy.stripe.com/3cs28DaQn45IdYQdR6⁠

Thank you for listening. Until next time, keep moving toward a life that reflects who you truly are.

Shirley Sutton: Leadership, Workplace Culture & Finding Your Voice

In this episode of Authentic Conversations with Adele, host Adele Bernard welcomes Shirley Sutton, a leadership coach and people and culture leader with extensive experience in recruitment, HR, and leadership development across banking, financial services, and technology.

Together, they explore leadership, workplace culture, and navigating professional transitions while building healthier relationships between employees and organizations.

Drawing on her corporate HR experience and NLP coaching background, Shirley created the Truth Authority Shift Program to help managers become unstuck and lead with greater confidence, clarity, and influence.

Shirley understands that excelling in a technical role doesn't automatically prepare someone to lead people. New managers must develop communication skills, navigate changing relationships with former peers, deliver constructive feedback, and recognize their impact on others. Her approach focuses on practical, manageable changes that make a meaningful difference.

Leadership Is More Than a Title

Stepping into management requires personal growth alongside new skills. Shirley highlights the importance of self-awareness, communication, and understanding individual strengths.

The Role of HR

Adele and Shirley discuss how HR can bridge communication gaps, address concerns, and encourage fair outcomes. Both employees and managers also have a responsibility to communicate directly and take ownership of their relationships.

Technology, AI, and Workplace Challenges

They explore how AI-generated complaints can create additional work for HR teams and why thoughtful investigation, due diligence, and human understanding remain essential.

Treating People Well Through Change

How organizations handle employee departures matters. Shirley and Adele discuss fair processes, respectful offboarding, and protecting people's dignity during employment transitions.

Finding Balance in a Changing Workplace

Remote and hybrid work offer flexibility but can also bring challenges involving isolation, burnout, trust, and work-life balance. Finding the right approach depends on the individual, role, and organization.

Knowing When It's Time for a Change

Shirley supports experienced professionals who feel unseen, struggle for recognition, or are considering moving beyond corporate life. Her work helps individuals and business owners assess their circumstances and identify their next steps.

As host of Authentic Conversations with Adele and founder of Transition Clarity, Adele supports people navigating transitions who feel uncertain, stuck, or disconnected from their purpose.

She brings attention to authenticity, personal responsibility, and recognizing when change is needed. Whether navigating a corporate career, becoming an entrepreneur, or reconsidering life's direction, clarity begins with understanding where you are and what matters most.

This conversation invites us to rethink leadership, how we treat people through change, and how to create workplaces where individuals and organizations can thrive.

Shirley Sutton

Learn more about Shirley's leadership coaching, NLP approach, and Truth Authority Shift Program.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shirleysutton/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirleysutton/
• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@AscendlyCareerCoach
• Free Personal Branding Checklist: https://ascendly.online/personal-branding-checklist/

Adele Bernard | Transition Clarity

At a crossroads and looking for clarity about your next steps? Book a complimentary 15-minute conversation.

https://transitionclarity.as.me/

Please like, share, comment, and subscribe to help more people discover Authentic Conversations with Adele.

To support the continuation of the podcast, donations are gratefully appreciated:

https://buy.stripe.com/3cs28DaQn45IdYQdR6

Thank you for listening. Until next time, keep moving toward a life that reflects who you truly are.

Connie Kwan — Story Habits, Identity & Lasting Change

What if changing a habit isn't about trying harder, but more about understanding the story behind it?

In this episode, Adele Bernard welcomes Connie Kwan, five-time Chief Product Officer and CEO of Product Mastro, for a conversation about habits, identity, storytelling, AI, and meaningful change.

Looking for clarity in a transition?

Book a call with Adele: ⁠https://transitionclarity.as.me/⁠

The Story Behind the Habit: Connie's work with people trying to change habits led her to recognize three powerful influences: physical reinforcement, social reinforcement, and identity. Her upcoming book, Story Habits: Rewrite Your Story, Rewrite Your Habits, explores how the stories we tell ourselves can influence the habits we create and maintain. A key question is not only "How do I change?" but "Why do I want to change?" When change is connected to something deeply meaningful- family, freedom, purpose, or another personal value - it can become much more powerful.

Creating Something New

Adele and Connie discuss why changing a habit isn't simply about stopping something. We also need to consider what will replace it.Our environments, relationships, workplaces, and daily routines can reinforce our patterns. Sometimes creating change means changing the environment around us and finding a place where we can truly thrive rather than simply survive. Adele also shares her own experience of learning to d

AI & Human Connection

Connie shares how AI is helping her bring ideas to life, including her podcast, book, and Story Habits app. While technology offers incredible possibilities, Adele and Connie also explore the importance of maintaining genuine human connection. Technology can be a tool, but it doesn't replace the value of reaching out, having a real conversation, or simply letting someone know you're thinking about them.

What Story Are You Living?

Adele connects the conversation to her work through Transition Clarity, helping people recognize the conditioning, beliefs, and stories that may no longer reflect who they truly are. Sometimes a story sth Product Mastro and Story Habits.⁠

https://www.linkedin.com/in/conniekwan/

⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Connie-Kwan⁠

Free substack:⁠https://conniekwan.substack.com⁠

Connect with Adele

Adele Bernard, Soul Strategist, Intuitive Guide, and host of Authentic Conversations with Adele, supports people through transition and helps them reconnect with who they truly are.

Book a call with Adele: ⁠https://transitionclarity.as.me/

⁠Enjoying the Podcast?

Please like, share, comment, and subscribe to Authentic Conversations with Adele. Your support helps these conversations reach others who may benefit from them.

Enjoying the podcast and would like to support it?

Make a Donation: Support the Podcast: ⁠https://buy.stripe.com/3cs28DaQn45IdYQdR6⁠

Thank you for being part of Authentic Conversations with Adele.

Connie Kwan — Story Habits, Identity & Lasting Change

What if changing a habit isn't about trying harder, but more about understanding the story behind it?

n this episode, Adele Bernard welcomes Connie Kwan, five-time Chief Product Officer and CEO of Product Mastro, for a conversation about habits, identity, storytelling, AI, and meaningful change.

Looking for clarity in a transition?

Book a call with Adele: https://transitionclarity.as.me/

The Story Behind the Habit

Connie's work with people trying to change habits led her to recognize three powerful influences: physical reinforcement, social reinforcement, and identity. Her upcoming book, Story Habits: Rewrite Your Story, Rewrite Your Habits, explores how the stories we tell ourselves can influence the habits we create and maintain. A key question is not only "How do I change?" but "Why do I want to change?"When change is connected to something deeply meaningful—family, freedom, purpose, or another personal value—it can become much more powerful.

Creating Something New

Adele and Connie discuss why changing a habit isn't simply about stopping something. We also need to consider what will replace it. Our environments, relationships, workplaces, and daily routines can reinforce our patterns. Sometimes creating change means changing the environment around us and finding a place where we can truly thrive rather than simply survive. Adele also shares her own experience of learning to rest instead.

AI & Human Connection

Connie shares how AI is helping her bring ideas to life, including her podcast, book, and Story Habits app. While technology offers incredible possibilities, Adele and Connie also explore the importance of maintaining genuine human connection. Technology can be a tool, but it doesn't replace the value of reaching out, having a real conversation, or simply letting someone know you're thinking about them.

What Story Are You Living?

Adele connects the conversation to her work through Transition Clarity, helping people recognize the conditioning, beliefs, and stories that may no longer reflect who they truly are. Sometimes a story sth Product Mastro and Story Habits.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/conniekwan/

https://www.youtube.com/@Connie-Kwan

Free Substack: https://conniekwan.substack.com

Connect with Adele: Soul Strategist / Intuitive Guide and host of Authentic Conversations with Adele, who supports people through transition and helps them reconnect with who they truly are.

Book a call with Adele: https://transitionclarity.as.me/

Enjoying the Podcast?

Please like, share, comment, and subscribe to Authentic Conversations with Adele. Your support helps these conversations reach others who may benefit from them.

Enjoying the podcast and would like to support it?

Make a Donation: Support the Podcast: https://buy.stripe.com/3cs28DaQn45IdYQdR6

Thank you for being part of Authentic Conversations with Adele.