Mpowered Living with Ann Sheu

di Ann Sheu

Stagione 1

Episode 70 | Escaping the Drama Triangle: From Reaction to Choice with Donna Zajonc

In this episode of Mpowered Living, Ann Sheu sits down with leadership expert and co-creator of The Empowerment Dynamic, Donna Zajonc, to explore why so many of us get stuck in reactive patterns — especially in our closest relationships. Donna breaks down the Drama Triangle framework, which explains the three common reactive roles people unconsciously fall into when triggered: victim, persecutor, and rescuer. She also shares how to shift into more intentional and empowered ways of relating through the creator, challenger, and coach roles. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why reactive patterns form and how they show up in everyday life How the inner critic fuels judgment, control, and people-pleasing Why we tend to react most strongly with the people closest to us Practical ways to calm your nervous system and create more emotional awareness How to move from blame and reactivity into choice and connection Simple reflective questions that help shift difficult conversations and relationships This conversation is a powerful reminder that awareness creates choice, and that healthier relationships begin by understanding our own patterns first. Connect with Donna Zajonc Website: https://www.powerofted.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-zajonc-mcc-612455/

S1 · E70

23 mag 2026

51:49

Episode 69 | Burnout Is a Signal: Finding Your Voice Again with Allison Hare

In this episode of Mpowered Living, Ann Sheu sits down with former corporate sales executive turned podcast strategist Allison Hare to explore what happens when outward success no longer matches inner alignment. After more than 20 years in high-performing corporate environments, Allison reached a breaking point—experiencing burnout, panic attacks, and a growing sense that she had lost touch with herself. Through that unraveling, she began rebuilding a life and career rooted in authenticity and purpose. In this episode, you’ll learn: The early signs of burnout and misalignment most people overlook How people-pleasing and overachievement disconnect us from ourselves Why chasing security can quietly lead to emotional exhaustion The identity shift required when leaving traditional career paths How self-expression and finding your voice create deeper alignment Why meaningful work starts with understanding who you really are If you’ve ever felt stuck between success and fulfillment or struggled to hear your own voice, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that burnout is often a signal—not a failure. Connect with Allison Hare Website: https://allisonhare.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonhare Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allison__hare Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555154007153

S1 · E69

9 mag 2026

42:54

Episode 67 | Leadership Without Ego: Why Love, Service, and Connection Matter Most with Sean Magennis

In this episode of Mpowered Living, Ann Sheu sits down with global leader Sean Magennis to explore what it really takes to lead effectively in times of uncertainty, pressure, and change. Drawing from decades of experience working with high-performing leaders and organizations, Sean shares why vulnerability and self-awareness are not soft skills, but essential leadership traits that build long-term success. In this episode, you’ll learn: The key traits that define high-performing, thriving leaders Why vulnerability and authenticity strengthen—not weaken—leadership The “trust formula” for building credibility, reliability, and connection How ego impacts leadership and team dynamics Why many successful leaders still feel unfulfilled or burned out How to create meaningful impact through purpose, collaboration, and self-awareness If you’re navigating growth, stepping into leadership, or questioning what success really means, this episode offers a powerful reframe on how to lead and live with intention. Connect with Sean Magennis Website: https://www.seanmagennis.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanmagennis/

S1 · E67

25 apr 2026

47:01

Episode 66 | The Science of Self-Compassion: Turning Your Inner Critic Into Real Resilience with Tia Graham

In this episode of Mpowered Living, Ann Sheu sits down with resilience expert Tia Graham to explore what really happens when we’re pushed to our limits and why our reactions are often rooted deeper than we think. From parenting stress to workplace pressure, Tia breaks down how past experiences shape our triggers, how the inner critic develops, and why self-compassion is one of the most powerful tools for resilience, leadership, and long-term well-being. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your triggers are connected to past experiences and conditioning How to build awareness around your reactions and patterns The science behind self-compassion—and how it improves performance and leadership How to shift from inner critic to inner cheerleader What truly drives long-term happiness (and common misconceptions about success) Why relationships and human connection are the strongest predictors of well-being If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, reactive, or stuck in patterns you can’t explain, this episode offers a practical and powerful framework to better understand yourself and respond with more resilience. Connect with Tia Graham Website: https://www.tiagraham.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiagraham/ Join the FREE 10% Calmer Challenge: https://www.tiagraham.com/calm-challenge The Feel Good Club Podcast: https://www.tiagraham.com/podcast

S1 · E66

17 apr 2026

41:49

Episode 65 | You Don’t Have to Earn Your Worth: Rethinking Success with Jasmyn Quianna

In this episode of Mpowered Living, Ann Sheu sits down with Jasmyn Quianna to explore a challenge many high achievers face, but rarely acknowledge: Feeling disconnected from yourself, even when everything looks successful on the outside. After years of striving, achieving, and meeting expectations, many people lose touch with who they truly are. Jasmyn shares how this happens, why it’s so common, and what it takes to reconnect with your truth and rebuild alignment from the inside out, all from her own learned experience. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why high achievers often feel unfulfilled despite external success The role of conditioning, people-pleasing, and limiting beliefs in shaping identity How to reconnect with yourself when you feel out of alignment The impact of nervous system dysregulation on burnout and anxiety Simple, practical tools to regulate your body and create lasting change If you’ve ever felt like you’re going through the motions or questioning the life you’ve built, this episode offers a powerful starting point to come back to yourself. Connect with Jasmyn Quianna Website: https://www.jasmynquianna.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmynquianna Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GJRDZVCY/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasmynquianna/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasmyn.adams.5/

S1 · E65

2 apr 2026

42:24

Episode 64 | Why Parenthood Strains Relationships: How Couples Recover and Reconnect with Eli Weinstein

In this episode of Mpowered Living, Ann Sheu sits down with therapist Eli Weinstein to explore one of the most common—but least talked about—challenges couples face: Why relationships often feel harder after having kids. Parenthood brings joy, but it also introduces sleep deprivation, shifting roles, and an invisible mental load that can leave couples feeling disconnected, reactive, and overwhelmed. Eli breaks down why this happens and how couples can move from blame and frustration to true partnership. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why the transition into parenthood often creates unexpected relationship strain • How communication breaks down, and how to start the conversation again • The impact of invisible labor and mental load on both partners • Why “you should just know” creates more conflict • Practical ways to reconnect and operate as a team If you’ve ever felt like you and your partner are out of sync since becoming parents, this episode offers practical tools and a new perspective to help you reconnect. Connect with Eli Weinstein Website: https://www.eliweinsteinlcsw.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eli-weinstein-lcsw-95a0a26a/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eliweinstein_lcsw/ Podcast: The Dude Therapist Book: https://www.eliweinsteinlcsw.com/book

S1 · E64

26 mar 2026

52:00

Episode 63 | Breath Is Your Superpower: Resetting Stress and Burnout with Tabatha DeBruyn

In this episode of Mpowered Living, Ann Sheu sits down with breathwork facilitator Tabatha DeBruyn to explore a powerful truth most high performers overlook: You can’t think your way out of a dysregulated nervous system. When you’re constantly “on,” stress doesn’t just live in your mind—it shows up in your body as tension, brain fog, reactivity, and burnout. Tabatha shares how simple breathwork techniques can help you reset your state, improve clarity, and move from reacting to responding in your daily life. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why high achievers often stay stuck in stress mode How your breath directly impacts your brain and nervous system The difference between reacting vs. responding Simple breath techniques to calm down or re-energize in minutes How your nervous system affects your relationships and those around you Try this: Inhale through your nose, exhale longer than you inhale—and notice what shifts. Connect with Tabatha DeBruyn Website: https://www.tabatha.online/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabatha_debruyn/ Private Coaching: https://tabatha.thrivecart.com/private-coaching-options/ 7-Day TAB Nervous System Reset: https://tabatha.thrivecart.com/tab-7day-nervous-system-reset/ Email: tabatha@tabatha.online

S1 · E63

19 mar 2026

41:39

Episode 62 | The Leadership Mindset Shifts That Unlock Entrepreneurial Growth with Shannon Waller

When was the last time you challenged your own leadership habits? In this episode of Mpowered Living, Ann Sheu sits down with Shannon Waller — author, leadership coach at Strategic Coach, and expert on entrepreneurial teamwork — to talk about the leadership mindset shifts that unlock real entrepreneurial growth. Shannon has spent decades coaching entrepreneurs through the challenges of scaling businesses and building teams. One pattern stands out: leaders who grow the most are the ones who stay self-aware, curious, and willing to evolve. Because leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about recognizing when the way you’ve always operated is no longer what your team—or your business—needs from you. In this episode, they unpack: • The three types of awareness every leader needs: self, team, and business • Why curiosity is one of the most underrated leadership strengths • How leaders accidentally limit their growth by staying in familiar roles • The difference between being in control and being in charge • How fear and excitement often show up at the same time when leaders pursue bigger goals This conversation is especially relevant for leaders and entrepreneurs who feel the tension between where they are today and the next level they know they’re capable of reaching. Connect with Shannon Waller Website: www.trategiccoach.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonwaller/ Podcast: Shannon Waller's Team Success Podcast: Inside Strategic Coach

S1 · E62

14 mar 2026

55:48

Episode 61 | Marriage First, Kids Second: Building a Strong Family with Julia & Gino Barbaro

What is one behavior in your home that your children might be learning simply by watching you? In this episode of Mpowered Living, Ann Sheu sits down with Julia and Gino Barbaro for a candid conversation about marriage, parenting, and building a strong family culture while navigating business, money, and personal growth. With nearly three decades of marriage and six children, Julia and Gino share what they’ve learned about raising kids who genuinely enjoy being together, working through disagreements without damaging relationships, and staying aligned as partners through seasons of growth and change. In this episode, they explore: A simple shift that helps couples argue without turning disagreements into personal attacks Why many high-achievers struggle to move from “problem solving” to truly listening The surprising question one parent asked their children that opened the door to deep healing A powerful habit that helped their family stay connected despite busy schedules How parents unknowingly pass down hidden beliefs about money Why modeling behavior matters far more than the advice we give This conversation is especially relevant for parents, couples, and leaders who want to build stronger relationships at home while still pursuing growth and success in their professional lives. Connect with Julia and Gino Barbaro: Website: https://barbaro360.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbaro_360/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/barbaro360/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@barbaro-360 Skool: https://www.skool.com/barbaro360

S1 · E61

6 mar 2026

55:21

Episode 60 | Stop Pushing Through: A New Model of Resilient Leadership with Jodi Scott

When was the last time you paused long enough to notice your feet on the ground before making a hard decision? In this episode of Mpowered Living, Ann Sheu sits down with entrepreneur and founder of Green Goo, Jodi Scott, for a deeply human conversation about leadership, loss, resilience, and the underestimated power of presence. Jodi shares the story behind her guiding philosophy to “spread goodness” — and how that belief was tested when she lost her company, her team, and her sense of purpose almost overnight. What followed wasn’t hustle. It wasn’t grind. It was something far more powerful. In this episode, they explore: Why “pushing through” is often a half-full version of resilience The 30-second presence practice that can change how you lead under pressure What happens to a team when a leader walks into a room rushed and reactive How presence creates psychological safety, creativity, and trust The subtle difference between being firm and being in fight-or-flight Why leaders who are rescuers and protectors burn out faster The reframe from “protector” to “archer” — and how that changes your energy How small discomforts (like choosing the middle airplane seat) build resilience muscle What it looks like to bring leadership lessons home to your children This conversation is especially relevant for leaders and parents who feel the pull to constantly fix, solve, and save — and are ready to lead from something deeper. Connect with Jodi Scott Instagram Facebook Green Goo (@greengoohelps) | TikTok Jodi Scott | LinkedIn Plants With Purpose | Green Goo by SPRY LIFE LLC

S1 · E60

26 feb 2026

36:38

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