What does it really mean to have power—and to use it ethically?

Cult survivor, CEO, and leadership scholar Shanna Francesca joins Dr. Alison to share how she reclaimed her life from a high-control environment and transformed trauma into clarity, confidence, and ethical leadership.

Shanna unpacks the three (UN)words that reshaped her identity—Unfettered, Unleashed, and Unveiled—and reveals how unlearning psychological control becomes the foundation of authentic, human-centered leadership. Together, they explore why real power exists beyond control, how ego sabotages performance, and why curiosity, respect, and accountability drive meaningful change.

In This Episode:• How Shanna’s journey from cult survivor to CEO redefined her leadership• Why trauma shapes leadership style—and how to rebuild with agency• The role of community, healing, and unapologetic self-expression• Why ethical leadership is rooted in relationship, not hierarchy

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Timestamp

(00:00:00) Introduction to the (un)conversations® Podcast

(00:01:41) The (UN)word Effect: Shana's Defining Leadership Words

(00:02:47) Setting the Stage: The Process of Choosing the "Un" Words

(00:03:25) Life inside the cult

(00:07:54) (UN)word 1: Unfettered – Breaking Free from Bonds

(00:10:40) The Decision to Leave and The Challenges of The Outside World

(00:17:18) (UN)word 2: Unleashed – Abandoning Control and Finding Power

(00:18:49) (UN)word 3: Unveiled – No Longer Hidden, Building Safety

(00:21:15) Reclaiming Personal Agency and Defining Leadership

(00:26:00) The Childhood Environment: Growing Up in a High-Control Cult

(00:35:01) From Survivor to Successful CEO

(00:36:50) Challenging Ideology: The Problem with Defining "Normal"

(00:41:06) From "Broken" to Empowered: The Journey of Healing

(00:57:55) The Meaning Behind the Company Name: Concinnate

(01:05:47) Concinnate's Work: Ethical Leadership, Culture, and Innovation

(01:17:16) Collaboration Over Competition: Changing the Business Paradigm

(01:22:51) Final Thoughts, Recommendations, and Shana's Upcoming Book

(01:24:24) Ask Dr. Alison

(01:28.37) The (UN)wrap up & Podcast Outro

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Founder and host of (un)conversations®, Alison L. Schmidt, Ph.D., empowers leaders and organizations to unlearn what no longer serves them—and lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose.

Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/

Shana Francesca is the Founder & CEO of Concinnate LLC. and identifies herself as a cult survivor. scholar and change-maker. Shana transformed trauma into triumph - from surviving childhood abuse and cult indoctrination to pioneering a leadership revolution built on Curiosity, Respect, and Accountability.

Website: https://www.concinnate.world/shanafrancesca

#shanafrancesca #concinnate #cultsurvivor #scholar #changemaker #authenticleadership #theunwordeffect #dralisonschmidt #unfettered #unleashed #unveiled #unconversationspodcast #unconvention #ceo #neurodiversity #personalgrowthjourney #ethicalleadership #consciousbusiness #trauma #workplaceculture #healingjourney #accountability #curiosity #psychologicalcontrol #organizationalchange

Ready to stop playing small and step into your most powerful chapter?

In this (un)forgettable conversation, I sat down with Cathy Derksen, the Founder of Inspired Tenacity, who empowers midlife women to find their unstoppable confidence and reinvent their lives.

Cathy shares her deeply personal journey of having her conventional life “(un)ravel” in her mid-40s after a traumatic car accident served as a wake-up call. She reveals how she simultaneously left a toxic marriage and a high-stress career to start over from scratch, embracing the (Un)known and proving that your greatest adventure is still ahead.

If you are a midlife woman feeling stuck or seeking a career change after 40, this episode is your blueprint for moving forward with purpose and Inspired Tenacity. Learn how to unlearn societal expectations and leverage your personal story for entrepreneurial growth and personal transformation.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The Unword Effect: Encouraging reflection on words with the prefix 'un' to inspire personal growth.

• Unraveling Toxic Situations: Why this is essential for deep personal transformation.

• The Unstoppable Mantra: How Cathy's mantra, 'chin up, keep moving,' helped her through her toughest times.

• Midlife Entrepreneurship: Transitioning from a career in medical genetics to founding Inspired Tenacity.

• The Power of Storytelling & Community: How collaborative author projects create a supportive network and legacy for women.

• Inspired Tenacity: Reflecting the courage and inspiration needed for change.

Connect with Host & Guest

• Dr. Alison Schmidt (Host)Founder and host of (un)conversations®, Alison L. Schmidt, Ph.D., empowers leaders and organizations to unlearn what no longer serves them—and lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose.

• Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/

• The (un)conversations podcast: https://www.unconventionllc.com/podcast

Cathy Derksen (Guest)Cathy Derksen is the founder of Inspired Tenacity, an international speaker, publisher, and a bestselling author. Through her multi-author book projects, retreats, and vibrant community, Cathy has helped over 200 women become published authors, amplifying their visibility, expanding their businesses, and building lasting legacies.

• Website: https://inspiredtenacity.com/

Thanks for watching S1.E22!

#CathyDerksen #InspiredTenacity #DrAlisonSchmidt #unconversationspodcast #midlifewomen #MidlifeReinvention #UnstoppableConfidence #FindYourPurpose #lifeafter40 #CareerChange #entrepreneurship #personalgrowth #storytelling #empowerment

What happens when you mix a pro triathlete, rock musician, and rebel brand builder who’s survived seven car accidents—but keeps coming back stronger?

In this episode of the (un)conversations® podcast, Dr. Alison Schmidt sits down with Michael Marckx, Chief Branding Officer at Digital Union Marketing, endurance athlete, musician, and visionary brand strategist. They explore how the “(UN)word Effect” fuels authentic leadership, creative risk-taking, and lifelong growth.

Michael shares his remarkable journey—from creating the world-famous Belgian Waffle Ride to leading global brand transformations at Spy Optic, Adidas, and Ocean Pacific. He unpacks what it means to be (un)usual, (un)reasonable, and (un)finished, and how these mindsets drive innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial success.

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🔥 In This Episode:

• 🚴 The origin of the Belgian Waffle Ride—one of cycling’s most unconventional events.

  💡 How being (un)usual builds real confidence and authentic connection.

• 👓 Why taking (un)reasonable risks sparks breakthrough ideas like Spy Optic’s Happy Lens.

  🗝️ How staying (un)finished keeps leaders and brands evolving.

  📘 Secrets behind the Brand Bible Method and iconic brand turnarounds.

  🛹 The guerrilla campaign at the Sydney Opera House that reshaped the skateboard culture.

  🧘 How flow, belief systems, and a metaphysical mindset fuel creativity and leadership.

  
  

  Michael also opens up about resilience and recovery—from surviving seven car accidents to rebuilding his purpose through mentorship, creativity, and authenticity.

  
  

  💬 A must-listen for marketers, entrepreneurs, creative leaders, and change-makers ready to embrace the power of being unusual, unreasonable, and unfinished.

  Defy the usual: subscribe, review, and rate—your voice fuels the (un)conversation.

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  Timestamps

  00:00 Introduction to Disruption and Innovation

  02:50 The (UN)word Effect: Embracing Unusual Paths

  06:11 The Power of Being Unusual

  09:04 Unreasonable Leadership: Challenging the Norms

  11:56 The Journey of Being Unfinished1

  14:46 Unconventional Excellence in Athletics and Business

  18:04 The Impact of Unreasonableness in Business

  20:59 The Psychic's Prophecy: A Shift in Career

  23:53 Guerrilla Marketing: Thinking Outside the Box

  37:09 Choosing Optimism in Adversity

  38:36 Unconventional Paths to Success

  42:06 The Importance of Branding

  45:28 Uncompromising Brand Integrity

  49:18 The Role of Personal Branding

  52:14 Thinking Big: The Sydney Opera House Story

  01:01:03 Finding Flow in Life and Work0

  01:05:36 Ask Dr. Alison

  01:13:52 The (UN)wrap up & Podcast Outro

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  Founder and host of (un)conversations®, Alison L. Schmidt, Ph.D., empowers leaders and organizations to unlearn what no longer serves them—and lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose.Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/

  
  

  Michael Marckx is the Chief Branding Officer of Digital Union Marketing. Michael specialize in resuscitating, transforming, and strategically guiding brands—whether they need a full reset, a repositioning, or the right roadmap for long-term success.

  Website: https://www.digitalunionmarketing.com/introduction

  --

  Follow Dr. Alison Schmidt

  🔗 https://www.instagram.com/alsphdbcc/

  🔗 https://www.instagram.com/unconventionllc/

  🔗 https://www.instagram.com/unconversationspodcast/

  🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/

  🔗 https://www.tiktok.com/@alschmidtphd

  🔗 https://www.facebook.com/AlisonLSchmidt

  🔗 https://www.unconventionllc.com/podcast

  ---

  Thanks for watching S1.E21!

  
  

  #Michael Marckx #DigitalUnionMarketing #BelgianWaffleRide #SpyOptic #guerrillamarketing #BrandStrategy #BrandingPodcast #MarketingPodcast #LeadershipPodcast #AuthenticLeadership #BrandTurnaround #unconventionalleadership #DrAlisonSchmidt #Unfinished #Unusual #Unreasonable #unconversationspodcast #Unconvention #cxo

(un)conversations podcast | S1.E20 - Change Your Money Story Today | Diana Greshtchuk

Could financial freedom be more about emotional freedom — and rewriting the way you see yourself — than dollars and cents?

Dr. Alison L. Schmidt talks with Diana Greshtchuk, CEO of Fan Your Flame — a financial empowerment coach and your new financial best friend. After turning personal loss into purpose, Diana now helps people heal their relationship with money, blending her CPA expertise with a passion for coaching and transformation.Discover practical tools to shift from scarcity to abundance, overcome limiting beliefs, and start building the financial life you deserve — beginning today.SUBSCRIBE for new @(un)conversations every week.

Timestamps

(00:00:00)Welcome to (un)conversations

(00:00:25) Meet Diana Greshtchuk

(00:02:29) The (UN)word Effect 06:34 Unlimited: A Journey of Loss and Growth

(00:14:19) Undaunted: Embracing Fear with Humor

(00:19:52) Unparalleled: Blending Finance and Coaching

(00:30:56) Show Her the Money Documentary

(00:45:14) Investing in Yourself

(00:59:42) Ask Dr. Alison

(1:03:03) T The (UN)wrap up & Podcast Outro

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Founder and host of (un)conversations®, Alison L. Schmidt, Ph.D., empowers leaders and organizations to unlearn what no longer serves them—and lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose.Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/

Diana Greshtchuk is the founder & CEO of Fan Your Flame. Diana helps entrepreneurs and individuals turn financial chaos into confidence and clarity.Website: https://www.fan-your-flame.com

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Follow Dr. Alison Schmidt

Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/alsphdbcc /

https://www.instagram.com/unconventionllc/

https://www.instagram.com/unconversationspodcast/

Alison's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alschmidtphd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ alisonlschmidt/

The (un)conversations podcast: https://www.unconventionllc.com/podcast

Follow Diana Greshtchuk

Diana's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianagreshtchuk/

Fan Your Flame LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fan-your-flame-llc

Fan Your Flame Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FanYourFlameLLC/

Fan Your Flame Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanYourFlameLLC

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Thanks for watching S1.E20!

#abundancemindset #financialempowerment #personaldevelopment #dralisonschmidt #unconversationspodcast #unconvention #dianagreshtchuk #fanyourflame #showherthemoney #healyourrelationshipwithmoney #financialhealing #scarcitytoabundance #moneymindset

(un)conversations podcast | S1.E18 – Leadership, Legacy & Giving: Deborah Goldstein’s Uncommon Philanthropy Journey

In this episode, Dr. Alison Schmidt sits down with Deborah Goldstein, Founder of Enlightened Philanthropy, to explore what it truly means to give with intention. With 25+ years in the nonprofit world, Deborah has helped individuals and families turn generosity into a conscious practice—building legacy, strengthening connection, and inspiring the next generation of givers.

Top Takeaways:🌱 Giving with intention creates a lasting legacy🧩 The (UN)word Effect reveals personal insights💎 Philanthropy is for everyone, no matter your income🚀 Being (un)deterred fuels success🤝 Embracing vulnerability sparks meaningful (un)conversations

Whether you’re navigating family wealth, launching a foundation, or curious how to give in ways that truly matter, this episode will shift your mindset on leadership, generosity, and legacy.

💬 Share your biggest takeaway in the comments!🎧 Subscribe to new @unconversations episodes weekly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and YouTube.

Learn more about Dr. Alison Schmidt, CEO of Unconvention & Host of (un)conversations podcast

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/alsphdbcc/

https://www.instagram.com/unconventionllc/ https://www.instagram.com/unconversationspodcast/

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alschmidtphd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlisonLSchmidt

The (un)conversations podcast: https://www.unconventionllc.com/podcast

Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/

Learn more about Deborah Goldstein, Founder of Enlightened Philanthropy

Website: https://www.enlightenedphilanthropy.com/

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-goldstein-48b31119/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enlightenedphilanthropy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enlightenedphilanthropyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EnlightenedPhilanthropy

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Disruptive Leadership

01:10 The (UN)word Effect: A Journey of Self-Discovery

07:22 Uncommon Paths: Embracing Uniqueness in Career

16:37 Undeterred: Pursuing Dreams Against the Odds

21:54 Navigating Internal Conversations: The Leap to Entrepreneurship

32:31 Resilience in the Face of Doubt: Staying True to Your Path

33:27 The Journey of Enlightened Philanthropy

35:38 Embracing Unpreparedness in Business

42:35 The Power of Understated Excellence

46:10 Unwavering Commitment to Philanthropy

55:11 Creating Meaningful Philanthropic Experiences

1:03:05 Closing Thoughts

1:04:21 - Podcast Outro--Dr.AlisonSchmidt

#unconversationspodcast #theUNwordEffect #unconvention #FamilyPhilanthropy #StrategicGiving #ConsciousLeadership #EnlightenedPhilanthropy #DeborahGoldstein #GivingBack#NonprofitLeadership #ImpactGiving #ValuesBasedGiving #Philanthropy #IntentionalGiving #Leadership #PurposeDriven #WomenInBusiness #SocialImpact #WealthWithPurpose #PodcastInterview #LegacyBuilding #cxos #executivecoaching

(un)conversations Podcast | S1.E16
From Mother to Daughter: Cristina Torres on Leading a Legacy Winery into the Future

In this episode, Dr. Alison sits down with Cristina Torres — general manager of Marimar Estate and daughter of a legendary California winemaker — for an inspiring conversation about legacy, leadership, and innovation in the wine industry.

Cristina shares how she's honoring her family's rich winemaking heritage while forging her own path and modernizing one of California's most iconic legacy wineries. From championing sustainability to embracing bold new wine styles, she offers a refreshing take on what it means to lead in today’s wine world.

Whether you're a wine enthusiast, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply love a great story of growth and purpose, this episode delivers powerful insights on navigating tradition while embracing change.

🍷 Tune in now to explore the future of winemaking through the eyes of a next-gen trailblazer.

🎙 Episode Highlights:

• Generational Leadership: Cristina reflects on stepping into leadership with vision, heart, and authenticity.

• The (UN)word Effect™: Discover the three “un” words that define Cristina’s personal and professional journey.

• Tradition vs. Innovation: How Cristina balances respecting legacy while driving bold, modern changes.

• Family & Influence: The pivotal role her mother played in shaping her values and leadership approach.

• Unifying Leadership: Building a collaborative, people-first culture in a family-run business.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Embracing both tradition and innovation is key to evolving a family business.

• Strong support systems — especially family — fuel leadership and personal growth.

• Unconventional paths often lead to the most fulfilling outcomes.

👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more inspiring conversations on leadership and purpose.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe @(un)conversationsSpotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VUNIm00t4mE
🔔 New episodes every month — turn on notifications so you never miss out!

Connect with Us
🔹 Creator & Host Dr. Alison Schmidt, CEO of Unconvention
IG: @alsphdbcc | @unconventionllc | @unconversationspodcast
LinkedIn: Alison L. Schmidt, PhD, BCC
TikTok: @alschmidtphd
Website: unconventionllc.com

🔹 Guest Cristina Torres, GM at Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery
Website: marimarestate.com
IG: @marimarestate | FB: Marimar Estate
📍 Book a Visit: Our Tasting Room
📍 Events: Wine Club Events

📍 Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
1:21 – The Torres Legacy
3:08 – Cristina's Leadership Journey
19:27 – Challenges & Innovation
30:10 – Family & Business
46:22 – Reflections & Future Vision
52:02 – Closing Notes

#unconversationspodcast #CristinaTorres #LegacyWinery #WomenInWine #WineLeadership #SustainableWinemaking #WineInnovation #TheUNwordEffect #ModernWinemaking #DrAlisonSchmidt