It Starts With You

Hosted by Julie Menden

Education

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Episodes

176

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

'It Starts With You' is all about living intentionally and showing up confidently and authentically as a leader in your life. Join Julie Menden, an Entrepreneur, High Performance coach, Speaker, and Author, for conversations around confidence, self development, mindset, leadership, and using your voice to speak up for the things you want and make an impact. Julie challenges you to pursue your greatest goals to make this life matter, by giving you stories, motivation, and tangible tools and tips to implement in your own life.Time to stop waiting for everyone else to validate you, to stop waiting for that next achievement to promote your sense of confidence and worth, and to realize that you have it all within you already. It’s time to uncover it. Tune in every Tuesday for solo and guest episodes that will leave you feeling inspired to take action, to make an impact, and live the intentional, powerful, and thriving life you were meant to.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 20, 2026Episode 17510 min

Transforming Guilt into Leadership Strength

Have you ever felt guilty for giving someone difficult feedback, making a decision others didn’t agree with, or taking time for yourself? As a leader, guilt can show up in unexpected ways, leaving you second-guessing your decisions, questioning your approach, or holding yourself back. In this episode, I’m exploring how guilt impacts your leadership, where it comes from, and how you can use it as an opportunity for growth rather than letting it drain your energy. You’ll learn how to recognize the stories you tell yourself, focus on what you can control, and shift from guilt toward compassion, clarity, and purposeful action. In this episode, you’ll discover: How guilt affects your energy, decision-making, and ability to lead effectively. Why feeling guilty doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve done something wrong. How to challenge the assumptions and stories that may be keeping you stuck. Ways to separate what you can control from what you can’t. How to practice self-compassion while still taking responsibility for your actions. How to move forward with decisions that align with your values and leadership goals. Your challenge this week: The next time guilt shows up, pause before letting it guide your response. Ask yourself: What am I actually feeling guilty about? Is the story I’m telling myself true? What can I control, and what would it look like to respond with compassion instead? Guilt doesn’t have to hold you back. With greater awareness, you can turn it into an opportunity to learn, grow, and become a more intentional leader. Join me every Tuesday for a new episode! Stay in the loop and get all the latest updates and offers by subscribing to my email list! Find Me Here: • Website • Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook

October 13, 202610 min

Navigating Unclear Expectations and Accountability

Have you ever felt frustrated when someone didn’t follow through, missed a deadline, or didn’t meet your expectations? Before you jump to frustration, there’s one important question to ask: Were your expectations ever clearly communicated? In this episode I'm exploring the connection between unclear expectations, unmet accountability, and the frustration that can show up in both our personal and professional relationships. You’ll discover why clarity is essential to building trust, how to hold others accountable without creating unnecessary tension, and how your own unspoken or unrealistic expectations might be contributing to the problem. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why unclear expectations often lead to frustration and disappointment. How to communicate expectations so others understand what success looks like. When it’s time to move beyond communication and have a direct accountability conversation. How to recognize and take ownership of your own expectations. How to give others autonomy while still ensuring commitments are met. If we expect something from others, we need to communicate it clearly before we can fairly hold them accountable. Your challenge this week: Think about a relationship or situation that’s been causing you frustration. Have you clearly communicated your expectations? Are you following through on accountability? And are you leaving room for others to approach things in their own way? Because better communication starts with you. Stay in the loop and get all the latest updates and offers by subscribing to my email list! Find Me Here: • Website • Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook

September 29, 2026Episode 1748 min

Creating Alignment: The Key to High Performance for You & Your Team

What does alignment look like in your life, leadership, and team? In this episode, we’ll explore why alignment starts with you. When you’re clear on what matters, where you’re going, and what you need, you’re better equipped to create clarity and alignment within your team. I share why high-performing teams need more than talented people. They need a shared vision, clear priorities, strong communication, and a common understanding of where they’re headed. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why personal alignment is the foundation for effective leadership How to create greater alignment within your team Why shared vision and clarity matter for team performance Questions to help identify where alignment may be missing Want to create more alignment on your team? If you’re interested in leadership coaching or our High Performing Team Alignment Program, set up a time to connect with us HERE ! Because when people are aligned, they can move forward together. Join me every Tuesday for a new episode! Stay in the loop and get all the latest updates and offers by subscribing to my email list! Find Me Here: • Website • Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook

September 22, 2026Episode 17312 min

The Conversation You Keep Avoiding Is Costing You

What conversation have you been putting off? Maybe it’s a conversation with your manager about boundaries, a difficult discussion with a team member, or an issue you’ve been avoiding because you’re worried about how the other person will react. The truth is, avoiding the conversation has a cost, too. In this episode, I’m exploring what those avoided conversations may be costing you, from trust and clarity to energy, peace, accountability, and even your relationships. I’ll help you recognize the impact of avoidance and see how having the conversation you’ve been dreading can create space for growth and stronger leadership. You’ll also learn the Savvii Speak framework, a simple approach to navigating challenging conversations with greater self-awareness, empathy, intention, and clarity. In this episode, you’ll discover: The hidden costs of avoiding difficult conversations How unaddressed issues can contribute to frustration and overwhelm Why setting boundaries can actually strengthen trust and respect How to approach tough conversations with more intention The Savvii Speak framework for communicating with influence and building trust A powerful question to help you identify the conversation you need to have Want Help Having the Conversation? If there’s a difficult conversation you know you need to have, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Download our free resource, The SAVVII Speak Method, to help you prepare for and navigate challenging conversations with more clarity and confidence. Take a moment to reflect: What conversation are you avoiding, and what is that avoidance costing you? It may be uncomfortable to have the conversation, but it could also be the conversation that creates more clarity, freedom, and peace. Because sometimes the conversation you’re avoiding is the one you need to have most. Join me every Tuesday for a new episode! Stay in the loop and get all the latest updates and offers by subscribing to my email list! Find Me Here: • Website • Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook

September 15, 2026Episode 17215 min

What if You Thought of Everything as "The Upgrade"?

What if the challenges, setbacks, and uncomfortable seasons you’re facing aren’t taking you backward, but actually helping you upgrade ? In this episode, you’ll explore powerful insights from the Powerhouse Women Conference and discover how to look at growth differently. From embracing vulnerability and authenticity to recognizing that difficult seasons can be just as transformative as moments of success, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what growth really looks like. You’ll learn how to: See challenges and setbacks as part of your growth, not proof that you’re failing Recognize when old strategies and ways of leading are no longer serving you Embrace vulnerability as a source of strength and authenticity Identify the gap between where you are today and where you want to be Take intentional steps toward the future you’re creating Give yourself permission to be in an “upgrade season,” even when it doesn’t feel like progress If you’re navigating change, questioning what’s next, or simply feeling like you’re ready for something more, this episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and ask yourself: What if everything I’m experiencing is part of the upgrade? Your challenge: Take a look at your current season and ask yourself, What is this experience teaching me, and what decision can I make today to move closer to the person and leader I want to become? Stay in the loop and get all the latest updates and offers by subscribing to my email list! Find Me Here: • Website • Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook

September 8, 2026Episode 17115 min

What a Salmon, a Bear, and Alaska Taught Me About Leadership

After a short summer break, we’re back with a powerful conversation about the leadership lessons that can show up in unexpected places. Drawing from experiences in Alaska, this episode explores what it really takes to lead with clarity, create accountability, build stronger teams, and navigate uncertainty without taking on the fears of others. You’ll walk away with five practical leadership reminders: Inspiration is great. Action is better. Surround yourself with people who celebrate all of you. Stop and celebrate what you’ve created. Don’t take on other people’s fears. Create safe spaces for honest conversations. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating the conditions for people to be honest, take ownership, challenge one another, and move forward with clarity and confidence. If you’re leading a team through change, growth, or uncertainty, this episode offers a few simple reminders that can make a meaningful difference in how you lead. Join me every Tuesday for a new episode! Stay in the loop and get all the latest updates and offers by subscribing to my email list! Find Me Here: • Website • Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook

July 28, 2026Episode 17034 min

Transforming Virtual Events: How to Engage Your Audience Like Never Before with Bernie DeSantis III

Virtual events don't have to feel like another Zoom meeting. In this episode, I sat down with Bernie DeSantis III, owner of Insignia Training Partners, who has spent more than two decades helping businesses, speakers, associations, and subject matter experts create engaging virtual experiences that truly connect with audiences. Together, we dissect what separates forgettable online presentations from impactful virtual events. Bernie shares practical strategies for increasing audience engagement, creating meaningful interaction, and designing experiences that inspire learning and action long after the meeting ends. In this episode, you'll learn: How to keep virtual audiences engaged from start to finish Simple ways to make breakout rooms and chat more impactful Common virtual event mistakes and how to avoid them How to create memorable online experiences that people actually enjoy Whether you're leading meetings, facilitating training, or hosting webinars, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you elevate your virtual presence and create experiences your audience will remember. Connect with Bernie: LinkedIn YouTube Success Champion Networking Enrollment is Open for the Speaker Space Academy: Brand Builder Edition! Ready to grow your confidence, elevate your message, and use speaking to grow your business? Speaker Space Academy is launching August 17th! Join us to learn how you can turn speaking into a powerful tool for impact and growth. Learn More! Join me every Tuesday for a new episode! Stay in the loop and get all the latest updates and offers by subscribing to my email list! Find Me Here: • Website • Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook

July 21, 2026Episode 16911 min

Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety Using the YAP Challenge

Public speaking can feel intimidating, but confidence comes through practice, not perfection. In this episode, I’m sharing how the viral YAP Challenge is helping people become more comfortable speaking on camera and in front of audiences by practicing consistently for 40 days. You'll learn why repetition is the fastest way to build confidence, simple ways to strengthen your speaking skills, and practical strategies you can start using today, whether you're presenting on stage, leading meetings, or creating content online. In this episode, I’m covering: Why practice is the key to overcoming speaking anxiety How the YAP Challenge builds confidence over time Easy ways to improve your public speaking every day Tips for becoming more comfortable on camera and in front of an audience If you've been waiting to feel "ready" to speak up, this episode will encourage you to start where you are and grow your confidence one conversation at a time. Ready to Take Your Speaking to the Next Level? If you're ready to turn your message into a powerful tool for growing your business, check out our Speaker Space Academy: Brand Builder Edition! This immersive program is designed to help you craft compelling presentations, build confidence on stage, and leverage speaking opportunities to grow your brand and business. Click Here for more info! Join me every Tuesday for a new episode! Stay in the loop and get all the latest updates and offers by subscribing to my email list! Find Me Here: • Website • Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook

July 14, 2026Episode 16810 min

Perfectionism is Costing You More Than You Think

Perfectionism can hold you back more than it helps you move forward. In this episode, I’m exploring why the pressure to have all the answers is often self-imposed and how embracing progress over perfection leads to greater confidence, stronger leadership, and continued growth. You'll learn why perfection was never the expectation, how to shift from self-doubt to a growth mindset, and practical ways to lead with confidence even when you don't have every answer. In this episode, you'll learn: Why perfectionism limits confidence and growth How to replace self-doubt with a growth mindset Why great leaders don't need to have all the answers Simple ways to practice self-compassion and embrace progress over perfection If you've ever felt like you need to be perfect before taking the next step, this episode is your reminder that growth, not flawlessness, is what leads to success. Join me every Tuesday for a new episode! Stay in the loop and get all the latest updates and offers by subscribing to my email list! Find Me Here: • Website • Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook

July 7, 2026Episode 16742 min

How to Boost Your Productivity Without Burning Out with Jenna Piche

Feeling busy isn't the same as being productive, and in this episode, I sit down with focus and productivity expert Jenna Piché to unpack what truly separates high performers from those who constantly feel overwhelmed. Drawing from her research of more than 750 professionals, Jenna shares practical, science-backed strategies that help professionals accomplish more meaningful work without sacrificing their well-being. From overcoming procrastination to managing distractions and creating sustainable habits, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you can implement immediately. In this episode, we discuss: Why do the most productive people start tasks sooner, even if they only have a few minutes. The surprising impact distractions have on our ability to focus. How procrastination is rooted in our brains, not laziness. Jenna's research-backed CRAFT Framework and the habits that drive sustainable productivity. Practical ways to reclaim your time, improve focus, and prevent burnout. If you've ever ended the day feeling busy but not accomplished, this episode will help you rethink productivity and give you practical tools to work with greater focus, purpose, and balance. Connect with Jenna Here: LinkedIn YouTube Sign Up for her Newsletter Personal Productivity Survey Team Focus Culture Survey Join me every Tuesday for a new episode! Stay in the loop and get all the latest updates and offers by subscribing to my email list! Find Me Here: • Website • Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook

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