Posts by Valerie Friedlander
Empathy Isn’t the Problem: Untangling the Myths
And Staying Engaged Without Burning Out Empathy isn’t the problem—but lately, some voices claim that it is, arguing that empathy leads to irrational decisions or even “civilizational suicide.” If you’re someone who cares deeply, you probably reject the idea that empathy is a threat to society. In fact, you likely believe we need more empathy…
Read MoreBest Guide on How to Know What You Want
Finding Your Path to a Meaningful and Fulfilling Life by Valerie Friedlander Are you struggling to figure out how to know what you really want in life? If you’ve ever felt lost, uncertain about your direction, or unsure how to find your path, you’re not alone. For over a decade—even before I became a coach—I’ve…
Read More3 Steps to Building Self-Support In Your Work
3 Steps to Building Self-Support in Your Work is essential for anyone experiencing any level of career instability. Whether you’re questioning your path and considering a career change, dealing with layoffs, or feeling the strain of unclear goals and shifting expectations, these practices can provide a supportive space to discern your next step. Cultivating your…
Read MoreHow to Avoid Overwhelm and Access Joy in a time of Change
How to Avoid Overwhelm and Access Joy in a Time of Change begins with recognizing our shared human struggle to maintain emotional equilibrium during turbulent periods. The journey involves understanding that our stress responses are natural support mechanisms, not personal failures, and learning to engage them with compassion and intentionality. By embracing our nervous system’s…
Read MoreFinding Alignment and the Ability to Return to Yourself Again and Again
Finding alignment and the ability to return to yourself again and again supports resiliency as you navigate the waves of life. Alignment isn’t a fixed state we achieve once and then maintain effortlessly—it’s something we come back to again and again. It’s especially important during times of transition, uncertainty, or change. When things feel off,…
Read MoreWhere Do We Go From Here?
Reflections on this Podcast and Layoff Uncertainty “Where do we go from here” is a common question when we encounter a crossroads in life. Whether a transition is big or small, each point is an invitation learn more about yourself and choose what is aligned for the person you are becoming. This episode engages two…
Read MoreCultivating an Intentional Community
The Shifts that Create Deeper Connection and Belonging Cultivating an intentional community is a powerful and critical antidote to the disconnection fed by our current societal structures and now is the time to cultivate. I say that because we’re living in a time where those structures are breaking down. Our individualistic, hierarchical culture is hitting…
Read MoreWhat Is Draining My Energy? Inside an Energy Leadership Index Assessment Debrief
“What is draining my energy and what do I do about it?” These are the questions the Energy Leadership Index Assessment can help answer. Energy drain often isn’t solely from the stressors in your life but also the patterns you’ve learned to deal with them. If you’re feeling emotionally drained, constantly second-guessing yourself, or stuck…
Read MoreUnlocking Your Leadership Energy
How to Shift from Stress Response to Intentional Action Unlocking your leadership energy isn’t just for executives—it’s for anyone navigating life’s complex challenges. In this episode, I dive deep into how we can shift from reactive stress responses to intentional, powerful action. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty or stuck in unproductive patterns, I’ll share…
Read MoreIdentifying Your True Goals: Finding and Leading from Your Truth Center
Identifying your true goals is the starting point to transforming your life from the inside out. In this powerful episode of Mindset Unlimited, I sit down with fellow Chicago-based life coach, Amy Pons, to unpack the powerful journey of breaking through learned limitations and discovering your authentic path. We explore how to lead from your…
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