Mpowered Living with Ann Sheu

di Ann Sheu

Stagione 1

Episode 86 | The Delegation Breakthrough Most Leaders Miss with Terry Pham

Delegation sounds simple until you’re handing something important to another person and trusting them not to do it exactly the way you would. In Episode 86 of Mpowered Living, host Ann Sheu sits down with Terry Pham, entrepreneur, Founder of Fat Straws Boba & Mochi Donuts Co., and Community Champion & Movement Builder at Superpowers. Terry has spent years building businesses, supporting entrepreneurs, and learning firsthand what happens when capable people become the person who carries everything. In this conversation, he and Ann look beyond the mechanics of delegation and into the emotional side of letting go—the trust, identity, standards, and habits that can make it surprisingly difficult to hand responsibility to someone else. In this episode, they discuss: • Why people who are highly capable can have the hardest time delegating • The beliefs and habits that keep leaders doing work they no longer need to own • How trust develops when handing responsibilities to a team member or executive assistant • What leaders should examine when delegated work doesn’t go as expected • Why frequent feedback can help surface problems before frustration builds • How boundaries, overcommitment, and the desire to serve others can affect a leader’s capacity Terry also shares examples from his own life that show how persistent these habits can be—even when you teach delegation professionally. He and Ann unpack what happened when Terry delegated a small task to his executive assistant and then found himself stepping back in almost immediately. They also explore a feedback approach Terry uses when training team members, along with how leaders can create stronger communication loops instead of allowing small frustrations to quietly accumulate. This episode is especially relevant for founders, entrepreneurs, and leaders who know they need more support but still find themselves holding onto tasks, decisions, and responsibilities they intended to give away. Connect with Terry Pham: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-pham-31b73321/ Superpowers: https://superpowershq.com/ Fat Straws Boba & Mochi Donuts Co.: https://fatstraws.com/ Frequency Assessment: takefrequency.com (Discover how you’re wired to work and where support could create the most leverage)

S1 · E86

1 ott 2026

54:33

Episode 85 | How Much Money Is Enough? Defining Financial Freedom with Bill Hammer

There’s always another financial milestone to reach. But if the goalposts keep moving, how do you know when you actually have enough? In Episode 85 of Mpowered Living, host Ann Sheu sits down with Bill Hammer, Certified Financial Planner and author of Know Your Number, for a conversation about defining financial freedom around the life you actually want—not simply accumulating more for the sake of more. Bill works with financially successful individuals and business owners, yet he often sees people who have achieved far more than they once imagined still questioning whether they are financially secure. He and Ann explore why that happens, how lifestyle expectations and comparison can influence our definition of success, and why putting a number around “enough” can change the way we approach work, spending, and the future. In this episode, they discuss: • How to begin defining your personal financial freedom number • The difference between financial freedom and being “fully funded” • How to identify the expenses and experiences that genuinely matter to your quality of life • Why having a shared financial target can reduce tension between savers and spenders • What to consider when choosing a financial advisor who will become a trusted decision-making partner • Why entrepreneurs need to think about purpose—not only money—before and after selling a business Bill also shares a simple test for examining lifestyle spending: Would you still want the purchase or experience if nobody else knew about it? Later, Ann and Bill explore what can happen after a major financial milestone or business exit. Bill explains why having plenty of money and freedom without a meaningful sense of purpose can create an unexpected challenge—and why taking time off after an exit may work better when that season has some structure. This episode is especially relevant for entrepreneurs, couples, business owners, and high achievers who want their financial decisions to create more freedom rather than simply fuel the next level of achievement. Connect with Bill Hammer: Website: https://www.hammerwealthgroup.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HammerWealthGroup Podcast: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b8e5e887-f022-4d3c-bc24-566f48f2f1f6/founder-wealth-decisions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-hammer-jr-a8b6391b/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Bill-Hammer-Jr/dp/0692140840

S1 · E85

24 set 2026

50:05

Episode 84 | The Leadership Trap That Keeps Founders Stuck with Kirsten Smith

Many founders know they need to let go of control. So why does it become so difficult the moment someone else actually starts making decisions? In Episode 84 of Mpowered Living, host Ann Sheu sits down with her friend and fellow EOS Implementer Kirsten Smith, visionary of Beacon and Blade and a longtime coach to business owners and leadership teams. Together, they explore the tension that can arise when a founder or visionary brings in a strong second-in-command but still struggles to step out of the day-to-day. Kirsten explains why that resistance is often more complicated than simply being controlling—and how fear, responsibility, trust, and the weight of building a business can all influence the way a leader responds. Drawing from years of working with visionary-integrator relationships—and now sitting in the visionary seat herself—Kirsten offers a candid perspective on what both sides of that relationship can misunderstand. In this episode, they discuss: • Why founders sometimes sabotage the very support they say they want • How trust and shared values shape a strong visionary-integrator relationship • How leaders can distinguish between fear of letting go and having the wrong person in the seat • Why measurable expectations can reduce micromanagement and improve accountability • What Kirsten learned about leadership after becoming a visionary herself • How curiosity, self-awareness, and better questions can change difficult conversations Kirsten also shares why she believes leaders need seasons of rest, what she has learned about balancing ambition with constantly chasing the next level, and how some of the same lessons she applies in business have shaped her 38-year marriage. This episode is especially relevant for founders, entrepreneurs, executives, and leadership teams trying to grow without making the founder the bottleneck for every decision. Connect with Kirsten Smith: Website: ksmithfoundhere.com Company website: beaconandblade.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-smith-b8b141a/

S1 · E84

17 set 2026

57:09

Episode 83 | The Hidden Burnout Signs High Achievers Miss with Dr. Romie Mushtaq

You may still be performing at a high level, meeting deadlines, caring for your family, and keeping everything moving. But does that mean your brain is actually doing well? In Episode 83 of Mpowered Living, host Ann Sheu sits down with Dr. Romie Mushtaq, a brain doctor, researcher, chief wellness officer, and author of The Busy Brain Cure, to examine the less obvious ways chronic stress can show up in high achievers. Dr. Romie describes what she calls a “busy brain”—a state associated with chronic stress on the path toward burnout—and why symptoms like anxiety, difficulty focusing, disrupted sleep, brain fog, and growing irritability can be easy to normalize when you’re used to pushing through. Drawing from her research, her work with organizations, and her own experience with severe chronic stress, she and Ann explore what happens when the expectations placed on our brains keep increasing without a corresponding shift in how we care for ourselves. In this episode, they discuss: • How Dr. Romie defines a “busy brain” and the warning signs people often overlook • The difference between acute stress and the chronic stress many professionals live with • How digital distraction and constant device use can affect attention and sleep • Why Dr. Romie starts with a “brain score” before introducing new wellness habits • How leaders can practice empathetic listening without immediately trying to fix someone’s problem • Why listening to employees can uncover workplace issues that traditional surveys may miss Dr. Romie also introduces her 3-30-3 Brain Reset, explains why her approach adds habits gradually rather than all at once, and shares the personal health crisis that made this work deeply personal for her. This conversation is especially relevant for leaders, entrepreneurs, parents, and high performers who are functioning on the outside but finding it increasingly difficult to focus, unplug, sleep, or feel fully present. Connect with Dr. Romie Mushtaq: Website: https://drromie.com/ Busy Brain Test / Brain Score Assessment: https://drromie.com/busy-brain-test/ Book: https://drromie.com/book/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DRROMIEMUSHTAQ TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slKAFdJ8ZHY

S1 · E83

10 set 2026

44:49

Episode 82 | How Couples Stay Aligned Through Growth and Change with Wes & Meghan Hickman

What happens when you and your spouse are both growing, but life is pulling each of you in different directions? In Episode 82 of Mpowered Living, Ann Sheu sits down with Meghan and Wes Hickman, who are coaches, EOS Implementers, facilitators, and partners in both life and work, for a candid conversation about building a marriage with intention. Over nearly two decades together, Meghan and Wes have experienced different seasons of professional growth, shifting responsibilities, changing priorities, and the inevitable pressure that comes when the people and commitments around you need more from you. Their conversation with Ann explores what it takes to keep coming back to the relationship through those changes rather than simply letting life dictate what happens next. In this episode, they discuss: • Navigating personal growth when partners evolve at different speeds • Creating shared values and goals that help a couple stay aligned • Recognizing when outside stress is influencing tension inside the relationship • Handling responsibilities at home without turning every request into a favor • Creating space for difficult conversations before frustration builds • Knowing when to engage in conflict, and when a little distance may improve the conversation The conversation is especially relevant for couples and high performers trying to build meaningful careers without giving the people closest to them whatever energy happens to be left over. If you’ve ever wondered how two ambitious people can continue becoming more of themselves while still building something together, this episode offers plenty to reflect on. Connect with Meghan & Wes Hickman Meghan Hickman: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/meghan-hickman/ Wes Hickman: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/wes-hickman/

S1 · E82

3 set 2026

56:49

Episode 81 | The Breathwork Practice That Helps Leaders Stay Present with Shalin Desai

What if becoming a better leader started with learning how to better manage your own internal state? In this episode of Mpowered Living, Ann Sheu sits down with breathwork and meditation teacher Shalin Desai to explore how greater awareness and simple breathing practices can help high performers manage stress and stay more present in the moments that matter. Drawing from his experience teaching leaders and organizations around the country, Shalin shares why calm and resilience can coexist with high performance—and why learning to lead yourself is an important part of effectively leading others. In this episode, they discuss: How breathwork can help interrupt automatic reactions and create space before responding Why resilience doesn’t mean continually pushing through until you burn out How your internal state affects the way you lead at work and show up at home What it actually means to be present with the people around you Simple ways to begin building a consistent meditation or breathwork practice Shalin also guides Ann through a breathwork exercise, giving listeners an opportunity to experience the practice alongside them. Whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, or simply trying to quiet the constant mental noise, this conversation offers a practical look at how slowing down and reconnecting with your breath can help you become more present in the life you’re already living. Connect with Shalin Desai Website: https://www.artofliving.org/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shalindesai/ Download Sattva Meditations and Mantra: https://www.sattva.life/

S1 · E81

21 ago 2026

42:54

Episode 80 | How to Stay Sharp Through Stillness with Jon Macaskill

For high performers, slowing down can feel counterproductive. When your success has been built on drive, stillness may feel like the last thing that will help you perform at your best. In this episode of Mpowered Living, Ann Sheu sits down with former Navy SEAL Commander and mindfulness teacher Jon Macaskill to explore why the opposite may be true. Jon shares how his own struggles with anxiety, survivor’s guilt, and stress eventually led him to mindfulness, and why he now sees stillness as a tool for greater performance. In this episode, they discuss: Why mindfulness actually sharpens your edge How small practices like breathwork can help shift you from reacting to intentionally responding Why the energy you bring into a room affects your team and family How slowing down can improve productivity and decision-making Why awareness is the first step toward changing the way you show up at work and at home If you ever worry that creating more space will make you less productive, this conversation offers a different perspective: sometimes slowing down is exactly what allows you to perform—and live—at your best. Connect with Jon Macaskill Website: https://jonmacaskill.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmacaskill/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mentalkingmindfulness

S1 · E80

13 ago 2026

42:26

Episode 79 | How to Master the Space Between Reaction and Response with Chris Harris

Every day, we're faced with moments that may test our patience. The question isn't whether those moments will come, but how we'll respond when they do. In this episode of Mpowered Living, Ann Sheu sits down with mindset expert, author, and speaker Chris Harris to explore what he calls the most important space we can learn to master: the space between a stimulus and our response. Together, they discuss how our reactions are shaped by fear, ego, identity, and past experiences, and how greater awareness can help us create lasting personal change. In this episode, they discuss: Why lasting transformation begins with becoming aware of your automatic reactions The difference between reacting and responding, and practical ways to strengthen that space by interrupting autopilot thinking Why gratitude and intentional reflection can change the trajectory of your life Simple practices for building healthier relationships through deeper listening and understanding Whether you're leading a team, raising a family, or simply trying to become the best version of yourself, this conversation offers practical wisdom for responding to life with greater intention instead of simply reacting to it. Connect with Chris Harris Website: https://chrisharrisllc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-warrior-maker/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewarriormaker/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisharrisllc

S1 · E79

6 ago 2026

52:24

Episode 78 | Health Optimization for the Long Game with Dr. Andrew Oteo & Dr. Brian Rich

On Mpowered Living, we often talk about living life by design. But what's the point of building a meaningful life if you don't have the health and energy to enjoy it? In this special episode, Ann Sheu sits down with Dr. Andrew Oteo and Dr. Brian Rich for a practical conversation about longevity and the evolving world of regenerative medicine. Together, they explore why so many high performers struggle with fatigue, inflammation, brain fog, and burnout—and why investing in your health is one of the most important investments you can make. In this episode, they discuss: Why recovery is just as important as performance How stress, sleep, and cortisol shape your long-term health What peptides actually are and how they support healthy lifestyle habits How to evaluate providers and lab work with wisdom The future of longevity and regenerative medicine Whether you're looking for more energy or simply want to understand today's evolving health landscape, this conversation will help you think differently about the health needed to enjoy the life you're building. Connect with Dr. Andrew Oteo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-oteo-10b81717/ Website: https://droteo.proadjuster360.com/contact/ Connect with Dr. Brian Rich LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bkrichmd/ Website: https://brianrichmd.com/

S1 · E78

30 lug 2026

53:13

Episode 76 | The Lie About Talent That Keeps People Stuck with Danny Southwick

Many of us grow up believing that success comes down to talent—that some people are naturally gifted while others simply aren't. But what if that belief is the very thing keeping us from reaching our potential? In this episode of Mpowered Living, Ann Sheu sits down with behavioral scientist, researcher, and former professional athlete Danny Southwick to unpack what decades of research actually say about talent and long-term performance. Together, they explore why growth is driven less by innate ability than by deliberate practice and how we respond to setbacks. In this episode, they discuss: Why the belief that talent is fixed can quietly limit your growth, and what research says actually predicts long-term success How confidence, motivation, and resilience are built through action, not innate ability Practical ways to foster a growth mindset in yourself, your children, and your team How to distinguish between healthy perseverance and holding on to the wrong goal Why asking better questions can transform the way you grow Whether you're leading a team, raising children, or simply trying to grow into your own potential, this episode offers a practical, research-backed framework for challenging limiting beliefs and building a mindset that supports lifelong growth. Connect with Danny Southwick Website: https://dannysouthwick.com/about/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-southwick-593271a4/

S1 · E76

16 lug 2026

54:15

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