20 Minutes with Bronwyn

Wowza. Today you are in for a treat. I’m joined by Annie Wright, LMFT—Annie is a licensed psychotherapist, trauma recovery specialist, executive coach, and author. Annie is also a successfully exited CEO of a multi-million dollar company and she now helps ambitious humans heal relational trauma so they can build lives that feel good on the inside, not just look good on paper. Annie is on Substack at Strong and Stable with a debut book on the way. She’s been quoted everywhere from Forbes to NBC to NPR. I wanted to have Annie on the show to talk about what it actually takes for high-achieving women to feel good on the inside, and not just look successful on paper and this conversation definitely did not disappoint! This episode is for the woman who: Is highly capable, deeply trusted, and visibly successful Has done everything right in the career playbook And still feels chronically anxious, exhausted, or empty We talk about why that happens—and what actually helps. What We Cover in This Episode ✨ The “high-functioning woman” profileWhy so many ambitious women learned early that achievement = safety, validation, or love—and how that wiring eventually breaks down. 🧠 Little-t vs. Big-T trauma (and why “nothing bad happened to me” is often the tell)Annie breaks down relational and developmental trauma in a way that is deeply clarifying—and deeply relieving. 🏗️ The “House of Life” metaphorWhy cracks in the foundation don’t always show up early… but will show up once the house gets taller (hello promotions, leadership, parenting, visibility). 🔥 Fear-fuel and fossil fuelsWhy running on anxiety and over-functioning works—until it poisons everything. 🫁 Nervous system tools you can use in real lifeIncluding Annie’s powerful 90-Second Wave for high-stakes meetings and hard conversations. 🧭 The Values Anchor StatementHow to ground yourself in integrity, bravery, or truth when being liked is at odds with being honest. 💬 The myth that healing will make you lose your edge(And why the most powerful leaders we know are actually surrounded by support.) Tools & Frameworks Mentioned All of these are included in her workbook here. The 90-Second Wave – a nervous-system regulation tool for moments of acute stress Values Anchor Statements – using your core values as leverage during hard conversations Judith Herman’s Three-Phase Trauma Recovery Model Safety & Stabilization Processing Meaning-Making & Integration EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) The idea that “trauma survivors have symptoms, not memories” The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel van der Kolk Annie’s upcoming book:Decade of Decisions (W.W. Norton, forthcoming 2027) A Line That Stayed With Me “A regulated nervous system makes more things possible—without a doubt.”

My friend… if the close out of 2025 is leaving you feeling disoriented, stretched, hurried, or like that internet-famous cat with the eyes pointing in two different directions, you’re in the right place. This episode is your invitation to pause, breathe, and make meaning of a year that has been a lot. We are deeply seasonal creatures — we need endings, beginnings, rituals, and space to gather our strength before a new year sweeps us up. Don’t have time to listen, but want to join in the fun? Head over to my Substack (bronwyncommunications.substack.com) and you’ll find each prompt, question, and reflection — all here for you to work through at your own pace, without needing to re-listen. Grab your pen, your calendar, and your coffee. Let’s reclaim your power, honor what 2025 taught you, and prepare your spirit for a bold, brave 2026.

What would you do if your organization became the center of a national crisis? In this episode, strategist and cultural architect Jen Randle takes us inside a five-week sprint to design a company-wide intervention for Starbucks’ 175,000 employees—and how it changed her understanding of leadership, trust, and repair forever. Jen shares what it means to build trust at the micro (self), meso (teams), and macro (systems) levels—and why most leaders wait until a full-blown crisis to start thinking about it. She explains why trust isn’t a “soft skill” but a business multiplier, how storytelling with integrity builds psychological safety, and why true repair starts with aligning your head, heart, and gut. Whether you’re leading through disruption, guiding a team after layoffs, or simply trying to rebuild confidence in your culture, this conversation is a masterclass in becoming the signal in the noise. In this episode: The inside story of Starbucks’ 2018 trust-repair initiative Why trust isn’t performative How leaders can embody their company’s stated values The power of storytelling with integrity Jen’s framework for trust mapping and “intrinsic wayfinding” Helpful Links: A Story of Access Stanley Nelson film for Starbucks Jen Randle - SGNL Advisory; and connect with her on Instagram, Substack WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert addresses player criticism, CBA, officiating, job security, The Athletic

If you’ve ever found yourself procrastinating until the night before a big presentation, frantically cramming slides together, and then white-knuckling your way through the delivery…you’re not alone. The truth is, most of us were taught (or fell into) a broken workflow for preparing talks. We procrastinate, panic, recycle old decks, and overload our audiences with information. No wonder presenting feels stressful — and no wonder audiences struggle to stay engaged. But here’s the good news: great communication isn’t about innate talent. It’s about having the right workflow. In this week’s episode of 20 Minutes with Bronwyn, I share the first three steps of a system I’ve honed over 20 years coaching leaders at NVIDIA, Zoom, LinkedIn, Cisco, Stanford, Pixar, and more. I’ve also used this exact approach to help more than 140 people give TED, TEDx, and TEDGlobal talks that change the way audiences see the world. Here’s what you’ll learn in Part 1: Why procrastination + panic is its own (terrible) workflow How today’s shrinking attention spans demand a new way of preparing Step 1: The Logistics Check — the baseline questions that save you from nasty surprises. And here’s a PDF of that checklist handy and printable. Step 2: Audience Empathy — the mindset shift that changes everything about how your message lands. Step 3: The Sandbox — a game-changing way to collect ideas, inspiration, and data so your subconscious can work with you instead of against you. This is the foundation for upgrading how you show up as a communicator. Whether you’re presenting to your team, pitching an idea, or stepping onto a big stage, these simple shifts will make the process less stressful — and your talks infinitely more powerful. Need a quick breakdown of the episode? Here ya go … 00:00 Introduction to 20 Minutes with Bronwyn 01:23 Debunking the Myth of Innate Talent in Communication 03:20 The Old Workflow: Why It Fails 04:41 Introducing the my 24k Workflow 05:23 Step One: The Logistics Check 12:05 Step Two: Audience Empathy 17:23 Step Three: Creating a Sandbox 21:05 Conclusion and Next Steps And stay tuned — in Part 2, I’ll show you how to move from a pile of ideas to a structured, compelling presentation that actually lands. Shine on. We need your light!Bronwyn

Today I am talking with the sensational Shira Gill about her gorgeous new book, Lifestyled: Your Guide to a More Organized and Intentional Life. Shira Gill is a globally recognized home organizing expert and bestselling author with a minimalist philosophy. She has inspired thousands of people to clear clutter from their homes and lives, and developed a process and toolkit that anyone can employ, regardless of budget, space, or lifestyle. In addition to LifeStyled, Shira is the author of Minimalista and Organized Living, and has been featured in 100+ print and media outlets including Good Morning America, Architectural Digest, Vogue, Real Simple, and The New York Times. For her latest book, Shira interviewed some of the most intentional, organized people on the planet and found there were three KEY themes running through each of their lives. Fascinated, and inspired by what she had learned, she began to apply these same themes in her own life, and watched the subsequent transformation. Lifestyled gives us access to these themes, along with the systems and habits that will unlock a more intentional life. Here’s how to find Shira: Links: www.shiragill.com @shiragill Newsletter + Community Books: Organized Living Minimalista LifeStyled This conversation with Shira was so clarifying, I’ve decided to wind down Season 5 in order to regroup and recharge on the podcast front. I will pick it up again in early 2025. So grateful for your time and your presence. Shine on, my friend. We need your light!B

VERY few people have appeared on my podcast as many times as my guest this week, Dr. Adam Dorsay. We’ve talked about men and their emotions … we’ve talked about the power of adult friendship … Adam helped guide us during the early days of the pandemic … and NOW he is here to help us become SUPER PSYCHED, which also happens to be the title of his new book. Adam wrote this book in an effort to help us solve the great crisis of our time—disconnection. He makes an incredibly compelling argument that if you look at what ails us the most, it can be traced back to disconnection. But rather than simply worship the problem, Adam has written us a roadmap describing the 4 types of connection, allowing us to find our way back to each other and to ourselves so that we can live lives we love. This conversation will inspire you and unlock a whole new level of joy in your life. In case you’re new around here, let me give you some background on Adam. Dr. Adam Dorsay is a licensed psychologist and executive coach in Silicon Valley where he serves high-achieving adults (including professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and professional athletes). Adam is the host of SuperPsyched, an award-winning podcast, and he’s given two highly regarded TEDx Talks: one about men and their emotions and the other about friendship in adulthood. His book on the topic of the four ways people connect will be available later this year. Beyond his private practice, Adam is a resiliency expert who co-created an international program for Facebook’s Online Safety employees for several years. He now serves as the resiliency consultant to DigitalOcean and has frequent requests from the media for interviews and corporations to provide keynotes and training. Resources Mentioned✨ Adamdorsay,com Super Psyched Podcast Super Psyched Book "Friendships in Adulthood: 5 Things to Know" "Emotions: The Data Men Miss" Dr. Adam Dorsay’s Instagram Shine on, my friend. We need your light!

I am thrilled to bring you a conversation I’ve been dying to have. Ophira Edut is one of the most sought-after astrologers and intuitive advisors of our times. As the longtime resident astrologers for ELLE Magazine and the authors of over 20 books, Ophira and her twin sister Tali are advisors to a roster of CEOs, celebrities, global leaders and successful entrepreneurs including Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, and Emma Roberts. Ophi and Tali have a NEW new book coming out that has been described as “Atomic Habits meets the Wisdom of the Enneagram” and let me tell ya … it delivers on that promise. The book is called The Astrology Advantage: Use Your Horoscope for Personal & Professional Success and it drops NEXT WEEK! I’ve always loved the Enneagram, Meyers Briggs and DISC for understanding our collective differences, but it’s overwhelming to try and remember all of the permutations and personality types as you navigate difficult conversations and situations. Ophi is here to teach us The I*AM System, a simple, easy to remember framework that distills the energy of your full birth chart into a single archetype, unlocking personal productivity, and team harmony. It's simple (just THREE archetypes to remember), *deep* and shockingly accurate. And if you’re clutching your pearls, wondering what a "serious" business person like me is doing dabbling in astrology … unclutch and give this a listen. Resources Mentioned ✨ Astrostyle.com The Astrology Advantage Live Events with the Astrotwins Follow Ophi on Instagram Follow the Astrotwins on Instagram Shine on, my friend.

Given the intense amount of travel I am doing this month (both for work and for fun), I’m giving myself a little breathing room and offering you some greatest hits—two of my most popular episodes of all time. Occupying the number one spot on 20 Minutes with Bronwyn is none other than the magnificent Corey Rosen. Corey’s book, Your Story Well Told: Creative Strategies to Develop and Perform Stories that Wow an Audience, is one I recommend to anyone looking to enhance their storytelling skills. Corey hosts The Moth Story Slam and Grand Slams, has been featured on The Moth Radio Hour, and is a company performer in BATS Improv. It’s no wonder this episode was so popular … Corey offers powerful, practical, and (dare I say) fun advice and strategies for telling better stories. Resources Mentioned✨ Coreyrosen.com Follow Corey on Facebook Follow Corey on Instagram BATS Improv Your Story, Well Told: Creative Strategies to Develop and Perform Stories that Wow an Audience The Moth StorySLAM Ken Adams’ The Story Spine Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks Ira Glass on Creativity Enjoy, my friends and may your summer be full of great stories in the making! ✨

Every so often, an interview literally changes the way I see my life. This is one of those interviews. Whatever you’ve got going on in your life, I can almost guarantee this conversation will be a blessing to you. But I’m getting ahead of myself! My guest this week is the incomparable Shelley Paxton, making her second appearance on my show. Shelley is the former CMO of Harley-Davidson and is a 26-year advertising and marketing veteran whose legacy is imprinted on iconic brands like McDonald's, Visa, and Harley-Davidson. At the pinnacle of her career as CMO of Harley-Davidson, Shelley was shocked to find herself feeling success empty instead of successful. And that awakening led her on a profound journey that became her mission, business, and bestselling book, Soulbbatical, A Corporate Rebel's Guide to Finding Your Best Life. Now Chief Soul Officer of her own life, Shelley works with leaders and teams to advocate for redefining success in ways that celebrate humanity, well-being, and soul. Just when I think Shelley can’t get any wiser, she blows me away in a new way. Gems 💎 How a life threatening and totally misdiagnosed illness forced her to confront the one thing she was “pretending not to know” about her own life. How that single question “What are you pretending not to know?” has the power to transform your life. How the “arrival fallacy” robs us of our joy and energy, and how we might replace that fallacy with a far deeper, richer truth. Shelley’s nightmare moment on a TEDx stage and how she recovered from it. Resources Read Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel's Guide to Finding Your Best Life by Shelley Paxton here! Learn more about Shelley Paxton Follow Shelley on Instagram @theshelleypaxton and check out her updates on LinkedIn!

“A.I.” Those are two letters that stir up a whole lotta conversation. Ever since ChatGPT was unveiled, I’ve been one of those people who won’t shut up about generative AI. I’m enthralled with it. I’m terrified of it. I’m curious about it, and I enjoy playing with AI. I hate it and I think it could be the fall of mankind. If AI and I had a relationship status, it would be, It’s complicated. Just imagine my joy when I got the opportunity to talk with the marvelous Rimma Boshernitsan, founder of Dialogue, an interdisciplinary strategic advisory group and think tank that helps leaders and companies find the shortest, clearest path to their most ambitious goals. Rimma recently convened a panel at SXSW called “AI Won’t Give You the Chills: The Future Runs on Intuition” that made me curious to talk with her. We covered a lot of ground; I learned a ton and I think you will too. The Gems✨ What is the value of human intuition in the face of AI? [7:33] How might we elevate our thinking when it comes to AI? How might we elevate the way we ponder AI’s role in our communities and in society? [13:01] What role does self-awareness play in honing intuition and making informed decisions? [20:46] What practices can we adopt to develop our intuition and enhance our decision-making skills? [24:34] Resources Mentioned ✨ Check out Rimma and panelists in conversation: AI Won’t Give You The Chills Discover “The Unthinkable,” by Amanda Ripley Learn more about Rimma’s Beauty in Ambiguity program Follow Dialogue on LinkedIn, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and Youtube, or check out their website! Rimma can be found on Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter)!

My friends … you are going to LOVE LOVE LOVE this week’s episode with the legendary wardrobe alchemist, Ms. Lisa Raja.🎙️** Why would I be talking about clothing on this podcast? Because I’m tired of the way caring about clothing and fashion is still dismissed as being “vain” or “superficial.” As a communication coach, I help visionary leaders become spellbinding communicators. And, as you may already know, part of that work focuses on language and messaging, but part of that work focuses on energy, and confidence, and authenticity. And guess what’s a big part of the confidence game? FEELING GOOD IN OUR OWN SKIN. It’s for exactly this reason that I'll often connect a client with a talented stylist. Because how we feel about ourselves is reflected in how comfortable we are in our second skin. Lisa Raja shares her powerful way of working with her clients—by creating an algorithm for their wardrobes. We discuss: A weekly ritual for setting yourself up with easy, beautiful looks all week long (thereby avoiding the “why do I have NOTHING to wear??” feeling). How clothing can be used strategically as a form of confidence building and claiming your power! How to construct a capsule wardrobe out of what you already have, and how to be more mindful in your retail adventures. But best of all, we get PRACTICAL and TACTICAL about the styles and looks we’re loving right now. And because I know y’all love clothing links (the stats don’t lie! LOL), here are all of the items we discussed … Slip dresses are back, y’all. Here are a few options … pair ‘em with a blazer, a chunky sweater, or even layer them over a turtleneck or t-shirt:L’Agence Serita Dress in Black Quince Washable Stretch Silk Tank Midi Dress The basic black trousers that work for work, but are cute enough for anything. Are you feeling more of a cropped vibe? These are great too. The Adidas Gazelles that I wear nonstop, all the time. Or if those are too zany, you really can’t go wrong with these in white. Gorjana for lovely, on trend jewelry that doesn’t break the bank. My favorite go-to brand for “keynote worthy” outfits … Scanlan Theodore My newest jean obsession … The Secret Sauce: Memory Lane Jean To get inspired to revamp your wardrobe, find Lisa at www.lisaraja.com. Shine on, my friend. B **Dedicated to my beloved Lisa Wamboldt, who we lost on February 4th of this year. Lisa “Shortcake” Wamboldt has been a blessing in my life since 1998, and I could never in a million years have imagined that her life would only continue until 2024. Lisa was hilarious, brilliant, kind, and real. Our lives are so much darker without her in them. Lisa, wherever you are, please keep sending your pixie dust to those of us still stuck down here without you. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting her family here.

Are you able to fully “own” your expertise? Or does it feel like bragging? On this week’s episode I sit down with the sensational Elisa Camahort Page, co-founder of Optionality, which is a community for experienced and talented professionals who believe the world of work needs to be reimagined in general, and who want to re-define work and the workplace for themselves specifically, in community with others. We covered a LOT of ground … how women can outmaneuver the systems and stereotypes that block our success, but we also talked about the nature of work—what it is right now, what it could be, and how we might imagine a different future together. A bit about Elisa … Elisa Camahort Page was the Founding COO of BlogHer, Inc. BlogHer scaled from grassroots movement to national women’s media brand. Since leaving the company that acquired BlogHer, Elisa has served in full-time and fractional CxO roles, advising and consulting for organizations across the Media, Tech, Social Impact, and Learning & Development verticals. Her writing has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Mashable, San Jose Mercury News, and FoxNews.com. She is now the host of The Op-Ed Page with Elisa Camahort Page podcast and the curator behind the This Week-ish newsletter. Enjoy this high voltage conversation, my friend.