A Success Of Our Own

Wren Jones is finally being herself. After decades on the mainstream path of her white, upper middle class upbringing - Wren’s life took an unexpected turn. Suddenly, the risk of not being herself seemed greater than the fear of owning who she truly was. Ask her what she does today and Wren will tell you that she’s a writer. But, just a few years ago, she wouldn’t call herself a writer...let alone say she did much writing at all. So, what changed? “I had spent so much time giving to other people and focusing on other people's needs. I had a lot of anger and resentment…I needed to really make my health and myself a priority.” We often hear the phrase “just be yourself” but what does it actually feel like to be yourself? And, how do we put that feeling into practice? Wren's wisdom on these questions will leave you feeling both emboldened and softened. In this conversation you’ll learn: • What led Wren to finally decide to be herself • Why putting creativity at the centre of your life is vital if you want to honour your spark • What Wren is no longer saying yes to • What changed when Wren started to see herself as a writer and not just as someone who writes Learn more HERE about how Natalie supports transformation for individuals, teams and corporate culture. Join Natalie for her LIVE Daily Guided Sessions. Email questions to: natalie@natalieruskin.com. Natalie will reply personally. CREDITS The song in this podcast is called Night Drive, by the amazing Singer-Songwriter Caroline Marie Brooks, part of the beloved Canadian music trio Good Lovelies.Photo for the podcast cover art by Jennifer Squires.Editing by Katie Jensen of Vocal Fry.

Todd Spencer’s greatest fear came true. He got fired. Decades into a thriving journalism career and in his most senior role yet, Todd finally had to face his fear. He was fired - in spectacular fashion - for something he didn’t do. Can you imagine…the very thing you fear most actually happening to you? According to Todd: It happens for you. “You find your limitations only when you break things. And I started to learn what my limitations were by being broken,” Todd says. In this episode, Todd tells his remarkable story of transformation. He shares why getting fired was the best thing that ever happened to him - and how he stays motivated today as a leader of others, as a parent, and as a human. Hint: It all has to do with radical kindness. In this episode, you’ll hear about: - How getting fired brought Todd closest to his most authentic self - Why Todd said “no” to leading Canada’s most beloved flagship sports program - Why Todd’s central metric for success has very little to do with himself - What Todd and Ted Lasso have in common Go to Natalie’s website for a free guided practice (with worksheet and audio) to help you create the change you want most. Learn more HERE about how Natalie supports transformation for individuals, teams and corporate culture.

Garvia Bailey is no longer apologizing for being who she wants to be. Despite breaking barriers as one of only a few on-air Black journalists at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and host of the country’s top radio jazz show, the award-winning producer and host felt stuck. Publicly, she was the picture of success as she interviewed famous writers, actors and musicians, and gained public recognition for her work. At home, Bailey was down and lost. “When a perceived notion of your identity becomes your ‘beat,’ that can be pretty limiting,” she says, “and it can be pretty hard on your spirit.” Trapped by the public perception of how she should succeed, the stories she should cover, the persona she should have, Bailey had no choice but to release the pressure. A brave venture – and some solid advice from her mother – led her to reexamine her goals and her relationships. Bailey is now a co-founder of Media Girlfriends, a production company that aims to amplify underrepresented voices in media. She fully embodies all parts of herself and is working to create a legacy beyond what she felt pressured to be in the past. In this episode, Bailey shares: - How she navigated a role in media as one of only a handful of Black voices - How a toxic work environment led her to pursue her truth - Why it’s important to find what you want in a career, and not just want you don’t want - How she became intentional about her goals and her purpose - The advice her mom shared with her about releasing friendships that no longer serve her - The ways she is working to give herself grace Learn more HERE about how Natalie supports transformation for individuals, teams and corporate culture.

Kunal Gupta is a master of non-attachment in a mainstream world. He is the portrait of business success and yet monk-like in his detachment from his results. The serial entrepreneur who once led one of Canada's most successful digital advertising companies will share about the metrics he's created to evaluate his success, beyond the predictable ones we'd expect from someone operating in a capitalist world.

How do we get started at creating a success of our own, beyond the "shoulds" fed to us by our current overachieving culture? Join host Natalie Ruskin as she introduces the central question of this podcast and helps you begin to envision your own sustainable version of success—beyond the mainstream metrics of achievement, like status or a high salary. (Hint: We ask the provocative questions we're afraid of, listen, and wait for the answers to come.) When we shift from striving to surrendering, we can discover our most honest, joyful, and purposeful self. We will then begin to relax into A Success Of Our Own.