Courageously Speaking

Maria Soriano
Courageously Speaking

By focusing on the theme of brave choices and highlighting inspiring stories of individuals who have made courageous decisions to achieve success beyond self, the Courageously Speaking Podcast aims to motivate and empower audiences worldwide to embrace bravery in their own lives, pursue their goals fearlessly, and make a positive impact on their communities and ultimately, the world.

Episodes

  1. Are You Too Ambitious? [Courageously Speaking with FinTech Exec Willayna Banner]

    MAR 6

    Are You Too Ambitious? [Courageously Speaking with FinTech Exec Willayna Banner]

    In this episode of Courageously Speaking, we ask a bold question: Are you too ambitious? Maria Soriano and FinTech executive Willayna Banner dive into the realities of ambition — how it shapes our careers, identities, and personal lives. We explore the fine line between striving for success and the pressure to prove your worth, especially in high-pressure industries. Through our honest conversation, we discuss the challenges women face when balancing assertiveness with being perceived as aggressive and how decoupling self-worth from job titles can lead to true alignment. Willayna shares her experiences navigating imposter syndrome, the importance of a strong support system, and the courage it takes to embrace uncertainty. We reflect on the tension between company loyalty and personal growth and the journey of finding purpose through exploration. T his episode is an invitation to reflect on your own ambitions — when they serve you and when they might be holding you back. ABOUT OUR GUEST Willayna Banner, has over two decades of leadership experience spanning some of the world’s most influential organizations. She has served as the Senior Director and Global Head of Growth & Innovation for Retail, CPG, and Agriculture at Microsoft, where she drove cutting-edge solutions in Artificial Intelligence and cloud technology. Her other roles include leading Web3 and blockchain initiatives at Microsoft, serving on Morgan Stanley’s Investor Advisory Committee for the Next Level Fund, and holding senior executive and transformational positions at Wells Fargo, Bank of America, American Express, HBO and Morgan Stanley. Stay Courageous, Maria

    57 min
  2. 07/18/2024

    [Courageously Speaking with Tina Petrilla] How a Former Journalist Found Courage in Calling it Quits

    In this gripping episode, we speak with a brave former journalist, Tina Petrilla, who, following the untimely death of a close friend who was killed in the line of duty, made the painful decision to give up her successful career.  Amidst her struggles, Tina reflects on navigating a failed marriage where she was dependent on her husband for everything, including putting gas into her car, to finding hope in a new relationship all while supporting her partner through his battle with stage 4 cancer. Her inspiring story reveals how she transitioned from one challenging environment to another, taking over a decade to recognize the toll of a toxic workplace on her mental and physical health. Tina courageously stepped into entrepreneurship, navigating the uncertainties of building a business from the ground up, all while confronting the fears that come with such a leap. Before the episode wraps up, Tina showcases her fearless spirit by taking on the Spicy Ramen Challenge—an endeavor that had her facing the heat and emerging victorious! Join us for this incredible story of resilience, transformation, and the empowering belief in oneself. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Courage Creatives Channel for more inspiring stories revolving on courage! To learn more about Tina’s latest projects, visit: www.HRClosetInsights.com and www.goodhirerecruitment.com. Stay Courageous, Maria

    32 min
  3. 07/03/2024

    [Dr. Shellie Keller] How a 9-year-old turned her addiction into a mental health practice decades later

    Join Courageously Speaking host, Maria Soriano, as she interviews Dr. Shellie Keller, Director of Academic Success at the College of Southern Nevada and counselor at Keller Counseling Services. In this riveting premier episode, Maria and Dr. Keller delve into a heartfelt discussion on overcoming life's toughest challenges and the importance of mental health. Dr. Keller shares her inspiring journey from taking her first sip of alcohol at 6 years old to finding her calling in Las Vegas, where she did not only rebuild her life through higher education and therapy, but also learned to listen to people who cared enough about her to give constructive advice. In a next phase of her life, her husband and a friend from rehab were both instrumental in fulfilling her goal of being a parent to adopted children with similar strings attached—her own addiction which she transformed to an act of love. Discover how Dr. Keller’s personal experiences with substance abuse and recovery as well as her dedication to supporting students have shaped her compassionate approach to mental health counseling. Maria and Dr. Keller explore three simple ways of managing triggers, stimulus response, and unhealthy coping mechanics: BECOMING SELF-AWARE, TRUSTING PEOPLE, and HELPING OTHERS. Tune in for an episode filled with the transformative power of turning adversity into one’s purpose. Key Highlights: • Navigating family trauma • Overcoming addiction through therapy • Building strong, authentic relationships • Pursuing higher education as a non-traditional student • Adopting children from families affected by substance abuse • Leaders prioritizing self-care • Transforming personal struggles into purposeful actions SUBSCRIBE NOW to learn more about Dr. Shellie Keller’s incredible story. If you are planning to start your journey to wellness and recover, visit: www.kellercounselingservices.care for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Keller.

    1h 21m

    About

    By focusing on the theme of brave choices and highlighting inspiring stories of individuals who have made courageous decisions to achieve success beyond self, the Courageously Speaking Podcast aims to motivate and empower audiences worldwide to embrace bravery in their own lives, pursue their goals fearlessly, and make a positive impact on their communities and ultimately, the world.

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