In this conversation, Mairin Strigley shares her transformative journey from nonprofit manager to mezzo-soprano. She highlights the challenges of performance anxiety and the importance of self-care. Mairin discusses the necessity of building a support system and recognizing one’s self-worth beyond professional achievements. She emphasizes the joy of performing and the mindset shift that allows her to connect authentically with her audience.Jennifer and Mairin explore various themes, including performance anxiety, self-compassion, emotional skills, and leadership dynamics. They share personal stories and insights on navigating challenges in both personal and professional contexts. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, the value of community, and the need to focus on strengths rather than weaknesses. Finally, they reflect on the common good and discuss ways individuals can contribute positively to their communities.

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In this week’s Leadership for the Common Good episode, host Jennifer McDowell sits down with Ruth Farfel, a Baltimore-based coach, facilitator, and solopreneur, for an honest and deeply resonant conversation about curiosity, creativity, and collective well-being.

Together, Jennifer and Ruth explore moving from feeling stuck to stepping into purpose—slowly, intentionally, and with care. Ruth reflects on her journey toward solopreneurship, the impact of societal pressures on curiosity, and the radical act of asking good questions. They discuss how survival mode suppresses exploration, why perfectionism is a threat in the do-good space, and how leadership can and should model vulnerability.

This episode is a heartfelt call to embrace experimentation, redefine self-care, and build a community rooted in authenticity. It invites listeners to reflect on their values, lean on others, and imagine a version of leadership that makes space for the messy, beautiful work of collective growth.

Key Themes:

• The power of small steps in creative processes

• Burnout, perfectionism, and the self-care industrial complex

• Leadership is honest modeling, not having all the answers

• Why curiosity is critical to thriving communities

• Building a culture of support in a world of individual pressure

In this powerful new episode of Leadership For the Common Good, host Jennifer McDowell sits down with longtime nonprofit leader Carol Reckling for an honest and deeply reflective conversation about the meaning of leadership across time.

Together, they explore:

• What leadership really looks like in action

• How change unfolds across generations

• The emotional and professional journey of leaders who helped build movements and institutions

• And the important question: What does it mean to be remembered?

Carol shares hard-won wisdom from her decades of service, offering a grounded perspective on impact, growth, and what it feels like to step back and reflect on a career devoted to social good.

Whether you're an emerging leader or someone reflecting on your own legacy, this episode will leave you inspired to lead with intention — and to honor those who paved the way.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 Visit: commongoodcoaching.com for more.

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