When Does It Get Good?

E15: Peeling Back the Programming with Astrologer Meredith McCowan

“There is a layer of intuition in every craft and everything we do in life, but astrology is very science-based,” explains professional astrologer Meredith McCowan. In this episode, she joins Zovig Garboushian to explore astrology’s impact on self-awareness and personal development.
 
Meredith shares her journey from a corporate career to becoming an astrologer, emphasizing astrology’s role in reconnecting with her intuitive self. She clarifies that astrology goes beyond sun signs, explaining the significance of the sun, moon, and rising signs in shaping one’s identity. Astrology, Meredith notes, is a science-based tool that offers deep insights into personality and life paths by combining elements of astronomy, trigonometry, mythology, and psychology.
 
They discuss how understanding one’s astrological chart can reveal hidden talents, people-pleasing tendencies, and areas of safety and security, helping individuals make conscious choices aligned with their true nature. Listeners are encouraged to explore their astrological charts and consider how this ancient science can contribute to their journey of self-discovery and growth.
 
Quotes
“There is a layer of intuition in every craft and everything we do in life, but astrology is very science-based. There’s astronomy, trigonometry, and math, but there’s also storytelling, mythology, and archetypes—more of the psychology of what we go through on this planet.” (09:08 | Meredith McCowan)
“This is where I recommend everybody start, whether you actually want to study astrology or get to know your own chart. I promise that if you learn the big three about yourself and the people you love, it will change your perspective on a lot of things.” (22:12 | Meredith McCowan)
“Pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, taking that risk, and taking that leap are massive leaps and bounds in confidence and trust and faith in your own abilities. So when I see people register that they are even clinging to safety or security and taking that leap, they find out it actually wasn’t that scary; the universe just kind of opened up.” (42:06 | Meredith McCowan) 
“I practice astrology every day. It’s like a craft that I feel can never be mastered because there’s so much more depth and so much to learn. I am obsessed; it’s my jam, and I love it… When I first learned astrology, I thought everyone must know this. We should teach it in schools. But then I realized, okay, hold on; it’s not for everybody. However, it is for a lot of people, and it can explain so much, even when it comes to romance.” (45:01 | Meredith McCowan) 
 
Links
Connect with Meredith McCowan:
Website - www.earthlingastrology.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-mccowan-589a0b23a/
Social Media: @EARTHLINGASTRO (Twitter, Tik Tok, Instagram & Facebook)
 
Connect with Zovig Garboushian:
Website: www.boldnessablazecoaching.com
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

E14: Agreeing With Everything Doesn't Make You A Doormat

“Accepting is acknowledging and being with the truth of a situation,” says Zovig Garboushian as she delves into the transformative concept of Radical Acceptance. Inspired by Tara Brach’s book “Radical Acceptance,” Zovig discusses the damaging effects of the inner critic and the habit of self-judgment. She shares personal experiences from yoga classes and daily life to illustrate how saying “yes” can help counteract judgment and foster acceptance. She also explains how shifting from resistance to openness can alleviate stress and lead to more conscious decision-making. 
 
Quotes
“I remember years ago, in my 20s, a really amazing therapist said to me, ‘Zovig, it seems like you object to your own feelings, like whatever you’re feeling isn’t allowed.’ So, I can criticize outwardly and then I can criticize myself for being critical. It seemed to him that the way I was reacting to my own feelings was that I should be feeling something else. And so, if we don’t allow ourselves to feel this, as Tara Brach calls it, grouchiness and moodiness, if we don’t allow ourselves those things and say yes to them, then we stuff them down. As I’m sure you know, that could cause them to leak out and, in some cases, explode at very inopportune moments. Saying yes is a way to accept what’s happening and then allow myself to make a choice about it.” (09:15 | Zovig Garboushian) 
“When you take the judgment out of the experience, you can relate to the experience differently. Because when we’re judging something, we’re not looking at a situation clearly. We’re not able to make conscious choices about what, if anything, we would want to do for ourselves.” (12:05 | Zovig Garboushian)
“Accepting is acknowledging and being with the truth of a situation.” (13:23 | Zovig Garboushian)
 
Links
Connect with Zovig Garboushian:
Website: www.boldnessablazecoaching.com
Radical Acceptance Book: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/radical-acceptance-embracing-your-life-with-the-heart-of-a-buddha_tara-brach/246265/item/5660315/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pmax_high_vol_scarce_under_%2410&utm_adgroup=&utm_term=&utm_content=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw2Je1BhAgEiwAp3KY74nU6oKvww9u-7jVzNgKesRQRMEgRpn3ug01HpCju_jXpI7GCp7KwxoCvw4QAvD_BwE#idiq=5660315&edition=3394663
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

E13: Life's Greatest Distraction: Worrying About What Others Think

“This isn’t about ignoring what others think. It’s about understanding it and choosing how it impacts us,” declares Zovig Garboushian as she unpacks the fear of judgment and learns to embrace humility. This humility, she argues, is the key to overcoming the worry about others’ opinions and finding more freedom to be oneself.
 
In this episode, Zovig addresses the anxiety of worrying about others’ opinions, especially for those in leadership and high-visibility roles. She shares her experience growing up in a traditional Armenian family, highlighting how cultural conditioning affects self-worth and the need for external validation.
 
Zovig discusses the dangers of people-pleasing and the fear of rejection, offering advice on distinguishing constructive feedback from noise. She emphasizes self-acceptance and humility as keys to overcoming self-doubt, proposing that recognizing our inherent worth can liberate us from judgment.
 
This episode is a call to embrace humility and self-acceptance, not just as concepts but as practical pathways to overcoming self-doubt and achieving a more authentic existence. Join Zovig to learn how to break free from societal approval constraints and find genuine contentment in your own skin.
 
Quotes
“I wish there was a trick to eradicate this behavior entirely. I don't think that there is, even after a lifetime of meditation. I don’t know if it’s entirely possible to remove that behavior entirely. But what I do know is that we can learn to pull ourselves out of those moments faster and have them not affect us as much. But it is a practice.” (02:47 | Zovig Garboushian)
“The secret to letting go of what other people think is humility. It’s the understanding that no one person is any better or any worse than you.” (15:59 | Zovig Garboushian)
“When I am humble, I don’t need someone else’s approval. If we are humble, we can spend less time proving ourselves and more time being ourselves. Humility takes work. You gotta take your ego out of the game. You gotta cut through the zero-sum thinking. You have to drop the perfectionism and allow yourself to be flawed and know that it means nothing about the quality of who you are. To be humble, we have to know that we are not what we do.” (20:07 | Zovig Garboushian) 
 
Links
Connect with Zovig Garboushian:
Website: www.boldnessablazecoaching.com
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

E12: Leaving at Intermission & Other Good Things About Getting Older With Cheryl Sternberg

Aging gracefully means knowing when to leave at intermission, embracing the freedom to live authentically, and finding joy in the unexpected benefits of getting older. In this episode, Zovig Garboushian invites her longtime friend and retired boomer Cheryl Sternberg to discuss the intricacies of aging across generational lines. They share their rich life experiences, exploring how getting older has reshaped their perceptions of self-awareness, personal freedom, and relationship dynamics.
 
Zovig talks about her newfound liberation in middle age, emphasizing the importance of making choices that reflect her desires and setting boundaries around her time, emotions, and finances. Cheryl reflects on how retirement has given her the emotional space to focus on herself, something she missed during her busy career and motherhood.
 
They discuss the evolution of relationships, stressing the value of maintaining a core circle of trusted friends while naturally distancing from less positive connections. Both women touch on professional integrity, sharing experiences of standing firm in their beliefs despite opposition.
 
True contentment in aging comes from knowing oneself, nurturing supportive relationships, and living authentically. This dialogue between generations offers listeners insightful perspectives on navigating the complexities of aging with confidence and clarity.
 
Quotes
“​​What it looks like now is having more time and emotional energy, and, I guess, in some ways, permission from the universe to spend more time working on myself. In terms of the me that makes me happy, the me that I can look at and say, “Wow, I just did that thing that I never would have even tried to do years ago,” sometimes it has to do with not needing permission from anyone. At other times, it has to do with seeking consultation from people you trust.” (03:47 | Cheryl Sternberg)
“It’s a great metaphor, leaving at intermission. Like for life, you know, just deciding that, okay, this is no longer right for me. I’m now leaving. This is my intermission... It’s an opportunity to change to another. I mean, it isn’t like leaving this world. You’re not saying, ‘That’s it, I’m done with my life because I’m not happy with this particular play.’ But you’re saying, ‘Yes, there’s some place I’d rather be. I can get there easily and with a clear conscience.’ …I will feel better and more congruent and more myself if I go now.” (29:41 | Zovig Garboushian & Cheryl Sternberg) 
“The thing that’ll get you through the best is this combination of knowing and loving yourself and knowing and loving your partner. Whether it’s a romantic partner, a family member, or even a boss if you’re still working at this age, which many people are, it’s that connectedness that matters.” (44:32 | Cheryl Sternberg) 
 
Links
Connect with Zovig Garboushian:
Website: www.boldnessablazecoaching.com
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

E11: Letting Go of Control through Psychedelics & Plant Medicine, with My Husband Stephen Bourne

Unveiling the intricate synergy between psychedelics, plant medicine, and their profound impact on relationships, today's discussion offers enlightening insights into the transformative journeys of self-discovery and connection. In this episode, Zovig Garboushian joins her husband, Stephen Bourne, to share their personal experiences with these powerful healing tools.
 
Stephen discusses his journey with plant medicine, which began after a difficult divorce in 2008. Guided by a mentor, he discovered the emotional healing and profound insights these substances can provide.
 
Zovig and Stephen delve into the transformative effects of psychedelics like MDMA, psilocybin, and LSD on their relationship. They explain how these substances have deepened their connection, facilitated open communication, and offered new perspectives on personal challenges. They emphasize the importance of self-love, shedding preconceptions, and understanding oneself beyond societal labels and achievements.
 
The couple advocates for the respectful and conscious use of psychedelics and plant medicine, viewing them as sacred tools for personal development and self-discovery. This episode explores the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, offering valuable insights into personal and relational transformation.
 
Quotes
“I had defined my entire existence about what I did and not who I was. I had no value in who I was. All my value was what I did, how I did things, how well I worked, how good of a worker I was, or how good of an architect I was. Those were how I defined my worth. That exercise then leading into this heart opening medicine showed me that I am none of those things. Those are just things that I function as. It was such a core lesson really early on in my journey because it allowed me to separate and detach my experience internally from my experience externally and really start to distinguish that I am worthy even as I am because part of the lesson is that you are all these things.” (24:27 | Stephen Bourne) 
“There's something else about me that goes beyond architect or father or fisherman. And I exist before any of those things. My worthiness is not dependent on what I do. It’s just dependent on me showing up as me.” (27:42 | Stephen Bourne)
“Every failure is not an indictment on your worthiness or yourself or why you’re here. It’s just another lesson.” (32:36 | Stephen Bourne) 
 
Links
Connect with Stephen Bourne:
Website: https://siteplanmix.com/
 
Coaching From Essence: coachingfromessence.com
 
Connect with Zovig Garboushian:
Website: www.boldnessablazecoaching.com
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

E10: Why Tools, Tips & Tricks Don't Cure Self-Doubt

“A tool, while useful, cannot cure self-doubt,” says Zovig Garboushian, but it can guide our evolution. In this episode, Zovig challenges the allure of quick-fix solutions to complex behavioral issues in executive coaching. She discusses how frequent requests for tools to manage procrastination or public speaking anxiety often reveal deeper issues like self-doubt and emotional blockages.
 
Zovig introduces transformative coaching tools that go beyond mere advice, emphasizing self-reflection and alignment with one’s core values. Through personal stories and client examples, she shows how true change requires confronting the ‘thing behind the thing’—the underlying emotional and psychological issues, rather than superficial fixes. This episode invites listeners on a journey of self-awareness and growth, urging them to look beyond the surface for genuine personal and professional development.
 
Quotes
“Behavior is the easy thing to change when we can detach ourselves from the emotion that prevents us from doing the thing we want to do.” (03:24 | Zovig Garboushian) 
“Somewhere in the quest for the solution to procrastination or these other how-tos that we’re looking for lies a lingering self-doubt or a lack of self-trust or a disconnection with yourself. And that’s where we need to be putting our time and attention. That’s what we need to address because a tool will not cure your self-doubt.” (06:37 | Zovig Garboushian) 
“I come back to the idea that a tool, while useful, cannot cure self-doubt. We are human beings. We are always evolving. There is no getting there because there's always a new ‘there’ to go toward. But what you can do is notice your evolution. Notice that the doubt or the anxiety or the worry or the fear as you evolve comes with less frequency. And when it comes, it’s less intense and it is shorter in duration.” (25:01 | Zovig Garboushian) 
 
Links
[book] Coaching From Essence by Robert Ellis: https://www.prairielightsbooks.com/book/9780971752221
 
Connect with Zovig Garboushian:
Website: www.boldnessablazecoaching.com
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

E9: DJ Meets Corporate Leadership With Emily Griffin

“Being an artist absolutely is what keeps me, ‘me’ in the corporate ecosystem,” says DJ and Director of Programs for Microsoft’s Global Experiences, Emily Griffin. In this episode, Emily discusses how she balances her roles in tech and music while maintaining her authenticity.
 
At Microsoft, Emily shapes the organizational culture to boost employee engagement and aligns company values with personal behaviors, enhancing both professional and personal growth. She shares her passion for DJing, which serves as a liberating and empowering creative outlet, helping her connect with others through music.
 
Emily draws parallels between her roles as a DJ and corporate leader, highlighting skills such as reading the room and improvising, which are crucial in both areas. She shares insights into the challenges and rewards of balancing her diverse roles, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, self-awareness, and continual growth.
 
Quotes
“I came back to Microsoft as a culture designer and it’s been a really amazing journey of leadership and understanding the depth of humanity, of the needs of the people that I serve. We talk a lot about customer experiences, serving customers, and serving the whole world. And for me, my product is our employees. I’m focused on them and their needs. And that all really came out of my passion for people, relationships, and culture in general.” (02:50 | Emily Griffin) 
“I’ve been a DJ for as long as I can remember, really. But I came up in my career as a music artist, producer, and community builder. So I really came into tech from that entertainment and music background. And I’ve managed to keep that balance. Being an artist absolutely is what keeps me, ‘me’ in the corporate ecosystem.” (03:28 | Emily Griffin) 
“I burned out from DJing and the music world. I burned out from tech. I’m on the other side of rising up from that hard learning and redefining what success is for me is making an impact. It’s part of what drives me and why I care about the connection piece and the being human piece at work.” (32:11 | Emily Griffin)
 
Links
Connect with Emily Griffin:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilygriffin/
Instagram: @emilygriffingrrl https://www.instagram.com/emilygriffingrrl/
Great Mondays Book: https://www.greatmondays.com/book
 
Connect with Zovig Garboushian:
Website: www.boldnessablazecoaching.com
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

E8: My Work With Psychedelics and Plant Medicine

There is a place for psychedelics in the pursuit of personal growth according to Zovig Garboushian. In this episode, Zovig shares her experiences with MDMA, LSD, and psilocybin, showing how these tools have profoundly shaped her understanding and acceptance of herself. Emphasizing that her insights are drawn from personal use rather than professional advice, Zovig invites listeners into her journey of transformation and self-discovery.
 
Initially skeptical, Zovig’s perception changed after her husband introduced her to the intentional and sacred use of substances like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA. She describes how MDMA was pivotal in her battle against Graves’ disease by helping her cultivate self-love and acceptance. Psilocybin deepened her connection to her inner self and enhanced her truth-seeking, increasing her confidence and helping her overcome embarrassment. LSD and microdosing broadened her mental horizons, boosting her creativity and providing significant personal insights.
 
Zovig stresses the importance of having clear intentions and treating these experiences with the respect they merit. Her story is one of transformation, illustrating how, when used thoughtfully and purposefully, these substances can be potent tools for self-discovery and growth.
 
Quotes
“We need to talk about the value of psychedelics and plant medicine more because there is more and more research coming out that it is useful for people dealing with depression and anxiety and other kinds of mental health issues.” (02:36 | Zovig Garboushian) 
“My purpose in using them is to simply explore myself. And so it's done quite a bit for me, things that I can't get to with therapy or coaching or other types of personal reflective work.” (02:52 | Zovig Garboushian) 
“That’s my mission. Interrupt patterns, crack doors open. Seek the truth about things… And psychedelics and plant medicine help get me there. They help me feel more comfortable in my own skin. They help me understand who I am. And when I do that for myself, I have more compassion and love for other people. And when I have more compassion and love for other people, life becomes easier. I don't know if you've noticed, but there is a huge lack of compassion and love in our world right now. So if we can learn to give it to ourselves, imagine what that could be like if we gave it outward.” (34:58 | Zovig Garboushian) 
 
Links
Connect with Zovig Garboushian:
Website: www.boldnessablazecoaching.com
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

E7: The Many Faces of Confidence with Startup Founder Danielle Letayf

“Are we born with it? Do we develop it? Is it a choice? Is it the result?” Zovig Garboushian ponders the essence of confidence. “And I say, yes, it's all of those things. And by the way, it looks different on everyone,” she asserts. In this episode, Zovig sits down with Danielle Letayf, CEO and founder of Badassery, to explore the multifaceted nature of confidence and uncover the layers that elude even the most outwardly successful individuals.
 
Danielle shares her journey to founding Badassery, driven by a desire to amplify diverse voices and narratives in sectors where they are often marginalized. She discusses the necessity of confidence in her role as a startup CEO, even when it feels forced. Her story exemplifies the power of representation in one’s field and the importance of creating spaces where others can also thrive.
 
Zovig and Danielle tackle common misconceptions about confidence, revealing that it is not a monolith but a varied and dynamic trait. They discuss how confidence can be quietly powerful and does not need to conform to extroverted or traditionally assertive molds. This redefinition is crucial for leaders to understand, as it broadens the scope of what effective leadership can look like. Addressing the personal challenges of the imposter experience, both women share intimate details of their struggles with self-doubt. They explore practical strategies for overcoming these hurdles, such as taking risks in small steps, keeping track of accomplishments, and seeking honest conversations with peers and mentors.
 
This episode leaves listeners with a piece of advice: pursue your calling thoughtfully and at your own pace. This guidance resonates as an encouragement to embrace one's unique journey towards confidence and leadership.
 
Quotes
“It has been really difficult, but I found myself that when I got into that flow, of that kind of trust in myself and my team, I naturally felt more at ease. I felt it's much easier to have that clarity, to have that peace. And to me, that means confidence, because it means you're calm, cool, collected in some ways and you're firm on your beliefs. And then I think the second piece of it to me was the word ‘necessary.’ I sometimes don't feel like I have a choice. If I cannot really be unwavering, I can in some situations. I allow myself that flexibility. Obviously, I'm not like every morning waking up like, ‘Danielle, do this. You have to do that.’ I don't ignore those things. But I do think the nature of this job or of founding a company, there's a necessity to have some semblance of confidence, even if you don't want it to be.” (06:18 | Danielle Letayf) 
“It's kind of often what we're rewarded with is sort of being like this very outwardly spoken person who people listen to, who takes up the space. And that's just not me. And I don't think that's many people. And I realized over time that it's okay. And I truly value substance.” (17:40 | Danielle Letayf)
“I think it's up to us as leaders and individuals to understand what it takes for each person to be confident because people just have different personalities, different ways of communicating, different ways of showing up.” (19:42  | Danielle Letayf) 
“Taking a risk doesn't have to be something that is as huge as we feel it is. The way that I approach risk—and I get asked this question a lot around risk and calling—is actually with baby steps. I think oftentimes we think where we see the stories of jumping off the deep end and just doing it. It's not realistic.” (28:51  | Danielle Letayf)
 
Links
Connect with Danielle Letayf:
Danielle's Bio: https://speak.badassery-hq.com/speaker_public/danielle-letayf
Badassery Website: www.badassery-hq.com
Danielle's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielleletayf/
 
Connect with Zovig Garboushian:
Website: www.boldnessablazecoaching.com
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

E6: You Are Not a Fake - A R.E.A.L. Way to Debunk the Imposter

“I don't believe in impostor syndrome,” says Zovig Garboushian, as she challenges the terminology itself and explores the unsettling experience faced by many achievers and leaders. Zovig discusses how environments filled with comparisons and the constant need to prove one's worth can amplify feelings of imposter syndrome. She touches upon the added pressure faced by those who stand out due to their unique demographic characteristics, and how certain high-stakes company cultures, similar to those of companies like Google and Amazon, can foster a cycle of self-doubt.
 
Zovig introduces the REAL framework: Recognize, Examine, Acknowledge, Leverage. This approach is designed to help individuals to deescalate the impostor experience by encouraging them to recognize and label their feelings, examine the validity of these self-doubts, acknowledge their achievements, and leverage this understanding to shift towards a more confident personal narrative.
 
Zovig shares her own struggle with feeling like an imposter at a conference and reflects on how minimizing her accomplishments and giving in to the need to prove her worth only fueled her self-doubt. She suggests that applying the REAL framework could have transformed her experience, advocating for this method as a tool for mental fitness and a step towards confidence and authentic self-appreciation.
 
Quotes
"It's a natural thing to feel self-doubt. It is our job to find ways to help ourselves get back to reality and back to facts when we are feeling it." (00:15 | Zovig Garboushian)
"Our world is unfortunately designed more for comparison and proving than it is to welcome the individuality and uniqueness of people." (06:34 | Zovig Garboushian)
"All of this faking is why we feel like imposters, because we're behaving in ways that aren't natural to us. All of the proving and the perfectionism and the coping, that's not natural behavior." (09:32 | Zovig Garboushian) 
"If we don't gain control of our thinking, we lose control of ourselves. Our thoughts are pretty much the only thing we have true control over." (16:32 | Zovig Garboushian) 
 
Links
Connect with Zovig Garboushian:
Website: www.boldnessablazecoaching.com
 
5 Types of Imposters, Dr. Valerie Young Ed.D
https://impostorsyndrome.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The5TypesOfImpostors-1.png
Secrets of Successful Women (And Men), Dr. Valerie Young, Ed.D
https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Thoughts-Successful-Women-Impostor/dp/0307452719
I Don’t Believe in Imposter Syndrome, Zovig Garboushian, STRIVE MAGAZINE
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xvknVaZayKwcj55MhApGuVls3oCKtLK3/view?usp=sharing
Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome, Ruchika Tulshyan
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xtazF_T96V89Z-3nJf61TlP25vzuNVxY/view?usp=sharing
The Imposter Syndrome Files - We Are In Charge with Zovig Garboushian
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-are-in-charge/id1503572581?i=1000644348016
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm