256. From CIA to CEO: Leading with Integrity, Identity & Influence w/ Rupal Patel
Release Date: 05/20/2025
273. Dogs Save Lives: How Our Four-Legged Friends Boost Health, Happiness & Healing
Turmeric and Tequila™
“Dogs don’t just make life better—they literally help us live longer, healthier, and happier lives.” -Kristen M. Olson In this uplifting solo episode, host Kristen Olson dives into the life-changing impact of dogs—on health, happiness, and healing. From personal stories with her three rescue pups to powerful science-backed benefits, Kristen explores why dogs are more than companions—they’re lifesavers. Discover how dogs reduce stress, improve heart health, ease loneliness, and even detect medical emergencies before they happen. Kristen also shares practical advice for adopting,...
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272. Heart-Centered Investing: Andrew Metzler on Wealth & Purpose
Turmeric and Tequila™
“My definition of success is trusting the universe, stretching for the things I was meant to do, and enjoying them with the people I love for as long as possible.” – Andrew Metzler In this episode of Turmeric & Tequila, host Kristen Olson talks with Andrew Metzler, founder of TLC Property Partners and author of Profitable Mortgage Notes. Andrew shares his journey from ski slopes and adventure travel to financial crisis, foreclosure, and ultimately rebuilding through empathy-driven investing. We dive into: How the 2008 crash reshaped Andrew’s values and business philosophy...
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271. Breathwork & Emotional Healing w/ MJ Renshaw (How to Cry)
Turmeric and Tequila™
"Healing doesn’t happen overnight—it’s one step, one breath, one choice at a time. Your body already knows the way; you just have to listen." – MJ Renshaw In this episode of Turmeric & Tequila, host Kristen Olson (KO) sits down with MJ Renshaw—breathwork facilitator, author, podcast host, and founder of . Breathwork educator and author MJ Renshaw joins KO to unpack the science and soul of emotional release—why crying is healthy, how suppressed emotions show up in the body, and simple ways to regulate your nervous system. We cover psychoneuroimmunology...
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270. Hi, I’m Kristen Olson (KO) — Athlete, Entrepreneur & Podcaster
Turmeric and Tequila™
"If my core values aren’t aligned, I can’t just show up and perform—I literally can’t do it. Knowing who you are and living in alignment is everything." – Kristen Olson In this special solo episode, host Kristen Olson (aka KO) reintroduces herself to the Turmeric & Tequila™ community. With over 250 episodes behind her, KO opens up about her journey—growing up in Colorado, competing as a Division I lacrosse captain, facing the challenges of injury and identity loss, and later becoming a 5x CrossFit Games athlete. She shares how sports shaped her resilience, why core...
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269. Strength & Purpose with Melissa Perlman of Bikini Bootcamp
Turmeric and Tequila™
"Strength is more than muscle—it’s the courage to keep showing up for yourself, day after day." – Melissa Perlman In this episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, Kristen Olson sits down with Melissa Perlman, founder of Bikini Bootcamp and Amansala Eco Chic Resort, for a dynamic conversation on fitness, resilience, and building a life of purpose. Melissa shares her inspiring journey of creating world-renowned wellness retreats, leading with authenticity, and redefining strength in every aspect of life. From the beaches of Tulum to the lessons learned through entrepreneurship,...
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268. Yes, I Have Bad Days Too: Mental Health & Real Leadership
Turmeric and Tequila™
"Bad days don’t make you weak—they make you human." – Kristen Olson In this solo episode of Turmeric & Tequila, Kristen Olson gets real about mental health, bad days, and the truth behind polished social media feeds. She shares personal stories, eye-opening depression stats, and actionable ways to support your mental well-being—even when the world feels heavy. From global data to real-life examples, Kristen breaks down why empathy, community, and honest conversations matter now more than ever. She offers practical tips (like her “When in doubt, work it out” fitness mantra) for...
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267. Wellness at Work: Amy Chambers on Leading with Culture, Clarity & Heart
Turmeric and Tequila™
“Wellness isn’t just a benefit—it’s a business imperative. A healthy culture creates healthy results.” -Amy Chambers In this episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, host Kristen Olson welcomes Amy Chambers—CEO, culture leader, and co-founder of United States of Care. With decades of experience in healthcare, corporate wellness, and organizational leadership, Amy shares powerful insights on building mission-driven teams, creating culture with intention, and balancing bold business decisions with compassion. From leading high-performing teams to redefining what “corporate...
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266. L. Scott Ferguson: Reinvent Yourself & Level Up from Within
Turmeric and Tequila™
“I want people to live in their own purpose… not mine, not someone else’s. If I can help them uncover that, then my time here means something.” — L. Scott Ferguson In this powerful and uplifting episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, host Kristen Olson welcomes L. Scott Ferguson, the founder of and a master of transformation through mindset, vulnerability, and self-leadership. From overcoming personal struggles to becoming a beacon for those ready to “level up their lives,” Scott shares raw insights on building inner strength, redefining failure, and embracing authenticity as...
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265. Global Hiring Made Easy with Valerie Bowden of CRDLE
Turmeric and Tequila™
"If you're serious about scaling, it's time to look beyond borders—Africa has the talent, the drive, and the innovation the world needs." – Valerie Bowden In this episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, host Kristen Olson sits down with Valerie Bowden—founder of CRDLE and a trailblazer in remote talent acquisition from Africa. Valerie shares her journey from solo backpacking across Africa to living in Ethiopia for eight years, and how those experiences led to building a global business that connects companies with top-tier African talent. We explore how ethical hiring,...
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264. Jill Robin Payne on Bempathy®, Real Connection & Communication That Heals
Turmeric and Tequila™
“Banter opens the door, but empathy keeps you in the room.” - Jill Robin Payne In this episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, host Kristen Olson welcomes the dynamic and insightful Jill Robin Payne, MA, LPC-S, LCDC—renowned psychotherapist, author, and creator of Bempathy®. With over 40 years of experience in mental health and communication, Jill dives into how blending humor (banter) with empathy creates meaningful, lasting human connection. We talk about therapy, social media, family dynamics, dating, boundaries, and how to navigate difficult conversations with grace, humor, and...
info_outline"You can’t lead with clarity if you don’t know who you are. Identity is the foundation of influence."
— Dr. Rupal Patel
In this compelling episode of Turmeric & Tequila™, host Kristen Olson welcomes powerhouse guest Dr. Rupal Patel — former CIA analyst, entrepreneur, author of From CIA to CEO, and champion of high-performance leadership. Together, they dive deep into personal evolution, mental resilience, finding your authentic voice, and the courage to lead boldly in today’s complex world.
Rupal shares her journey from the hip-hop PR world to global intelligence work at the CIA — and eventually launching her own business. Along the way, she opens up about burnout, imposter syndrome, leadership identity, and how entrepreneurship reshaped her understanding of success.
Whether you're a high achiever questioning what’s next or a future visionary ready to step into leadership on your own terms, this conversation will hit home.
Time Stamps:
0:00 – Intro and sponsor shoutouts
1:30 – Meet Rupal Patel: From quiet observer to CIA analyst
4:50 – Childhood, early passions & the power of observation
7:40 – Hip-hop industry experience: lessons, grit & boundaries
14:15 – Mental health, burnout & breaking the “power through” mindset
21:20 – The CIA years: inside look at global intelligence work
28:00 – Life after the CIA & the challenge of entrepreneurship
35:30 – Reclaiming identity, confidence & personal success
41:00 – Writing From CIA to CEO and redefining leadership
45:00 – Who the book is for & what it teaches
49:40 – Final reflections on alignment, boldness & living your own truth
53:00 – Where to find Rupal & her upcoming speaking tour
Rupal Patel:
Rupal Patel’s high-octane career has taken her from military briefing rooms in jungles and war zones to corporate boardrooms and international stages. During her thrilling career as an analyst and field agent at the CIA, she served in active war zones, advised Commanding Generals, and earned War Zone Service Medals and Meritorious Citations for “exceptional performance of duty” and “superior support to the President of the United States.”
After leaving the CIA, she earned her MBA from London Business School and started her first award-winning business over ten years ago. Called a ‘Power Woman’ by Harper’s Bazaar Magazine, Rupal is a sought-after international speaker who has spoken in front of thousands and worked with top-tier organizations like Accenture, AB InBev, SAP, and Virgin.
As a sitting CEO, author, consultant, coach, and mentor, Rupal helps visionary leaders, teams, and organizations make the seemingly impossible possible. Called a “super-strategist” by her clients, Rupal draws on her Ivy-League education, MBA degree, and CIA training, and marries industry-leading theory with tactical experience in ways that transform every client she works with.
From hour-long keynotes to multi-day masterclasses, her captivating speaking engagements and truly unique insights arm her audiences with the tools they need to remake the rules of success and become unstoppable.
AND BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS: Rupal is working on her SECOND book and will soon be opening her online leadership academy- stay tuned!!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupal-patel-2145a960
https://www.instagram.com/rupalypatel
Connect with T&T:
IG: @TurmericTequila
Facebook: @TurmericAndTequila
Website: www.TurmericAndTequila.com
Host: Kristen Olson
IG: @Madonnashero
Tik Tok: @Madonnashero
Website: www.KOAlliance.com
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