The Even Better Podcast

In this solo episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh explores how to stay grounded and focused through both the highs and the challenges of everyday life. She shares three powerful questions that help anchor decision making and direction: Why do we do what we do, who do we serve, and how do we show up. Drawing on her work with Your Clear Next Step, Sinikka explains how clarity of purpose can gu...

In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh sits down with Troy Roberts to explore a story of recovery, redemption, and lasting reform. Troy shares his journey from a childhood shaped by addiction to his own struggles with substance use, homelessness, and ultimately facing a 35 year prison sentence. He opens up about the loss of his mother, the turning point that led him to Harvest Academy,...

In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh sits down with communication expert Erik Dominguez to explore how public speaking can become not just manageable but genuinely enjoyable. Erik shares his journey from growing up bilingual in Mexico City to discovering confidence through speech and debate after moving to the United States. Together, they break down practical habits for stronger com...

In this solo episode of Even Better, Sinikka Waugh explores the experience of change saturation and what it feels like when too much change arrives all at once. Drawing on personal insight and coaching conversations, she reflects on how easily we can become overwhelmed, stretched thin, and disconnected from what matters most. Sinikka invites listeners to notice when that sense of saturation begins...

In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh is joined by Scott Post to discuss how continuous improvement and lean thinking can help create more good work days. Reflecting on how they first met years ago in a project management class, including a memorable lesson involving a "crazy red chicken," Scott shares how he found his path into lean, continuous improvement, and operational excellence...

In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh is joined by Jenna Adams Valadez for a practical and thoughtful conversation on how neurodivergent individuals can truly thrive at work. Jenna shares why this topic matters personally and helps redefine neurodivergence to include ADHD, autism, dyslexia, anxiety based differences, and more as different ways of processing rather than deficiencies. T...

In this episode of Even Better , host Sinikka Waugh is joined by Lata Hamilton, an organizational change management consultant and career confidence mentor, for a practical conversation about navigating career change with clarity and confidence. Lata shares her proven five‑step career change formula, grounded in her own experience of successfully changing careers multiple times. Together, they exp...

In this episode of Even Better , host Sinikka Waugh is joined by artist and community advocate Kristy Evans for a deeply moving conversation about letting go of control and embracing what comes next. Kristy shares her remarkable journey from teaching to art after unexpected health challenges reshaped her life, and how creativity became both a healing practice and a path toward self‑discovery. Toge...

In this episode of Even Better , host Sinikka Waugh is joined by Catherine Schut for a heartfelt conversation about building genuine human connection through the simple beauty of flowers. Catherine shares how her local flower farm has become a gathering place for community, bringing together fellow small‑business owners, loyal customers, and neighbors through shared experiences and small acts of k...

In this solo episode of Even Better , Sinikka Waugh explores what it means to plan with purpose, drawing on insights from recent quarterly planning and coaching conversations. She breaks planning into three essentials: setting simple yet SMART goals that bring clarity, identifying the big rocks that matter most so they do not get buried in the daily grind, and finding a rhythm that keeps you focus...

In this episode of Even Better , host Sinikka Waugh is joined by Urmi Hossain for a powerful conversation on mentorship for women, how to find the support you need and how to become that support for someone else. Urmi shares why mentorship begins with self‑awareness, clarity, and understanding your goals, and why the best mentor for you doesn't always look like you or come from your industry. Toge...

In this episode of Even Better , host Sinikka Waugh talks with Tim Ferry about what it really looks like to take the next step, both as an entrepreneur and as someone committed to helping people rediscover the joy of movement. Tim shares how he designed his gamified group fitness program, blending scenarios, friendly competition, and accessible progressions to make exercise fun and achievable for...

This episode is brought to you by the  Change Makers Certification Program ! In this solo episode of Even Better , host Sinikka Waugh shares three practical techniques for building resilience in the face of change. Life and work can throw unexpected challenges our way, and while it's natural to feel the weight of those moments, resilience is what helps us keep moving forward. Sinikka reflects on w...

In this episode of Even Better, Sinikka Waugh is joined by Aaron Matthews for a conversation about freeing your team from organizational drag and unlocking their full potential. Drawing from his expertise in organizational design and technology strategy, Aaron shares five practical ways to reduce friction and create space for creativity; without falling into the trap of over-relying on AI. Togethe...

In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh talks with Nicholas A. Krehbiel, owner of Agri-Prime Consulting, about the powerful connection between strong businesses and thriving communities. Drawing on his experience starting and growing his own business, Nicholas shares lessons learned from the field; why investing in people leads to better collaboration, stronger retention, and healthier...

In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh is joined by Laura Rotter, a former Wall Street institutional investor who now helps women in midlife navigate financial transitions with clarity and confidence. Together, they explore how mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation can transform your definition of success, and why financial planning works best when it starts with vision and va...

This episode is brought to you by the Change Makers Certification Program ! In this solo episode of  Even Better , host Sinikka Waugh reflects on the unique pace at which each of us works, communicates, and learns, and why that difference is not just normal, but necessary. We all move through the world in our own way, and while it's natural to want others to keep up or slow down to match us, doing...

This episode is brought to you by the  Change Makers Certification Program !  In this solo episode of  Even Better , host Sinikka Waugh explores how to co-create greatness in every meeting—whether you're leading it or simply participating. Our workplaces thrive when people feel cared for, valued, and like they matter, and meetings are a powerful microcosm of that culture. Sinikka shares practical...

This episode is brought to you by the  Change Makers Certification Program !  In this solo episode of Even Better , host Sinikka Waugh explores the crossroads we all face when change presents itself and a decision needs to be made. Sometimes the question is simple— Should I do this? Do I even want this? —but the answers can feel anything but clear. With warmth and practical wisdom, Sinikka walks t...

In this episode of Even Better, Sinikka Waugh is joined by Dr. Ngozi Igbokwe, Senior Learning and Development Manager at Bright Horizons, for a conversation about reclaiming your time and energy for what matters most. Drawing from her expertise in leadership development and her own experiences balancing career and community, Ngozi shares practical strategies for focusing on what fuels you—and lett...

This episode is brought to you by the  Change Makers Certification Program !  In this episode of  Even Better , Sinikka Waugh is joined by Debra Rienstra for a conversation about pursuing climate action in partnership with people of faith. From early passions that shaped her calling, to the experiences that prepared her for this moment, Debra shares how her journey has evolved—and how faith commun...

This episode is brought to you by the  Change Makers Certification Program !  In this episode of Even Better , Sinikka Waugh is joined by Rob Taylor for a conversation about the common frustrations business owners face—and how to move past them. From lack of control to lack of profit, people challenges to stalled growth, it can feel like nothing is working. Rob introduces us to the Entrepreneurial...

This episode is brought to you by the  Change Makers Certification Program !  In this solo episode of Even Better , host Sinikka Waugh takes on a challenge we've all faced: dealing with change we didn't ask for, didn't expect, and maybe didn't even want. When circumstances shift outside of our control, it's natural to feel resistance, frustration, or even grief. With her trademark clarity and comp...

This episode is brought to you by the  Change Makers Certification Program !  In this episode of  Even Better , Sinikka Waugh is joined by Jana Mitzoda for a conversation about when life moves at full speed, slowing down can feel impossible—but your mind and body need it. Jana joins us to share five simple, powerful ways to quiet your mind and soothe your nervous system. From the permission to tru...

This episode is brought to you by the  Change Makers Certification Program !  In this solo episode of Even Better , host Sinikka Waugh shines a spotlight on three of the biggest sources of organizational pain: ineffective communication, role and responsibility mismatch, and ineffective risk management. These common challenges cause breakdowns in projects, teams, and trust—and yet, they're often ov...