Transforming Workplace Culture: A Life Unscripted Conversation with Katherine Robinette

Katherine Robinette

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🪑 Change Doesn’t Have to Be a Battle—It Can Be a Table

By Rosabel V. Zohfeld

Culture. We talk about it all the time in the workplace. But do we really understand what it is—or how to shift it for the better?

In a recent episode of the Life Unscripted Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Katherine Robinette, a former marketer turned company culture strategist, to unpack the myths, moments, and methods behind what it means to create a workplace people don’t just tolerate, but truly belong in.

Let me tell you—this conversation lit a fire in me.

🌱 From Performer to People-Centered Leader

Katherine’s journey is a tapestry of seemingly disconnected roles: performer, nonprofit leader, marketing professional, consultant. But when I asked her to connect the dots, she shared a powerful truth: the common thread is people. The desire to educate, uplift, and create spaces where people feel seen has always been at the heart of her work.

“I thought I was going to be a teacher,” she said, “but life had other plans.” And like many of us, Katherine wore armor in the corporate world. Not literal armor, but the kind we put on to survive in places that ask us to fit in rather than let us belong.

That’s where her transformation began.

🛠️ The TABLE Framework: A Seat for Everyone

Katherine’s signature approach to cultural transformation is her five-step TABLE framework—Trust, Alignment, Belonging, Leadership, and Engagement. But this isn’t your average acronym. This is a mindset shift.: It

“Most leaders go into change assuming it's going to be an uphill battle,” Katherine said. “But it doesn’t have to be. If you bring people to the table early—give them voice and clarity—the resistance melts.”

A few things that stood out:

• Target Your Goals: How can people walk with you if they don’t understand the destination?

• Address Expectations: Don’t assume what people fear. Ask them.

• Build Simplicity: Avoid overload. Focus on what people need to know to succeed.

• Lean into Trust: Transparency isn’t optional—it’s survival.

• Evaluate and Adjust: You won’t get it all right. That’s okay. Adjust along the way.

It’s a powerful model rooted in empathy, strategy, and real-world experience.

🧠 Why We Resist Change (And How to Fix It)

Change fatigue is real. In today’s whirlwind of AI rollouts, leadership transitions, and software updates, employees are stretched thin—and often kept in the dark. Katherine nailed it when she said:

“Leaders forget to connect the dots between a change and how it will make the employee’s life better.”

Without that connection, even the best ideas fall flat. But when we treat people like partners instead of pawns, everything changes.

💬 Communication Is Everything—And We’re Drowning in It

We joked about how chaotic internal communication can be—apps, emails, Slack messages, bulletin boards. No one knows where the real information is anymore.

Her advice? Pick one place. Make it official. And repeat important messages often, in clear, human language. Communication shouldn’t feel like decoding a riddle.

🌍 Leading from the Middle

One of my favorite parts of the conversation was this: You don’t have to be “the boss” to be a culture shifter.

Katherine calls it leading from the middle—making change in your small circle and letting the ripples spread. “Start with your team,” she says. Create your own corner of excellence. Others will notice.”

And I felt that deeply.

🔮 The Future of Work? More Human.

Katherine’s dream workplace?

“A place where people can show up, speak up, and step up as themselves—without apology.”

Not chameleoning. Not fitting in. Belonging.

When people feel safe and seen, they contribute their best ideas and authentic selves, and everybody wins.

✨ Favorite Takeaways

• Best compliment she ever got?
  “Working with you is like hang gliding while tethered to a sports car.” (That image stuck with me!)

• Managers, stop doing this:
  “Quit going to every meeting. Seriously.”

• What does belonging feel like?
  “Unity of vision. Support in strife. Laughter in learning.”
  (If that doesn’t warm your soul, I don’t know what will.)

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To learn more about Katherine’s work or dive deeper into her TABLE framework,

Visit keystoneandraven.com or find her on LinkedIn. She’s also hosting a free webinar on April 30th at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET. The link is here: The Leader You Are. This webinar is for leaders who want to make five meaningful changes starting tomorrow. 

More information here 👇

If you're managing people—
whether you have the title or not—
You’re already leading.

This masterclass is designed for 𝘺𝘰𝘶.
To help you 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲.
𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀.
And 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁.

🎯 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝑨𝒓𝒆
🗓️ April 30, 12p ET / 9a PT | 60 mins | Free

 

https://bit.ly/LeaderYouAre

And remember—free speech isn’t free, and neither is change. But with the right people at the table, it’s absolutely possible.

Until next time,

Listen to this episode and more here: YouTube, Spotify ApplePodcast

Visit: Rosabel Unscripted

From Trauma to Triumph: Karin Thompson’s Journey of Forgiveness and Hope

From Trauma to Triumph: Karin Thompson’s Journey of Forgiveness and Hope

On a recent episode of Life Unscripted, I had the honor of interviewing Karin Thompson, an author, speaker, and woman of unwavering faith. Her life story is powerful and a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the grace of God, and the miracle of healing.

Karin’s memoir, My Journey to Enjoy My Life: After the Pain, There Is a Better Life Waiting for You, dives into the depths of childhood trauma and climbs toward the light of redemption and joy. Her willingness to open up about the abuse she endured growing up—both physical and emotional—offers validation and courage to those who may still be sitting in silence.

“I wrote the book because I felt a stirring,” she said. “People don’t need things sugarcoated anymore. They need help. They need real answers.”

Through faith, Karin found the strength to forgive—not because it was easy or even something she wanted to do, but because healing demanded it. “God didn’t ask me to forgive as a suggestion. It was a commandment,” she shared. And when she finally said the words, “I forgive,” everything changed. Her body began to heal, her spirit began to rise, and her life took on a new direction.

What struck me most during our conversation was how closely her story mirrored my own. Though our paths were different, we both carried wounds from childhood. We both turned to faith not as a religious act, but as a lifeline. That deep connection we felt through shared experiences—through pain, forgiveness, and finding purpose—made this episode incredibly special.

Beyond her memoir, Karin has authored multiple romance novels, each woven with themes of healing, resilience, and hope. Her latest novel, My Best Friend’s Secret, explores family secrets, betrayal, and the power of truth. Even in fiction, Karin finds a way to minister to the heart.

She’s not done yet—Karin continues to lead women’s groups, write, and encourage others to go deeper in their relationship with God. “You are worth getting healed,” she told listeners. “Don’t settle for second best. You owe it to yourself to love yourself.”

And I couldn’t agree more.

🌿 Final Thoughts

If you’re carrying pain from your past and wondering if healing is possible, let Karin’s story be the hope you need. Forgiveness is not a one-time event. It’s a process. But it’s one worth taking.

As Karin beautifully put it: “Put your big girl boots on, throw your shoulders back, and say, ‘It’s my time now.’”

🔗 Connect with Karin Thompson

Visit Karin’s website to explore her books and follow her journey:

🌐 karinmthompson.wixsite.com/website

🎧 Subscribe & Stay Inspired

If this conversation moved you, inspired you, or reminded you of your own strength, please:

• Subscribe to The Life Unscripted Podcast on your favorite platform

• Leave a review to help others discover these powerful stories

• Share this post or episode with someone who might need it

Until next time—live boldly, love deeply, and keep writing your story unscripted.

With heart,

Rosabel 

From Grief to Purpose: The Transformational Journey of Tony Lynch

 

From Grief to Purpose: The Transformational Journey of Tony Lynch

By Rosabel V. Zohfeld | Life Unscripted Podcast

Grief is a universal experience—yet it is as unique as a fingerprint. On the latest episode of Life Unscripted, I had the honor of sitting down with a remarkable man whose life story is a testament to resilience and a powerful guide for those navigating unimaginable pain.

Tony Lynch is a grief coach, author, podcast host, founder of Memories of Us, and the visionary behind the Global Grief Network and Global Grief Conference. But beyond the titles lies a journey shaped by profound loss, trauma, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

Tony’s life has been anything but easy. A survivor of childhood abuse, gang violence, homelessness, and incarceration, Tony has experienced the kind of losses that would bring most to their knees. He’s lost over 400 friends and family members, including both parents, his brother, and most heartbreakingly, his son. “My gift was born out of trauma,” he shared with honesty and conviction. “Grief became my teacher. And through it, I found my purpose.”

His story took a turning point after surviving two suicide attempts—the second leading to a spiritual awakening in the desert. Tony realized then that his life was never indeed about him. It was about service. Healing. Connection. That moment transformed his pain into purpose and set him on a mission to create safe spaces for men and others experiencing grief.

In our conversation, Tony and I discussed the cultural differences in how grief is expressed and perceived. We both shared personal stories—mine from losing my mother as a teenager in Colombia, and his from the tragic loss of his son. The common thread? Grief often hides in plain sight. And too many people suffer silently because they fear being misunderstood.

Tony is changing that.

Through his initiatives like Grief Talk Magazine, the Memories of Us podcast, and the upcoming Global Grief Conference (April 25–27), he’s creating community-centered platforms for healing. From comedy and live music to heartfelt keynotes and support groups, his conference is more than just an event—it’s a lifeline.

Tony reminded us that while grief may break us, it can also build us. “My job,” he says, “is to walk with people through the mud and leave them better than I found them.”

💬 A Final Thought from Tony:

“The three most powerful words in the human language? I love you. We need to say it more. We need to feel it more. And above all—we need to live it more.”

📌 Get in Touch with Tony Lynch:

• Facebook: Tony Lynch

• YouTube: Grief: Let’s Talk About It Podcast

• Instagram: @mensgriefsupport

• LinkedIn: Tony Lynch

• Books:

  • Relentless: Empowering Stories of Overcoming Grief – Available on Amazon

  • Men Grieve Too – Available on Lulu.com

Don’t miss the upcoming Global Grief Conference, streaming live from April 25 to 27 across all major platforms. With 13 hours of daily programming and speakers worldwide, this event is bound to uplift, educate, and inspire.

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🎙️ Love this episode?

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Life Unscripted Podcast wherever you listen. Join our growing community and discover more powerful stories like Tony’s—stories that remind us we’re never alone on this journey.

Until next time,

Rosabel

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Breaking Free from the Grip of Scammers: A Conversation with Zoey Michaels

🎙️ Breaking Free from the Grip of Scammers: A Conversation with Zoey Michaels

By Rosabel V. Zohfeld

In a world where trust often feels fragile, few stories hit home quite like that of Zoey Michaels, a writer, advocate, and survivor of emotional and financial manipulation. I had the incredible honor of welcoming Zoey onto The Life Unscripted Podcast to discuss a subject that’s often cloaked in silence and shame: being scammed.

But Zoey didn’t just survive—she turned her pain into power.

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The Scam That Changed Everything

What began as a simple Facebook friend request spiraled into a long-term emotional entanglement involving deception, manipulation, and, ultimately, profound personal loss. Despite all her precautions—even tagging the individual as a “possible scammer”—Zoey was drawn into a well-crafted scheme that targeted her empathy and trust.

“They adapt like viruses,” she explained. “They’re not artists—they are diseases.”

Scammers aren’t always after quick money. They work slowly, gaining trust, building emotional connections, and gradually breaking down resistance. Zoey describes the experience as “wrapped inside the coils of a constrictor snake.” You think you can breathe—until the squeeze tightens again.

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From Victim to Voice: The Power of Storytelling

Rather than retreat in silence, Zoey chose to speak out. Her book, Breaking Free: How Scammers Manipulate and How to Fight Back, offers a rare dual-perspective narrative that explores both the manipulator’s strategy and the victim’s psychological experience.

In doing so, she gives voice to what so many endure silently—emotional coercion, shame, confusion, and the gut-wrenching process of reclaiming control.

Writing became her form of healing. “Ideas are my happy place,” she told me. “The reverse-engineering helped me understand myself—and help others see the red flags before it’s too late.”

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A Community of Courage

Our conversation also revealed something deeply personal for both of us: we’ve both experienced this in different ways. Whether it was family manipulation, financial coercion, or false emotional promises, the damage runs deep—and so does the courage it takes to heal.

It’s why Zoey’s upcoming book, I Am NOT Your ATM, hits so hard. A satirical but truth-laden take on what it means to be seen as a resource instead of a person, the book speaks directly to the self-employed, creators, and caregivers who often find themselves emotionally and financially drained.

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Beyond the Scam: Healing, Advocacy & Reclaiming Power

Scams aren't just transactions—they're emotional betrayals. As a nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how vulnerable elderly patients, individuals with dementia, and even healthcare professionals are. That’s why this conversation isn’t just about Zoey’s story—it’s about all of us.

Together, we discussed:

• How family dynamics and codependency can shape susceptibility to manipulation

• Why shame and stigma prevent victims from speaking up

• How scammers use emotional hooks—romance, fear, false opportunity—to exploit

• Why it’s time to protect not just ourselves, but our elders and children, too

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Zoey’s Message: You Are Not Alone

If there’s one takeaway from this episode, it’s this: you are not alone, and you are not to blame. Scammers are professional manipulators. They train themselves to exploit emotions and routines. But by speaking out, we remove the veil. We arm ourselves—and each other—with knowledge, compassion, and the courage to break free.

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🎧 Listen & Engage

You can listen to our full conversation on The Life Unscripted Podcast—available wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to check out Zoey’s website for more on her books and tools she’s created to help others recognize red flags and regain control:

🌐 ZoeyMichaels.com
📩 ZoeyMichaelsBooks@gmail.com

Her blog also offers a free questionnaire for those who wonder if they—or someone they know—might be involved in a scam.

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🔔 Final Thoughts

If you or someone you love has been scammed, please know there is no shame. There is only bravery in speaking out, learning, and helping others avoid the same trap.

📣 If this blog post resonated with you, please:

• Share it with someone who might benefit from reading it

• Leave a comment below—let us know your thoughts or experiences

• Subscribe to The Life Unscripted Podcast for more authentic conversations 

Together, let’s shed the shame and reclaim our stories.

Until next time, stay alert, stay empowered, and keep living unscripted.

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Practical Growth Through Conversation: My Interview with Michal Stawicki

 

Practical Growth Through Conversation: My Interview with Michal Stawicki

On a recent episode of my podcast, The Life Unscripted with Rosabel, I had the pleasure of interviewing Michal Stawicki, an author and personal growth advocate from Poland, known for his pragmatic approach to self-improvement.

Michal shared how his journey into personal development began unexpectedly when he stumbled across Jeff Olson's book, The Slight Edge, while visiting family in Ireland. He described how the book’s concept—success and failure resulting from simple, consistent actions—deeply resonated with him and prompted him to make meaningful changes in his life.

During our conversation, I was intrigued by Michal's creation of a personal mission statement inspired by Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Michal explained that crafting this statement became his compass, guiding him to align his daily actions with his deeper goals. His advice on how listeners could create mission statements through introspection felt particularly insightful.

I asked Michal about balancing practical methods with abstract concepts like visualization and gratitude. He initially admitted to feeling skeptical about these methods but eventually recognized their power through personal experience and scientific research. Michal emphasized gratitude as particularly transformative—a sentiment I deeply connected with based on my experiences.

One topic I was especially curious about was Michal's transition from his career in IT to becoming a full-time author. Michal candidly shared his significant challenges, such as replacing a stable salary and dealing with skepticism from friends and family. He highlighted the importance of community support, reinforcing my belief in building a supportive network.

Michal and I discussed extensively how family influenced his personal and professional growth approach. He explained his strategy for balancing work and family life by adapting his writing schedule around his commute and creating a flexible business model. This conversation resonated with my own experiences in balancing ambition with family responsibilities.

I found Michal's philosophy of taking small, sustainable steps particularly relatable and valuable. He illustrated this with his personal story of overcoming shyness by breaking down his goal into manageable actions, reinforcing the powerful message that incremental changes can lead to significant breakthroughs.

I asked Michal how he recommends listeners track their personal growth. He suggested practical metrics, emphasizing the consistency of actions over immediate results, particularly in less tangible practices like gratitude. This helpful advice seemed immediately applicable and beneficial for our listeners.

Our conversation highlighted continuous learning. Michal shared his preference for reading to stay updated on personal development. He encouraged listeners to find methods that resonate with them, an idea I fully support based on my learning journey.

Finally, we discussed Michal's future goals. He mentioned his current focus on mindfulness meditation techniques he's learning from a client, reflecting his ongoing commitment to personal growth. Michal’s key takeaway—that passion grows through consistent action—was a message that deeply resonated with me and provided valuable inspiration to our audience.

I hope this conversation with Michal provides practical insights and inspiration for our listeners, highlighting how consistent, small actions can drive transformative results.

To explore more of Michal’s insights, visit ExpandBeyondYourself.com.

Spring Flower: A Story of Resilience, Identity, and the Human Spirit

 Spring Flower: A Story of Resilience, Identity, and the Human Spirit

Imagine surviving one of the worst natural disasters in history as a newborn, growing up amidst cultural upheaval, and then later documenting a journey that spans continents, wars, and decades of personal challenges. This is precisely the extraordinary story in "Spring Flower," a memoir originally begun by Dr. Jean-Tren Hoa Perkins and completed by her son, Richard Perkins Hsung.

Jean-Tren Hoa Perkins' life was dramatically shaped from birth. Born into an impoverished farmer's family during the catastrophic Yangtze River flood of 1931, her survival was miraculous. Her biological mother, displaying remarkable foresight and love, sought refuge and aid from American medical missionaries operating near their devastated village in China. Here, Jean was adopted at just one year old by American missionaries who became her real parents in heart and spirit.

Richard Perkins Hsung, Jean's son, shared on the Life Unscripted Podcast the poignant narrative of his mother's early years, characterized by an extraordinary blend of hardship and happiness. Despite a tumultuous beginning, Jean spent her formative years embraced by the warmth of her adoptive parents and their community. Educated in English-speaking schools and absorbing Western ideals, Jean enjoyed a loving and nurturing environment that defied the norms for women in her native China at the time.

Her journey was marked by extraordinary encounters, including witnessing Mahatma Gandhi during one of his famous hunger strikes and experiencing World War II firsthand. Jean was briefly repatriated to the United States during the war, but she returned to China afterward due to her parents' commitment to their missionary work. However, political upheaval would dramatically shift the trajectory of her life once again.

Jean found herself trapped in Communist China for 30 long years, separated from her American adoptive parents, who were forced to flee during the rise of anti-American sentiments. During this isolation, Jean navigated life through the perspective of an American-educated woman in a culturally oppressive environment. Her son, Richard, was born during this turbulent period and later accompanied Jean when she returned to the U.S. in 1980.

Richard candidly shared his own experiences, recalling his shock and struggles at adjusting to life in America. Forced to leave behind family and friends at 14, he grappled with his identity, feeling caught between two worlds—neither entirely Chinese nor thoroughly American. Despite the challenges, Richard built a meaningful life, teaching chemistry and eventually completing his mother's memoir, a profound labor of love and duty.

Completing "Spring Flower" was an emotionally arduous process for Richard, mirroring his mother's struggles while writing the memoir. Jean herself fell into depression while revisiting painful memories and eventually developed dementia, passing away shortly after Richard promised to finish her life's work. The memoir has preserved Jean’s remarkable story and provided Richard with a journey of healing and self-discovery.

The story of Jean-Tren Hoa Perkins and Richard Perkins Hsung resonates deeply with anyone who has faced cultural displacement or felt caught between worlds. It's a testament to resilience, the power of storytelling, and the journey to find one's unique identity amidst life's unpredictable challenges.

"Spring Flower" offers readers a rare glimpse into the personal and historical events of the 20th century through the eyes of a remarkable woman and her son. Above all, it is a powerful reminder that every person's journey—filled with adversity, resilience, and transformation—is a story worth telling.

To explore more about this inspiring story, check out "Spring Flower: A Tale of Two Rivers," available now on Amazon. For more information and to connect directly with Richard Perkins Hsung, visit his official website at RichardPerkinsHsung.com.

Visit the Yankse River Website

Subscribe to the Life Unscripted Podcast for more inspiring life stories here: YouTube

Rewrite Your Story: Empowering Women Through Intuitive Mindset Coaching

 

Rewrite Your Story: Empowering Women Through Intuitive Mindset Coaching

In a recent episode of the Life Unscripted Podcast, I welcomed Sasha Greenidge, an intuitive mindset coach specializing in guiding high-achieving women to break free from limiting beliefs and rewrite their life stories.

Sasha's journey toward becoming an intuitive mindset coach began with her transformation. Like many women, she found herself in her mid-thirties, outwardly successful yet deeply unhappy, burned out, and disconnected from her true self. Her path to healing started when she encountered a coach who opened her eyes to mindset work influenced by Bob Proctor's teachings, leading her into the profound worlds of Gene Keys and Human Design.

Gene Keys and Human Design blend ancient wisdom with quantum physics, providing a personalized blueprint for unlocking one's highest potential. Sasha shared how these tools illuminated her life's shadows and ego patterns, empowering her to reclaim her authentic voice and true happiness.

A significant aspect of Sasha's approach is self-study and introspection. During sessions, Sasha encourages women to explore their inner thoughts, feelings, and motivations within a safe, judgment-free space. Rather than offering quick fixes, Sasha emphasizes the importance of deep, intentional work over time, notably in her 12-month coaching program, Becoming: A Year to Own Your Story and Lead Your Life. The first three months of this transformative journey involve intense deconditioning—letting go of deep-rooted beliefs and societal conditioning—to help women rediscover their innate worth and genuine desires.

One compelling insight Sasha shared was the importance of reconnecting with our inner child. Women can reconnect with joy, creativity, and freedom by revisiting this pure, unconditioned self. This practice helps combat the weight of societal expectations and roles, allowing women to thrive authentically rather than merely survive.

The coaching process Sasha offers isn't just about individual transformation—it's about empowering women collectively. Sasha's mission is clear: to return power to women, helping them realize that fulfillment isn't found externally—in careers, relationships, or societal validation—but from deep within themselves. This inner clarity brings authenticity, strength, and meaningful connection to all areas of their lives.

In closing, Sasha's powerful message resonates deeply: "Take your power back." Life is not meant to be spent tiptoeing cautiously toward its end; it's meant to be lived boldly, joyfully, and authentically.

Sasha offers a complimentary "Rewrite Your Story" session for those ready to embark. 

To connect with Sasha and learn more, visit SashaGreenidge.com or IntuitiveDesignCoaching.com.  

You can also follow her insights and guidance on Instagram and TikTok at @SashaHarris_Greenidge.

Until next time, keep rewriting your story and embracing life unscripted.