Episodes

Shari talks with Johanna Smith about Harmonious Balance, a concept to help individuals live their best lives through the practice of holistic energy management. Johanna shares: how she went from engineering to the wellness field how she came up with the idea of Harmonious Balance how to achieve Harmonious Balance the four energies – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual the concept of balance-in and harmony-out Johanna also discusses insights if you are thinking of a career change, and how s...

Shari talks with Ellen Rogin, a bestselling author and trainer to financial advisors. Shari and Ellen share a common bond – they have both built careers based on taking the stress out of money. They discuss Ellen’s new book, Messages from Money, including how to move from money worry to money welcome, the difference between goal setting and goal getting, how to use prosperity practices to shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance, and how to make your money a force for good in the world. El...

A majority of women will one day be solely in charge of their finances. Shari talks with our Senior Financial Advisors Kristyn Gibson and Liz Xilas about why it is so important for women to take an active role in their finances now. For women in charge of their finances, Kristyn and Liz provide tips about spending, financial and estate planning, investing and much more. They also share how important it is to assemble “your team”, manage your emotions, take a breath, and invest in yourself. About...

Jennifer Gray, “The Brand Therapist”, has navigated the business and therapy worlds for almost twenty years. She counsels overwhelmed professionals on how to boldly reimagine their life. In her conversation with Shari, Jennifer discusses the relationship between people pleasing and burnout and the conflict between personal and professional values. They also discuss the signs of burnout and tips to manage burnout. Jennifer also talks about how she maximizes her return on life. About Jennifer: Jen...

Shari talks with Susan and Lorri about their journey to co-founding Senior Living Specialists Chicago, a premier local and free Senior Community Referral Service. Susan and Lorri explained the different types of senior communities, from independent living to nursing homes. They discuss who benefits from their services, their process to finding the perfect community and how finances impact their clients’ decisions. They share some success stories – and how they maximize their return on life. Susa...

Where does all my money go? This is a question many people can’t answer. In this podcast, Shari talks to budgeting expert (and little brother) Adam Greco about budgeting tips. Adam is a budgeting fanatic. He lays out three budgeting strategies: A) Set an annual saving goal and the budget will fall into place. B) Use a spreadsheet and budget the big items – rent/mortgage, insurance, debt, health, travel, etc. C) Use a comprehensive budgeting program like Quicken . Adam will help you align your...

Shari talks with Susan about the 20th anniversary of her book, The New Success Rules for Women: 10 Surefire Strategies for Reaching Your Career Goals . Some of her success rules include: The more relationships you have, the more you can get done, and make the “ask” (for business, clients , experiences, pay and more) so others can help you achieve. She discusses how her values led her to pivot from positions at Goldman Sachs and McKinsey to the nonprofit sector, most recently as CEO of the Illino...

Shari talks with Linda about how she became a career strategist, and why she founded Linda L. Harvey Coaching & Career Development. Linda shares how to find your best-fit career path, and offers tips for recent grads and those re-entering the workforce. Linda also discusses how values affect career decisions, and how she maximizes her return on life. Linda L. Harvey has over 25 years of consulting and career advisory experience in private practice as well as with top-tier MBA programs in Chicago...

Shari talks with Beata about how her values were a catalyst in her decision to leave a successful Wall Street career to join start-up private credit provider, The Copia Group, as Chief Impact Officer. Beata has a fascinating life story, as she moved to the United States from the former Soviet Union at the age of 4. As a female leader in the industry, she has consistently focused on engaging with women on their finances and mentoring women within the finance/investment world. Shari also discusses...

Shari talks with Manisha about her new book: Money Zen: The Secret to Finding Your “Enough”. Like many of us, Manisha felt trapped in the “Cult of Never Enough”, which nearly destroyed her relationships, health, and self-esteem. She describes the four factors that cause us to feel this way and shares the Money Zen formula – financial health plus emotional wealth. Learn how to free yourself from toxic behaviors (such as wearing a “busy badge”) — and find your “enough” to create the life you’ve al...

Shari’s guest Kristyn Friske describes the wakeup call that led her to leaving corporate world success to become a Social Impact Strategist. They also discuss Kristyn’s “Time, Talent, and Treasure” method to decide how to allocate her resources among many worthwhile causes. Kristyn provides information on Trust based philanthropy, why she believes your health is your wealth, and how she uses her values to maximize her return on life. Ignoring the need for change was not an option for Kristyn. A ...

Shari and Dana discuss how she started her practice Dana Hirt Parenting, a Chicago-based parent coaching and education service, and how she became a PCI Certified Parent Coach®. Dana uses Intentional Parenting in her practice – a mindful approach that encourages parents to use their Core Values to help guide their parenting decisions. Dana offers tips and examples for raising toddlers to young adults, she shares how she maximizes her return on life – and much more. Dana is the founder of Dana Hi...

Shari talks with Dave about Rappaport Reiches Capital Management’s investment approach and his thoughts on current markets. David Rappaport, CFP® is the Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Rappaport Reiches Capital Management. He acts as personal CFO to entrepreneurs and corporate executives, providing organization and clarity in their finances. Dave loves to talk about investing, financial planning, and Aspiritech, a non-profit hiring individuals on the autism spectrum. Connect with Davi...

Shari talks with the Soup Kitchen founders Nancy Bashook, Jeff Forgash, and Jessie Macdonald and co-chairs Tracey Denlow, Leslie Shulruff, and Beth Tucker. The Soup Kitchen recently celebrated its 20 th anniversary and was renamed in honor of Rabbi Peter and Elaine Knobel. Shari and her guests discuss its origins and impact, how meals are prepared, volunteer responsibilities, and operating during the pandemic. They also discuss how you can help!! The Rabbi Peter and Elaine Knobel Soup Kitchen at...

Shari talks with Dan Bayston, Independent Director, and longtime friend. They discuss Dan’s career, what retirement looks like, Dan’s involvement on private Board of Directors, being board chair of Sacred Heart School during the pandemic, and how Dan maximizes his return on life. Daniel D. Bayston spent over 38 years as a corporate finance and business valuation professional assisting publicly traded and privately-held corporate clients and ERISA fiduciaries on a variety of shareholder and strat...

Shari interviews Karyn Grossman Gershon, CEO at Project Kesher. Project Kesher was founded to support a growing network of Jewish women leaders in Belarus, Georgia, Russia, Moldova, and Ukraine to empower and engage women and support the return of Jewish life to the post-Soviet states. Shari and Karyn discuss how Karyn made the decision to leave law, Project Kesher’s mission, and their work helping women and girls in Ukraine during the war. Karyn also shares traits that make a good not-for-profi...

Shari interviews David G. Booth, Founder and Executive Chairman of Dimensional Fund Advisors. David shares his path from selling newspapers and shoes to founding one of the largest money management firms in the world. He also discusses how he gives back to the organizations that helped him along the way. David Booth is Executive Chairman of Dimensional Fund Advisors, a firm he founded in 1981. Under David’s leadership, Dimensional has grown from a fledgling business operating out of the spare ro...

Shari interviews Eric Rosen, Digital Content Creator and International Chess Master. They discuss how Eric turned his passion for chess into a thriving business, how he began playing, chess in pop culture, a few pointers – and how he maximizes his return on life. About Eric: Eric Rosen is a 29-year-old International Chess Master based in St. Louis who has a worldwide following on YouTube and Twitch. He was born and raised in Skokie, Illinois, where his older brother Alex taught him to play chess...

Shari interviews Karen Asbra, CFP®, Chief Operating Officer and Principal of Rappaport Reiches Capital Management. They go all the way back to the beginning, when Karen was the first employee as an Associate at RRCM – and her path to becoming Chief Operating Officer, how she balances work and family, some financial tips, and how Karen maximizes her return on life. About Karen: Karen L. Asbra, CFP® is Chief Operating Officer and Principal of Rappaport Reiches Capital Management. Karen joined RRCM...

Shari talks with Lindsey Paige Markus, an estate planning attorney, and author of the book A Gift for the Future – Conversations About Estate Planning . They discuss Lindsey’s path to becoming an attorney, proactive estate planning for every stage of your life, why she wrote the book, and how creating a gift for the future can maximize your return on life today. Lindsey Paige Markus is a shareholder with Chuhak & Tecson, P.C., a boutique law firm in Chicago, where she leads the firm’s 25 attorne...

I am a storyteller by nature and recently published my first book : Maximize Your Return on Life. In this podcast I share my inspiration for writing the book, and why I feel so strongly about using your Core Values to guide key decisions on how you spend your time and money. The book explores: Your early and profound memories of money — memories that shape your relationship with money today Your Core Values — how to identify them and let them guide you in important decisions Understandable fina...

Shari interviews The Sleep Ambassador® Nancy Rothstein. Nancy is a globally recognized sleep expert, and she shares her quest to help people live life fully 24/7, with tips to get a better sleep. She also discusses her new book, Rising in the Mourning: Ways to Celebrate Life . Nancy H. Rothstein is on a quest to help people live life fully, 24/7, by guiding them to rise in the morning and to rise in the mourning . As The Sleep Ambassador®, Nancy inspires a new respect for sleep and its impact on...

Shari talks with Tara May about her journey from Corporate Executive to CEO of Aspiritech — a nonprofit organization that hires individuals on the autism spectrum to provide software testing ...

Shari talks with Carol and Brad White about their career paths – Carol, an MBA with a corporate client base, to a consultant focused on nonprofit organizations, and Brad, a law school graduate to a real estate professional focusing on neighborhood revitalization, historic preservation and affordable housing. They discuss how their jobs fit with their values, how they planned and took a sabbatical, and their annual trip to Charlevoix, Michigan and what it means to their family. About Carol: Carol...