Ep. 39 How to Recover from Perfectionism, Embrace Curiosity, & Pivot Easily
The Collective Corner with Elena Armijo
Release Date: 02/07/2023
068: Holding Space in High Stakes Rooms
The Collective Corner with Elena Armijo
In this episode, Elena Armijo sits down with executive coach and facilitator Natalie Rothfels for a rich exploration of what it truly means to meet people where they are. Drawing from Natalie’s background as a startup operator, educator, and team coach, the conversation moves beneath surface-level performance and into the deeper dynamics shaping how leaders and teams relate, communicate, and grow together. to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you. Elena opens with a coaching reflection on curiosity over assumption, honoring capacity...
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067: Crossing the Threshold With Humanity and Dignity
The Collective Corner with Elena Armijo
As 2025 comes to a close, Elena Armijo offers a heartfelt solo episode filled with reflection, gratitude, and a few favorite moments from this year’s podcast conversations. From exploring holistic health and empathy to the power of artistry and resilience, this episode is a warm invitation to pause, look back, and plant seeds for what’s to come. to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you. Elena revisits powerful conversations, including her episode with Dr. Sonal, whose journey from medicine to holistic healing reminds us to take...
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066: Leading with Rhythm: When Art Meets Enterprise
The Collective Corner with Elena Armijo
In this inspiring episode, Elena Armijo speaks with tenor, producer, and creative entrepreneur Nathan Granner. With a career spanning 30 years, Nathan shares his path through the world of classical music, opera, film, and now, innovation at the intersection of technology and art. From humble beginnings in a small Iowa church to starring roles in Pulitzer Prize-winning productions and a bold leap into startup culture, his story is one of resilience, reinvention, and deep commitment to connection. to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you....
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065: Leading with Artistry
The Collective Corner with Elena Armijo
In this special episode, Elena Armijo is joined by the love of her life, J. Aaron Boykin - a vocalist, song writer, actor, and producer whose creativity, depth, and heart shine in every space he enters. Their nine years together have been marked by a deep mutual witnessing: of growth, of dreams pursued, and of the quiet courage it takes to live a creative life with heart. Aaron’s artistry is rooted in authenticity and joy, with music as his first safe haven, a place where emotion could move freely when words fell short. Today, that same music continues to be his most powerful tool for...
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064: Creativity as a Lifeline
The Collective Corner with Elena Armijo
In this uplifting episode, Elena Armijo is joined by keynote speaker, podcast host, and beatbox entertainer Parker Kane. Known for his viral McDonald’s performance that reached over a billion views, Parker shares the deeply personal story behind that moment, and the emotional journey that led to it. From a low point of burnout and disconnection to finding renewed purpose through creativity and community, Parker’s path is a powerful reminder that small decisions can lead to life-altering change. to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within...
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063: The Skill That Shapes the Future
The Collective Corner with Elena Armijo
In this heart-centered episode, Elena Armijo speaks with bestselling author and global empathy advocate Mimi Nicklin. With a mission to reconnect one million people through the power of empathy, Mimi brings years of research, corporate training, and lived experience to a timely and transformational conversation - one that reveals how empathy shapes leadership, drives innovation, and transforms the way we connect with ourselves and others. to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you. Mimi shares the pivotal moment that redefined her career:...
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062: The Gifts My Mother Gave Me
The Collective Corner with Elena Armijo
In this heartfelt Mother's Day episode, Elena Armijo is joined by a very special guest - her mother, Sky Armijo. For the first time on the podcast, Elena invites a family member to share a deeply personal and moving conversation about motherhood, leadership, resilience, legacy, and the strength passed down through generations. to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you. Elena opens by reflecting on the five most meaningful gifts she received from her mother: resilience, the belief that everyone belongs, the courage to fly, the value of...
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061: Building a Life That Honors Both Structure and Soul
The Collective Corner with Elena Armijo
In this heartfelt episode, Elena Armijo welcomes pianist, writer, and coach Robert Kuang back to the show for a deeply grounding and expansive conversation on the powerful intersections between creativity, leadership, and the human need for care. Through personal stories and grounded insight, they explore how slowing down, honoring emotions, and reconnecting with the body are not luxuries, but essential foundations for innovation, emotional processing, and navigating change with intention and heart. to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within...
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060: Rooted in the Sacred: A Journey Through Nature and Leadership
The Collective Corner with Elena Armijo
In this episode, Elena Armijo and Chelsea Rose Cotton explore the deep connections between nature, leadership, personal growth, and spiritual wisdom. Through reflection, they share how lessons from the natural world can reshape the way we understand interdependence, adaptability, and the essential need for embracing change. This conversation travels through outer landscapes and inner terrain, weaving in themes of grief, love, and transformation. to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you. Elena and Chelsea explore the parallels between...
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059: Blending Science and Spirituality for Holistic Health
The Collective Corner with Elena Armijo
In this episode, Elena Armijo sits down with Dr. Sonal Bhatia, a physician and former Pfizer executive, who is on an inspiring journey from the confines of Western medicine to a more holistic, integrated approach to health. With roots in Mexico City and a rich Indian heritage, Sonal’s unique background informs her mission to activate the inner healing intelligence within each person, blending the best of Eastern and Western practices. to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you. Dr. Bhatia reflects on early experiences with cultural...
info_outlineAre you a recovering perfectionist? In this episode, Elena speaks with Shirin Eskandani, a former opera singer and coach who helps others see their self-worth and beat perfectionism.
2020 was the year of pivoting. Pivoting from working in the office to working at home. Pivoting from celebrating birthdays, graduations, and weddings to delaying them. Pivoting from relationships and careers to adapting to uncertainty. As 2023 begins with layoffs and a looming recession, it seems the pivoting will not stop. The thing is, life is infused with pivots. They aren’t a recent phenomenon. They are just more evident. So, the question is, who would like to be when pivots happen in your life? You see, you can’t always control your circumstances, but you can determine who you will be. So, who will you choose to be?
In her Weekly Coaching Tip, Elena provides a game plan so you can begin to strategize who you will be when pivots happen in your life. In her interview segment, Elena speaks with coach, writer, podcast host, and public speaker, Shirin Eskandani. Shirin has been featured as a wellness expert on “The Today Show,” The New York Times, The Doctors and Shape magazine. Before becoming a fantastic coach, Shirin was a professional opera singer and performed at Carnegie Hall as well as the Metropolitan Opera. Now, Shirin uses her unique perspective to catalyze thoughtful discussions, help others live on their terms, and embrace a softer, intentional, yet adaptable life. In this conversation, Elena and Shirin talk about recovering from perfectionism and workaholism, choosing the beauty of slow, determined living, fostering curiosity in the day-to-day, and understanding your own self-worth.
Let’s Get Social!
Check out Elena’s website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power in you.
Learn more about Shirin’s coaching business and listen to her podcast.
Connect with Shirin on Instagram.
Follow her on LinkedIn!
Contact Shirin here.
This podcast was produced by the following amazing team:
John Biethan, President of Imagine Podcasting
Sam De Santo, Creative Director
Rye Taylor, Podcast Design Strategist & Producer
Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer
Meg McCarley, Brand Designer & Social Media Manager
Raejan Noh, Content Writer
Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron’s music via Instagram)