This episode is for you if you tend to struggle with caring too much as a leader.
If I had to guess, I'd say that your caring too much has started to feel a lot like carrying too much. You're the one holding the emotional and operational weight of everyone - clients, team members, family, and friends. What started with the best intentions of leading has become the exhausting burden of managing everyone else's emotional load.
Megan shares the startling truth behind this pattern, including the data showing why women leaders report far more exhaustion than men. We unpack the true costs of this habit - physical, mental, and financial - and why over-functioning actually keeps your business small and your profits smaller.
This is an invitation to recognize the difference between caring (your superpower) and carrying (a burden). You'll learn how to lead with empathy without sacrificing your peace and how to manage the temporary discomfort of setting boundaries in exchange for long-term peace.
In this episode, you'll learn to ask:
Episode Timestamps:
Let's Work Together:
Book a 90-Minute Clarity Call
Join Our In Person VIP CEO Day
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!
For Real on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast
Feeling the pull to pause and realign? Join me October 27–30 in Ocean Isle Beach, NC for my Restore & Realign Retreat, only a few spots left! Reserve yours here: https://www.theplannersvault.com/restore-realign-retreat-application
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.
Feeling the pull to pause and realign? Join me October 27–30 in Ocean Isle Beach, NC for my Restore & Realign Retreat, only a few spots left! Reserve yours here: https://www.theplannersvault.com/restore-realign-retreat-application
This episode is for anyone who has ever hesitated to talk about their accomplishments because they don't want to come across as "too much."
Today we welcome Alison Fragale, organizational psychologist, professor, and author of Likable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve, to challenge and unlearn the outdated beliefs that keep us quiet, small, and overworked.
Alison uses behavioral science and practical strategies to show you how to be both authentic AND strategic. These two concepts are not mutually exclusive - they're actually powerful allies in your career.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
Episode Timestamps:
About Alison Fragale:
For Real on Social Media:
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.
Feeling the pull to pause and realign? Join me October 27–30 in Ocean Isle Beach, NC for my Restore & Realign Retreat, only a few spots left! Reserve yours here: https://www.theplannersvault.com/restore-realign-retreat-application
Are you ready to learn the secrets to travel hacking?
Our guest today is Megan Lanford, founder of Points Too Paradise, and she's here to reveal how you can turn your everyday spending into incredible travel experiences.
I've dabbled in this world herself, and let me tell you, after listening to Megan, I have to admit I've barely scratched the surface.
It's time to stop leaving thousands of dollars in points on the table and start playing the game smarter.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
Episode Timestamps:
About Megan Lanford & Points Too Paradise:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pointstooparadise/
Travel Points Lounge - https://pointstooparadise.com/travel-points-lounge?am_id=megan5551
Card Concierge - https://pointstooparadise.com/card-concierge?am_id=megan1610
For Real on Social Media:
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.
Feeling the pull to pause and realign? Join me October 27–30 in Ocean Isle Beach, NC for my Restore & Realign Retreat, only a few spots left! Reserve yours here: https://www.theplannersvault.com/restore-realign-retreat-application
If you've been feeling like you're always going, always behind, and tackling a to-do list that literally never ends, this episode is for you.
We're joined by The Planner's Vault COO Gina Johnston for a candid conversation about a lesson both Megan and Gina had to learn the hard way: the ROI of rest.
In a world that praises the hustle and a culture that makes us feel guilty for slowing down, Megan and Gina unpack why taking breaks isn't a luxury - it's a leadership strategy. They get real about what it's like to run on fumes, the toll that decision fatigue takes on high achievers, and how to build in more margin without losing momentum.
This is a much-needed reframe, offering powerful insights and actionable takeaways to help you reset your nervous system, protect your energy, and come back to your business and life as a better, more present leader.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
Episode Timestamps:
Feeling the pull to pause and realign? Join me October 27–30 in Ocean Isle Beach, NC for my Restore & Realign Retreat, only a few spots left! Reserve yours here: https://www.theplannersvault.com/restore-realign-retreat-application
For Real on Social Media:
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.
Feeling the pull to pause and realign? Join me October 27–30 in Ocean Isle Beach, NC for my Restore & Realign Retreat, only a few spots left! Reserve yours here: https://www.theplannersvault.com/restore-realign-retreat-application
Today we welcome Sara Abernethy, a performer-turned-hospitalitarian who's navigating the challenges of burnout, motherhood, and partnership struggles.
This conversation isn't just about business; it's about what happens behind the scenes. Sara gets candid about the identity shifts of being in the wrong role, the toll it takes when business and marriage collide, and the resilience it requires to step back, reimagine, and pursue joy again.
If you've ever questioned whether the version of success you built is actually what you want, this episode gives you both the permission and the perspective to redefine it.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
Episode Timestamps:
About Sara Abernethy:
Local to North Carolina? Visit Sara's Restaurants: Wye Hill Kitchen and Brewing & Glasshouse Kitchen
For Real on Social Media:
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.
What happens when the life you've built no longer fits the person you've become?
In this episode, Megan talks to Amber Rae, who shares her story of a profound unraveling that began with a single, eye-opening moment, leading her to confront the truth about her marriage, her career, and the beliefs she had held for years.
If you've ever felt that quiet pull to make a change but has been too afraid to follow it, you'll want to tune in.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
Episode Timestamps:
About Amber Rae:
For Real on Social Media:
This episode was edited and produced by Walk West and is brought to you by Megan's online membership site for wedding pros, The Planner’s Vault.
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2025 VIP CEO Day: https://www.megangillikin.com/2025-vip-ceo-day
Today we're talking about that moment so many high-achieving business owners encounter:
"What's next?"
You’ve built something you're proud of, but a shift is happening. Maybe you’re craving more ease, simplicity, impact, or space and rest. The conventional wisdom tells us growth equals success, but the truth is, success gets to look different in every season and for every person. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is pause and redefine what success means to you, right now.
This episode is for entrepreneurs who have poured their time, sweat, and tears into building something meaningful, and are now asking deeper questions. For the first time, maybe it’s less about proving and more about peace. Megan shares her own journey through this "in-between" space and why this crossroads isn't a failure—it's an invitation.
This isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, but a guide to help you get clear on what you truly want and choose a path that feels grounded, not forced.
Let's Work Together:
Book a 90-Minute Clarity Call
Join Our In Person VIP CEO Day
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!
For Real on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.
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2025 VIP CEO Day: https://www.megangillikin.com/2025-vip-ceo-day
If you've been feeling that familiar drain of exhaustion, persistent brain fog, or like your body simply isn't keeping up with your high-achieving mind, this episode is going to hit home.
From blood sugar and sleep to your environment and that annoying inner critic, this episode is about tuning in, clearing the noise, and finding your way back to feeling like yourself again.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
Episode Timestamps:
About Sarah Reilly:
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!
For Real on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.
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2025 VIP CEO Day: https://www.megangillikin.com/2025-vip-ceo-day
If you've found yourself stuck in overdrive, constantly pushing past empty, or saying "yes" when your body is screaming "no," this solo episode is for you. Megan explores the four crucial boundaries she had to implement after her own intense burnout season.
This isn't theory; it's lived experience. Megan shares the raw truth about what changed, why it had to, and how these boundaries helped her reset, reclaim her energy, and build a more sustainable life and business.
Will you take action to help you slow down and course-correct before burnout forces your hand?
In this episode, you'll learn about:
Episode Timestamps:
Let's Work Together:
Book a 90-Minute Clarity Call
Join Our In Person VIP CEO Day
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!
For Real on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.
Are you caught in a loop of overthinking, over-planning, or playing it too safe? In this episode, Megan sits down with acclaimed psychologist, author, and TEDx speaker Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona (Dr. Z) to explore how high achievers can break free from anxiety, over-analysis, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.
This conversation is a must-listen if you're ready to untangle old patterns, create more ease, clarity, and alignment in your life, and finally trust yourself to navigate uncertainty.
Quick Note: This episode is part of an unintentional mini-series! If this topic resonates, be sure to check out Episode 317: Unlearning Overworking (solo episode on why rest feels uncomfortable for high achievers) and Episode 318: The Real Reason You’re Questioning Everything (with guest Laura Gassner Otting, on identity shifts and trusting intuition). Each offers a unique perspective on burnout, identity, and self-trust.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How anxiety and fear-based responses shrink our lives – and how to expand beyond them
✅ The surprising truth about perfectionism in high achievers (it's not just about academics!)
✅ Why "just drop your standards" is an alienating message for people who deeply care
✅ The subtle yet crucial difference between "doing your best" and "doing good enough"
✅ Why your inner critic is paradoxically trying to protect you – and how to respond to it
✅ The unhelpful cycle of responding to thinking with more thinking (and how to break it!)
✅ Common psychological traps that keep us stuck in chronic indecision
✅ The power of making "workable" choices instead of chasing "perfect" ones
✅ Why self-trust doesn't mean the absence of self-doubt, but the willingness to act with it
✅ The deepest fear for high achievers (and how to identify what's truly driving your actions)
✅ How to tap into your innate wisdom amidst the noise of constant doing and hustling
About Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona (Dr. Z):
Website: https://www.thisisdoctorz.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.z.passionatebehaviorist/
Episode Timestamps:
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!
For Real on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.
You’ve checked the boxes. You’ve followed the rules. And still, something feels… off. If you’re standing in the middle of success and wondering, “Now what?”, this episode is for you.
Laura Gassner Otting - bestselling author, keynote speaker, and all-around truth-teller - joins Megan to talk about identity shifts, outgrowing your former self, and the surprising power of trusting your intuition.
This conversation is for the high achievers who are secretly exhausted. For the people-pleasers who are learning to say “no.” For the women who are ready to stop playing small.
Because what got you here won’t get you there, and Laura’s here to help you figure out what comes next.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ What to do when you’ve built success that no longer fits you
✅ How to know when it’s time to walk away from a job, business, or relationship
✅ Why we cling to old versions of ourselves - and how to gently unravel them
✅ The subtle difference between imposter syndrome and growth
✅ Why comparison is the root of mediocrity
✅ How to use facts, not fear, to make bold decisions
✅ The importance of protecting your energy and curating your inner circle
✅ Laura’s “F you, pay me” mantra—and how to claim your worth without apology
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About Laura Gassner Otting (LGO):
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00:03:24 – From the White House to TEDx: Laura’s beautifully messy origin story
00:07:55 – Identity crisis: What it really looks like and why it’s so common
00:10:00 – Why the people who “know you best” might be holding you back
00:13:53 – Changing the voice in your head from a limitation to an invitation
00:18:28 – When to know you’ve stayed too long—and why success can lead to sabotage
00:22:59 – The myth of being “for everyone” and the gift of letting go
00:24:31 – Confidence through facts, not fluff
00:27:23 – You’re not out of your league—you’re just out of your lexicon
00:30:59 – Comparison vs. becoming a category of one
00:34:46 – How to train your brain to see opportunities (not just obstacles)
00:36:39 – Why too much advice might mean you already know the answer
00:39:11 – “F*ck you, pay me”: The mantra you didn’t know you needed
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!
For Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @forrealwithmeg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.
At the end of 2023, there was this phrase I kept hearing in my head on repeat.
"It doesn't feel safe to slow down."
I'd end my days feeling completely depleted mentally, physically, and emotionally. And yet I'd still push myself to do more. Sometimes it was work stuff, sometimes it was home stuff.
But I had this constant, almost compulsive need to be doing something productive at all times.
Rest felt elusive, like this thing other people could do, once they'd earned it. For me, rest basically just meant sleep. It was a quick reset so I could get up and do it all over again.
Sound familiar? Let's figure out how we can unlearn that habit.
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Episode Mentioned: 314. The 3 Small Habit Shifts That Changed My Energy, Focus, and CEO Mindset
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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.
Today I'm sharing something big.
It's a shift that's been a long time coming, one that mirrors the evolution that I've been going through behind the scenes for the last couple of years. It's part update, part story-time, and part love letter to you, to this podcast, and to what's coming next.
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Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.
For years, the events and hospitality industry has glorified burnout—long hours, nonstop chaos, toxic management—and called it passion. But what if there's a better way?
Anthony Lambatos, CEO of Footers Catering and founder of Make It Better Every Day, joins us today to prove that you can build a thriving business and a culture people actually want to be part of. He’s created a workplace where fun and productivity go hand in hand, and where culture isn’t a poster on the wall—it’s lived and breathed, every day.
Whether you lead a team now or dream of growing one someday, this episode will get you thinking about what’s possible when you lead with heart.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why fun and productivity aren’t mutually exclusive
✅ How to identify the biggest culture killer in your business (hint: it might be your “top performer”)
✅ A simple matrix to assess culture fit vs. job performance
✅ What it really takes to live your values, not just list them
✅ How to spark team buy-in and momentum when shifting culture
✅ Anthony’s favorite interview tactic to determine who’s truly aligned
✅ What “balance” really means in hospitality—and how to model it
✅ The one piece of advice he wishes he could give his younger self
Connect with Anthony Lambatos:
00:00:00 – Burnout, chaos, and shifting toxic norms in hospitality
00:03:38 – Why bad leadership models persist—and how to break the cycle
00:05:24 – The culture boulder: how to build momentum (and know who’s pulling it back)
00:08:07 – The culture vs. performance matrix—and how to handle toxic high performers
00:13:25 – Values on the wall vs. values in practice
00:17:04 – Fab Tigers, Jimmy Bucks, and reinforcing behavior through story
00:19:15 – Why they all eat lunch together—and what happens during it
00:23:45 – How Anthony’s team handles feedback and vulnerability
00:25:41 – The 7-step hiring process (and the “deck of values” trick)
00:30:00 – 4 characteristics of top performers: perseverance, initiative, teamwork, positivity
00:33:48 – Where Anthony learned to lead—and how he learned what not to do
00:36:00 – Pom poms, productivity, and making work fun again
00:38:36 – The three foundations of culture: strengths, purpose, and people
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Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.
Ever feel like you're stuck in a rut — low on energy, scattered, or just... kinda over it all?
You're not alone, and today's episode is for you.
After hitting a few of those "blah" moments myself, I found three small (but powerful) habit shifts that helped me recharge my energy, refocus my mind, and rebuild my CEO mindset — without needing a 17-step system, a new planner, or a $5K mastermind. 🙃
And the best part?
You can start them this week. They're free, they're simple, and they work.
Today, I'm sharing:
If you’ve been running on fumes, stuck in hustle mode, or just craving a little more joy in your days, you're going to love these small but mighty shifts.
Your challenge: Pick one shift to start this week. DM me or tag me (@weddingsforreal) to let me know which one you’re trying — and don't forget to plan a reward for yourself when you nail it.
Episode Highlights:
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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.
If you’ve ever had that feeling about someone on your team—the subtle “something’s off” whisper in your gut—you’re not alone.
In this episode, Megan is joined by her longtime COO and teammate of 14 years, Gina Johnston, to unpack one of the trickiest leadership challenges: knowing when to coach…and when to cut ties.
Whether you’re leading a team of 10 or just thinking about hiring your first assistant, this is the honest, behind-the-scenes conversation every business owner needs to hear.
Because sometimes, leadership isn’t about waving pom-poms. It’s about setting clear expectations, having hard conversations, and asking yourself the uncomfortable but necessary question:
Is this a coaching opportunity…or is it time to let them go?
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The 3 must-dos for onboarding a new team member
✅ What’s actually coachable—and what probably isn’t
✅ The leadership mistake Megan made that cost her time and energy (so you can avoid it)
✅ Why you shouldn’t hire in a moment of panic (and what to do if you already did)
✅ How to avoid getting stuck in the dreaded “gray zone” of mediocre team performance
✅ The one thing people pleasers need to hear when it’s time to let someone go
✅ A free resource to improve your team’s communication and event debriefs
Free Resource:
Post-Event Team Feedback Questionnaire
Get Megan & Gina’s go-to tool for checking in with your team after each event. It’s simple, practical, and a game-changer for team growth and accountability.
Download it here - https://learn.theplannersvault.com/teameventdebrief
Timestamps:
00:00 – The hiring gut check no one talks about
02:27 – Meet Gina: 14 years, one unicorn hire
04:11 – Why panic hiring is usually a mistake
08:01 – The 3 non-negotiables for onboarding
13:21 – How to give (and track) meaningful feedback
16:10 – What you can coach (and how)
18:55 – What you can’t coach—no matter how nice they are
20:41 – People pleasing vs. leadership
24:24 – Boundaries when you’re also friends
28:15 – Using vendors as a feedback loop
29:21 – Let your team fail (seriously)
30:07 – How to navigate the gray zone with clarity
31:27 – Final takeaways + how to lead with intention
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.
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Webinar: From Overwhelmed to on Top of It - https://www.bigmarker.com/honeybook/from-overwhelmed-to-on-top-of-it-smarter-systems-for-wedding-pros?utm_bmcr_source=Megan.Pod
Ever feel like your business has taken on a life of its own—and you’re not sure if it still fits the version of success you’re chasing?
You’re not alone.
In today’s episode, Megan Gillikin sits down with award-winning photographer, educator, and content creator Vanessa Joy, whose two-decade career has evolved from darkrooms to YouTube stardom and now… clean water wells in Kenya.
This one’s about growth. But not the “scale at all costs” kind. We're talking about soulful evolution—the kind that happens when you realize you’ve built something great… but it’s time for something different.
Vanessa shares how to know when you’re scaling or spiraling, the not-so-glamorous reality of launching a passion project, and how to reconnect with what you actually want. (Oh, and she also talks about buying a seven-foot-tall printer—so buckle up.)
Whether you're in burnout, busy mode, or just feeling the pull to pivot, this episode is your reminder: you're allowed to grow beyond the box you built.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How to recognize when you’ve outgrown your business
✅ The difference between shiny object syndrome and soul-led decisions
✅ Why fear doesn’t mean stop—it just means be brave
✅ What it really looks like to pursue a big, messy dream (like starting a nonprofit)
✅ How to create space for rest—even in the busiest seasons
✅ Why building long-term relationships is your best marketing strategy
✅ The beauty of attracting the right clients (and repelling the wrong ones)
Support Vanessa’s Clean Water Project
Vanessa is raising funds to build clean water wells in Kenya through her limited-edition photo print sales.
Timestamps:
00:00 – When growth feels like a wall
03:19 – Overwhelm, marketing, and measuring what actually matters
07:59 – Gut checks vs shiny objects
10:07 – The messy middle of launching a nonprofit
16:44 – Pouring into yourself when you're pouring into everyone else
19:08 – Saying no and making your own schedule
22:24 – Relationships: the real business growth strategy
28:27 – Client red flags, repelling & attracting
30:21 – Growing beyond what used to work
31:40 – Final takeaway: “Be afraid—but do it anyway”
Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.
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Timeline Genius + Honeybook Discount: https://www.honeybook.com/lp/partners/timeline-genius?utm_initiative=planner_push&utm_medium=partner&utm_source=megan&utm_campaign=planner
Let's talk about fear. I don't mean the kind of fear you might feel when you're being chased by a giant bear, or fear of all those dang bees that hang around your house.
I mean the kind that shows up when you're about to raise your prices. Or finally launch that thing that you've been talking about for years. Or the fear that comes up when you say no to a client that's not the right fit. Or that fear that pops up when there's an opportunity in front of you that takes you off the path of what you had expected or planned to do, and it leaves you questioning whether you should say yes.
Fear is real. But the question is, how do you know if something isn't aligned? Or if you're just afraid to take that next step?
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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
For years, Kristi Coulter climbed the corporate ladder at Amazon, working long hours, hitting major career milestones, and earning great money—but at what cost?
Eventually, she reached a breaking point, realizing she was living for her employer instead of herself. In her book, Exit Interview: The Life and Death of My Ambitious Career, Kristi shares the eye-opening realities of hustle culture, burnout, and redefining success on her own terms.
Have you felt the pressure to keep pushing, to say yes to every opportunity, and to measure success by constant achievement?
Yeah me too.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How hustle culture shows up in both corporate and entrepreneurial life
✅ The hidden costs of always striving for the next big goal
✅ Why so many people stay in jobs (or businesses) that drain them—and how to know when it’s time to walk away
✅ The myth of “leap and the net will appear” and a more sustainable approach to career transitions
✅ How to redefine success in a way that actually aligns with your values
✅ The truth about imposter syndrome—and why it never fully goes away
✅ Why women, in particular, face unique pressures in the workplace (and how to push back against them)
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Connect with Kristi Coulter:
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00:00:00 - The reality of burnout and hitting a breaking point
00:03:45 - Why success doesn’t always feel as fulfilling as we expect
00:12:30 - The dangers of "all or nothing" thinking in careers and business
00:18:50 - Should you really just "take the leap"? A smarter approach to transitions
00:27:15 - Imposter syndrome: Why we all have it (even the most successful people)
00:36:40 - The unique challenges women face in business and leadership
00:45:20 - How to step away from the hustle without losing yourself
00:54:30 - Redefining what success actually looks like for you
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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.
Today, I'm sharing three of the biggest, toughest, most game changing lessons I've learned in my 15 years of business. These are the things I want to share with you to help you realize and recognize them sooner than I did.
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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.
Weddings for Real on Social Media:
Instagram: @weddingsforreal
Facebook: @weddingsforreal
twitter: @weddingsforreal
Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.
