Mel Robbins is the creator and host of the award-winning The Mel Robbins Podcast, one of the most successful podcasts in the world, and a #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Let Them Theory. She's also the founder and CEO of the media production company 143 Studios. She has amassed 40 million followers online and is one of the most respected experts in mindset, life improvement, and behavior change. The Wall Street Journal calls her a “billion-view podcaster” and TIME Magazine says she gives millions of listeners around the globe “a reason to believe in themselves.”

Her books have been translated into 63 languages and include the #1 New York Times, #1 Amazon, #1 Audible, and #1 Sunday Times bestselling The Let Them Theory, which is the top selling book of 2025 according to Publisher’s Weekly, with 7 million copies sold within nine months of its release date. It is on pace to have the best non-fiction book launch of all time. She is also the author of the multimillion-copy-selling The 5 Second Rule, The High 5 Habit, and seven #1 audiobook releases on Audible.

USA Today calls Mel “a force to be reckoned with.” She is a global phenomenon in the publishing industry and podcasting. Her Boston-based media production company, 143 Studios, produces award-winning content, podcasts, events, audio series, online courses, journals, and books, along with professional development education forpartners likeStarbucks, Ulta Beauty, JP Morgan Chase, LinkedIn, Headspace, and Audible.

The Mel Robbins Podcast has won some of the most prestigious awards given to podcasts, including Webby, Signal Awards, and iHeart. It was also recognized as one of Apple Podcasts' Top Shared and Followed Shows of 2024 and 2023 and Spotify Top Global Shows of 2024. Notable accolades for Robbins include being named to Time 100 Most Influential Digital Voices of 2025, a Forbes 50 Over 50 Honoree, USA Today Top 5 Mindset & Performance Coaches in the World, and one of the fifty most influential influencers on The Hollywood Reporter’s Creator A-List in 2024.

Thanks for being here!

Learn more at melrobbins.com.

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Mel Robbins

Let this be your permission slip today. 

Stop trying to prove your worth to people who are never going to honor it, nevermind recognize it; people who benefit from your self-doubt will never validate you.

Stop trying to rescue grown adults from their own problems; they need to figure it out for themselves. 

Stop trying to make people understand your choices; they’re not you, so they don’t need to understand. 

Stop trying to manage everyone else’s emotions; you don’t need to sacrifice your energy to keep the peace.

When you stop taking responsibility for stuff that isn’t yours to carry, something powerful happens: 

You get your power back. 
You get more confident. 
And you become the most aligned version of yourself.

#1 NYT Best Selling Author of The Let Them Theory | Host of Award-Winning The Mel Robbins Podcast | CEO, 143 Studios | Co-Founder, Pure Genius Protein

You can’t control everything that happens today - but you can control how you react to it.

If you can be in a bad mood for no reason, you can choose to be in a good one too.

That’s exactly what today’s episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast is all about - the micro-choices you can start making today that will make a surprisingly big difference in your life.

These aren’t big life overhauls, just tiny decisions that help you take back your power, time, energy, and peace.  

🎧 “Try It For 1 Day: 4 Small Choices That Make a Surprisingly Huge Difference” - tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube - search ‘The Mel Robbins Podcast Small Choices.’ I’ll also link it in the comments.

Your team is already putting pressure on themselves; they already notice what they didn’t finish, what they could’ve done better, what they “should” be doing.

Now add to that whatever they’re dealing with at home and the state of the world.

People spend most of their waking hours at work. Don’t make their lives heavier than they already are.

They don’t need you to pile on.

They need you to notice what’s going right.

They need you to call out the progress.
The effort.
The follow-through.
The way they handled something difficult.

When you do that, they trust that you see their value; they trust that their hard work actually matters.

And when they feel like their work matters, they show up differently; they feel more energized. They take more initiative.

That’s why encouragement isn’t soft. It’s strategic - because it builds momentum. And momentum is what carries people forward, especially when things are stressful.

So if you want a strong team full of people who actually WANT to show up to work?

Lead with recognition and light.

You don’t have to justify your ambition to the people who benefit from you staying small.

If wanting more clarity, more confidence, more money, or more fulfillment makes someone uncomfortable, that doesn’t mean you’re asking for too much.

It means that you’ve outgrown the room you’re in and the people you’re with.

Maybe you asked for a raise.
Or more responsibility.
Or a development opportunity.
Or simply more visibility into a decision that affects your work.

And instead of support, you were told you’re not ready.
That you’re better off where you are.
That you don’t need to be in the room.

Yeah, sometimes it is about your readiness… but sometimes it’s about their comfort.
 
And the truth is this:

The people who make you question whether you’re “too much” - when you know deep down that you’re not - are often the same people who feel safer when you’re less.

No, you’re not asking for too much.
You’re not being unreasonable.
You do belong.

If your ambition annoys them, that’s not your cue to shrink. 

It’s your cue to find rooms that allow you to grow.

And if you’re ready for that next level, my newsletter can help.

Twice a week, every Monday and Thursday morning, I send one science-backed mindset shift or practical tool straight to your inbox - something to help you think bigger, move smarter, and build the confidence to stop playing small.

Join me here: https://lnkd.in/ek_8wyaX

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There is one thing that all high achievers have in common.

According to world-renowned psychologist Angela Duckworth, it’s not talent, intelligence, and motivation.

It’s grit: the combination of passion and perseverance 

And the good news - grit can be learned. 

In this powerful conversation on The Mel Robbins Podcast, Dr. Duckworth breaks down the science behind grit - what it is, why it matters, and how anyone (yes, anyone) can build it.

Because success isn’t about being the smartest person in the room.

It’s about refusing to give up when things get hard and staying in love with the work long enough to see it through.

🎧 “How to Create a Successful Mindset: The Science of Passion and Perseverance.”

Watch the full episode on YouTube here: https://lnkd.in/eAu74V75

Judge Frank Caprio taught us something powerful about what makes a good life…

It’s not success, wealth, or privilege. 

It’s being a good person, cherishing your friends, and never forgetting that we’re all in the same boat together.

That’s the life he lived—and the legacy he leaves behind. He will be remembered for his kindness, his humility, and the way he reminded us of what really matters. 

Rest in peace, Judge. ❤️

If you go to bed every night feeling like you didn’t do enough, you need to hear this.

You are doing more than you realize.

You’re showing up. You’re handling what’s in front of you. Responding to emails, managing your emotions, taking care of people, and getting through the day - even when it’s hard.

But here’s the problem: 

If you don’t stop to acknowledge what you’re doing right, your brain doesn’t register it at all. It just keeps moving the goalposts, convincing you that nothing you do is enough.

In this episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast, I’m sharing 5 simple, science-backed ways to create quick wins and real momentum - one tiny step at a time. They’re small moves that will make a huge difference - helping you go from overwhelmed and scattered to clear, grounded, and back in control. 

If you’ve been stuck in a funk, feeling behind, procrastinating more than usual, or letting life stack up on top of you, this is a reset that will bring you back to yourself.

“The 24-Hour Turnaround to Get Your Life Back on Track” - listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube - search ‘The Mel Robbins Podcast 24-Hour Turnaround.’ I’ll also link it in the comments.

I am proof of the power of the long game. 

When people look at where I am now in my career, they assume it happened fast.

It didn’t.

My success didn’t start until I was in my late 40s, and since then I’ve been putting in the work for the past 16 years to get where I am today.

There were years where nothing looked impressive from the outside. It was years of trying things and sometimes failing. It was years of showing up when it felt like nothing was working. 

It was years of a lot of boring, grueling work. 

Most of it was invisible. None of it was glamorous.

I didn’t “arrive” on some perfect timeline. And things happened a lot slower than I wanted them to. 

But I stayed in the game long enough to see my hard work compound. And I am SO glad I did.

Success isn’t about “making it” this week or this year. That’s how you lose - by putting a deadline on when success needs to happen.

You win by continuing to show up, doing your best, and staying in the game long enough for magic to happen.

So let your timeline expand. Give yourself time.

Reminder: your loudest, most persistent critics are usually the people who feel threatened by your drive, your effort, your confidence, or your progress.

The only people who get to critique you are the ones doing - or who’ve done - what you’re trying to do.

So if someone doesn’t understand what it takes, don’t take their advice.

Some days start with a sputter rather than a roar - you wake up late, your inbox is chaos, traffic is worse than usual, your boss is already in one of their “moods.” And before you know it, your brain has decided:

“Today is going to be a bad day.”

But the truth is - the chaotic inbox, heavy traffic, and moody boss aren’t what will make your day bad. 

A bad day usually starts with a micro choice - the moment you decide what the story of your day is going to be.

Your brain is constantly looking for evidence to prove you right. So if you decide it’s going to be a bad day, it’ll find proof everywhere.

But you can flip the script in seconds.

On your way into the office, or as you’re sifting through your inbox in the morning, say to yourself: “Today is going to be a good day.”

Prime your brain to look for THAT proof.

Things might still go wrong. The day might still feel stressful. But you get to choose your mindset.

So bring the good energy.
Bring the positive attitude.
Bring the boundaries so the stupid stuff doesn’t drain you.

That one tiny decision can change how you show up to every meeting, conversation, and challenge today. It can change the energy you come home with at the end of the day. It can be the difference between going to bed feeling bitter and drained, and going to bed feeling excited to wake up tomorrow.

There are 3 other powerful micro choices that can completely change how your day goes. I walk you through them in one of the newest episodes of The Mel Robbins Podcast: “Try It For 1 Day: 4 Small Choices That Make a Surprisingly Huge Difference” - I’ll link it in the comments.

If you feel stuck because you don’t know how to design the life you want, this is exactly how you do it:

Stanford University professors Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, creators of the popular Designing Your Life course, have three simple questions - inspired by design thinking - to help you figure out what you really want. 

These questions help you imagine different versions of your life - and help you stop obsessing over one “right” path.

When you expand your vision of what’s possible for yourself, you gain the clarity and the confidence you need to write a new chapter filled with more happiness, excitement, and meaning. 

In today’s episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast, Bill and Dave are giving you practical tools to find your purpose and design a life that makes you feel proud and fulfilled. 

“How to Live a Meaningful Life & Design the Future You Want” - tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube - search “The Mel Robbins Podcast Meaningful Life.” I’ll also link it in the comments!

This is my favorite thing to do when I’m feeling overwhelmed, and I don’t know where to start:

A brain dump.

It takes 5 minutes, instantly quiets your mental noise, and makes everything feel more doable.

Just grab a piece of paper or a whiteboard or your notes app, and jot down everything that’s on your mind - the email you need to send, the shopping you have to do, the conversation you need to have…

You could stop there. The act of just getting it all out of your head and onto paper/your phone is enough to reap the benefits. There’s a ton of research out there that shows journaling - whether in the form of a brain dump or a diary - can improve your memory, your mental health, and your ability to process information.

But you could take it a step further:

Take a minute, take in the brain dump, and cross off the stuff that’s not happening today. Then circle the ONE thing that feels the most important to you - and commit to getting it done today. 

Not only will your brain feel like it just took a big sigh of relief, but YOU will feel better now that you know what to focus on today.

This is one of the 5 simple, science-backed ways to create quick wins and real momentum that I shared in last week’s episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast.

These aren’t big life changes. They’re small moves that make a surprisingly big difference so you can feel like you again. 

If you’ve been feeling scattered, behind, or stuck in a funk, this will give you a clean slate.

“The 24-Hour Turnaround to Get Your Life Back on Track” - tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube now - search ‘The Mel Robbins Podcast 24-Hour Turnaround.’

James Clear, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Atomic Habits, told me that most bad habits aren’t random - they’re solutions to a real problem.

You’re tired. You’re stressed. You’re overwhelmed. And your brain reaches for something to change how you feel.

So instead of asking, “What’s wrong with me?”

Try asking, “What problem is this habit solving?”

That shift changes everything.

Once you figure out the problem the habit solves, James says you have three options: you can either eliminate it, reduce it, or replace it.

In my conversation with him on The Mel Robbins Podcast, James teaches you how to design your environment so good habits become inevitable, bad habits become difficult, and progress becomes automatic.

After you listen, you’ll understand why change has felt so hard in the past - and you’ll walk away with a proven system you can use for the rest of your life.

“How to Become 37.78 Times Better at Anything: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Habits” - listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts - search “The Mel Robbins Podcast James Clear.” I'll also link it in the comments.

In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating ALL the incredible women who have joined me on The Mel Robbins Podcast.

There have been so many - I couldn’t even begin to fit them all in a single post. So I wanted to share just a few of the pieces of advice that have genuinely changed how I show up in my own life. 

Thank you to Shonda Rhimes, Emma Grede, Stacy T. Sims, PhD, Lori Gottlieb , Hoda Kotb, Danielle Bayard Jackson, Ellen Langer, and ALL the women who have come on the podcast for sharing your wisdom with our community. Your work is changing how people think, lead, and live for the better

I am so grateful for the time, perspective, and inspiration each of you brought to our conversations. The impact of each of your voices reaches far beyond your episodes.

I am so honored to sit down on this podcast with some seriously badass women!

And to women everywhere who lift others up through their work, their friendship, their love, and their strength - the world is lucky to have you.

International Women's Day

To all the entrepreneurs out there, and the partners and families that we drive crazy - this one's for you. 

I felt so called out - accurately. I sent this to my family group chat and apologized 😂 This is so funny Matt Hyams - you nailed it.

You know you’re supposed to prioritize exercise. You understand the importance of nutrition and sleep…  But no one ever taught you why pleasure and sex actually matter. Until today.

Dr. Nicole McNichols, PhD, is the #1 sex professor in the country and a University of Washington professor who teaches the most popular class on campus - human sexuality.

According to the research Dr. McNichols shares, satisfying, connected sex isn’t indulgent or optional. When you prioritize pleasure, you don’t just improve your relationship - you support brain health, cardiovascular health, creativity, emotional resilience, and even longevity!

And in today’s episode, Dr. McNichols gives you the science, language, and permission most of us were never given - so you can stop treating sex like a luxury and start treating it like the powerful, life-supporting force that it is.

🎧 “How to Have Better Sex: Your Guide to Romance, Intimacy, & Love From the #1 Sex Professor” - listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts - search “The Mel Robbins Podcast Sex.” I’ll also link it in the comments.

If you feel stuck - like you don’t know what to do with your life or like you’re not sure what your next step should be - there are 3 questions you should ask yourself.

These 3 questions are part of the Odyssey Plan - a tool that Stanford University professors Bill Burnett and Dave Evans  teach in their popular Designing Your Life course - and they will completely change how you think about your future.

During my conversation with them, Dave said something I’ll never forget: 

“All of us contain more aliveness, more personhood, than one lifetime permits you to live out. There's more than one of you in there.”

Answering these questions will help you discover and explore every version of you - and figure out which ones you want to bring to life.

In this episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast, Bill and Dave are giving you the practical tools to find your purpose and design a life that makes you feel proud and fulfilled. 

🎧 “How to Live a Meaningful Life & Design the Future You Want” - tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube - search “The Mel Robbins Podcast Meaningful Life.” I’ll also link it in the comments for you.

Bill and Dave swipe.pdf

If you use Venmo, you need to hear this.

Caitlin Sarian - award-winning cybersecurity expert educating millions online as Cybersecurity Girl - is sharing one of the most common Venmo scams happening right now… and why it works so well on smart, well-intentioned people.

Caitlin shares the simple rule that can save you:

If someone “accidentally” sends you money - Do NOT send it back.
Report the transaction inside the app and  let the platform handle it.
That one move protects your money and your account.

In our conversation on The Mel Robbins Podcast, Caitlin breaks down the real-world scams and missteps people are falling for every day - and gives you clear, easy steps to protect your money, your identity, and your family.

“#1 Cybersecurity Expert Reveals: 5 Ways to Protect Yourself Online (Starting Tonight)” - listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube - search ‘The Mel Robbins Podcast Cybersecurity.’ I’ll link it in the comments, too.

I lost money on my first tour.

But I still consider that tour a massive success.

Here’s why…

It’s because before we ever went on the road, I defined what success meant to ME.

It wasn’t ticket sales, profit, or headlines.

My goals were:

Have a lot of fun;
Stretch myself creatively in a way I never had before;
Make every single show better than the last;
End on a performance we were truly proud of.

Production was really expensive. And we learned a LOT. There are things we did then that we’re going to do better this time around.

But we achieved every single goal I set.

If you don’t define what really matters to you before you start, you’ll default to what matters to someone else: money, applause, audience size- the stuff that’s easy to hyperfixate on because it’s easy to quantify and track. And when you’re winning by those standards, you’ll still feel unsuccessful on some level - because they’re not YOUR standards.

I’m not saying stuff like money or audience size or ticket sales don’t matter. Of course they do. But those can’t be your only measure of success because those aren’t what will sustain you when the going gets tough.

It’s often the stuff that’s harder to quantify - fun, impact, creative growth, pride - that make a goal worth pursuing.

The metrics that matter most are usually the ones only YOU can see.

Thank you, Ryan Holiday, for having me on your podcast The Daily Stoic! I absolutely loved talking about the Let Them Theory with you. I can’t wait for people to tune in to our conversation - I’ll link it in the comments.

The worst part about overthinking is that it feels productive.

It feels like you’re “working through it.”

But you’re not solving anything - you’re just spinning.

The good thing is overthinking is just a stress response, and you can teach your brain to respond differently.

To stop spiraling, to let a thought pass without chasing it, to make a decision and MOVE.

This is why I write my newsletter.

Every Monday and Thursday, first thing in the morning, I send one science-backed tool that helps you interrupt overthinking, trust your decisions, and get out of your head - whether you’re stressed about work, worried about your health, or are wondering how to repair a relationship.

If you’re tired of your mind running the show, join me here: https://lnkd.in/ek_8wyaX

Candace Nelson

Guest Shark l Founder | NYT & WSJ Best Selling Author | Angel Investor | Speaker | SWEET SUCCESS out now!

Hey, I’m Candace! I’m a Serial Entrepreneur, Guest Shark (season 15!), NYT and WSJ Bestselling Author, WSJ Contributor, Angel Investor, TV Personality, Executive Producer, Wife and Mom.  I started my career working in investment banking and the internet start-up scene before completely shifting gears to follow my passion and attend pastry school. Here’s what happened next…

In 2005, I opened the doors to Sprinkles, the world’s first cupcake bakery. Despite early naysayers, our 600-square-foot bakery in Beverly Hills disrupted the legacy bakery industry and ignited a worldwide cupcake phenomenon! 

In 2012 Sprinkles introduced its Cupcake ATM, a cutting-edge contactless cupcake delivery system. 

Later that year we sold Sprinkles to PE firm KarpReilly. Today, Sprinkles has sold over 200 million cupcakes, has over 20 stores, 30 Cupcake ATMs, and 1000 employees. 

In 2017, I co-founded Pizzana, a fast-growing chain of award-winning Neo-Neapolitan pizzerias, leading the “third wave” of pizza in the US. Pizzana cemented Los Angeles as a pizza destination and revolutionized pizza takeout with its innovative heat and slice at-home method. Pizzana also ships its frozen pizza nationwide. 

In 2021 I co-created and executive produced Best in Dough, a Hulu show starring Pizzana Executive Chef Daniele Uditi, streaming now!

Today, through my company, CN2 Ventures, a family office, and venture studio, I’ve backed a diverse portfolio of startups in the specialty food, retail, health, wellness, and early childhood spaces with a focus on female and underrepresented founders.

You may have seen me on the small screen where I am the executive producer and star in Netflix’s Sugar Rush and Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. 

My book, Sweet Success: A Simple Recipe For Turning Your Passion Into Profit was published by HarperCollins Leadership in November 2022  and is a WSJ bestseller. 

Check it out and order your copy here ➡️  https://candace-nelson.com/sweet-success/

Book me to speak ➡️  https://www.chartwellspeakers.com/speaker/candace-nelson/

Join my substack here ➡️  https://news.candace-nelson.com/

Follow me on other social media channels:

Instagram ➡️  https://www.instagram.com/candacenelson/
TikTok ➡️  www.tiktok.com/@candacenelson

You can grab my NYT bestselling cookbook, The Sprinkles Baking Book here ➡️ https://amzn.to/3QzmGFS

Founder

Michelin Bib Gourmand award winning Neo-Neapolitan pizzeria. The leader in "third wave" pizza concepts.

I wish I could convince everyone to retire the “Can I pick your brain over coffee?” DM. ☕️🧠

Not because I don’t believe in mentorship. Quite the opposite.

At key moments in my journey, the willingness of others to share what they’d learned helped move me forward. And now, in this chapter of my life, I genuinely want to pay that forward.

But I’ve often wondered: In our eagerness to move fast and make connections, have we lost sight of the relationship fundamentals that actually make us more effective?

“Can I pick your brain?” is usually well-intentioned. 

But it’s vague. It’s open-ended. And it unintentionally puts the burden on the other person to define the value, structure the time, and justify saying yes.

If I were reaching out to a dream mentor, an ideal investor, or someone I deeply admired, here’s how I’d approach it differently:

-Be specific in your ask. What exactly are you hoping to learn — and why from them?

-Show you’ve done your homework. Reference something they’ve written, built, or said that resonated.

-Make it easy. If you’re asking for time or an introduction, define what that commitment looks like so they know what they’re saying yes to.

-Engage before you request. Comment thoughtfully. Share their work. Become a familiar name in their orbit before you land in their inbox.

There are much better ways to ask for help than "Can I pick your brain?"

What’s the most genius/creative outreach message you’ve ever received or sent? I want to hear them! 👀

Founder of Pizzana. Founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes (Exited 2012) Guest Shark | Keynote Speaker l NYT & WSJ Best Selling Author | Angel Investor

Getting into business with your significant other? It's not for everyone!

But...when it works, it works. 

One of the best parts of chasing my dreams has been having my husband right at my side, going after them with me.

Happy early Valentine's Day everyone! 🥰 Who do you love working with?

Want to help your favorite local restaurant stay open? Order direct!

Restaurants in LA are under serious pressure right now. There are a lot of reasons, but third-party delivery fees are a big one. 😬

Margins are already razor thin. Those app fees might not look dramatic when you’re tapping “place order,” but behind the scenes, every percentage point counts.

I’m not suggesting you swear off delivery. God forbid! We live in LA. 😉

But here’s a simple shift that can make a BIG difference: order directly from the restaurant.

In many cases, you’re getting the same food and often the same drivers. The difference? More of that revenue stays with the business.

At Pizzana, we turn those savings into benefits for our customers: loyalty perks, exclusive chef events, and yes, free pizza! 🍕

So if you want to support your neighborhood spots in a real way, order direct.

Marketing strategies I’m using (and genuinely loving) as the founder/head of marketing at Pizzana ✨

👉🏻 Customer loyalty clubs. Ours is called Cacio Club — and yes, I’m biased, but for good reason. Surprise drops, early access, unexpected perks. It builds belonging, not just repeat visits. People love feeling “in.”

👉🏻 Unexpected collabs. There’s something fun about seeing two brands you love come together in a way you didn’t see coming. When it’s aligned and thoughtful, it creates energy — and introduces you to a whole new audience without feeling like an ad.

👉🏻 Local programming. Weekly trivia, bingo, pizza-making nights. When you give people a reason to show up consistently, your restaurant becomes part of their routine. (And filling those slower weeknights is a nice bonus.)

👉🏻 Direct mail. Yes, actual mail.  As digital gets more expensive, sometimes the most “unsexy” tactic quietly works the best.

👉🏻 Email marketing. This one's a no-brainer: Effective and low-cost. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 

I’m always experimenting, but these are my go-to's right now.

What marketing strategies have you been obsessed with lately? 👀

My favorite marketing strategies right now

I almost stopped writing on Substack. 😳

Which feels strange to admit, because I genuinely love writing. I’ve written two books. I enjoy the discipline of sitting down and shaping a thought. 
But even so, I found myself wondering if it was worth the time.

You know that quiet question that creeps in when you put something out into the world and hear… nothing?

Is anyone actually reading this?
Does this even matter?

Right as I was considering pulling back, I got on a Zoom call with a university leader who had invited me to deliver a keynote. Early in the conversation, she referenced a recent Substack post and told me it was what prompted her to reach out.

Then it happened again. A LinkedIn post. A Reel. Something I almost didn’t share. 

It was a good reminder: just because people are quiet DOESN'T mean they aren’t paying attention. 👀

Not everyone comments. Not everyone engages. Lurking is a real thing!! But that doesn’t mean your work isn’t landing somewhere meaningful.

Have you ever almost quit something… right before it opened a door? Share it with us to encourage others to keep creating! 💫

Here’s something I wish I'd learned earlier in life... 👇🏻

You don’t need to be ready. You just need to start.

➡️ I’ve launched businesses without having every answer.

➡️ Opened doors before everything felt polished.

➡️ Made big decisions without knowing exactly how they’d turn out.

Because here's the truth: You figure it out by doing.

There's value in preparing. But if you’re waiting to feel 100% ready… you might be waiting forever. 

What are you happy you started before you felt "ready?" 🩷👇🏻

One of the smartest career choices women can make right now? 👇🏻

Monetizing their passions. ❤️✨💵

I know. It sounds too good to be true! But hear me out...

Early in my career, I put all my eggs into corporate America’s basket. I chose the “safe” path. The steady paycheck. The job that looked good on paper.

And then… I was laid off. 😅

That was the moment I realized “security” isn’t the same thing as control.

Building businesses around the things I genuinely cared about wasn’t just about chasing a dream. It was about building options.

Options to pivot. Options to grow. Options to not panic every time the market shifts.

Following your passions gets framed as something frivolous. But in my experience? It's your insurance!

What’s something you love that you’ve never thought to monetize? 👀

Being multi-passionate isn’t a problem. 

In fact, if you can't "pick a career path," you may just be the blueprint.

We’ve been fed this narrative that in order to succeed, we need to specialize. Niche down. Pick a lane and stay in it. 

And for some people, that works beautifully.

But for the rest of us - the ones with overflowing Notes apps, Pinterest boards, and late-night Google rabbit holes 📌- it can feel suffocating. 

As someone who’s found success in her very untraditional, chaotic career, I’m here to tell you:

You are NOT scattered. 
You are NOT indecisive. 
You are NOT behind.

You’re wired to CREATE! 

And it may just mean you're built for entrepreneurship. 👀

Multi-passionates: Are you an entrepreneur? If not, would you consider it?

Thank you Resy for naming Pizzana in The Resy Guide to the Women-Owned Restaurants of LA... 5 times. 🌟😁 

I've been in the restaurant game for a while, and one thing is for sure - There is a serious lack of female representation in restaurants.

I'm beyond proud to see so many women around me driving innovation - both in cuisine and in industry culture. Female restaurateurs are at the forefront of blending business-savvy with intentional community-building. 

At Pizzana, our focus isn't just on delicious pizza. (Although, have you tried the Cacio e Pepe pizza? It's my favorite 😍 ) We're prioritizing events like our weekly family pizza nights, supporting local organizations (like Children's Cancer Fund), and driving collaboration with other women making waves in food (like Molly Baz!)

Make sure to check this list out, and show some love. ❤️ I'd love to make this post a place to shine light on your favorite women-owned restaurants!

https://lnkd.in/edzVd6FF

Open article: The Resy Guide to the Women-Led Restaurants of Los Angeles — Resy | Right This Way by blog.resy.com

The Resy Guide to the Women-Led Restaurants of Los Angeles — Resy | Right This Way

I talk to so many founders who think they’re behind. 😅

Revenue isn’t doubling. They’re not trending on social or having the big, splashy moments.

But sometimes the real progress is quieter.

Here are 5 signs you’re doing better than you think:

1️⃣ You’re not in the weeds anymore - you’ve handed off the small stuff so you can focus on the big picture.

2️⃣ You’re seeing repeat customers. Customer loyalty = brand longevity.

3️⃣ Low stock used to feel like failure. Now it’s proof you’re selling something people have to have.

4️⃣ You can hold your price. No need to discount to move product.

5️⃣ One mistake doesn’t cost you the customer - you’ve earned the benefit of the doubt.

What’s one “small” thing your business is doing really well?

5 Signs Your Business Is Doing Better Than You Think

I need life mentors, not just career mentors. 

And right now? I’m looking for empty nester mentors. 🫣

One of the many lessons I learned after selling Sprinkles over a decade ago is this: It pays to prepare yourself for big life events.

How did I learn that lesson so well? 

Because I didn’t.

When I sold my company, I prepared the financials. I prepared the transition. I prepared the team.

What I didn’t prepare for was what it would feel like to lose a huge piece (more candidly, ALL) of my identity.

I had spent years being “the cupcake lady.” Founder. CEO. Judge on baking shows. My days were structured around the brand I built from my home kitchen. And then suddenly, that chapter closed.

No one talks enough about the identity whiplash that can come with big transitions - whether it’s selling a company, stepping out of a role, becoming a parent, becoming an empty nester, or starting over.

Since then, I’ve become a student of life chapters.

I’ve learned that the best way to prepare for what’s next is to watch the people around you.

I pay attention to the founders friends who are building wisely and sustainably.
I observe the parents who are navigating teenagers in the social media age with intention.
I admire the fit friend who prioritizes her health and hikes every weekend without fail.

And now? I’m watching the women who are embracing their empty nester chapter with fullness and joy!

We talk endlessly about career mentorship. But life mentorship? It's JUST as critical.

So here’s my encouragement: look around. Who is doing the next chapter well? Study them. Ask questions. Borrow wisdom. And take a page out of their book!

And if you’re in your empty nester chapter… my DMs are open. 😉

Every month, we give away thousands of dollars in free pizza. And we do it on purpose. 🍕

When you run a restaurant, there isn’t a big fluffy marketing budget sitting around. Every dollar is a decision.

I can throw it at digital ads and hope for the best…
or I can put it back into the hands of the people who already love us.

I choose the second one!

Our loyalty app at Pizzana is where we actually get to know you. What you order. How often you come in. What you can’t resist. And then we get to say thank you in a real way.

Yes, that free pizza costs us. And maybe we give away more than we probably should. 😅

But I’d much rather over-deliver for our guests than overspend trying to impress the internet.

If you’re already a part of our Cacio Club, you know. If you’re not… what are you waiting for? 😉

Here's why founders should be the face of their brand.

I’ve been saying this for years… and it keeps proving itself true!

For years I tried to collect customer feedback the traditional ways for my brand. And the response rate was… fine. 🤷🏼‍♀️

But recently I posted a simple TikTok talking about Pizzana's loyalty app and the comments? FLOODED.

I got so much thoughtful feedback - Everything from menu ideas, what people loved, what they wanted more of, and what they disliked, too. (Who knew wine glasses would cause such a stir?! 😂)

It reminded me of something I’ve been telling founders for a long time: People don’t just connect with the product. They connect with the person behind it. 

When customers feel like they’re talking to you instead of filling out a survey, the conversation completely changes.

Founders: are you showing up as the face of your brand yet? Why or why not?

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The Battle

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Mel Robbins's LinkedIn Performance

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