In this episode I talk about contrast and how we hate it. Let’s be honest about that. We resist it, curse it, and do everything in our power to avoid it. We want the smooth road, the easy win, the feeling of certainty and flow without the jagged edges of struggle. We want warmth without ever feeling the cold, success without failure, love without heartbreak.

But here’s the paradox: contrast is exactly what we need. It’s the friction that sharpens us, the tension that reveals our strength, the resistance that forces us to grow. Without contrast, we drift. We stay in the comfortable, the familiar, the lukewarm. And nothing great—nothing truly golden—comes from lukewarm.

So, when contrast shows up in your life, don’t run. Don’t numb it with distractions. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that just because something is hard, it’s wrong.

Stand in it. Let it teach you. Let it strip away what isn’t you, so that what remains is gold.

And then? Rise. Rise with the lessons. Rise with the clarity. Rise with the fire that only contrast can ignite.

Because the ones who rise aren’t the ones who avoid the storm. They’re the ones who walk through it—and come out the other side, shining.

n leadership, you're either holding the lemons or you are the lemon. Are you being squeezed, giving your energy away without seeing results? Or are you the one applying the pressure—shaping opportunities, making impact, and turning challenges into something greater? In this episode, we break down the dynamics of female leadership: when to squeeze, when to let go, and how to make sure your juice isn’t going to waste. Tune in and decide—are you the lemon, or the one doing the squeezing? 🍋✨ #Leadership #WomenInBusiness #PowerAndPressure

Close the Last 10%

You might not realise it, but you’re already 90% of the way there. In this episode, we talk about how the final stretch to your goals or the thing you want isn’t about more work—it’s about realising how close you truly are. The last 10% is a mental shift, a realisation that you’re already living the life you’ve been working toward. Learn how to close that gap by stepping into certainty, speaking your dreams into existence, and taking the bold actions that will push you across the finish line. You’re closer than you think!

If you’ve been feeling uninspired, drained, stuck in a thick mental fog, or running low on enthusiasm, you’re not alone—everyone experiences this at some point. But with the right awareness and by activating your internal Energy Barometer, you can bridge the gap, regain control, and manage the pressure, stress, and quality of your day. In this episode of Finding Your Gold, I’ll show you how to use the Energy Barometer to identify and overcome energy deficits, with practical tips for applying it in your work, relationships, and leadership.

I also have a treat for you - Access my free activation below to help you release any stagnant energy that might be holding you back. Link HERE

I would love to hear if this episode helped you - share with a friend or colleague if you know it can help them.

In this episode of Finding your Gold, we're diving into a question that many women don’t even realise they’re asking themselves: What are you trying to prove? We explore the subconscious drive to constantly prove our worth—whether to others or ourselves—and how this "proofing" mindset can negatively affect your energy, mindset, and results. If you’ve ever felt drained, overworked, or stuck in a cycle of striving for validation, this episode is for you. Tune in as we unpack how to spot the proofing trap and shift into a mindset that empowers, rather than exhausts.

In this episode, I open up about the journey behind my upcoming book—why the title changed, what caused the delay, and how I finally landed on the divine outcome that the book delivers. I also share how life’s unexpected challenges, like caring for aging parents and balancing a busy life, played a big role in the process. It took time to figure it all out, but trust me, it’s been worth the wait. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the twists, turns, and lessons learned along the way!

Do you go live on Instagram? If not, why not?! Its a potent sales tool that I use regularly. In this episode I go through how going live can help you to grow and make more sales.

Here is the link to my masterclass replay. ‘Stop Hiding! Stand out and Sell out’

https://www.riseacademy.ie/offers/XPVUHLtp

Welcome back to another episode. Are you guilty of making this mistake? The key message here is YOU are more than your modality! Think about your business for a minute. Are you hiding behind or limiting yourself by the modality you use? Food for thought. Listen to this mini episode to see if you can get some clarity here.

Monday Momentum: In this episode I explain the importance and power of changing your beliefs. This conversation came off the back of an event I was a guest speaker at yesterday called REST REVOLUTION by Dr. Fiona Barry & Clare McKenna.

If you are not doing work that you love then its time to make space for more fulfillment to come in. A good place to start is in your beliefs.

In this episode I mentioned that I am hosting a FREE Training called "Confidence Overhaul" on Thurs 2nd May at noon on zoom. Link to sign up HERE

Mindset has become mainstream, that's for sure. For today's Monday Momentum I am talking about chasing highs, particularly among women, as they seek external validation and emotional validation.

I discuss the psychological toll of award culture and the impact it has on peoples sense of self worth, and fear of failure and how it activates the comparison trap.

I used to live from the outside in - always (unknowingly) needing  external validation and approval instead of from the inside out - deciding what In want and going for it without worrying what people think of me.

I outline 3 steps in this episode that you can take to see if you are falling down the rabbit hole of chasing highs and the importance of emotional regulation - as well as the importance of letting your emotions fully peak!

Its a really useful chat that I know will help you to immediately shift your mindset. So get it into your ears, while on your coffee break, out for a walk or on your drive home, Thank me later :)

Share your thoughts afterwards if you like - virginia@upsherises.ie

Ever wondered what happens when the host becomes the interviewee? Well, you're in for a treat! Join us in this special episode of Growing Forward, where the tables turn, and the host Virginia, steps into the hot seat herself!

In this lively episode, guest host Muriel Foley chats to Virginia about all that is in store for attendees at their upcoming Rise to Success Activation Summit on Sun 8th Oct 2023.

More info available here

In a few weeks I will be collaborating with Muriel Foley for our live event - Rise to Success Activation Summit. We can't wait to meet our attendees but ahead of that we thought you will like to know a little more about Muriel. She has an incredible bank of experience behind her working with various brands, big and small, both home and abroad and in this episode we get into all the changes in the digital landscape and how we can keep up. I always love how Muriel simplifies digital and makes it more digestible. It was refeshing to hear in this episode how she approaches large teams in big companies, being exactly herself. Enjoy.

If you would like to learn more about Muriel visit - HERE

If you want to absorb more of Muriels knowledge and how it can work for your business - check out our Activation Summit HERE

This episode is supported by my location sponsor Iconic Offices

In this episode I chat to my good friend (and mentor!) Maeve Dennehy from Lover Cherish boutique and Oh Molly the label. We talk about the growth of not one, but two businesses and what it takes to build an Iconic brand. Enjoy

This episode was supported by my location sponsors Iconic Offices, NSQ2 Cork.

The Business of Barbie - what can we learn from the woman and the brand. In this episode I talk about the power of the Barbie brand and what made Barbie herself so Iconic. I will also share some intersting insights about the brand and its creator.

This episode is supported by my location sponsors https://www.iconicoffices.com/

Michelle McDonagh’s debut novel There’s Something I Have To Tell You became an Irish bestseller going to Number two in the Top Ten when it was published in April of this year by Hachette Ireland.

Michelle has been writing stories since she was a child in primary school, and it had always been her dream to write a novel. After far too many years of intense procrastination, she enrolled in the on online novel writing course in 2019 and decided to step back from journalism for a while to focus on finishing her first novel.

A native of Galway, she has over 25 years experience as a journalist. She was a staff reporter with The Connacht Tribune in Galway for twelve years before going freelance. She worked for all of the Irish national and tabloid papers covering news and courts, before switching solely to features and

health, mainly for The Irish Times. She now lives in Blarney where she is married with three children, and a very cute cavapoo.

Here is the meditation course that Michelle mentioned in th episode HERE

My location sponsor for this episode is Iconic Offices at NSQ2 in Cork City - a Workplace designed to inspire. Check them out HERE

In this episode I share an Iconic Tip! This will resonate if you are in a coaching or leadership role or looking to make a big impact in the work that you do. I share this huge shift that occurred for me around the difference between being a motivator and an activator.

This episode was created in collaboration with my location sponsors Iconic Offices. If you are looking to elevate the environment that you work in - you can try get a free pass to test out this beautiful working environment for yourself. Simply visit the link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and enter the code “upsherises23” and claim your complimentary office for a day. Trust me, you won't want to let this opportunity pass you by.

Today I am joined by Emma Connolly - occupational therapist and creator of 'Flourish & Be' in Clonakilty, Co Cork. Flourish & Be is Ireland's Occupational Therapy Led Hair Salon - Open to all, with a particular focus on children and people with sensory differences. Emma is also an educator, with a specifc focus on the hair and beauty industry. More info HERE

Iconic Office are my location sponsor for this series. Working in such an inspiring environment and recording my podcast at Iconic Offices in NSQ2, Cork has really helped me to elevate my brand and grow my business. The location is simply stunning and has become an invaluable resource for me. The good news is, you too can get to experience all the benefits Iconic Offices has to offer. They have given me a number of exclusive complimentary day office trials for my audience. So what are you waiting for? Try it yourself, bring your team. No catches.

Simply visit the link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and enter the code “upsherises23” and claim your complimentary office for a day. Trust me, you won't want to let this opportunity pass you by.

Ann Marie O Connor is an award winning fashion stylist, editor and author. She is alsoa hugely passionate advocate for Parkinsons diseases - since her own diagnosis in 2021. You can learn more about Ann Marie HERE

Iconic Office are my location sponsor for this series. Working in such an inspiring environment and recording my podcast at Iconic Offices in NSQ2, Cork has really helped me to elevate my brand and grow my business. The location is simply stunning and has become an invaluable resource for me. The good news is, you too can get to experience all the benefits Iconic Offices has to offer. They have given me a number of exclusive complimentary day office trials for my audience. So what are you waiting for? Try it yourself, bring your team. No catches.

Simply visit the link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and enter the code “upsherises23” and claim your complimentary office for a day. Trust me, you won't want to let this opportunity pass you by.

In this episode we recap on all the Iconic women we have interviewed to date to find the gold - the golden nuggets that we can integrate into our everyday lives. There were many themes that were common across all episodes but the one that seems to stand out for me with all of them is embodiment. Each and every one of these Iconic women, though still going through their own growth path, are all embodying their work to the fullest. They are leaning into the things that light them up and despite the fear and obstacles, they rise regardless. They fill the skin that they are in and fully take ownership of the mark they are here to make.

Iconic Office are my location sponsor for this series. Working in such an inspiring environment and recording my podcast at Iconic Offices in NSQ2, Cork has really helped me to elevate my brand and grow my business. The location is simply stunning and has become an invaluable resource for me. The good news is, you too can get to experience all the benefits Iconic Offices has to offer. They have given me a number of exclusive complimentary day office trials for my audience. So what are you waiting for? Try it yourself, bring your team. No catches.

Simply visit the link ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠ and enter the code “upsherises23” and claim your complimentary office for a day. Trust me, you won't want to let this opportunity pass you by.

In today's episode I am joined by social entrepreneur Tammy Darcy of The Shona Project - a non-profit organisation aimed at helping young Irish women through all the challenges associated with growing up in Ireland today. They aim to educate, empower and inspire Irish girls to become tomorrow's strong, resilient and confident young women.The project was born out of Tammy's lived experiences growing up and dealing with adversity.

Iconic Office are my location sponsor for this series. Working in such an inspiring environment and recording my podcast at Iconic Offices in NSQ2, Cork has really helped me to elevate my brand and grow my business. The location is simply stunning and has become an invaluable resource for me. The good news is, you too can get to experience all the benefits Iconic Offices has to offer. They have given me a number of exclusive complimentary day office trials for my audience. So what are you waiting for? Try it yourself, bring your team. No catches.

Simply visit the link ⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠ and enter the code “upsherises23” and claim your complimentary office for a day. Trust me, you won't want to let this opportunity pass you by.