Épisodes

  • What is Misunderstanding Costing You?

    What is Misunderstanding Costing You?
    Sep 25 2026
    What Is Misunderstanding Costing You?Two people can walk away from the same conversation with completely different accounts of what happened, and both can be certain they're right.That gap between how we experience ourselves and how other people experience us is where a surprising amount of leadership happens.In this episode, I explore the role awareness and curiosity play in helping us understand ourselves, challenge our assumptions about others, and make more intentional choices about how we lead.We look at why some of the best leaders seem to have such a good “read” on people—and why what looks like intuition may actually be something deeper: a willingness to remain curious.I also explore the hidden energy cost of adapting our natural preferences to meet the demands of our environment. You can become extraordinarily good at a behavior that is simultaneously exhausting you. Effectiveness and effort are not always the same thing.And then we tackle a more uncomfortable question:When should you trust your gut—and when might your confidence simply be reinforcing a story you've already created?Research on expert intuition suggests that reliable instincts develop under particular conditions. Research on self-awareness reminds us that we're not always the best witnesses to our own behavior. And research on workplace conflict shows just how expensive misunderstanding can become when assumptions, communication differences, and unresolved tension are allowed to accumulate.In this episode, we explore:Why awareness and curiosity sit underneath so many other leadership capabilitiesWhat leaders of high-performing “superteams” do differentlyThe difference between intuition, pattern recognition, and assumptionWhy confidence in a judgment doesn't necessarily make the judgment accurateHow our own preferences can become the measuring stick we unconsciously use to judge other peopleWhy our greatest strengths can become liabilities when we overuse themThe hidden energy cost of continually adapting to an environmentHow personality differences can influence communication, collaboration, and conflictWhy remote and written communication can create additional opportunities for misunderstandingHow Insights Discovery and other self-awareness tools can give us a shared language for understanding differencesHow greater awareness can lead to curiosity, knowledge, and ultimately more choiceA reflection experimentFor the next week, don't simply think about your personality. Watch for patterns.Notice when your energy changes. Who leaves you energized? Who leaves you depleted? When do you become impatient, withdraw, talk more, talk less, take over, accommodate, or behave differently from the way that feels most natural to you?Write those moments down and ask:What was happening? What did the situation seem to require from me? What was I assuming? What evidence do I actually have that what I believe is true? What else could be true? What might I try differently next time?You don't need a personality profile to begin developing greater awareness.You just need to start paying attention.Research & ReferencesCuriosity and High-Performing TeamsRead “How to Build a Superteam That Keeps Getting Better” — Harvard Business ReviewWhen Should You Trust Your Intuition?Kahneman & Klein — Conditions for Intuitive ExpertiseSelf-Awareness, Blind Spots & 360-Degree FeedbackThe Johari WindowJoseph Luft & Harrington Ingham — Johari Window, 1955Workplace Conflict, Communication & Personality DifferencesThe Myers-Briggs Company — Conflict at Work Research, 2022Workplace Conflict in Great BritainAcas — Conflict at work: why it happens and how people try to resolve itAcas — 2025 workplace-conflict research reportThe Gap Between Employer and Employee Views of Conflict ResolutionCIPD — How Employers Are Tackling Bullying and Harassment at WorkRemote Work and Organizational SilosMicrosoft Research — The Effects of Remote Work on Collaboration Among Information WorkersPublished study — Nature Human BehaviourWhy Written Communication Is So Easy to MisreadJustin Kruger, Nicholas Epley, Jason Parker & Zhi-Wen Ng — “Egocentrism Over E-Mail: Can We Communicate as Well as We Think?” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2005PubMed — Egocentrism Over E-Mail: Can We Communicate as Well as We Think?People, Culture & Organizational TransformationWhy Transformations Stall - and where only CEO's make the differenceExplore Your Own PatternsIf this episode has you wondering about your own preferences, energy, communication style, blind spots—or how these dynamics may be affecting your team—you can learn more about Insights Discovery or schedule a conversation with me.Schedule a chat with Marie And in the next episode, we'll go deeper into the psychological preferences rooted in Jungian psychology that underpin Insights Discovery and several other approaches to understanding personality—what those preferences mean, how to...
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    40 min
  • Genius is a Choice: Why Your Greatest Strength Lives in Tension

    Genius is a Choice: Why Your Greatest Strength Lives in Tension
    Jul 11 2026

    Host Marie Chindamo welcomes Michele Jennae, creator of the EDG Butterfly Map and founder of Everyday Genius X365, to discuss how brilliance is inherent in everyone but often dimmed by rigid schools and workplaces. Michelle shares leaving a government job after seeing capable people “calcify” into conformity, and explains her framework for reclaiming genius through polarities—paired tensions like certainty and wonder, structure and flow, visibility and solitude—illustrated as butterfly wings that must work together for “flight.” They explore how perfectionism often comes from fear and self-talk, how workplaces can suppress originality, and why self-awareness helps us understand others. Michelle outlines eight “genius tensions,” describes integrating VIA Character Strengths, and notes practices like embodiment and awareness to rebound from “lower wing” states. She defines success as embodying one’s idiosyncratic genius and staying aligned with intention.

    00:00 Genius Within Us

    00:31 Show Intro

    00:53 Meet Michelle Jennae

    03:55 Walking Away From Work

    08:24 Culture Shift After Covid

    09:56 Butterfly Map Explained

    14:19 Movement Not Types

    17:14 Leadership And Self Talk

    20:14 Why Brilliance Gets Suppressed

    25:00 Host Assessment Results

    27:32 VIA Strengths Overview

    30:16 Practices To Stay Connected

    32:40 Client Transformations

    33:27 Lower Wing Recovery

    34:14 Awareness Creates Choice

    35:11 Perfectionism and Projection

    38:32 Reframing Fear and What Ifs

    41:52 Defining Success Today

    46:36 Blue Flame Genius

    48:25 Seeing Genius in Others

    51:35 Self Awareness and Diversity

    54:27 Staying the Course

    58:34 Closing Reflections

    Connect with Michele Jennae

    https://www.edgx365.com/meet-michele-jennae/

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

    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://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h
  • From Intern to CEO: Building Opportunity Instead of Waiting for It

    From Intern to CEO: Building Opportunity Instead of Waiting for It
    Mar 10 2026

    Host Marie Chindamo introduces an interview recorded in July 2025 with Brittany Hirson, CEO of South Bay Energy, a boutique retail energy supplier in New York and PJM. Brittany recounts joining the startup as a college intern in 2013 and rising to CEO by following strong leaders, building relationships, taking initiative, and embracing learning before feeling ready. She discusses leading by example, creating room for growth and safe failure, and the importance of authenticity in business trust. Brittany also describes her role as president of the Mid-Atlantic chapter of the Women’s Energy Alliance, focused on women supporting women through member mentorships with inclusive male allies. She shares her consulting work in operations and marketing, shifting from 1x to 10x goals through delegation and “who versus how,” views on technology and APIs, self-care through Pilates and a vegan lifestyle, and the belief that people can tap an extra 10% of effort to seize opportunities.

    From Intern to CEO: Brittany Harrison on Choice, Confidence, and 10x Leadership

    00:00 Show Intro

    00:22 Intern To CEO

    01:24 Episode Context

    04:12 Meet Brittany

    06:14 Startup Culture

    08:46 Mentorship Matters

    11:15 Women’s Energy Alliance

    15:16 Authenticity Wins

    16:06 Future Of Energy

    18:50 Confidence To Lead

    20:41 Consulting And Ops

    23:46 Defining Success

    26:25 Ten X Thinking

    27:47 Perfectionism And Progress

    29:16 Risk And Mistakes

    31:20 Mistakes Can Be Fixed

    32:00 Beautiful Mistakes and Discovery

    32:16 Tech and Leadership Tools

    33:08 APIs and Automation Basics

    34:16 Upskilling the Team

    35:10 Low Risk Tool Practice

    38:16 Too Many Tools Problem

    40:08 Avoiding the Tech Rabbit Hole

    41:24 Self-Care and Pilates Routine

    43:58 Intentional Choices and Health

    47:59 Truth Be Told Extra Ten Percent

    52:41 Spotting Opportunities and Initiative

    57:37 Final Takeaways and Outro

    Connect with Brittany

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-hirson-660b6788/

    A little bit about Marie Chindamo:

    Marie is the founder and CEO of ProTilly, a successful consulting practice founded over 8 years ago. ProTilly specializes in building strategy, challenging the status quo, and inspiring individuals and organizations to think radically differently to achieve transformative benefits. By encouraging fresh perspectives and innovative thinking, Marie and her team help organizations break free from limiting practices, creating room for disruptive ideas and growth. They provide strategic guidance that’s tailored to navigating transitions, whether it's organizational change, market shifts, or leadership development.


    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://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h
  • At What Point Does Consistency Become Noise? Pause to Create Clarity

    At What Point Does Consistency Become Noise? Pause to Create Clarity
    Mar 9 2026

    Strategic Restraint: Navigating Competing Priorities with Discernment

    Marie returns to the Choice Not Chance podcast after an eight-month pause, explaining it was driven by competing priorities and a commitment to quality rather than burnout or lost passion. She reflects on how high-achieving leaders often struggle not with a lack of options but with too many meaningful opportunities, arguing that leadership is defined by discernment, focus, and long-term alignment rather than constant output. During the break, she narrowed instead of accelerated, practiced instead of published, and pursued advanced coursework to deepen her knowledge and integrate new experiences into sharper future frameworks. She reframes pausing as strategic restraint and maturity, encouraging listeners to evaluate whether stepping back is avoidance or alignment. She also connects these themes to the Extreme Executive Club, positioned as a structured space for rigorous thinking, refinement, and executive signature work.

    00:00 Welcome Back and the Pause

    00:31 When Consistency Becomes Noise

    01:12 Every Yes Has a Cost

    02:12 Competing Priorities and Focus

    03:26 Integration Builds Depth

    04:13 Strategic Restraint and Ego

    05:00 Discernment Questions to Ask

    05:35 Extreme Executive Club Update

    06:24 Calibration Over Acceleration

    07:00 Returning With Clarity

    07:20 Choice Not Chance Closing

    A little bit about Marie Chindamo:

    Marie is the founder and CEO of ProTilly, a successful consulting practice founded over 8 years ago. ProTilly specializes in building strategy, challenging the status quo, and inspiring individuals and organizations to think radically differently to achieve transformative benefits. By encouraging fresh perspectives and innovative thinking, Marie and her team help organizations break free from limiting practices, creating room for disruptive ideas and growth. They provide strategic guidance that’s tailored to navigating transitions, whether it's organizational change, market shifts, or leadership development.


    ENJOY THE SHOW?

    --> Join my X-Treme Executive Clubä to get exclusive access to simple yet mind-blowing strategies and support to achieve your highest potential.

    --> If this episode is making you think, I would love it if you could share your thoughts with me over on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn!

    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://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    8 min
  • EP015 – Freedom Mindset: Tethered to Nothing, Anchored to Purpose

    EP015 – Freedom Mindset: Tethered to Nothing, Anchored to Purpose
    May 31 2025

    EP015 – Freedom Mindset: Tethered to Nothing, Anchored to Purpose

    “Freedom mindset is saying, I'm making conscious choices to do and act on things that will benefit my long-term growth, and requires you to remove the things that aren't going to contribute to that.” Marie Chindamo

    In this first episode of season two of 'Choice, Not Chance: Simplifying Success,' host Marie Chindamo delves into the concept of the freedom mindset. Reflecting on her six-week sabbatical and annual retreat, Marie emphasizes the importance of making conscious choices to cultivate freedom and growth. She discusses the power of envisioning your future self, using 'I am' statements, and clarifying core values as foundational steps to achieving exponential personal and professional success. Through personal anecdotes and retreat experiences, Marie offers strategies for overcoming obstacles, leveraging strengths, and enlisting support to enrich one's journey. She invites listeners to utilize her resources and join her in building a life they do not want to retire from.

    00:00 Introduction to Choice, not Chance

    00:22 Season Two Kickoff

    01:10 Embracing the Freedom Mindset

    06:39 Visioning Your Future Self

    12:00 Lifetime Extension

    15:00 Focus on Strengths vs. Weaknesses

    17:02 Your Superpowers

    18:59 Commitment Creates Action

    19:47 Clarifying Core Values

    21:17 Overcoming Obstacles

    24:21 Conclusion and Resources


    Connect with Marie Chindamo

    LinkedIn

    Website

    Instagram

    Facebook


    ENJOY THE SHOW?

    --> Join my X-Treme Executive Clubä to get exclusive access to simple yet mind-blowing strategies and support to achieve your highest potential.

    --> If this episode is making you think, I would love if you could share your thoughts with me over on Facebook Instagram or LinkedIn!

    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://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    27 min
  • Unleashing Potential: How Wonder Girls Transforms Confidence into Success

    Unleashing Potential: How Wonder Girls Transforms Confidence into Success
    Mar 21 2025

    Empowering Young Women: The Journey of Wonder Girls

    In this episode of 'Choice, Not Chance: Simplifying Success,' host Marie Chindamo interviews Natalie Maniscalco and Irene Robles, co-founders of Wonder Girls. They discuss the inception and mission of their nonprofit organization that empowers high school girls through leadership building, community service, and confidence workshops. They share personal stories, the impact of their professional skills, and the importance of empathy, support, and mentorship in shaping the future of young women. The conversation also touches upon their ambitious plans for expansion and continuous support for aspiring young women leaders.


    00:00 Introduction to Choice, Not Chance

    00:27 Meet the Wonder Girls Founders

    01:26 Natalie's Journey and the Birth of Wonder Girls

    06:03 Irene's Background and Contributions

    10:21 Empowering Young Women Through Confidence

    16:58 Wonder Girls Programs and Impact

    26:38 Leadership and Support Behind Wonder Girls

    27:21 Team Effort and Acknowledgements

    28:08 Board Members and Their Contributions

    29:23 Personal Fulfillment and Purpose

    32:13 Fundraising and Events

    34:25 Podcast and Partnerships

    36:49 Future Goals and Expansion

    42:21 Personal Choices and Reflections

    47:13 Mindset and Overcoming Obstacles

    49:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Connect with Natalie Maniscalco & Irene Robles

    https://www.wondergirlsusa.org/our-team

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-j-maniscalco-54195a1/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/irene-paleologos-zervoudis-301aa0110/

    A little bit about Wondergirls:

    https://www.wondergirlsusa.org/ourvisionourteam

    Founded in December 2020, Wonder Girls is a non-profit 501(c)3 | empowerment program for middle, high school, and college girls with a mission to build confidence, leadership, community spirit, and the necessary business skills to succeed no matter what educational or career path they may choose.

    Wonder Girls strive to create a space
    for addressing the current emotional, physical, and mental challenges facing
    our young girls today. Wonder Girls provides our girls with a support system,
    giving them a place where they feel safe and comfortable expressing themselves
    while also providing them with the tools they need to grow and thrive in this
    world. We offer our young girls the opportunity to speak their truth without
    fear of isolation or judgment.

    Wonder Girls believes that every young
    woman deserves the opportunity to thrive as a leader of their own life despite
    economic, social, or educational challenges. As a network of successful and
    powerful professionals, we want to positively impact the lives of our Wonder
    Girls and foster our future female leaders who are ready to make a difference!

    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://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    51 min
  • Transforming Anxiety: Dr. Padnick on Turning Stress into a Tool for Success

    Transforming Anxiety: Dr. Padnick on Turning Stress into a Tool for Success
    Mar 17 2025

    In this episode, Marie welcomes Dr. Steven Padnick, a psychologist with extensive experience in treating stress-related and psychophysiological disorders. Dr. Padnick discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing stress and anxiety, emphasizing that anxiety is a natural and helpful signal indicating that something is out of balance. By tuning into one's inner thoughts and feelings and expressing them through methods like writing, individuals can better manage anxiety and avoid destructive behaviors. Dr. Padnick advocates for early intervention and therapy to prevent the escalation of stress into more serious health issues. The conversation touches on methods of self-therapy, the benefits of group therapy, and the crucial role of self-awareness and intentional living in achieving personal and professional success.

    “I wish people would seek counseling way sooner than they do. Generally, people wait much too long. If you feel like you're struggling and you're dissatisfied with your life, dissatisfied with your relationships, you have anxiety, you're not sleeping well, you have bouts of depression, or you find that you're drinking more than you should, go find a good psychologist, analyst, or a therapist to talk to, why wait until it has more of a grip on you.” – Dr. Steven Padnick

    EP013: Show Highlights

    01:52 Dr. Padnick's Early Life and Career Choices

    05:45 Understanding Stress and Its Effects

    08:14 Defining Success and Passion

    11:36 The Role of Therapy in Overcoming Symptoms

    15:42 Challenges in Therapy and Group Dynamics

    22:18 The Importance of Early Intervention

    30:06 Navigating Professional Challenges

    30:57 Repetition Compulsion in Adulthood

    31:44 Personal Stories of Overcoming Adversity

    32:10 Understanding Childhood Survival Mechanisms

    33:18 The Brain's Role in Survival and Stress

    34:36 Free Association and Stress

    36:48 The Importance of Silence and Self-Reflection

    37:57 Embracing Anxiety as a Growth Tool

    44:14 Defining Success and Personal Fulfillment

    50:02 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

    Connect with Dr. Padnick:

    Commack Center for Counseling: https://commackconsultationcenter.com/

    Moody Blues Songs Mentioned

    Balance: https://open.spotify.com/track/10iVtp83V7n1nvCJcqJITZ?si=d7ea0ac7707c42f2

    Question: https://open.spotify.com/track/4Q27I5G3W14hnYVi45oi2h?si=436df51f97fa45c2

    A little bit about Dr. Steven Padnick:

    Dr. Padnick received intensive post-doctoral training at the Humanistic Psychology Center, the Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies, and the Center for the Advancement of Group Studies.

    Full bio can be found here:https://commackconsultationcenter.com/our-therapists/

    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://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    54 min
  • Crafting Excellence through Adaptation: Dr. Bryan Frank's Journey to Serve with Purpose by Mastering Diverse Paths

    Crafting Excellence through Adaptation: Dr. Bryan Frank's Journey to Serve with Purpose by Mastering Diverse Paths
    Feb 16 2025

    “Things happen, change, go back, and cycle. That's what happens. So, you adjust. Even through your career, something changes that you didn't plan on. How am I going to adjust to going forward to be the best I can be in this new environment?” Dr. Bryan Frank

    [Ep 013]: This episode focuses on how flexibility and seizing opportunities can lead us to realize our fullest potential.

    My guest in this episode is a wonderful and impressive example of how hard work, flexibility, and commitment have served humanity in multiple ways.

    Dr. Brian Frank, whose diverse career spans law enforcement, education, and cybersecurity, shares insights from his experiences as an NYPD officer, Intelligence analyst in Iraq, educator, school administrator, and cybersecurity consultant. We explore Dr. Frank's motivations, how his various roles are interconnected, the evolving school safety landscape, and best cybersecurity practices. Dr. Frank's journey emphasizes the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and seizing opportunities to shape one's destiny.

    Show Highlights

    01:20 Exploring Dr. Frank's Career

    01:58 School Safety and Security

    05:33 The Role of Educators in Security

    14:53 Parental Involvement and Support

    22:12 Challenges and Changes in Education

    29:46 Pressure on Students and Work-Life Balance

    35:51 Navigating the Modern Workplace

    36:46 Health and Wellness Initiatives at Work

    37:31 The Importance of Candid Environments

    38:33 Team Approach and Ego Management

    40:21 Challenging the Status Quo

    43:54 Cybersecurity Insights and Best Practices

    56:23 Personal Motivation and Career Reflections

    01:08:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    More About Guest Dr. Bryan Frank:

    Connect: Bryan Frank LInkedIn

    Dr. Frank’s Bio:

    Bryan Frank is an Adjunct Lecturer at Stony Brook University. He earned a B.A. in Political Science and History from CW Post In 1993. Bryan holds a M.S. in Social Studies 7-12, a M.S. in Liberal Studies, and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership through Stony Brook University. He earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Saint John's University. Bryan holds permanent certifications in social studies and school administration at the building and district level, and a graduate certificate in Cyber Policy from the University of Maryland. More information on Dr. Frank's extensive bio can be seen through these links:

    Stonybrook University Bio

    Covert Investigations Bio

    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://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 15 min