154. Cultivating Presence in Pivots with Ivana Polonijo and Theresa Conti

Cultivating Presence in Pivots


 


Episode #154


 


Welcome back to The Creative Soulpreneur podcast! On today's
episode, we have the pleasure of hosting an inspiring duo,
Theresa and Ivana. Host Nick introduces us to this dynamic pair,
who recently embarked on a powerful journey of personal and
professional pivots. Discover how they initially met Nick at a
financial services event and how it led them to unpack deep
conversations about vulnerability, authenticity, and the multiple
layers of pivoting in life.


Theresa and Ivana dive into their own experiences, discussing how
life's unexpected challenges forced them to pivot and how these
shifts have led to new opportunities and a deeper sense of
purpose. Learn about the profound impact of Theresa's battle with
breast cancer and Ivana's resilience in overcoming PTSD from her
experiences growing up in Eastern Europe.


Throughout this episode, our guests explore the concept of
embracing change, navigating through discomfort, and finding
grace within themselves during transitions. They reveal how they
support one another and others in their industry to step into
their own pivots with courage and intention.


Tune in to hear more about their podcast, "Step Into the Pivot,"
Theresa's upcoming keynote speeches and book plans, and Ivana's
exciting retreat offerings. This episode is brimming with
insights, heartfelt stories, and practical advice on how to turn
any sour lemons life hands you into something beautifully
transformative.


 


Takeaways:


 


Embrace the Layers of Pivoting: Theresa and
Ivana shared how each pivot goes beyond the surface. It starts
physically (like changing jobs or managing health), extends to
emotional adjustments, and dives deep into spiritual reflections
about who we are and what we want.


 


Give Yourself Grace: Theresa emphasized the
importance of allowing yourself the time and space to navigate a
pivot. Whether it's selling a business after decades or facing an
unexpected layoff, grace is crucial for making thoughtful and
impactful decisions.


 


Transform Challenges into Opportunities: Ivana
highlighted that even the toughest situations (like dealing with
PTSD from past trauma) can be catalysts for growth. By being
present and nurturing self-awareness, you can turn sour lemons
into nourishing lemonade, or even vegan ice cream!


 


How to find Ivana & Theresa:


 


Step Into the Pivot Website


 


Story Telling Guide!!!


 


Ivana Polonijo has been encouraging other humans
to value and express their authenticity since first grade when
she helped another little girl stand up to bullies. Today, in her
work with individuals and organizations, she heads up Courageous
Being, a conscious leadership center for women+, where she blends
academic research as a Ph.D. in social anthropology, executive
experience from 15+ years in finance, and non-profit board
service, with transformative coaching and bioenergetics
facilitation training.


 


Theresa Conti started Sunwest Pensions in 1998
and sold it to July Business Services in 2023.  Theresa also
holds many designations including a QKA with ASPPA, APR with
NIPA, CPFA with NAPA and an ERPA with the IRS.  Theresa also
volunteers frequently with many industry associations such as
NIPA where she chaired the annual conference committee and was a
board member for 11 years.  She is part of the Board of WIPN
where she serves as chair of the National Programming and
Research.  She also serves on the Plan Consultant Magazine
committee with ASPPA where she contributes regular articles and
speaks at webinars and annual conferences.  She also serves
on the board of Junior Achievement of Arizona and the Fountain
Hills Community Foundation.  Theresa still is working with
July Business Services on various projects along with launching a
podcast called “Step into the Pivot” and working as a Business
Coach with TPA Business Owners and a Life Coach with several
women in the retirement industry. 


 


Nick Demos is a Tony and Olivier Award winning
Broadway producer, documentary filmmaker, conscious business
coach and manifestation expert. With over 15 years of teaching
pranayama (breath work), yoga and creativity as well as thirty
years in the entertainment industry, he has travelled from the
Tony Awards to ashrams and run a multi-million dollar business in
between. Nick helps you clear blocks and tap into your creative
intuition so you can tell your stories and manifest the business
and life of your dreams creating wealth and impact.