Have you ever faced a moment so dark and difficult you didn’t know if you’d make it through?
What if you discovered that strength, guidance—even miracles—can show up in the most unexpected ways?
You’ve been pushing, striving, surviving... but it’s still not working the way you hoped.

Have you ever been there—stuck, exhausted, and unsure what’s next?

We’ve all been there in one form or another - up against something that feels too big to overcome.

On this week’s episode, Kenny Barnwell shares a powerful and personal journey of survival, resilience, and purpose. Imagine growing up in a world without spoken words, then finding your way to standing beside some of the biggest names in entertainment, Kenny’s path is anything but ordinary.

And then there’s the moment that changed everything — a life-threatening experience in Mexico that tested his courage, and his inner compass. What do we discover about ourselves when everything’s on the line?

And it’s not just a survival story.
If you’ve ever experienced burnout, felt stuck in your journey, or needed a sign to keep going...
If you’re looking for tangible tools mixed with a deeper sense of purpose...
If you’re trying to lead with more resilience, impact, and heart, this episode will shift your perspective and restore your hope.

Topics we cover:

• What mental toughness really looks like
• Breaking big challenges into small, winnable goals
• When divine guidance meets practical grit
• The power of service and why Kenny now gives it all away
• How to access strength - even when you feel alone

This episode is your reminder:
You’re stronger than you think. And help might be closer than you realise.

Links

www. FollowTheButterflyBook.com

kennybarnwell.com

crewspire - youtube

Connect with Merinda:


Instagram: @IamMerindaSmith

Website: www.merindasmith.com.au

Have you ever found yourself avoiding being too direct with your team, worried that clarity might come off as harsh?

What if your softness - your care, empathy, and gentle nature wasn’t the problem… but the lack of structure around it was?

You’ve been trying to lead from the heart, but it’s not working the way you hoped… and your team might be feeling it too.

Can you relate?
🌸 Have you ever struggled to balance being kind with being clear?
🌸 Does the idea of soft leadership sometimes leave you second-guessing your impact?

We get it.
Leading with warmth matters deeply - but without boundaries, even the best intentions can create confusion.

You’re not alone in this.

On this week’s episode, Merinda unpacks the surprising truth about softness in leadership, and why it’s only half the story.

And it’s not just about being nice or setting firm rules...
Her insights from the horses reveal how true softness actually requires structure.
Plus, we’re unpacking how to correct gently, lead clearly, and still show up with heart.

If you’ve ever avoided a hard conversation to “keep the peace,” this episode is for you.
If you’ve been searching for a way to lead with empathy and effectiveness, you’ll find exactly what you need here.

If you’re trying to build deep trust and powerful results—this episode will show you how to align softness with strength.

🌸 Episode Highlights:

• The unexpected ways softness without structure creates anxiety
• “Be clear before you’re kind” and why clarity is the true foundation of compassionate leadership
• A gentle approach to course-correcting early so you build confidence, not confusion, in your team

🌸 Ready to realign your leadership?

If you’re in leadership navigating the tension between heart-led connection and strategic clarity, The Leadership Realignment Session is your next step.

This 1:1 coaching experience helps you step into leadership that feels both authentic and effective.

Book your session today via this link - https://merindasmith.podia.com/aligned_success

Connect with Merinda:


Instagram: @IamMerindaSmith

Website: www.merindasmith.com.au

Ever find yourself over-correcting others work, or do you feel the urge to constantly check in on your team, dictate how tasks are done, or even redo their projects? You've been setting up for success, but your instinct to control the minutiae might actually be hindering the outcome.

Does that anxious feeling of needing to make sure everything is perfect, resonate with you? Have you ever been there?

We get it… it often comes from a place of good intentions and a desire for the best results. Many of us have fallen into the micromanagement trap, thinking we’re ensuring success when we might be unintentionally creating new problems.

On this week’s episode, your host, Merinda, unpacks the surprising and powerful parallels between micromanaging your horse over jumps or poles and micromanaging your staff in the workplace.

And it’s not just about "bad riding" or "bad management." Merinda shares a personal insight from a recent jumping lesson, that beautifully illustrates the core issue. The reasons behind micromanaging – often rooted in fear and a lack of trust – are strikingly similar in both arenas, and the solutions might be simpler than you think. Plus, we’re unpacking how this impacts everything from a horse's confidence to your team's morale and creativity.

If you’ve ever experienced frustration despite your best efforts, or a disengaged team despite your constant input, then this episode is for you. If you’ve been looking for ways to build more trust with your employees, this is exactly what you need to hear. If you’re trying to achieve smoother-running projects, this episode will reveal how letting go can lead to better results.

Highlights include:

• What over-adjusting your reins before a jump and constantly overseeing your team’s tasks have in common (and why this instinct often backfires, leading to confusion and poorer performance).
• An enlightening jumping lesson , revealing how observing a rider over simple poles can expose tendencies towards micromanagement and the power of trusting your partner.
• Actionable strategies to "soften the reins" both literally and figuratively – practical steps you can take right now to build confidence, independence, and improve outcomes.

Connect with Merinda:


Instagram: @IamMerindaSmith

Website: www.merindasmith.com.au