Just What I Needed

About Just What I Needed

What does it mean to build an extraordinary life and still be present enough to live it? Just What I Needed is for heart-led high achievers who want to make a meaningful difference in the world while navigating ambition, purpose, relationships, wellbeing, and the desire to actually enjoy the life they’re creating. Hosted by Dr. Esther Zeledón and Dr. Paul Rivera, each episode goes beyond titles, accomplishments, and traditional definitions of success to explore how we create meaningful impact without losing our connection to ourselves along the way. Sometimes that means asking a big question: If you had $40 billion in the bank, every desire fulfilled, and your legacy secure, what would you choose to do today? Other times, it means getting practical about the things that help turn a vision into reality. How do you land a TEDx? Build a powerful community? Get your story into the media? Navigate defeat and keep going? Lead, grow, create opportunities, and bring a big idea into the world? And then there are the questions underneath all of that: How do I pursue big dreams while being present for the people I love? Can I be deeply ambitious and still have inner peace? How do I make a difference without burning myself out? Can intuition, spirituality, Human Design, and self-awareness make me a better leader? How do I know when to push, when to pause, and when to change direction? What does success look like when I define it for myself? Through honest conversations, real-life coaching, powerful guests, and actionable takeaways, Esther and Paul explore both sides of a limitless life: the ambition to create something extraordinary and the inner work to actually enjoy it. Expect conversations about leadership, entrepreneurship, TEDx, PR, visibility, community building, resilience, money, relationships, intuition, Human Design, spirituality, wellbeing, purpose, legacy, and everything that happens in between. Because you shouldn't have to choose between ambition and inner peace, impact and presence, success and wellbeing. You get to create impact and experience your life. And sometimes, the conversation, perspective, or practical tool you need arrives at exactly the right moment. Just What I Needed. keywords: heart-led high achievers, high achievers, ambition, inner peace, meaningful success, purpose, making a difference, leadership, entrepreneurship, TEDx, public speaking, PR, media strategy, personal branding, community building, resilience, overcoming failure, visibility, actionable business advice, work-life balance, success without burnout, wellbeing, presence, Human Design, intuition, spirituality, self-awareness, relationships, personal growth, conscious leadership, legacy, fulfillment, social impact, changemakers, sustainable ambition.

Publisher

Dr. Esther Zeledon and Dr. Paul Rivera

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

23 Dec 2025

Latest episode

22 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Oct 2026

   EP015 Just What I Needed: Find Your Voice (ft. Joe Vazquez)

   What makes someone impossible to stop listening to? For four-time Emmy-winning journalist and communication strategist Joe Vazquez, it starts with something simple: Every story is about people. After 35 years in television news covering fires, riots, politics, disasters, and extraordinary people, Joe learned how to find the human story inside the noise. Now he helps others do the same with their own ideas, experiences, and voices. In this conversation, Esther and Joe get into what actually makes someone compelling on camera, on stage, in an interview, or across a table. Joe shares how a painfully shy kid became a television journalist, singer, storyteller, and communication coach. He explains why confidence comes from repetition, why great speakers need structure, and why finding your voice often means unlearning the polished, formal version of yourself you thought people wanted. They explore: Why speaking is a skill you can build Joe’s jazz-inspired “riffing” method for finding your authentic voice Why you should “cut to the end of the chase” How to structure a story so people actually stay with you The phone-down test for a powerful opening Why natural speakers can still be terrible communicators Code-switching, accents, identity, and protecting what makes your voice yours Why failure belongs in your story How one musician sitting beside the ruins of his home helped Joe win an Emmy Why the strongest communication makes people feel something One of Joe’s clearest lessons comes from that Emmy-winning wildfire story. Producers wanted more flames. Joe stayed focused on the man who had lost his home and was sitting beside the ruins playing the blues. The human story won. Whether you’re giving a TEDx talk, pitching an idea, interviewing for a job, leading a meeting, or making a 30-second video, connection starts with finding the story people can feel. And that starts with your voice. ABOUT JOE VAZQUEZ Joe Vazquez is a four-time Emmy-winning journalist and communication strategist with 35 years of television news experience. Today, he helps leaders, professionals, and organizations communicate with greater clarity, authenticity, and impact through stronger storytelling, structure, and delivery. Website: joevazquez.com SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Instagram: @be.act.change Website: beactchange.com Email: hola@beactchange.com (mailto:hola@beactchange.com) THEME SONG “HIGHER” by Kingsley Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for the podcast. Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Website: iamkingsley.com communication skills, public speaking, storytelling, authentic voice, executive communication, speaking confidence, presentation skills, TEDx, personal brand, interview skills, Joe Vazquez #JustWhatINeeded #Communication #Storytelling #PublicSpeaking #FindYourVoice #Authenticity #Leadership #PersonalBrand #TEDx #BeActChange

2. 

   5 Oct 2026

   EP014 Just What I Needed: Human Design - Who are you REALLY? (ft. Ilona Pamplona)

   What if knowing how you’re wired could help you change more intentionally? Ilona Pamplona has a way of making Human Design feel less mysterious and much more practical. Her version? If you’re a Billy bookcase, stop trying to be a Malm bed. Your design gives you the pieces. Self-awareness helps you understand how they fit together and how to use them on purpose. That idea takes this conversation in some fascinating directions: why certain kinds of work energize you while others drain you, why some people naturally command a room while others amplify the people around them, why self-worth can feel steady for one person and deeply tested for another, and how the parts of yourself that feel vulnerable can become powerful places for growth. Ilona also gets wonderfully provocative: “You are not gonna navigate these storms being someone you’re not made to be.” And later: “Your job is still to be on the journey. You’re going to sometimes be triggered by some of these MFers out here who are going to challenge your worth as you build this amazing thing.” In this conversation: Human Design explained without making it painfully complicated The IKEA theory of self-development What your natural energy may reveal about how you lead, work, communicate, and make decisions Why copying someone else’s operating system can leave you exhausted Self-worth, open centers, and the people who know exactly how to push your buttons How understanding each other’s design can change a partnership or team Why workplaces keep forcing radically different people into the same mold Conditioning, authenticity, and the parts of you that feel deeply innate Ilona’s provocative view of the shift toward greater individual responsibility and self-awareness Walter Mercado, astrology, intuition, peace, and love Why recognizing your calling can help you stay on the path before the results show up One of the most powerful ideas comes near the end. Ilona talks about certainty: the kind that comes from knowing yourself well enough to move. As she puts it, Human Design can give you “just enough certainty for you to believe in yourself to give it a go.” And underneath the whole conversation is one question: What changes when you understand how you’re actually built? ABOUT ILONA PAMPLONA Ilona Pamplona is a twice-published author, Human Design Coach & Strategist, and founder of Your Aura at Work. She utilizes Human Design to transform personal development insights into practical, strategic actions. Her work helps entrepreneurs, professionals, creatives, and community leaders create clear, self-directed results in life and business, grounded in emotional intelligence, clarity, and self-trust. Website: ilonapamplona.com Your Aura at Work: yourauraatwork.com SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Instagram: @be.act.change Website: beactchange.com Email: hola@beactchange.com (mailto:hola@beactchange.com) THEME SONG “HIGHER” by Kingsley Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for the podcast. Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Website: iamkingsley.com Human Design, self-awareness, knowing yourself, intuition, authenticity, self-worth, personal development, career alignment, workplace strengths, purpose, calling, emotional intelligence, self-trust #JustWhatINeeded #HumanDesign #KnowYourself #SelfAwareness #SelfTrust #Authenticity #Purpose #Intuition #CareerAlignment #BeActChange

3. 

   30 Aug 2026

   EP013 Just What I Needed: Can You Have Both? (ft. Tyler Dickerhoof)

   Can you be wildly ambitious and deeply present at the same time? In this episode, Esther welcomes Tyler Dickerhoof back for a candid conversation about a tension many high achievers know well: wanting to do something big in the world while also craving a life that feels peaceful, connected, and enough. Esther calls it the “Beach and Forbes” dilemma. Tyler’s answer is yes. You can have both. The harder question is: what is driving you? Ambition rooted in purpose, growth, and contribution can be healthy. Ambition rooted in fear, insecurity, or the need to prove your worth becomes a chase with no finish line. Together, they explore: Why ambition and presence do not have to compete How to tell whether you are driven by purpose or fear Why “all in” should look different in different seasons Why quantity of impact is not the same as quality of impact The starfish story and the power of making a difference for one person Why putting on your own oxygen mask first matters How unspoken expectations create frustration Why service itself can become a hiding place How excellence can inspire growth or make others feel they are never enough The question: Would you work for someone who spoke to you the way you speak to yourself? Why empowerment often means stepping back instead of stepping in Tyler also shares his empathy spectrum, from becoming a doormat on one end to bulldozing everyone around you on the other, and why healthy leadership lives somewhere in between. Paul makes a surprise appearance to connect the conversation to economics: diminishing returns, delegation, long-term investment, and why developing someone today can create greater value tomorrow. Tyler adds another memorable distinction: leaders can be incinerators, extracting everything people can produce now, or incubators, investing in who they can become. The takeaway: you do not have to choose between the beach and Forbes. The work is understanding your values, checking your motivations, and recalibrating so your ambition, health, relationships, and contribution can belong to the same life. ABOUT TYLER DICKERHOOF Tyler Dickerhoof is a speaker, coach, author, and leadership practitioner focused on self-awareness, empathy, and authentic leadership. He is the author of The Things We Hide and leads the Free to Lead Roundtable coaching community. Website: TylerDickerhoof.com (http://TylerDickerhoof.com) Book: The Things We Hide SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Instagram: @be.act.change Website: beactchange.com (http://beactchange.com) Email: hola@beactchange.com (mailto:hola@beactchange.com) THEME SONG “HIGHER” by Kingsley Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for the podcast. Stream: https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley (https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley) Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Website: iamkingsley.com (http://iamkingsley.com) Keywords: high achievers, ambition, work life balance, values alignment, authentic leadership, perfectionism, boundaries, delegation, burnout, purpose, empathy #JustWhatINeeded #HighAchievers #Leadership #WorkLifeBalance #ValuesAlignment #Authenticity #Perfectionism #Boundaries #Delegation #Burnout #Purpose #BeActChange

4. 

   19 Aug 2026

   EP012 Just What I Needed: What If You’re Not Defeated, Just Thinking Too Small?

   What if the rejection that made you question everything is only one data point in a much bigger universe? In this personal episode, Esther turns the microphone on Paul after a tough round of rejections left her questioning a vision she deeply believes in. Paul brings an economist’s lens to a feeling we all know: defeat. The conversation introduces a powerful framework from economics: small universe vs. big universe thinking. When we focus only on what is immediately visible, we optimize within a narrow set of possibilities. When we expand the universe, we begin to see solutions, people, opportunities, and paths that were invisible before. Setbacks make that harder because fear narrows our planning horizon. We retreat toward what we can control. The dream gets smaller, the pitch gets safer, and even our understanding of our own value can shrink. So how do you know when to pivot and when to keep going? Start with evidence. Ask whether the setback actually disproves your idea. Look at what has worked before. Examine the data. Then flip the question fear keeps asking: What if I wasn’t thinking too big? What if I was thinking too small? In this episode, we explore: How fear and risk shrink your perspective Why one rejection represents one small universe, rather than every possibility available to you How breathwork, growth, champions, and your “front row” reconnect you to possibility Why expanding your universe means meeting new people, asking for advice, serving, and making genuine connections How big universe thinking changes the way you interview, pitch ideas, and communicate your value Why your value reaches beyond your degree, title, tasks, or years of experience How AI can amplify human potential and create space for deeper connection Paul also introduces alignment capital: the value created when people with complementary strengths, values, and ways of solving problems come together intentionally. By the end, Esther has moved from wanting to retreat to feeling energized about the vision again. That shift captures the heart of this episode. When rejection comes, resist shrinking your universe around it. Look outward. Look at the evidence. Find your people. Ask what else is possible. SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! Have a question, want to appear on the show, or have a topic you want us to explore? Instagram: @be.act.change Website: beactchange.com (http://beactchange.com) Email: hola@beactchange.com (mailto:hola@beactchange.com) THEME SONG “HIGHER” by Kingsley Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for the podcast. Stream “Higher”: https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley (https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley) More music: kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast (http://kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast) Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Website: iamkingsley.com (http://iamkingsley.com) Keywords: feeling defeated, overcoming rejection, big universe thinking, resilience, fear of failure, career rejection, entrepreneurship, human potential, personal growth, confidence, mindset, alignment, purpose #JustWhatINeeded #FeelingDefeated #Rejection #Resilience #BigUniverseThinking #HumanPotential #PersonalGrowth #Mindset #Purpose #CareerGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Alignment

5. 

   26 May 2026

   EP011 Just What I Needed: STORYTELLING (ft. Victoria Carrington Chavez)

   You are more than the main character of your story. You are the author. In this episode, we sit down with Victoria Carrington Chavez, storyteller, archetype guide, and brand strategist, for a conversation that goes straight to the heart of why so many brilliant, driven people struggle to articulate their own value. Victoria uses the power of archetypes, narrative psychology, and what she calls main character energy to help trailblazers, cycle breakers, and first-generation leaders start owning the one they actually are. The conversation moves through King Arthur and Merlin, the three C's of story, the concept of Sonder, and the line that landed like a thunderclap: the tools you used to survive are not the tools you will use to thrive. If you have ever shrunk yourself to fit a box that was never built for you, this episode is the permission you did not know you were waiting for. Your story is your most powerful asset. And you get to write it. ABOUT VICTORIA CARRINGTON CHAVEZ Victoria Carrington Chavez is a storyteller, archetype guide, creative brand strategist, and TEDx speaker whose work sits at the intersection of narrative psychology, identity, and impact. Through her methodology of main character energy, Victoria helps trailblazers, entrepreneurs, and leaders uncover the archetypes that drive them, rewrite the stories that have been written for them, and show up in the world with the kind of clarity and conviction that makes them undeniable. A multiracial woman who has spent her life navigating between worlds, Victoria knows firsthand what it costs to contain your own multitudes while the world insists you pick a box. Her TEDx talk, her work with Goldman Sachs cohorts, and her one-on-one client work all carry the same through line: giving people back their power, witnessing them in the story they are creating, and then connecting them to the community that helps them sustain it. Connect with Victoria: LinkedIn: Victoria Carrington Chavez (https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-carrington-chavez/) Substack: The Story Saloon (https://thestorysaloon.substack.com/) Website: lilacaspen.com (http://lilacaspen.com) Instagram and TikTok: @victoriatellsstories SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! This show is for YOU! Connect with us: Instagram: @be.act.change Website: beactchange.com (http://beactchange.com) Email: hola@beactchange.com (mailto:hola@beactchange.com) THEME SONG "HIGHER" by Kingsley Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for JWIN. Stream here: https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley (https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley) More music: kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast (http://kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast) Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Website: iamkingsley.com (http://iamkingsley.com) archetypes, main character energy, storytelling, narrative psychology, identity, value proposition, trailblazers, cycle breakers, personal branding, authenticity, survive vs thrive, representation, self-worth, author, story #JustWhatINeeded #Podcast #Author #MainCharacterEnergy #Archetypes #Storytelling #ValueProposition #Trailblazers #CycleBreakers #PersonalBranding #Authenticity #SurviveToThrive #Representation #Identity #BeActChange

6. 

   28 Apr 2026

   EP010 Just What I Needed: ENOUGH (ft. Tyler Dickerhoof)

   Every high achiever is running from something. Most of the time, what they are running from is the fear that what they have is not enough. In this episode, Paul sits down with Tyler Dickerhoof, leadership mentor, entrepreneur, host of the Impact Driven Leader community, and author of "The Things We Hide," for a conversation that goes straight to the root. Tyler spent years defining his worth by achievement, often at the cost of everything else, and it took confronting the fears and insecurities he had carried, sometimes for decades, to understand what it actually means to lead. Together, Paul and Tyler unpack the hustle culture trap, what your comparative advantage has to do with your calling, and why the mirror you look into every morning might be lying to you. This is a conversation about knowing what you are best at, deploying it in service of others, and understanding that you do not have to do more, be more, or prove more. You are already enough. Stop hiding from what you already are. The window is waiting. ABOUT TYLER DICKERHOOF Tyler Dickerhoof is a leadership mentor, entrepreneur, host of the Impact Driven Leader community, and author of "The Things We Hide." With over 25 years of experience and more than $700 million in generated business sales, Tyler knows firsthand the pressure that drives leaders to perform, and to hide. A Cornell University graduate who once pushed through life on intensity alone, Tyler spent years confronting the hidden insecurities that quietly shaped his leadership before he understood how to name them, own them, and work through them. Today he helps leaders do the same. Through his community, his coaching, and his book, Tyler guides people to slow down, tell the truth about what is really driving them, and lead with greater clarity and impact. Whether he is breaking down his B.E.S.T. framework or naming the four walls that protect our fears, Tyler has a rare gift for making the invisible visible. And the story at the heart of his book is one of the most honest and courageous things you will hear on this show. Connect with Tyler: Website: tylerdickerhoof.com (http://tylerdickerhoof.com) Book: thethingswehidebook.com (http://thethingswehidebook.com) SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! This show is for YOU! Connect with us: Instagram: @be.act.change Website: beactchange.com (http://beactchange.com) Email: hola@beactchange.com (mailto:hola@beactchange.com) THEME SONG "HIGHER" by Kingsley Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for JWIN. Stream here: https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley (https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley) More music: kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast (http://kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast) Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Website: iamkingsley.com (http://iamkingsley.com) Keywords: leadership, authenticity, hustle culture, fears and insecurities, personal development, entrepreneurship, mindset, the things we hide, servant leadership, vulnerability, self-awareness, comparative advantage, pivot, impact #JustWhatINeeded #Podcast #Leadership #Enough #ThingsWeHide #HustleCulture #PersonalDevelopment #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #ServantLeadership #Vulnerability #SelfAwareness #Impact

7. 

   9 Apr 2026

   EP009 Just What I Needed: BREATH PLAY (ft. Kingsley)

   What if the most powerful wellness tool you own costs nothing, takes 90 seconds, and you've had it your whole life? In this episode, we sit down with Kingsley, the creative force and artist behind our very own theme song "Higher," to explore breath play, identity, and what it really takes to build an authentic life. Kingsley has been part of the Just What I Needed journey from the very beginning, and this conversation is long overdue. If you have ever been curious about breathwork but did not know where to start, or if you have ever poured everything into a career and forgotten who you are along the way, this is exactly what you needed. Authenticity is not found. It is built, one honest decision at a time. And sometimes the most powerful tool you have is the one you carry with you in every single breath. You do not have to be superhuman to begin. You just have to be willing to show up as yourself. ABOUT KINGSLEY Music that sounds like the first sip of champagne. Kingsley is a Black alt-pop artist from Chicago, creating uplifting, immersive music made for both dance floors and late-night drives. Her work centers joy, self-love, and embodiment, blending infectious pop energy with emotional depth. Singing from her lived experiences of life, love, and becoming, Kingsley has rebuilt her brand from a local indie pop artist into an international recording artist and community thought leader. She has performed across the world, launched immersive cocktail books that pair music with curated drink experiences, built a dope, story-driven merch line, and is preparing to release a new record rooted in healing and self-celebration. Kingsley is also a breath play facilitator. Not breathwork. Play. Her sessions are body-first, intuitive, and built for people who thought these tools were not made for them. Her music is for your first mirror twerk after heartbreak. Connect with Kingsley TikTok: @kingsleymusic Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Branding: kingskitchenmedia.com (http://kingskitchenmedia.com) Music and Patreon: iamkingsley.com (http://iamkingsley.com) SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! This show is for YOU! Connect with us: Instagram: @be.act.change Website: beactchange.com (http://beactchange.com) Email: hola@beactchange.com (mailto:hola@beactchange.com) THEME SONG "HIGHER" by Kingsley Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for JWIN. Stream here: https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley (https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley) More music: kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast (http://kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast) Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Website: iamkingsley.com (http://iamkingsley.com) Keywords: authenticity, identity, breath play, breathwork, creativity, music, entrepreneurship, branding, mental health, vulnerability, personal growth, resilience, self-discovery, wellness #JustWhatINeeded #Podcast #BreathPlay #Authenticity #Identity #Creativity #Entrepreneurship #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #Branding #Resilience #Breathwork

8. 

   1 Apr 2026

   EP008 Just What I Needed: JOY (ft. Gretchen Schoser)

   How do you find joy when the world feels like it is on fire? Not by ignoring reality, but by making joy a daily, intentional practice. In this episode, we sit down with Gretchen Schoser to discuss why actively practicing joy is an act of resilience. If you have ever felt overwhelmed by global events or burned out while trying to build a business, this conversation will resonate deeply. Joy is not an accident. It is a protective boundary for your mental health, a tool that keeps you moving forward, and the foundation for creating a life you are genuinely proud of. No matter how difficult things get, you have the power to change your trajectory, ask for help, and build a beautiful life. ABOUT GRETCHEN SCHOSER Gretchen “G-Rex” Schoser is a mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and award-winning podcast co-host dedicated to making honest conversations about mental health more human, accessible, and supportive. After experiencing a life-changing mental health crisis in 2022, Gretchen chose to turn her story into a mission. She co-created the award-winning podcast Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads with her best friend and co-host Dirty Skittles. Since launching on February 14, 2023, the show has grown into a global platform with more than 2 million downloads across 100+ countries, blending humor, raw storytelling, and expert insights to remind listeners they are not alone. In addition to her work behind the mic, Gretchen is the Founder of Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions, a consulting and training company that helps small and midsize businesses build healthier, more sustainable workplaces. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in HR technology and workforce systems, she specializes in UKG Recruiting and Onboarding, change management, and human-centered workplace wellness. Through courses, consulting, and practical tools, Gretchen helps leaders create environments where both people and systems can thrive. Whether she is speaking about mental health, coaching organizations, or laughing through difficult topics on the podcast, Gretchen’s work is rooted in one belief: real conversations save lives, and connection creates healing. Connect with Gretchen Website: shosersolutions.com (http://shosersolutions.com) Podcast: goesoninourheads.net (http://goesoninourheads.net) LinkedIn: Gretchen Schoser SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! This show is for YOU! Connect with us: Instagram: @be.act.change Website: beactchange.com (http://beactchange.com) Email: hola@beactchange.com (mailto:hola@beactchange.com) THEME SONG “HIGHER” by Kingsley Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for JWIN. Stream here: https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley (https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley) More music: kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast (http://kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast) Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Website: iamkingsley.com (http://iamkingsley.com) Keywords: joy, mental health, entrepreneurship, resilience, intentional living, burnout recovery, boundaries, career pivot, depression, self care, business boundaries #JustWhatINeeded #Podcast #Joy #MentalHealth #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #CareerPivot #IntentionalLiving #OvercomingDepression #SelfCare

9. 

   10 Mar 2026

   EP007 Just What I Needed: LEADERSHIP (ft. Renzo del Castillo)

   What is a leader, really? Not a title. Not a personality. Not the loudest voice in the room. In this episode, Esther and Paul sit down with Renzo Del Castillo to redefine leadership as a way of being: servant leadership rooted in purpose, empathy, and enabling others to succeed. If you have ever been promoted because you were great at your job, then felt unprepared to lead people, this conversation will land. Leadership is not “doing more.” It is removing obstacles, building psychological safety, and creating conditions where a team can deliver far beyond what one person can do alone. As a preview: Servant leadership as “I work for you” leadership that clears the path Accountability vs blame, plus guardrails that make learning possible Ready-to-wear vs made-to-measure vs bespoke: why leadership growth must be tailored The Disney World moment: the shift from “I do” to “I enable others to do” EQ as trainable, and self-awareness as the foundation of empathy Why art and poetry deepen empathy, and why empathy is not fluff A coaching moment on authenticity and ambition in a male-dominated workplace: test assumptions and build agency through self-knowledge This episode is a blueprint for leaders at any level, including the “leader without a title” who sets the tone, interrupts gossip, and helps the team make the soup together. ABOUT RENZO DEL CASTILLO Renzo Del Castillo is a corporate leader and poet who builds bridges through empathy, discipline, and creation. He is the author of Still (Amazon bestseller), created to keep art accessible, including a low-cost Kindle edition. He also co-hosts Reel Poetry with Scott Raven, spotlighting poets and highlighting poetic movies. Connect with Renzo Instagram: @renzodelcastillo.author (http://renzodelcastillo.author) LinkedIn: Renzo Del Castillo SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! This show is for YOU! Let us know if you have a question you would like us to answer, if you would like to appear on the show, or if you have a topic you would like for us to discuss. Find us: Instagram: @be.act.change Website: beactchange.com (http://beactchange.com) Email: hola@beactchange.com (mailto:hola@beactchange.com) THEME SONG “HIGHER” by Kingsley Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for the podcast. Stream “Higher” here: https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley (https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley) More music: kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast (http://kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast) Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Website: iamkingsley.com (http://iamkingsley.com) Keywords: leadership, servant leadership, emotional intelligence, empathy, psychological safety, leadership development, managing vs leading, accountability culture, workplace culture, authentic leadership, inclusive leadership, coaching leaders #JustWhatINeeded #Podcast #Leadership #ServantLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #Empathy #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceCulture #AuthenticLeadership #Coaching #TeamLeadership #PersonalGrowth

10. 

    14 Feb 2026

    EP006 Just What I Needed: PARTNERSHIPS (ft. Alexis Marquez)

    Your partner should not be a source of chronic anxiety. Your partner should be a source of momentum. In this episode, Esther and Paul are joined by Alexis Marquez for a wide-ranging conversation about partnerships of every kind: dating, marriage, business partners, clients, teams, mentors, therapists, and family. The throughline is simple: alignment beats performance. We introduce a lens that instantly clarifies compatibility: Rocket vs Anchor. Rockets are driven by growth, variety, big vision, and expansion. Anchors thrive on stability, roots, and local legacy. Neither is better. The problem is pretending they are the same. Misalignment shows up later in the decisions that shape your life: where you live, how you spend holidays, what you build, and how far your dreams want to travel. We also challenge the checklist approach to partnership. Money, titles, and status can look impressive, but they do not tell you how someone handles truth, growth, conflict, and commitment. Values do. Try these questions from the episode: What kind of life am I building, and does this person genuinely want that life too? Would I start a business with this person? If the answer is no, pay attention. Am I hoping they will save me, or am I becoming the person I say I want to be? ABOUT ALEXIS MARQUEZ Alexis Marquez is a coach and systems thinker with a Master’s degree and a background in urban planning and international program management. She specializes in DEIJ leadership and neuro-inclusion, has trained US goverenment teams on best practices for working with neurodiverse populations, and has facilitated 120+ coaching sessions for Foreign Service staff, creating spaces of belonging across cultures and sectors. Her promise to clients is simple: “I got you — I’m your ally, coach, and your safe space to breathe and begin again.” Instagram and TikTok: @TheAlexisMarquez SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! This show is for YOU! Let us know if you have a question you would like us to answer, if you would like to appear on the show, or if you have a topic you would like for us to discuss. Find us: Instagram: @be.act.change Website: beactchange.com (http://beactchange.com) Email: hola@beactchange.com (mailto:hola@beactchange.com) THEME SONG “HIGHER” by Kingsley Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for the podcast. Stream “Higher” here: https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley (https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley) More music: kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast (http://kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast) Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Website: iamkingsley.com (http://iamkingsley.com) Keywords: partnerships, values alignment, rocket vs anchor, relationship anxiety, intentional dating, healthy love, business partnerships, hiring by values, client alignment, leadership relationships, therapy fit, coaching relationship, legacy, growth mindset #JustWhatINeeded #Podcast #Partnerships #ValuesAlignment #RocketAndAnchor #IntentionalDating #HealthyRelationships #BusinessPartnership #Leadership #Coaching #Therapy #Legacy #GrowthMindset

11. 

    9 Jan 2026

    EP005 Just What I Needed: COMMUNITY (ft. Earl Talbot)

    We often speak about the journey to a limitless life, but there is a fundamental truth we must acknowledge. You cannot build a skyscraper on an island. To truly thrive, you need a foundation of genuine support. You need a community that sees you, values you, and propels you forward. Finding deep connection today can feel elusive. That is why we are thrilled to welcome Earl Talbot to kick off 2026 with the energy we all need. Earl is a true guide to "soulpreneurship" and a master of intentional community building. In this episode, we move beyond surface level connection to explore the mechanics of belonging. We unpack the shift from viewing community as a transaction (what you can get) to a contribution (how you can serve). Earl challenges us to distinguish between our "North Star" and our "North Pole." The North Star is the visible aspiration, while the North Pole is the invisible magnetic pull of intuition. We also explore the "Round Table" and how to choose the few key advisors who sit in the front row of your life, not just to agree with you, but to hold you to your highest standard. If you are navigating change, feeling the "slump" of uncertainty, or ready to shift from passive participant to active creator of your tribe, this conversation offers the blueprint you have been looking for. ABOUT EARL TALBOT Earl is a solopreneur and founder of Creative Muscle, helping corporate citizens and solopreneurs live on purpose. With 25+ years across tech sales and management consulting, he supports digital and cultural transformation for multinational clients, partnering with C-suite leaders to deliver measurable results. A certified NLP trainer, Earl blends modern tools with ancient wisdom, and has coached and mentored people since co-facilitating his first wellbeing retreat in 2002. SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! This show is for YOU! Let us know if you have a question you'd like us to answer, if you'd like to appear on the show, or if you have a topic you'd like for us to discuss. Find us: Instagram: @be.act.change Website: beactchange.com (http://beactchange.com) Email: hola@beactchange.com (mailto:hola@beactchange.com) SEO Keywords: community, belonging, intentional community, soulpreneurship, purpose, mentorship, North Star, intuition, Round Table, personal growth Hashtags #JustWhatINeeded #Podcast #Community #Belonging #Purpose #Soulpreneurship #Mentorship #Intuition #PersonalGrowth #Leadership THEME SONG: "HIGHER" by Kingsley Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for the podcast. Let the vibes lift you up and remind you of your power to rise. Stream "Higher" here: https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley (https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley) Discover more music by Kingsley: kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast (http://kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast) Join the Kingdom for more music, magic, and meaning: Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Website: iamkingsley.com (http://iamkingsley.com)

12. 

    31 Dec 2025

    EP004 Just What I Needed: INSPIRATION (ft. Precious Azuonwu)

    In this episode of Just What I Needed, Esther and Paul sit down with Precious Azuonwu to trace his journey from one of Africa’s largest slums to the forefront of global entrepreneurship. Precious shares how his father’s commitment to education, plus a resilient mindset, helped him transform adversity into a mission for systemic change. We explore the birth of Bankable Wisdom, a platform built to bridge the opportunity gap for young people through high demand digital skills. The conversation also dives into core pillars of success: leveraging education, using storytelling to unlock doors, and grounding ambition in service. Precious offers a practical roadmap for change makers by highlighting the power of community support and the courage to embrace your unique narrative. You will hear how to cultivate a growth mindset and turn raw talent into bankable assets in today’s digital economy. ABOUT: Precious Azuonwu | Founder of Bankable Wisdom Precious Azuonwu is an impact entrepreneur and digital strategist focused on tackling Africa’s youth unemployment crisis. Known as “Emperovial,” he founded Bankable Wisdom at age 23 and scaled it into a workforce development engine that has empowered 75,000 users across 30 African countries. His work centers on Strategic Systems Development, Sustainable Resource Optimization, and Collaborative Community Empowerment to bridge the gap between raw talent and global opportunity. A 2024 Western Union Foundation Fellow and member of the Forbes Black Community, Precious has educated 15,000+ students globally and mentors for the Tony Elumelu Foundation. Through partnerships with Google and the Ford Foundation, he continues transforming marginalized youth into bankable assets within the global digital economy. LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/preciousazuonwu (https://linkedin.com/in/preciousazuonwu) Instagram: https://instagram.com/financialemperovial (https://instagram.com/financialemperovial) Facebook: https://facebook.com/preciousazuonwu (https://facebook.com/preciousazuonwu) Book: https://www.amazon.com/Read-Change-Inspiring-Generation-Readers-ebook/dp/B01F5JOY0W (https://www.amazon.com/Read-Change-Inspiring-Generation-Readers-ebook/dp/B01F5JOY0W) Company: https://bankablewisdom.com (https://bankablewisdom.com) SEO Keywords: inspiration, Precious Azuonwu, Bankable Wisdom, youth unemployment, Africa, digital skills, entrepreneurship, workforce development, growth mindset, storytelling, opportunity gap, global careers Hashtags #JustWhatINeeded #Podcast #Inspiration #Entrepreneurship #BankableWisdom #DigitalSkills #GrowthMindset #Storytelling #YouthEmpowerment #WorkforceDevelopment #Africa #ImpactEntrepreneur SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! This show is for YOU! Find us: Instagram: @be.act.change Website: beactchange.com (http://beactchange.com) Email: hola@beactchange.com (mailto:hola@beactchange.com) THEME SONG "HIGHER" by Kingsley This original song "Higher" was written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for the podcast. Let the vibes lift you up and remind you of your power to rise. Stream "Higher" Discover more genre-bending, soul-stirring music by Kingsley. Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Website: iamkingsley.com (http://iamkingsley.com)

13. 

    23 Dec 2025

    EP003 Just What I Needed: BOUNDARIES

    Welcome to Episode 3 of Just What I Needed with Esther and Paul, where we coach the brave next step forward using the questions people carry quietly every day. Today we tackle a fear almost everyone has felt: “I know I need boundaries, but I’m afraid of what will happen if I set them. How do I say no without feeling like the bad guy?” In this episode, we make boundaries feel practical, human, and even freeing. We break down a key distinction: a limit is the hard line (yes or no). A boundary is your space, and you are the gatekeeper deciding what gets access to your time, energy, money, and emotional bandwidth. We also name the hidden cost of not setting boundaries: resentment that builds until you hit a boiling point, then withdraw, then repeat the cycle. If you have ever wondered why you feel exhausted or quietly irritated with people you love, this conversation will click. You will learn how to: Pause the automatic yes with “Let me sit on it” and reply after 24 hours Offer a redirection instead of a shutdown: “I can help this way, not that way” Reinforce boundaries with action, including not responding when needed Notice when seasons change, and adjust boundaries without guilt Spot extractive dynamics and shift your giving toward relationships that grow with it And yes, we use a surprisingly powerful metaphor: pizza toppings. When you tell people what you like and what you do not, you are not being difficult. You are making it easier to love you well. If you want to keep your sparkle and protect your peace, press play. SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! This show is for YOU! Let us know if you have a question you would like us to answer, if you would like to appear on the show, or if you have a topic you would like for us to discuss. Find us: Instagram: @be.act.change Website: beactchange.com (http://beactchange.com) Email: hola@beactchange.com (mailto:hola@beactchange.com) CONTACT RUBY GARCIA Shout-out to Ruby Garcia, a great friend and incredible coach who specializes in helping people set and enforce boundaries. Connect via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubygarcia/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubygarcia/) THEME SONG “HIGHER” by Kingsley Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for the podcast. Stream “Higher” here: https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley (https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley) More music: kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast (http://kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast) Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Website: iamkingsley.com (http://iamkingsley.com) SEO Keywords: setting boundaries, boundaries without guilt, how to say no, people pleasing, resentment, emotional boundaries, limits vs boundaries, healthy relationships, communication, burnout prevention, self respect Hashtags #JustWhatINeeded #Podcast #Boundaries #SettingBoundaries #SayNoWithoutGuilt #PeoplePleasing #HealthyRelationships #SelfRespect #EmotionalWellbeing #PersonalGrowth #BurnoutPrevention

14. 

    23 Dec 2025

    EP002 Just What I Needed: RESILIENCE

    If 2025 humbled you, shook your confidence, or forced you to rebuild from the ground up, this episode is for you. Esther and Paul respond to a powerful listener question: “You look fearless. How did you get over your fears?” What most people did not see behind the travel photos is the truth: 2025 hit hard. After months of planning and securing major contracts, everything collapsed in late January, and Esther and Paul found themselves face to face with the fear most of us carry under the surface: what if the worst case scenario actually happens? In this candid conversation, they break resilience down into something real, not performative. You will hear why “do it scared” is not a slogan, it is a practice. Why fear is data, not a verdict. And why worst case scenario thinking can be reframed as a strength when you learn to work with it, not drown in it. Key takeaways from the episode: Resilience starts with permission to grieve, plus a time boundary so you do not live inside the spiral esther Name the fear on paper, then test which fears are true and which are stories Shift from panic to service: when your horizon expands beyond you, clarity returns Expect the math: 95% no, 5% yes, and keep moving anyway (even if it takes 1,200 asks) Trust your intuition, and look for “the gray,” not the false choice of all or nothing Measure resilience as recovery: high stress with low recovery is the danger zone They also share the unexpected pivot that followed: showing up publicly, choosing service, and supporting mission-driven professionals through career transitions with practical tools, coaching, and deep humanity. Your reflection prompt for the end of the year: write down the thing you have been postponing, list the fears attached to it, and take one small step to test what is possible. SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! This show is for YOU! Let us know if you have a question you would like us to answer, if you would like to appear on the show, or if you have a topic you would like for us to discuss. Find us: Instagram: @be.act.change Website: beactchange.com (http://beactchange.com) Email: hola@beactchange.com (mailto:hola@beactchange.com) THEME SONG “HIGHER” by Kingsley Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for the podcast. Stream “Higher” here: https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley (https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley) More music: kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast (http://kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast) Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Website: iamkingsley.com (http://iamkingsley.com) SEO Keywords: resilience, how to overcome fear, do it scared, worst case scenario thinking, intuition, recovery, burnout, grief and growth, service mindset, career pivot, purpose, courage Hashtags #JustWhatINeeded #Podcast #Resilience #OvercomingFear #DoItScared #Intuition #GrowthMindset #PurposeDriven #BurnoutRecovery #EmotionalWellbeing #Courage #Values

15. 

    23 Dec 2025

    EP001 Just What I Needed: BEGINNINGS

    Welcome to the very first episode of Just What I Needed. We are Esther and Paul, founders of BeActChange, and this show is our space for honest conversations that help you come back to yourself, take aligned action, and make the impact you are here to make. We have wanted to launch a podcast for years, and the timing finally feels right. After working with thousands of people and traveling to 100+ countries, we are in a season where we can share what we have learned with clarity, humility, and real-world tools. So who is this podcast for? If you are a change maker, social entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or founder, you are in the right place. If you are a high achiever with a big heart, also you. If you are a nurse, doctor, caregiver, community member, or simply someone who leads with heart and service, this podcast is for you. In this debut episode, we introduce the essence of BeActChange: Be your authentic self, because that is what creates momentum Act with intention, because action is how possibility becomes real Change the world, because your “small” contribution matters more than you think You will also hear what to expect from the format. This show is built around real questions from real people. Think advice-column energy, but with coaching, laughter, and depth. Some episodes will feature guests, and some will be just us, but the promise stays the same: each episode aims to be just what you need, right when you need it. We also share why we care so much about the “inner work.” Personal growth is not fluff. It is often the bottleneck to any kind of progress, whether you are leading a team, building a venture, navigating conflict, or trying to create community change. When you get clear on who you are and how you want to show up, your leadership, relationships, and impact shift with you. SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! This show is for YOU. If you have a question, want us to coach on a topic, or want to appear on the show, reach out: Instagram: @be.act.change Website: beactchange.com (http://beactchange.com) Email: hola@beactchange.com (mailto:hola@beactchange.com) THEME SONG “HIGHER” by Kingsley Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for the podcast. Stream “Higher” here: https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley (https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley) More music: kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast (http://kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast) Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Website: iamkingsley.com (http://iamkingsley.com) Keywords: Just What I Needed podcast, BeActChange, Esther and Paul, change makers, social entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, purpose, authentic self, personal growth, coaching podcast, service leadership, making a difference #JustWhatINeeded #Podcast #BeActChange #ChangeMakers #SocialEntrepreneur #NonprofitLeadership #Authenticity #PersonalGrowth #Purpose #ServiceLeadership #Coaching

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Contact Just What I Needed

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.