My Secrets to Stamina

Hosted by Cindy Novotny

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Episodes

Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Deemed the 'Radical Mentor', listen in as Cindy shares her secrets to stamina in business and life. Cindy travels the globe 50 out of 52 weeks per year and loves the smell of jet fuel each day! She is a business owner, restaurateur, motivational speaker, a wife & mother. Cindy’s goal is to provide her listeners with positive ways to increase their productivity, provide inspiration + motivation, while sharing some funny stories along the way. She welcomes guests from so many different industries and walks of life to give you a full spectrum perspective on living your best life. Cindy will bring energy to each episode, giving you the spark you need to get through life looking at the glass spilling over.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

May 21, 202624 min

Interview: Working Moms Chat with Carole Yammine

Welcome back!In this inspiring and honest conversation, Carole Yammine sits down with Cindy Novotny to explore the realities of balancing ambition, motherhood, and leadership in today’s world, particularly through the lens of growing up and building a career in the Middle East.From childhood influences and cultural expectations to navigating “mom guilt,” evolving priorities, and redefining success, Carole shares a deeply personal perspective on what it truly means to be an independent woman, working mother, and business leader. Together, they unpack the stereotypes surrounding working mothers, the importance of strong support systems, and the untold realities many women silently carry while striving to succeed both professionally and personally.This episode goes beyond career advice — it’s a candid conversation about resilience, identity, family, and the power of showing children what passion, purpose, and perseverance look like in real life.Whether you’re a working parent, aspiring leader, entrepreneur, or someone navigating life’s changing priorities, this discussion offers meaningful insights, encouragement, and practical wisdom for building success on your own terms.Can't wait for you to tune in! Contact & Follow Cindy!Follow on Instagram at cindy_novotny, Facebook and LinkedIn for every day inspirational posts.Email at cindynovotny@masterconnection.com

April 23, 202637 min

Interview: The Hotel Daddy, Mr. Blake Danner

Welcome back - we're so excited to have you here!During this episode I sit down with a my dear friend, Blake Danner who is an inspiring operations and sales professional and a crafter of iconic brands. His leadership has been instrumental in creating award-winning contemporary brands in the lifestyle hospitality space. Over his 25+ year career, he has worked with some of the world’s leading lifestyle visionaries, leaving a significant mark on the industry. Blake is currently the Chief Operating Officer of aka Hotels and aka Hotel Residences. Previously, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Proper Hotels. Blake was the founding COO of The Sydell Group. He was instrumental in creating four new hotel brands: NoMad, The Line, Freehand, and Saguaro. While at Sydell, he oversaw the company's tremendous growth, opening eleven hotels in seven years. Fast Company named Sydell “one of the world’s top 10 innovative companies in style.” Blake spent eleven years working under the guidance of the legendary Ian Schrager, of Studio 54 fame, at Ian Schrager Hotels/Morgan’s Hotel Group early in his career. As the Host of The Hotel Daddy Podcast, Blake enjoys sharing candid conversations that reveal how the best in the business became the leaders they are today. Blake and his husband, Nelson, reside in New York City and Miami.Can't wait for you to tune in to this dynamic conversation and make sure to follow Blake's podcast, The Hotel Daddy as well! Cheers!Contact & Follow Cindy!Follow on Instagram at cindy_novotny, Facebook and LinkedIn for every day inspirational posts.Email at cindynovotny@masterconnection.com

March 26, 202630 min

Interview: Just a Small Town Girl, Sonya LaGrange

So excited to be back with another incredible guest this week!I welcome Sonya LaGrange, a small town entrepreneur in Swisher, Iowa where my husband grew up and where our farm is located.Sonya spent 20 years in real estate before stepping into entrepreneurship, now owning a bar, boutique, Airbnb, and a newly renovated commercial building with event and tenant space. Her passion lies in creating welcoming spaces that support local business, connection, and community growth. Tune in to hear her story, advice and such a lovely organic chat with a badass woman in business! Contact & Follow Cindy!Follow on Instagram at cindy_novotny, Facebook and LinkedIn for every day inspirational posts.Email at cindynovotny@masterconnection.com

February 19, 202635 min

The Marketing Guru: Michael Coldwell

Welcome back to the pod!Really excited for this episode and to introduce you all to Michael Coldwell, CEO & Co-Founder of Braintrust. A former professional stand‐up comic, a three-time published novelist, and former executive director of corporate communications for Caesars Palace, he brings more than 20 years of experience to the world of marketing.Michael speaks at many global seminars and summits focusing on brand building and marketing. He has shut down Times Square for red carpet openings, arranged celebrity events, rang the bell on the New York Stock Exchange, and earned a client’s place in the Guinness Book of World Records on three occasions. He has negotiated original programming deals with networks such as NBC, CBS, and the Travel Channel, and has organized and executed marketing programs at the Toronto International Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, and the Academy Awards.Living near Nashville, TN, with his wife, Michael serves his community as a volunteer firefighter and is a nationally registered emergency medical responder. He is an elected representative that serves many parts of his community.Listen in to gain insights, perspectives and Michael's thoughts!Contact & Follow Cindy!Follow on Instagram at cindy_novotny, Facebook and LinkedIn for every day inspirational posts.Email at cindynovotny@masterconnection.com

January 15, 202629 min

Interview: Kicking Off 2026 with Cathy Schwartz-Shino from Edit Accordingly

Welcome back to My Secrets to Stamina and Happy New Year!To kick off the year, I’m welcoming a new friend I was introduced to by a dear friend, Cathy Schwartz-Shino, Founder of Edit Accordingly. Edit Accordingly is The Style Clinic for Fashion and Cathy is an image strategist & certified personal stylist devoted to helping individuals reimagine their wardrobes, confidence & style identity. A former fashion executive & founder of the accessory brand HOUSE OF WANT, Cathy spent more than two decades building brands & shaping creative vision before choosing to pause & reinvent. She discovered her next EDIT-ion while volunteering with Bottomless Closet, where supporting women reclaim their presence in the workforce reignited her purpose & led to the creation of EDIT ACCORDINGLY. Cathy now blends editorial storytelling, personal styling & mindset-driven image strategy to help clients show up & show out, as their most #UniquelyYou selves. I’m thrilled for her to share her story, insights and of course her secrets to stamina! Be on the lookout for some exciting news from me in the coming months! Contact & Follow Cindy!Follow on Instagram at cindy_novotny, Facebook and LinkedIn for every day inspirational posts.Email at cindynovotny@masterconnection.com

December 11, 202521 min

Interview: The Fierce & Resilient, Mona Perschon

Welcome back to my Secrets to Stamina!It's the LAST EPISODE of the year! So hard to believe! A big thanks to all of you for listening in each month and supporting this podcast.Big news! My newest book will be out in early 2026 titled: My Secret to Stamina! More to come on that.For this episode, I'm joined by Mona Perschon who has truly one of the most incredible stories I've ever heard. She is a trailblazer in wellness innovation, and extensive background in hospitality as a spa consultant & educator and Executive Wellness Director but her story is shaped by being a survivor of human trafficking, childhood abuse and champion of resilience and hope.We will talk about the foundations of her journey, surviving and overcoming, healing and rebuilding, how she continues to champion resilience and of course, her secrets to stamina.Can't wait for you to listen to her story. Wishing you all a wonderful festive holiday season and New Year - see you in 2026!Contact & Follow Cindy!Follow on Instagram at cindy_novotny, Facebook and LinkedIn for every day inspirational posts.Email at cindynovotny@masterconnection.com

November 20, 202525 min

Interview: The Incomparable, Ms. Christina Deeny

Happy November!Welcome back to My Secrets to Stamina—the show where we uncover what it really takes to thrive in high-performance careers without losing your spark.Today’s guest is someone who defines global luxury, leadership, and lasting impact—Christina Deeny. Christina has been a friend and client for many years and has so much insight to share with us all today.Christina has led brand, commercial, and marketing strategies for some of the world’s most iconic names in hospitality—Aman, Belmond, Langham, and more. She’s lived and worked across continents, always bringing a deep sense of brand storytelling and innovation to the table.Can't wait for you to tune into this one!Contact & Follow Cindy!Follow on Instagram at cindy_novotny, Facebook and LinkedIn for every day inspirational posts.Email at cindynovotny@masterconnection.com

September 18, 202530 min

Interview: Queen of POP Parties, Molly Rasmussen

Welcome back to My Secrets to Stamina!I'm thrilled to have a dear friend and client join the pod this week, Molly Rasmussen. She is celebrating 10 years of being in business with her company, POP Parties out of Dallas!With nearly two decades of experience, Molly is known for producing unforgettable, high-touch events. After earning her degree in Hospitality Management from the University of North Texas, she began her career assisting a celebrity wedding planner — and never looked back. In 2015, she founded Pop Parties, now one of Texas’ premier event planning firms, known for producing 25 luxury events a year across the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean. Her background spans floral design, catering, A/V production, and live shows — even working alongside the White House Chief of Staff and events featured on national television. Molly’s “whatever it takes” mentality sets the tone for Pop Parties’ trusted, hands-on approach — making her and her team an invaluable partner for any celebration.Tune in as we talk business, growth, milestones, entrepreneurship, leadership and of course, her secrets to stamina!Contact & Follow Cindy!Follow on Instagram at cindy_novotny, Facebook and LinkedIn for every day inspirational posts.Email at cindynovotny@masterconnection.com

August 28, 202530 min

Interview: The Resilient Powerhouse, Nina Sossamon-Pogue

Welcome back everyone! Always thrilled to bring you a powerhouse guest and for this episode, that is Nina Sossamon-Pogue. Nina is a speaker, two-time best-selling author, and podcast host. She will share her extraordinary journey through Elite Athletics, Television News, and Corporate America, that defies the ordinary. Leaving home at age 13 to train, Nina made the USA Gymnastics team, and graced magazine covers as an Olympic hopeful alongside Mary Lou Retton but failed to make the Olympic team. Later, competing for SEC powerhouse LSU, Nina suffered an injury that ended her Gymnastics Career.The moment became a catalyst for an esteemed 20-year career as an Emmy award-winning journalist and News Anchor. Ever evolving, a transformative life event led Nina into a new path from TV to Tech and into corporate leadership. As a celebrated executive, she navigated the intricacies of a highly successful IPO.Now, a resilient powerhouse, Nina has conquered life’s obstacles with grace and shifted her focus to creating success for others. Drawing on her extensive experience in communications, corporate leadership, and resilience research, she helps individuals and organizations thrive through challenges and change to reach new levels of success.Tune in now!Contact & Follow Cindy!Follow on Instagram at cindy_novotny, Facebook and LinkedIn for every day inspirational posts.Email at cindynovotny@masterconnection.com

July 17, 202527 min

Interview: Tech Mastermind, Mr. Wayne Beaubian

Hello July and welcome back to My Secrets to Stamina! Today, I welcome one of our longest friends and business partners, who is incredibly smart and talented and has a wealth of insights to share with us today – Mr. Wayne Beaubian. Wayne has years of experience in hospitality and related technology development. Prior to founding the company eDestinACCESS, Wayne was District President at Robert Half International located on Sand Hill Road in Silicon Valley where he was instrumental in driving adoption of advanced technology.Earlier in his career he spent 12 years operating a successful destination management company. This combination led to his vision of applying advanced Internet technology to the needs of hotels seeking revenue from group travel and concierge services. He has a BA in Business from Rutgers University and I’m so excited for him to share his background, knowledge and thoughts with us today!Contact & Follow Cindy!Follow on Instagram at cindy_novotny, Facebook and LinkedIn for every day inspirational posts.Email at cindynovotny@masterconnection.com