Shine A Light

What if the patterns holding you back today began long before you ever had a chance to choose them? In this episode of Shine a Light, host Christine Miles sits down with Dr. Traci Arends, founder of She Fully Alive, to explore how childhood experiences, family trauma, and inherited expectations shape the way we show up in our adult lives.

Drawing from her own journey through grief, difficult relationships, and years of personal transformation, Traci shares how she learned to recognize old patterns, rebuild her confidence, and create a more intentional life. Together, Christine and Traci unpack...

In this episode of Shine a Light, host Christine Miles sits down with Emily Cherkin, M.Ed., The Screentime Consultant, former middle school teacher, and advocate for more intentional technology use in education. Emily is leading the fight for a Tech-Intentional™ childhood. After witnessing how screens transformed hernclassroom—and experiencing firsthand how a traumatic brain injury affected her own ability to process visual stimulation—Emily became an unexpected activist, challenging schools to rethink their reliance on educational technology and put children's needs first.

In this episode, you'll discover:
● Why less screen time can mean more learning...

What if the most powerful thing a leader could do is stop talking and start listening?
In this episode of Shine the Light, host Christine Miles sits down with Olga Yakimakho, a global leader in organizational effectiveness, talent development, and leadership strategy, to explore how curiosity, empathy, and human connection can transform the way we lead. From growing up in the former Soviet Union to working across more than 30 countries, Olga shares how her global experiences—and the deeply personal challenge of navigating her young son's rare heart condition and transplant—reshaped her perspective on leadership, resilience, and what truly...

What if the life you're looking for begins when you stop trying to control it?
What if the biggest thing holding you back as a leader isn't your ability—it's the authority you're unintentionally giving away?
What if one simple act—reaching out—could change the course of a life?
In this heartfelt conversation, educator and wellbeing advocate John Doran shares the lessons that have shaped his three decades in education, from a father who taught him about possibility to mentors who showed him the power of believing in others. He explores why genuine connection, emotional intelli...

What happens when being great at your job is no longer enough to be great at leading others?

Ashley Rudolph went from individual contributor to VP in just five years, leading multimillion-dollar deals and teams of more than 250 people. But her fastest growth came with some of her hardest lessons, including learning how to lead someone who once outranked her, stop micromanaging, and shift from an executor mindset to an executive one.

In this episode, Ashley and Christine explore:

• Why being a high performer does not automatically make you a great leader
• How...

What if the life you're looking for begins when you stop trying to control it?
What if the biggest thing holding you back as a leader isn't your ability—it's the authority you're unintentionally giving away?

In this episode of Shine a Light, Christine Miles sits down with Leigh Toomey, founder and CEO of Lead Her Ship Educational Solutions, to unpack the subtle ways women can undermine their own authority without even realizing it. Drawing on more than 25 years across education, nonprofit, and business, Leigh explores why women often feel they need one more certification, one mor...

What if the best way to help your teenager is to stop solving their problems for them?

In this episode of Shine a Light, Christine talks with educator, teen coach, and author Ashley Radzat about the often misunderstood "third stage" of parenting, when kids move from childhood toward independence and everything that worked before suddenly stops working. Ashley explains why the teen years are a critical period of brain development, identity formation, and separation from parents, and how our instinct to protect and problem-solve can actually undermine a teenager's confidence and sense of capability.

They...

What if the life you're looking for begins when you stop trying to control it?
In this episode of Shine a Light, Christine Miles sits down with writer, storyteller, and intentional-creation advocate Tim Shields for a fascinating conversation about consciousness, energy, and the stories we tell ourselves. Tim shares how a lifetime of curiosity, meditation, travel, and unexpected experiences led him to question the narratives that shape our reality—and ultimately to embrace a more intentional way of moving through the world.

Together, Christine and Tim explore:
● The stories that quietly run our lives: How earl...

What if becoming a better leader had less to do with having all the answers—and more to do
with embracing the adventure?

In this episode of Shine a Light, Christine Miles sits down with Jen Recla, leadership coach, trainer, and founder of Recla Coaching and Consulting, to explore what it really takes to lead through uncertainty, change, and growth. With more than 15 years of experience in leadership development and organizational growth, Jen shares how her own experiences of being thrown into leadership—and learning along the way—shaped her approach to helping leaders build confidence...

What if our obsession with getting faster answers is actually costing us our best ideas?
In this episode of Shine a Light, Christine Miles sits down with Leslie Grandy, author of Creative Velocity: Propelling Breakthrough Ideas in the Age of Generative AI, for a thought-provoking conversation about creativity, innovation, and the role AI should—and shouldn't—play in our thinking. Leslie challenges the idea that creativity belongs only to naturally "creative" people and shares practical ways to build the creative muscle, challenge the status quo, and use AI to expand our thinking rather than replace it.

To...

What if the patterns you rely on every day are quietly shaping your relationships, leadership, and results?

In this episode, host Christine Miles sits down with Chuck Wisner, author of The Art of Conscious Conversations, to explore how the behaviors we develop early in life can follow us into the workplace—and how awareness can be the first step toward changing them. Chuck shares how recognizing our patterns, understanding the needs beneath our reactions, and creating psychological safety can transform difficult conversations and relationships.

In this episode, you'll discover:
● How unconscious patterns influence...

What if asking for help isn't a weakness—but one of the smartest things you can do?
In this episode, host Christine Miles sits down with entrepreneur and innovator Elizabeth Lawler to explore the power of letting go, building better support networks, and recognizing when doing everything yourself is holding you back. After years of building successful technology companies—including ventures acquired by major public companies—Elizabeth shares the personal pivot that changed how she approached work, leadership, and life.

In this episode, you'll discover:
● Why asking for help can be a strength, not a weakness

In this eye-opening episode, host Christine Miles sits down with Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer to unpack the truth about human capital, leadership, and why so many high-achievers feel unfulfilled. Drawing from decades of experience in behavioral science and leadership development, Dr. Cynthia explains how our unique talents—shaped by life experiences, not just learned skills—hold the key to meaningful success. Together, they explore how people often "box themselves in" by chasing titles, status, or expectations that don't align with who they truly are.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode, host Christine Miles sits down with Dr. Suzanne Simpson to explore the profound impact of secure attachment on how we show up in life, work, and relationships. Drawing from her experience as an educator and mental health professional, Dr. Simpson shares how early connection shapes behavior—and how awareness, empathy, and accountability can help us rewrite those patterns. From navigating "toxic" workplace dynamics to raising emotionally secure children, this conversation offers a powerful lens on human behavior and healing.

Key Takeaways:

What if you're not being overlooked because you're bad—but because you're forgettable?
In this episode of Shine a Light, host Christine Miles sits down with Jake Stahl, CEO, author, and communication strategist, to unpack the hidden psychology behind influence and first impressions. With over 30 years of experience training thousands of professionals, Jake shares why most people fail to truly connect—and how understanding the "second profile" (the real decision-maker behind every person) can completely transform the way you communicate.
From decoding nonverbal signals to mastering presence, this conversation dives into what it really takes to be seen, he...

What if the life you're living today is being shaped by the words you speak every day?

In this episode of Shine a Light, host Christine Miles welcomes transformational leader, two-time New York Times bestselling author, and energy expert Christy Whitman for an inspiring conversation about the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and the reality we create. From the heartbreaking loss of her sister to discovering meditation and building a life dedicated to helping others, Christy shares the pivotal moments that transformed her perspective—and the practical tools anyone can use to live with more purpose, peace...

What if happiness isn't waiting at the finish line—but hidden in the small moments along the way?

In this inspiring episode of Shine a Light, host Christine Miles sits down with Dr. Victoria Mensch, Founder and CEO of the Silicon Valley Executive Academy, to explore why the world's most innovative leaders aren't just building better technology—they're building better lives.

Drawing from her unique journey from psychology to Silicon Valley leadership, Dr. Mensch shares her powerful Microjoy Method, a practical approach to preventing burnout, embracing change, and rediscovering the moments that truly make life mean...

What if the most powerful leadership strategy isn't having the right answers—but helping people feel seen?

In this episode of Shine a Light, Christine Miles sits down with talent and learning executive Eileen MacDonald Cooke to explore how empathy, curiosity, and honest conversations transform workplaces. Drawing from her experience leading learning and development initiatives for organizations like Amtrak and CVS Health, Eileen shares why understanding employees' worlds—not just managing performance—is the key to lasting organizational success.

In this episode, you'll discover:

One split-second decision changed Ryan Brady's life forever—and led him to discover a purpose far bigger than himself.

In this powerful episode of Shine a Light, Christine Miles sits down with international speaker, TEDx mentor, and podcast host Ryan Brady to explore how surviving a traumatic brain injury at 17 reshaped his view of life, purpose, and possibility. Ryan shares the devastating car accident that left him in a coma, the long road to recovery, and the unexpected lessons that led him to the TEDx stage before the age of 22.

Together, they discuss the po...

One ordinary morning, Erika Rothenberger walked into work and came face to face with a life-changing act of violence that forced her to rethink everything.

In this powerful conversation, Erika shares how surviving a brutal random assault became the catalyst for a deeper transformation. From overcoming trauma and rebuilding confidence to becoming an advocate, author, speaker, and leader in a male-populated industry, she reveals what it truly means to live an audacious life on your own terms.

You'll hear how resilience is built long before you need it, why your inner circle matters more than...

What if the most powerful leadership skill isn't speaking—but truly listening?

In this episode, host Christine Miles sits down with educator and leadership expert Julia Bialeski to explore the unseen weight of leadership, from the classroom to the principal's office and beyond. Drawing on over 20 years in education, Julia shares how coaching over telling, leading with grace, and creating meaningful human connection can transform not just schools—but any organization.

Together, they unpack the realities behind the education system, the growing challenges teachers face, and why supporting educators is critical to shaping the futur...

What if the way we respond to someone's hardest moment could change how they heal, trust, and show up at work?

In this powerful conversation, Christine sits down with Katharine Manning, President of Blackbird, trauma-informed leadership expert, author, and former Senior Attorney Advisor at the U.S. Department of Justice, to explore how we can communicate with more compassion, calm, and confidence during difficult moments. Drawing from her work with victims in some of the most high-profile cases in recent history, Katharine shares why people in crisis often need the same simple things: acknowledgment, information, choice, and...

What if the secret to thriving in the age of AI has nothing to do with technology at all?

In this episode, Christine sits down with tech executive and SCW Co-CEO Michael O'Donnell for a powerful conversation about leadership, human connection, and what it really takes to build trust in high-pressure environments. From growing up around hair salon conversations and early computers to leading massive digital transformation initiatives, Michael shares the unexpected experiences that shaped his people-first approach to business.

Together, they unpack why the best leaders listen deeply, mentor intentionally, and resist the urge...

What if the life you truly want is waiting on the other side of permission?

In this powerful conversation, Christine sits down with author, speaker, and emotional intelligence expert Tara Renze to unpack the idea that changed her life: "Be who you came to be." From leaving a successful corporate career to chasing childhood dreams and helping others uncover their "butterfly goals," Tara shares how self awareness, courage, and imperfect action can unlock a more fulfilling life.

Together, they explore how identity evolves over time, why so many high achievers feel stuck, and how emotional...

What if the key to protecting your family was hiding in plain sight?
In this episode, Christine Miles sits down with Cathy Pedrayes, a former environmental scientist turned trusted safety advocate with millions of followers. Cathy shares how her career evolved from inspecting physical environments for hidden dangers to helping families navigate modern-day safety risks—especially in the digital world.
Together, they explore how awareness, education, and simple shifts in thinking can empower parents to protect what matters most.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How Cathy transformed her scientific background into a powerful platform fo...

On this episode of Shine a Light, host Christine Miles sits down with Nolan Hout, SVP of Growth at InfoPro Learning, to unpack how curiosity, calm decision-making, and deep listening shape exceptional leaders. From his early experiences navigating education gaps and confronting bias, to building scalable learning strategies for global organizations, Nolan shares how understanding people—not just processes—drives real impact.

Together, they explore why many leaders mistake action for effectiveness, how emotional
intelligence shows up in everyday conversations, and why slowing down may be the fastest way forward in today's AI-driven world.

...

What if your biggest money decisions aren't about money at all?

In this episode of Shine A Light, Christine Miles sits down with financial behavioral specialist Kate Duffy to uncover the hidden psychology shaping how we earn, spend, and think about money. From childhood beliefs to subconscious patterns, Kate reveals why so many of us feel stuck financially—even when we "know what to do."

Together, they explore how our earliest experiences quietly script our financial lives—and how awareness is the first step to rewriting that story.

In this episode, you'll learn:

What if the way you choose relationships… is wired to fail?

In this episode of Shine A Light, Christine Miles sits down with Dr. Chris (Coach Chris) to unpack the hidden patterns driving who we're attracted to, and why chemistry alone can lead us into the wrong relationships. Drawing from his background in medicine and emotional intelligence coaching, Chris breaks down attachment styles, nervous system responses, and the unconscious decisions shaping our love lives.

Together, they explore how early experiences wire our relationship patterns, why we repeat the same cycles, and how to start choosing pa...

What if one small moment of kindness could completely reshape your life?

In this powerful episode of Shine a Light, Christine Miles sits down with speaker and author Pam Dwyer to explore how a childhood marked by trauma, abuse, and survival led to a breakthrough philosophy that now helps thousands transform their lives. From being unseen and unheard to discovering the life-changing impact of feeling valued, Pam shares how a single moment rewired her sense of self—and became the foundation of her "Plus One" and "Delay the Binge" frameworks.

Together, they unpack what's really dr...

What if the biggest problem in your relationships… is something you've never been taught?

In this episode of Shine A Light, Christine Miles sits down with educator and author Ari Gerzon-Kessler to unpack a hidden gap affecting schools, workplaces, and families alike: the inability to truly listen. Drawing from decades in education and leadership, Ari shares how mistrust between parents and educators isn't a people problem, it's a listening problem.

Together, they explore how small shifts in how we listen can transform conflict into connection, and why most of us have been trained to do th...

What if the way you lead could mean the difference between failure and survival?

In this powerful conversation, Christine Miles sits down with retired Lieutenant General Mark Hertling to explore leadership under the highest stakes imaginable—from commanding 90,000 troops to writing letters to his sons before going to war, unsure if he'd return. Together, they unpack what truly drives people, how great leaders think, and why understanding—not authority—is the real force behind influence.

This episode goes beyond military leadership—it's about how we show up for others in business, at home, and in moments...

What if everything you've been taught about leadership, HR, and workplace culture is wrong?

In this powerful episode of Shine a Light, Christine Miles sits down with Dr. Lauran Starr—a bold, unapologetic disruptor redefining what it means to lead people and build culture. From growing up in poverty to becoming a Chief People Officer with multiple doctorates, Lauran shares how her lived experience shaped her fearless approach to challenging broken systems—and why "people and culture" must replace traditional HR if organizations want to survive.

Together, they unpack the uncomfortable truth: most companies aren't stru...

What if the thing you think disqualifies you… is actually the start of your greatest strength?

In this episode of Shine a Light, Christine Miles sits down with Dr. Keith Keating, Chief Learning Officer at BDO, workforce futurist, and author of The Trusted Learning Advisor and Hidden Value. Keith shares his powerful journey from being a high school dropout navigating homelessness and self-doubt to earning a doctorate and becoming a global leader in learning and development.

Together, Christine and Keith unpack why traditional ideas about success, education, and job security are rapidly changing—and why lear...

What if the biggest problem in our classrooms, companies, and families isn't communication—but the fact that no one is actually listening?

In this episode of Shine a Light, Christine Miles sits down with longtime educator and school leader Sue Szczepkowski, who has spent more than 30 years shaping how students, teachers, and families learn and grow. From the athletic fields to the classroom to leadership teams, Sue shares what she's learned about building cultures where people feel seen, understood, and motivated to do their best work.

Together, they unpack the hidden leadership lessons behind great te...

What if the real math crisis isn't about numbers — but about identity?

In this powerful episode of Shine a Light, Christine Miles sits down with national education leader and math expert Beth Zhang to unpack America's math crisis — and why so many of us still believe, "I'm just not a math person." Beth shares her unexpected journey from political science major to leading K–12 math transformation efforts across the country, revealing how mindset, listening, and instructional shifts can radically change outcomes for students.

Together, they explore why math anxiety is often a story we inherit — and how...

Most leaders think they're emotionally intelligent — the data says otherwise.

In this powerful episode of Shine a Light, Christine Miles sits down with Dr. Ekta Vyas, Chief Human Resources Officer at Keck Medical of USC and expert in organizational transformation, to unpack why emotional intelligence is declining at the exact moment leaders need it most. Drawing from global research, real-world leadership experience, and her own personal journey from India to the executive suite, Dr. Vyas reveals why EQ isn't a "soft skill," but the deciding factor in whether people — and transformations — succeed or fail.

Together, Christ...

What if the decision you're avoiding is the one that changes everything?

In this episode of Shine a Light, Christine Miles sits down with Amy Lessinger, former President of RE/MAX and creator of The Irreversible Step, to unpack how leaders make bold decisions when the stakes are high and certainty is nowhere in sight. From building a billion-dollar real estate brokerage during the Great Recession to walking away from success to find deeper impact, Amy shares what it really takes to lead with clarity, courage, and conviction.

Together, Christine and Amy explore what happens...

What if the voice guiding your life isn't the one you should trust?

In this powerful conversation, Christine Miles sits down with bestselling author and intuition teacher Happy Ali, whose life was transformed by a near-death experience at 17—and later tested by unimaginable loss. Happy shares how learning to distinguish between the soul, the mind, and the body can change how we make decisions, heal from trauma, and create a life rooted in clarity instead of fear.

Together, Christine and Happy explore why most people think they're listening—to others and themselves—but are actually follow...

A single moment can rewrite everything you believe about life — and Ray Catania learned that firsthand.

After surviving a near-death experience at 20, Ray spent decades wrestling with what he saw, felt, and understood on the other side. That journey eventually unlocked intuitive abilities, a new understanding of consciousness, and a mission to help people break free from the subconscious patterns that limit them. In this conversation, Ray and Christine explore how trauma, belief, and perception shape our lives — and how we can rewrite the story.

In this episode, Ray shares:

AI may be transforming marketing, but the teams behind it still rise—or fall—on human connection.

In this episode, two-time CMO and AI-driven go-to-market strategist Lisa Sharapata shares how her early dream of becoming an astronaut unexpectedly shaped her leadership philosophy, her career in marketing, and her ability to align teams like mission control. Lisa opens up about using AI responsibly, fostering psychological safety, and the real conversations leaders must have to bring out the best in their people.

In this conversation, Lisa and Christine explore: