Finding The Upside

Hosted by Maria DeLorenzis Reyes

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195

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Aug 2026

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About the show

In business and in life there is always an upside…finding it is often the challenge. Having a mindset that looks for it and embraces problems as opportunities is the key to thriving. Successful business owners LOVE disruption. But the MOST successful look for it. It's what keeps their business on the cutting edge and able to adapt to any circumstance. This podcast will feature discussions with business owners, leaders and everyday inspiring people sharing how they have grown their companies and changed their lives by approaching changing conditions with optimism, opportunity and innovation.

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August 11, 2026Episode 19416 min

#194: Hospitality in Leadership: The Leadership Skill No One Talks About

People remember how you made them feel. That is the foundation in everything. When we think of hospitality, most of us picture hotels, restaurants, or great customer service. But I’m proposing that hospitality is actually one of the most powerful—and overlooked—leadership skills we have. In this episode of Finding the Upside , and as part of the series “The Connection Revolution” , I discuss why leadership isn't just about strategy, decision-making, or driving results. It's about creating environments where people feel seen, valued, and like they truly belong. From the workplace to our everyday relationships, the way we make people feel shapes trust, culture, and ultimately the impact we have on others. As technology transforms the way we work and connect, genuine human connection has never been more valuable. Join me as we look at how small, intentional moments of hospitality can become one of the greatest leadership advantages we have—and why helping people feel welcome may be the key to helping them thrive. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode… [0:18] Why Hospitality Is One of Leadership's Most Overlooked Skills [4:25] Culture Begins with How People Feel [7:48] The Leadership Question Everyone Is Quietly Asking: Do I Matter Here? [12:25] Why Human Connection Matters More in the Age of AI [15:25] What's the Upside? Creating Places Where People Thrive Episode Show Notes Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠ Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube If you’re ready to dive deeper and level up your learning beyond the Finding the Upside episodes, sign up for the Business Leaders Hub ! Get access to exclusive content, resources and tools, and a community built to help you accelerate to the next level. It’s all waiting for you HERE . Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE . What kind of leader are you? Unlock your leadership potential with The Rebel Leader Assessment ! Take the Leadership Skills Quiz HERE! Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE . Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now ! Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox! CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

August 4, 2026Episode 1931 hr 12 min

#193: Ideas Worth Doing: Leading with Curiosity with Waleed Khalid

One of my favorite parts of hosting Finding the Upside is introducing you to people who are creating meaningful impact in the world. In this episode, I sit down with my friend and colleague, Waleed Khalid , Founder and CEO of Oxford Talks, to explore what it really means to lead with purpose, curiosity and service. I've had the privilege of working alongside Waleed at Oxford University, Harvard University, and soon at the World Economic Forum in Davos. What I've always admired about him is that he doesn't just create stages for great speakers—he creates opportunities for ideas to grow into something much bigger. Our conversation goes far beyond public speaking. We talk about leadership, storytelling, innovation, kindness in business, and why the most meaningful success comes from investing in people rather than chasing transactions. Throughout our conversation, we reflect on the importance of staying curious, building genuine relationships, and leading from a place of service instead of status. Waleed shares the lessons he learned from building Oxford Talks, the unexpected setbacks that ultimately became turning points, and why every great idea begins with understanding the people you're trying to serve. This episode is a reminder that the most powerful ideas don't simply inspire us in the moment—they create lasting connections, open unexpected doors, and challenge us to think differently about the way we lead, communicate, and live. I hope our conversation encourages you to stay curious, embrace the unexpected, and remember that sometimes the greatest upside comes from the opportunities you never saw coming. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode… [1:20] From TED to Oxford Talks: Building a Platform for Ideas That Matter [8:31] Why Kindness Is a Competitive Advantage in Business [20:36] What Makes a Great Speaker Truly Memorable [28:34] Why Stories Connect More Than Information [35:10] Leadership Is Service, Not Status [42:55] Curiosity: The Leadership Skill We Need Most [1:07:20] Finding the Upside in Unexpected Setbacks Episode Show Notes Waleed Khalid | Instagram Waleed Khalid | LinkedIn Waleed Khalid | Website Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠ Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube If you’re ready to dive deeper and level up your learning beyond the Finding the Upside episodes, sign up for the Business Leaders Hub ! Get access to exclusive content, resources and tools, and a community built to help you accelerate to the next level. It’s all waiting for you HERE . Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE . What kind of leader are you? Unlock your leadership potential with The Rebel Leader Assessment ! Take the Leadership Skills Quiz HERE! Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE . Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now ! Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox! CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

July 28, 2026Episode 19215 min

#192: Outrage Is Not Leadership: Why Real Leaders Build Instead of React

It seems like everywhere I turn, someone is angry. Social media rewards it. News cycles amplify it. And before we know it, we're reacting instead of responding. But is outrage actually creating the change we hope for—or is it keeping us stuck? In this episode of Finding the Upside , and as part of the series “Leading Through The Noise”, I explore why outrage and leadership are not the same thing. Drawing on what I'm seeing in today's culture, and what I've learned through years of working with leaders and organizations—I share why emotional intensity has become the norm and why the leaders who make the greatest impact choose steadiness over spectacle. This isn't about staying silent or avoiding difficult conversations. It's about leading with intention, creating solutions instead of simply criticizing problems, and recognizing that lasting change requires more than emotion, it requires purpose, courage, and action. Whether you're leading an organization, a team, your family, or simply yourself, I hope this conversation challenges you to think differently about the energy you bring into the world. Because the future won't be built by those who react the loudest. It will be built by those who stay committed to creating something better. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode… [0:31] Why Everybody Is Angry [5:01] WHY Leadership is Becoming Harder [7:52] How Do We Move Forward? [12:33] Every Day We’re Deciding THIS [13:28] Leadership Helps Build What’s Next Episode Show Notes Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠ Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube If you’re ready to dive deeper and level up your learning beyond the Finding the Upside episodes, sign up for the Business Leaders Hub ! Get access to exclusive content, resources and tools, and a community built to help you accelerate to the next level. It’s all waiting for you HERE . Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE . What kind of leader are you? Unlock your leadership potential with The Rebel Leader Assessment ! Take the Leadership Skills Quiz HERE! Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE . Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now ! Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox! CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

July 21, 2026Episode 1919 min

#191: The Emotional Cost of Survival Mode

We're living in a time when many people are carrying more than they realize. The pressure to keep going, stay productive, and push through has become so normalized that exhaustion often feels like a way of life. In this shorty episode of Finding the Upside , I explore the hidden impact of living in survival mode and why so many people are feeling depleted, even when they're doing all the "right" things. I share my thoughts on how this is a warning sign for us and leaders - we are not ok…and your people are not ok. Uncertainty, resilience, and the emotional weight that often goes unseen in our workplaces, our relationships, and our daily lives -- those are real issues that need to be considered not just by us, but by the people leading teams as well. This conversation is a reminder that what you're feeling may not be a personal failing—it is likely a reflection of the environment you're navigating. And recognizing that can change everything. The upside? Awareness creates choice, and sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is give ourselves—and others—the grace to breathe. Take a moment to listen to this one… Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode… [1:23 ] People are WORRIED [2:58]Operating in Survival Mode Changes How People Show Up [4:26] Resilience Without Recovery Becomes THIS [6:35] We Need To Stop Treating Ourselves Like Machines Episode Show Notes Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠ Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube If you’re ready to dive deeper and level up your learning beyond the Finding the Upside episodes, sign up for the Business Leaders Hub ! Get access to exclusive content, resources and tools, and a community built to help you accelerate to the next level. It’s all waiting for you HERE . Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE . What kind of leader are you? Unlock your leadership potential with The Rebel Leader Assessment ! Take the Leadership Skills Quiz HERE! Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE . Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now ! Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox! CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

July 14, 2026Episode 1905 min

#190: The Empty Chairs Told the Story: No Country for Mothers Screening

A few weeks ago, I hosted a screening of the documentary No Country for Mothers . Twenty people signed up. Three showed up. At first, I was disappointed. But as I sat with it, I realized the empty chairs told a story of their own. Mothers are expected to show up for everyone else, yet when it's time to show up for mothers, too often the room is left empty. In this episode of Finding the Upside , I share why this issue continues to pull me back into the conversation and why I signed on as an associate producer for this important film. From the lack of paid family leave and affordable childcare to the impossible expectations placed on working families, we're asking mothers to solve problems that were never theirs to solve alone. This isn't about blaming women or debating which generation had it harder. It's about taking an honest look at the systems, policies, and cultural narratives that have shaped the motherhood experience in America—and asking what needs to change. The upside? Once we see the problem clearly, we can stop carrying the shame that was never ours to carry. We can start having different conversations, creating different workplaces, supporting different policies, and showing up for one another in ways that move us forward together. Because even a small room can start a conversation that matters. And this conversation is far from over. VIDEO CREDIT: No Country for Mothers Trailer Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode… [0:26] The Empty Chairs Were Part of the Story Too. [1:29] The Current Culture War: Girl Boss vs. Trad Wife [2:14] The System is Failing Mothers [4:48] WHY This Film Matters Episode Show Notes Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠ Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube If you’re ready to dive deeper and level up your learning beyond the Finding the Upside episodes, sign up for the Business Leaders Hub ! Get access to exclusive content, resources and tools, and a community built to help you accelerate to the next level. It’s all waiting for you HERE . Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE . What kind of leader are you? Unlock your leadership potential with The Rebel Leader Assessment ! Take the Leadership Skills Quiz HERE! Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE . Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now ! Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox! CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

July 7, 2026Episode 18915 min

#189: What AI Can’t Replace: The Human Advantage

Artificial intelligence is transforming how we work, communicate, and lead—but what does that mean for the future of being human? In this episode of Finding the Upside , I explore a question that goes far beyond technology: As AI becomes more capable, what qualities become even more valuable? From trust and connection to belonging and significance, we’ll examine why the skills often labeled as “soft” may be the most powerful advantage we have moving forward. The future may not belong to those with the best technology, but to those who know how to balance innovation with humanity. What AI can’t replace might be exactly what matters most. If you've ever wondered where you fit in an AI-driven world—or what will truly set people apart in the years ahead—this conversation may change the way you think about the future. Press play and discover why being more human could be your greatest advantage. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode… [0:37] How Is AI Going to Change Everything? [4:05] People Aren’t Metrics. [5:03] The One Defining Issue of Our Time. [6:49] What Changed For Me. [12:01] The Future Belongs to THESE Organizations. [14:51] People Still Want To Matter. Episode Show Notes Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠ Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube If you’re ready to dive deeper and level up your learning beyond the Finding the Upside episodes, sign up for the Business Leaders Hub ! Get access to exclusive content, resources and tools, and a community built to help you accelerate to the next level. It’s all waiting for you HERE . Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE . What kind of leader are you? Unlock your leadership potential with The Rebel Leader Assessment ! Take the Leadership Skills Quiz HERE! Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE . Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now ! Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox! CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

June 30, 2026Episode 1885 min

#188: Behind the Scenes of UNEDITED: Inside the Audiobook Recording

I recently shared the big news that my book project UNEDITED: Women's Stories of Truth, Identity, and Transformation That Shape Leadership , is going to be LIVE in just a couple months. And I couldn't be more excited to share another behind-the-scenes look at the journey of bringing this book to life. On today’s episode of Finding the Upside , I'm taking you inside the recording studio at the Film Center in New York City, where myself and the 7 other authors of UNEDITED spent a few days recording the audiobook in our own voices. What may seem like a simple process, reading words you've already written became something much more powerful. As each woman stepped behind the microphone, she revisited pivotal moments, reflected on lessons learned, and reconnected with the experiences that shaped her story. There were moments of laughter, vulnerability, emotion, and discovery that reminded all of us why these stories matter. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the audiobook recording experience and the emotional journey that unfolded as each author brought her story to life. Along the way, I reflect on the connection between truth, identity, courage, and leadership, and why the stories we fear sharing most often have the greatest power to create connection and change. UNEDITED: Women's Stories of Truth, Identity, and Transformation That Shape Leadership will be released in September. Join the waitlist today to be among the first to receive pre-order information, exclusive sneak peeks, author features, and behind-the-scenes updates. UNEDITED Waitlist: https://mariadr.com/book-wait-list Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode… [1:24] Traveling To NYC For UNEDITED Audio Recording [2:06] What Happened When These Women Stepped into the Booth [3:02] Our Stories Have Value [3:59] THIS is What UNEDITED is All About Episode Show Notes Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠ Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube If you’re ready to dive deeper and level up your learning beyond the Finding the Upside episodes, sign up for the Business Leaders Hub ! Get access to exclusive content, resources and tools, and a community built to help you accelerate to the next level. It’s all waiting for you HERE . Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE . What kind of leader are you? Unlock your leadership potential with The Rebel Leader Assessment ! Take the Leadership Skills Quiz HERE! Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE . Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now ! Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox! CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

June 23, 2026Episode 18712 min

#187: The Leadership Crisis Nobody Wants To Admit

Trust is the currency of leadership and right now, too many organizations are operating like it’s unlimited. In this episode of Finding the Upside, I’m naming what I believe is the real crisis unfolding inside teams and companies: not a talent problem, but a trust problem. People aren’t listening to mission statements anymore, they’re watching patterns. They’re tracking who gets protected, who gets interrupted, who gets acknowledged and who gets punished. And in uncertain times like these, that quiet data becomes the story your culture tells. I’m unpacking how trust actually erodes—through inconsistency, performative leadership and the growing gap between what we say we value and what employees repeatedly experience. We’ll talk about why “polished” isn’t persuasive anymore, why emotional transaction kills engagement, and the difference most leaders underestimate: fear creates compliance, but trust creates commitment. This is a grounded leadership reset for anyone responsible for people—especially if you’re trying to build a culture that can survive pressure, change, and real life. Because credibility isn’t built through authority. It’s built through integrity and through how people feel in your presence. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode… [0:30] People Have Lost Trust in Everything [3:52] Great Leaders Don’t Always Have All the Answers [6:56] Commitment Required Humanity. [8:34] The Upside is This Episode Show Notes Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠ Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube If you’re ready to dive deeper and level up your learning beyond the Finding the Upside episodes, sign up for the Business Leaders Hub ! Get access to exclusive content, resources and tools, and a community built to help you accelerate to the next level. It’s all waiting for you HERE . Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE . What kind of leader are you? Unlock your leadership potential with The Rebel Leader Assessment ! Take the Leadership Skills Quiz HERE! Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE . Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now ! Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox! CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

June 16, 2026Episode 1866 min

#186: UNEDITED: Behind the Scenes of the Book LAUNCH

Coming soon…the book project is launching and I am so excited to share it with you. In this special behind-the-scenes episode of Finding the Upside , I'm taking you inside the amazing launch weekend for my upcoming book collaboration UNEDITED: Women’s Stories of Truth, Identity, and Transformation That Shape Leadership. It was a packed weekend of events and so many moments that were truly special. From podcast recordings to emotional and raw author interviews, to audiobook recording sessions and a powerful launch celebration, I'm sharing a rare look at the moments where this collaborative book comes to life. Join me as I reflect on what unfolded when a group of extraordinary women revisited deeply personal stories, shared the experiences that shaped them, and stepped fully into their voices. Throughout the episode, I explore the power of authentic storytelling, the courage required to be truly seen, and why leadership evolves when women choose truth over performance. This isn't just a book launch story—it's a conversation about identity, authenticity, belonging and the transformative impact of living UNEDITED. UNEDITED: Women’s Stories of Truth, Identity and Transformation That Shape Leadership will be released in the coming months. Join the waitlist today to be among the first to receive pre-order information, exclusive sneak peeks, author features, and behind-the-scenes updates. Join the UNEDITED Waitlist: https://mariadr.com/book-wait-list Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode… [0:23] The Upcoming Launch of UNEDITED [1:22] What UNEDITED IS Really About [2:07] The Party to Celebrate the Book [3:56] Why This Book Matters [4:49] The Heartbeat of This Book Episode Show Notes Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠ Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube If you’re ready to dive deeper and level up your learning beyond the Finding the Upside episodes, sign up for the Business Leaders Hub ! Get access to exclusive content, resources and tools, and a community built to help you accelerate to the next level. It’s all waiting for you HERE . Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE . What kind of leader are you? Unlock your leadership potential with The Rebel Leader Assessment ! Take the Leadership Skills Quiz HERE! Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE . Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now ! Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox! CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

June 9, 2026Episode 1859 min

#185: Real Women: 7 Minutes of Transformation with Heather Romanski

For years, Heather Romanski heard the same refrain: “You should write a book.” And for just as long, she found reasons not to believe it. In this episode of the Real Women: 7 Minutes of Transformation series, Heather shares a story shaped by self-doubt, unspoken shame, and the quiet weight of an experience she carried longer than she realized. Recorded live at the Revive and Thrive 2025 Empowerment Summit, her reflection offers a glimpse into what can happen when we stop dismissing our story—and decide to use our voice instead. Heather’s journey touches on the moment she reconsidered a label she’d been holding onto, the unexpected clarity that came through writing, and the shift that followed when she stopped seeing her past as something to hide. What unfolds is a story about growth, leadership, and the ripple effect of speaking up—not just for yourself, but for the people who are watching and learning from you. This episode is part of a larger collaborative book project launching in June 2026, created by the women whose voices you’re hearing throughout this series. Listen—or watch—and consider what might change if you stopped waiting to feel “ready” and chose to begin anyway. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode… [1:01] The Story of The Label [2:39] Why She Decided To Share Her Story [4:20] The Importance of Stepping Into Your Power [6:36] The Courage To Use Your Voice Episode Show Notes Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠ Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube If you’re ready to dive deeper and level up your learning beyond the Finding the Upside episodes, sign up for the ⁠ Business Leaders Hub !⁠ Get access to exclusive content, resources and tools, and a community built to help you accelerate to the next level. It’s all waiting for you ⁠ HERE ⁠ . Want to scale your business to the next level? ⁠ GET SCORED NOW⁠ My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score ⁠ HERE⁠ . What kind of leader are you? Unlock your leadership potential with The Rebel Leader Assessment ! Take the Leadership Skills Quiz ⁠HERE!⁠ Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review ⁠ HERE⁠ . Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! ⁠ Follow now⁠ ! Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox! ⁠ CLICK HERE⁠ and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.