Today I talk to Angie McQuillin, a speaker and coach that works with leaders to build their confidence to better connect with their teams. Angie shares intimate stories of abusive relationships from her past and how setting boundaries helped her break toxic patterns and rediscover her self-worth. She is a unique mix of kindness, vulnerability and 100% pure badassery.

Angie talks about how we slowly lose our self-worth every time we put someone else’s needs above our own. It’s not about being selfish, it’s about being clear and unapologetic about the things we will accept and the things we won't. If you ever suffer from imposter syndrome, people-pleasing, avoiding conflict, dysfunctional relationships, or burnout - this conversation is for you. And yeah, me too.

Angie also gives me a crash course in roller derby, a sport that seems like a sadistic mix of hockey and Quidditch from Harry Potter - just a whole lot more violent. She also shares inspiring stories of her nomadic life living in her van, and the heart-breaking loss of her dog Louie this year.

This is one of my all-time favourite conversations.

Please enjoy, Angie McQuillin.

Key Takeaways

• Roller derby as a metaphor for life: Angie explains how being the “jammer” on the track taught her lessons in presence, teamwork, and courage.
• The importance of boundaries: Why setting and honouring your boundaries is foundational to self-respect and better relationships.
• Self-worth revolution: Angie shares how understanding her own values and setting boundaries transformed her relationships and career.
• Confidence is not what it seems: Even people who appear confident often struggle with boundaries, imposter syndrome, or fear of failure.
• How to start small: Tips for initiating tough conversations about boundaries with long-time friends or loved ones.
• Freedom through self-discovery: Angie’s insights on embracing the nomadic lifestyle and pursuing passions outside work.
• Healing through connection: The universal need for deeper connections and how avoiding vulnerability can lead to unhelpful coping mechanisms.
• Living authentically: The power of showing up as your full self and embracing all aspects of your identity—professional and personal.

Resources
Angie’s Website
Angie on LinkedIn
Angie’s YouTube Channel

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Today I talk to Diane Allen, an author and speaker that helps people find and keep their flow state. If you’re wondering what flow is exactly, you’re not alone. In fact, Diane didn’t know it was a thing either until one day she lost it. She shares the story of being on stage as a violinist, and she froze. She couldn’t play. It was that humiliation that sent her on a quest to understand what had happened.

If you’re like me, you probably didn’t know there was a word for the flow state. I heard it for the first time a year ago. But I know you’ve felt it - those moments where time seems to stand still, your creative juices are flowing, and you’re getting more done in 20 minutes than you have in a week.

To me, it always seemed like magic. I never knew when or how it would strike. But it turns out you can control it, and conjure it whenever you want.

Diane takes us through the science of the flow state and a 3-step process for managing it.

I love this idea. And I’m obsessed with figuring this out.

Just imagine what more we could do.

Please enjoy, Diane Allen.

Key Takeaways

• What is Flow? Diane defines flow as an optimal state of mind where distractions vanish, creativity flourishes, and you feel fearless and uninhibited.
• The Science of Flow: Learn about the brain’s role in flow, including the activation of feel-good hormones like dopamine and the silencing of the inner critic.
• Recognize Your Flow State: Diane explains the “Where, What, Why” framework to identify and replicate your unique flow experiences.
• The Power of Intention: Distractions are the biggest killers of flow. Diane shares tips on managing interruptions and creating a distraction-free environment.
• Flow and Mental Health: How accessing flow helps move you from languishing to flourishing, improving your overall well-being.
• Collaboration in Flow: Discover how flow can be contagious, inspiring teams to perform at their best through a ripple effect of energy.
• Making Flow Routine: Practical tips to prioritize and practice flow, so it becomes an integral part of your life.

Connect with Diane:

Diane’s TEDx Talk: Get Into Your Life Like a Musician Gets Into the Music

Diane’s Book: Flow - Unlock Your Genius and Love What You Do.

Website https://dianeallen.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianeallenspeaker/

Resources:

Adam Grant on languishing: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/19/well/mind/covid-mental-health-languishing.html

Book: Limitless by Jim Kwik

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Connect with Bob Mathers
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Today I talk to Michelle Grocholosky, a CEO and speaker who works with leaders to build more diverse and inclusive companies. She’s one of Canada’s top 40 under 40 and has been recognized as one of the top 100 most powerful women in the country. She’s kind of a big deal.

I recently told a friend of mine that I was doing an episode on diversity and inclusion, and she said, “yeah that’s of no interest to me at all.” I appreciate her honesty, and it reflects how a lot of people are feeling about this topic. There is a lot of fatigue out there.

Maybe that’s why I loved this conversation so much - Michelle is so different than any other leader I’ve heard on this topic. She shares personal stories of how growing up in an intolerant household and working in a psychiatric hospital led her to her passion for this work. But even as an expert in the field, she’s honest about having to combat her deeply rooted biases and stereotypes on a daily basis.

You can’t control your first thought, but you can control your second. I take a lot of comfort in that, because I have made a lot of questionable decisions and told a lot of bad jokes. These conversations are never easy, which is kind of the point.

Please enjoy, Michelle Grocholsky.

Key Takeaways

• The DEI Dinner Analogy: Diversity is being invited, inclusion is feeling welcome, and equity is having access to enjoy the meal—each pillar is essential.
• Why Equity Lags Behind: Equity is often misunderstood as quotas when it’s really about fairness, removing barriers, and creating access for everyone.
• Overcoming Bias: You can’t control your first thought, but you can control your second. Curiosity and humility are powerful tools for growth.
• Unlearning and Relearning: Biases are often learned early, but through exposure and introspection, we can unlearn and build more inclusive perspectives.
• Navigating Discomfort: It’s okay to make mistakes as long as you’re willing to learn and adapt. Humility and compassion can create space for authentic dialogue.
• Shifting the Corporate Lens: When companies listen and act on feedback, they can create lasting, meaningful change for their employees and their bottom line.

Resources

• TED Talk: Michelle recently delivered a TED Talk at the University of Waterloo, highlighting stereotypes and strengths in the workplace.
• The Person You Mean to Be by Dolly Chugh.
• How to Be an Inclusive Leader by Jennifer Brown.

Connect with Michelle:
LinkedIn
Instagram

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Thank you for listening today. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe to our podcast. Here is how you can connect with us at the Growth Mixtape podcast.

Connect with Bob Mathers
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