Mpowered Living with Ann Sheu

by Ann Sheu

Season 1

Episode 75 | How to Stay Clear and Focused Under Pressure with Boo Boucousis

In this episode of Mpowered Living, Ann Sheu sits down with former fighter pilot, entrepreneur, and Afterburner founder Christian "Boo" Boucousis to explore what leaders can learn from the mindset and decision-making practices of elite fighter pilots. Drawing from his experience in the cockpit and in business, Boo shares why so many people stay stuck in reactive patterns, how perfectionism quietly undermines progress, and why sustainable growth comes from focusing on the next actionable step instead of trying to control everything. In this episode, they discuss: Why intention without action creates frustration The difference between goals and destinations How fighter pilots train themselves to make better decisions under pressure Why perfectionism leads to overwhelm—and what to pursue instead The Plan, Brief, Execute, Debrief framework for continuous improvement How leaders can reduce distractions and focus on what matters most Practical ways to apply these principles at work, at home, and in everyday life Whether you're leading a business, a team, or your family, this episode offers practical tools to help you move from reaction to intentional action. Connect with Christian Boucousis Website: https://www.afterburner.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-boo-boucousis/ AI Agent: https://ai.afterburner.com

S1 · E75

Jul 9, 2026

43:50

Episode 74 | What If Your Inner Critic Isn’t Telling the Truth? with Teresa Sande

In this episode of Mpowered Living, Ann Sheu sits down with executive coach, leadership expert, and Find Your Fierce author Teresa Sande to unpack one of the most common—but least talked about—challenges facing high achievers: imposter syndrome. Together, they explore why self-doubt often appears after our greatest accomplishments, how perfectionism and overworking can quietly reinforce it, and what practical steps we can take to challenge the stories we tell ourselves. In this episode, they discuss: Why imposter syndrome often shows up after success The difference between healthy growth discomfort and imposter syndrome How perfectionism and external validation keep self-doubt alive Teresa's simple but powerful question: "What if that's not true?" Practical ways to interrupt negative thought patterns How leaders can create environments where people feel safe to grow Why confidence is built through awareness, reflection, and consistent practice Whether you're leading a team, growing your career, or simply trying to quiet your inner critic, this episode offers practical tools to help you build greater self-trust. Connect with Teresa Sande Website: https://www.teresasande.com/ Media Kit: Teresa Sande MMS Offerings: Mirror Mirror Strategies and Offerings Book: Find Your Fierce Book Discount Code for our listeners: MPJ2026

S1 · E74

Jul 2, 2026

47:58

Episode 73 | Why Your Feelings Shouldn't Make Your Decisions with Dr. Carrie Johansson

In this episode of Mpowered Living, Ann Sheu welcomes back psychologist Dr. Carrie Johansson to explore a topic that affects all of us: our relationship with emotions. Dr. Carrie explains why emotions are valuable sources of information, but why they aren't meant to dictate our actions. She shares practical strategies for recognizing when we're processing emotions versus simply marinating in them, and how shifting into a more thoughtful, action-oriented mindset can improve many parts of our lives – relationships, leadership, parenting, and overall well-being. In this episode, they discuss: The difference between emotional processing and rumination How emotions show up in the body and what they're trying to tell us Why labeling emotions can reduce their intensity The "Three A's of Mental Fitness": Accept, Assess, and Act How to move from emotional reactivity to intentional action Practical ways to help children build emotional awareness and resilience Why asking "What's my next best move?" can be a powerful tool during difficult moments This conversation is especially valuable for parents, leaders, and anyone who wants to respond to life's challenges with greater clarity, resilience, and intention. Connect with Dr. Carrie Johansson The Sensible Psychologist: https://thesensiblepsychologist.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesensiblepsychologist/

S1 · E73

Jun 25, 2026

41:23

Episode 72 | From Success to Significance: What Growth Really Requires with Adam Roach

In this episode of Mpowered Living, Ann Sheu sits down with entrepreneur, coach, and I Love Coaching founder Adam Roach to explore a question many high achievers eventually face: What happens when success is no longer enough? Drawing from his own journey through professional sports, business ownership, entrepreneurship, and personal loss, Adam shares how he learned to distinguish between pursuing success and pursuing significance. In this episode, they discuss: Why successful people often feel stuck despite achieving their goals The signs you've outgrown a season of life How to know when it's time to make a change Why isolation keeps people trapped in fear and self-doubt The value of building a personal board of advisors How identity shapes the decisions we make The difference between chasing success and creating significance What it means to build a legacy that extends beyond achievement This conversation is especially valuable for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone navigating a season of growth or reinvention. Connect with Adam Roach Website: https://ilovecoachingco.com/people/adam-roach The VIRTUAL Scalable Offer Intensive: https://ilovecoachingco.com/virtualcoachintensive LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrroach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adamrroach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamrroach/

S1 · E72

Jun 20, 2026

52:12

Episode 71 | How Leaders Accidentally Limit Their Own Growth with Mark Fenner

In this episode of Mpowered Living, Ann Sheu sits down with Scaling Up Coach Mark Fenner to explore one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face: growth. After working with leadership teams and middle-market companies for years, Mark has observed a common pattern—many leaders don't get stuck because they're incapable. They get stuck because the habits that helped them build success eventually become the habits that limit it. From niching down to delegating effectively, Mark shares practical strategies for helping leaders move beyond bottlenecks, empower their teams, and create organizations that can grow without depending on them for every decision. In this episode, they discuss: Why failure to niche is one of the biggest growth constraints for entrepreneurs The hidden cost of trying to serve everyone How leaders unintentionally become the bottleneck in their business The difference between delegation and abdication Why great leadership requires shifting from doing the work to coaching others How accountability and clarity create stronger teams Lessons from building intentional family culture and raising confident children Why growth starts with becoming more valuable to the people you serve This conversation is especially valuable for entrepreneurs and leaders who feel stuck at a plateau or are ready to build something that creates greater impact. Connect with Mark Fenner Personal Website: https://www.MarkFenner.com Company Website: https://www.RISEPerformanceGroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markfenner/ Scaling Up FB: https://www.facebook.com/scalingupdfw

S1 · E71

Jun 4, 2026

56:46

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

May 23, 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

May 9, 2026

42:54

Episode 68 | From Instrument to Conductor: The Shift Most Leaders Miss with Frans Campher

In this episode of Mpowered Living, Ann Sheu sits down with leadership expert Frans Campher to explore what it really means to lead with authenticity in complex, high-pressure environments. Frans shares why one of the most important decisions a leader can make is trusting that who they are is enough, and how losing alignment with your values can quietly impact your well-being and leadership effectiveness. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why authentic leadership requires self-trust, courage, and clarity How to recognize subtle signs of misalignment (and why they often show up in your body) The critical shift from doing the work to leading people effectively How leaders unintentionally create bottlenecks, and how to step into a more strategic role When to coach, when to mentor, and when to give direction How to use your head, heart, and gut to make better decisions Practical ways to stay grounded in times of constant change and uncertainty If you’re navigating growth, stepping into leadership, or feeling stretched between expectations and alignment, this episode offers a powerful framework to help you lead with confidence and intention. Connect with Frans Campher Website: https://www.ildynamics.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franscampher Podcast Bookings: https://legendarypodcasts.com/frans-campher/

S1 · E68

Apr 30, 2026

45:38

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

Apr 25, 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

Apr 17, 2026

41:49

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