The Even Better Podcast

Welcome to the Even Better podcast hosted by Sinikka Waugh, president and founder of Your Clear Next Step, and relentlessly positive trainer and coach who is committed to even better. Hosted in Indianola, IA, the Even Better podcast shares engaging conversations with different guests every week, that highlight their unique insight into a topic they’re passionate about! Our mission is simple: we help people have better workdays so that together, they can co-create better communities. We do this through connecting people to the training, coaching, and resources they need to get even better at work. We focus on three main principles: making authentic human connections, delivering real business value, and treating change as a process, not an event. Ready to take the next step towards making your work—and life—even better? Learn more at yourclearnextstep.com. -- Real-life stories, insights, and people who are passionately sharing what they are doing to be even better! New episodes are released biweekly.

Iowa Kind: 4 Strategies to Move from "Iowa Nice" to Courageous Kindness 07/28/2026

AI Isn’t the Disruption, Our Instructional Assumptions Are 07/14/2026

Anchored in Why: Finding Focus in Good Times and Tough Days 06/30/2026

Recovery, Redemption & Reform 06/16/2026

Making Public Speaking Fun: Habits for Communicating with Confidence 06/02/2026

Change Saturation 05/19/2026

Continuous Improvement and Lean Can Help You Create More Good Work Days 05/05/2026

Continuous Improvement and Lean Can Help You Create More Good Work Days In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh is joined by Scott Post to discuss how continuous improvement and lean thinking can help create more good work days. Reflecting on how they first met years ago in a project management class, including a memorable lesson involving a “crazy red chicken,” Scott shares how he found his path into lean, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. The conversation explores lean leadership as servant leadership, Scott’s long‑term involvement with lean consortiums such as the Iowa Lean Consortium and his fifteen years on the board of the Siouxland Lean Consortium, and the value of learning together through conferences and engaging meetings. They also touch on small business entrepreneurship and how lean principles apply across organizations of all sizes. -- Scott Post is an Operational Excellence and Lean Leadership Coach with over 20 years of experience in leadership, continuous improvement, and Lean methodology. Known for his ability to identify inefficiencies and optimize processes, Scott helps individuals and organizations unlock their full potential through practical, results-driven approaches. Scott’s passion for process improvement began during his service in the United States Marine Corps and continued as he earned an Industrial Engineering degree from Iowa State University. His expertise deepened through roles at Pella Corporation and later as Chief Operations Officer at Pizza Ranch, where he led the Operations, Training, and Process Improvement teams toward operational excellence. Scott founded S Post Consulting in 2021 and began working full-time with clients in 2023. Based in Northwest Iowa, the firm helps Siouxland business leaders stabilize operations, boost profits, and build momentum. Scott helps organizations move from chronic inefficiencies to high-performing operations. Through a diagnostic, boots-on-the-ground approach, he uncovers root causes, aligns leadership, and builds sustainable systems that reduce waste, improve execution, and drive long-term profit, without adding headcount or complexity. Clients consistently experience improved employee engagement, increased labor efficiency, shorter lead times, and stronger bottom-line results. A dedicated Servant Leader, Scott has also been an active contributor to the local Lean communities, serving on the board of the Siouxland Lean Consortium, and volunteering with the Iowa Lean Consortium. Outside of work, he enjoys family life, camping, and a hobby farm by Rock Valley, Iowa with his wife, four children, and a collection of farm animals. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/scott-post Other: http://www.spostconsulting.com /episode/index/show/evenbetterpodcast/id/41136160

Tools & Tips to Help Neurodivergent Individuals Thrive at Work 04/21/2026

5-Step Career Change Formula 04/07/2026

Letting Go of Control 03/24/2026

Letting Go of Control In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh is joined by artist and community advocate Kristy Evans for a deeply moving conversation about letting go of control and embracing what comes next. Kristy shares her remarkable journey from teaching to art after unexpected health challenges reshaped her life, and how creativity became both a healing practice and a path toward self‑discovery. Together, they explore the emotional landscape of career transitions, the grief, the growth, and the courage it takes to be new at something again. Kristy reflects on the values that continue to anchor her, the role of play and curiosity in rebuilding identity, and her passion for fostering community through art. Whether you’re navigating change, seeking purpose, or simply learning to loosen your grip, this conversation offers honesty, encouragement, and a reminder that beautiful things can emerge when we finally let go. -- Kristy Evans is a mixed media artist from Indianola, Iowa. She began painting in 2019. After nearly 20 years as a high school English teacher and swim coach, Kristy left the classroom with health issues and pivoted into art: “Life Part 2.” At age 49, she became a student, learning about abstract art, painting daily, and embracing a creative process that progresses through play. (*fabulous follow-up: health issues resolved!) Kristy has taken a wide array of online art courses. In Central Iowa, she has participated in many art festivals and shared her work in several libraries. In 2025, Simpson College hosted a solo show at the Art & Design Gallery in January; Ankeny’s Art Center showed her work in June/July; “Iowa Artists on Display” in Downtown Des Moines at 801 Grand also features her work in two spaces. You can... Subscribe to her email newsletter (only 1 per month, promise!) at the bottom of any page on her website: Email questions to Follow on social media: Instagram: @‌Kristy.Evans.Art Facebook: KristyEvansArt2 /episode/index/show/evenbetterpodcast/id/40598440

Building Connection Through Flowers 03/10/2026

Planning with Purpose: Goals, Rocks, and Rhythm 02/24/2026

Mentorship for Women: Finding and Being the Mentor You Need 02/10/2026

Mentorship for Women: Finding and Being the Mentor You Need In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh is joined by Urmi Hossain for a powerful conversation on mentorship for women, how to find the support you need and how to become that support for someone else. Urmi shares why mentorship begins with self‑awareness, clarity, and understanding your goals, and why the best mentor for you doesn’t always look like you or come from your industry. Together, they explore mentorship as a two‑way relationship, the importance of showing initiative, and the surprising value women often underestimate in themselves. Urmi also introduces the idea of building a personal “board of mentors” to guide different parts of your life and career. With insights on confidence, community, and empowering other women, this episode offers practical guidance for anyone seeking to grow, give back, and be even better. -- Urmi Hossain is a woman who wears many hats. She is a self-published author, speaker, blogger, podcast host, polyglot, mentor, and holder of both the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) and CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst) designations. Urmi works in the financial services industry in Canada, where she currently resides. Her first book, Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth from Interracial Struggle, reflects her journey as a third-culture kid navigating questions of belonging, culture, and self-worth. Urmi is the host of Stories Beyond Borders, a podcast that amplifies diverse voices and explores stories of identity, migration, language, and what “home” really means. Passionate about women’s empowerment, she serves as the Co-Chair of Women in Leadership’s Montreal Chapter. She is also a strong advocate for continuous learning and personal growth. One of her greatest passions is public speaking — she has been an active Toastmasters member since 2019, having served as both VP of Education and Club President. In her spare time, Urmi enjoys reading thrillers and mystery novels and staying active through boxing, HIIT workouts, and running. Instagram Other... /episode/index/show/evenbetterpodcast/id/40052960

Taking the Next Step: An Entrepreneur’s Journey into the Fitness Industry 01/27/2026

3 Techniques for Resilience 01/13/2026

5 Ways to Free Your Team from Organizational Drag 12/30/2025

Building Stronger Communities Through Stronger Businesses: Lessons from Starting My Own 12/16/2025

Women in Midlife Going Through Financial Changes 12/02/2025

You Move at Your Pace 11/18/2025

How to Co-Create Greatness in a Meeting 11/04/2025

Change: Should I Do This? 10/21/2025

Change: Should I Do This? This episode is brought to you by the ! In this solo episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh explores the crossroads we all face when change presents itself and a decision needs to be made. Sometimes the question is simple—Should I do this? Do I even want this?—but the answers can feel anything but clear. With warmth and practical wisdom, Sinikka walks through a process for navigating those moments of uncertainty: pausing before reacting, defining what “A” and “B” really mean, weighing the gains and losses of each path, and grounding choices in personal values. Once a decision is made, the journey doesn’t end—it’s just beginning. Sinikka offers guidance on planning ahead with intention, so the path forward feels purposeful instead of overwhelming. As always, the goal is fewer regrets and better days, one decision at a time. After you listen, join the conversation by sharing your thoughts on our social media platforms—we’d love to hear your feedback and experiences with change and decision-making. Also, take a moment to check out our that can be found on our website! Sinikka Waugh - Connect with me on either or send me an email! Founder, Owner, Trainer, and Coach Sinikka Waugh, PMP, President and CEO of Your Clear Next Step, spends her days helping people have better workdays. Trainer, coach, business leader, and difference maker, Sinikka is known for consistently helping people solve problems and get things done at work. With a 20+ year background in languages, literature, and project management, Sinikka has helped over 50,000 people have better workdays since 2008. Her clients value how her professionalism blends seamlessly with her down-to-earth, “try this now” approach and her passion for helping others. Sinikka holds a BA from Central College, an MA from the University of Iowa, and is a certified Project Management Professional through the Project Management Institute (PMI). /episode/index/show/evenbetterpodcast/id/37939245

Five Ways to Reclaim Your Time and Energy for What Matters Most 10/07/2025

Working on Climate Action with People of Faith 09/23/2025

Working on Climate Action with People of Faith This episode is brought to you by the ! In this episode of Even Better, Sinikka Waugh is joined by Debra Rienstra for a conversation about pursuing climate action in partnership with people of faith. From early passions that shaped her calling, to the experiences that prepared her for this moment, Debra shares how her journey has evolved—and how faith communities can be powerful allies in creating meaningful change. Together, they explore what sustains this passion even in the face of discouragement, and how others can catch and carry the spark of hope forward. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of collaboration, practical insights on engaging faith-based groups in climate work, and reflections on how day-to-day actions connect to the bigger picture of caring for our world. If you’ve ever wondered how personal passion, professional purpose, and spiritual conviction can intersect to drive climate action, this conversation will inspire you to imagine new possibilities—and invite others to join in. Debra Rienstra is professor of English at Calvin University, where she has taught since 1996, specializing in creative nonfiction, early British literature, and environmental literature. Her most recent book is Refugia Faith: Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Wonders, and the Healing of the Earth (Fortress 2022), a book that combines theology, nature writing, and biological principles to consider how Christians must adapt our faith and practice for a climate-altered planet. In connection with her work on faith and climate change, Debra speaks frequently to church and faith groups, hosts the Refugia Podcast, and writes the Refugia Newsletter on Substack. Her essays also appear fortnightly at The Reformed Journal, where she writes about spirituality, pop culture, the church, the arts, higher ed, and more. Debra is the author of three previous books—on motherhood, Christian spirituality, and worship—as well as numerous academic essays, literary essays, and poems. Debra serves on the research advisory board of the BTS Center and the coordinating committee for Third Act Faith. She is also active in several of her university’s campus-wide sustainability initiatives. /episode/index/show/evenbetterpodcast/id/38323070

EOS is One of the Ways to Have Better Workdays 09/09/2025

Change You Didn't Want 08/26/2025

5 Ways to Relax Your Mind (and Down-Regulate Your Nervous System) 08/12/2025

5 Ways to Relax Your Mind (and Down-Regulate Your Nervous System) This episode is brought to you by the ! In this episode of Even Better, Sinikka Waugh is joined by Jana Mitzoda for a conversation about when life moves at full speed, slowing down can feel impossible—but your mind and body need it. Jana joins us to share five simple, powerful ways to quiet your mind and soothe your nervous system. From the permission to truly stop, to the grounding power of your breath, to finding your own body’s version of relaxation, these practices invite you back into balance. Discover how connecting with nature can restore your circadian rhythm, and how play—yes, play—can instantly shift your energy and bring joy back to your day. Tune in and learn how to create moments of calm that help you feel even better. Jana is a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and a certified facilitator through the Oxford Institute for Organizational Science and Mindfulness. She is trained and accredited by author and guru W. Timothy Gallwey on The Inner Game method. She has extensive experience with positive leadership and conscious presence, creating and facilitating hundreds of workshops with participants from more than 90 countries. Jana has accompanied people from all over the world on the path to finding meaning in life and in discovering their natural talents. She supports her clients in increasing their awareness and in assuming full responsibility for their state of mind, body, and energy, while guiding them to realize their life mission. She believes that consciously steering our ship on our personal sea of dreams is essential for our fulfillment. Relying on the depth of her experience and well-honed intuition, Jana helps individuals activate their inner wisdom, and to remember who they really are, what unique gifts they bring, and how to best apply them. Her business and leadership world coalesced with the gift of lucid dreaming, something Jana developed as a child and which she has continued to hone, also by completing a 3-year Active Dreaming program with Robert Moss. Her lifelong hobby of dreaming was the foundation upon which she fulfilled her desire to become a Dream coach. Jana leads public events, residential retreats, guided group meditations and dream circles. She also accompanies vision quests and communicates with dolphins and whales. She is the author of Through the Eye of the Whale, available as an e-book and audiobook, in both Czech and English. You can find more about her work at /episode/index/show/evenbetterpodcast/id/37777605

3 Leading Causes of Pain in Organizations 07/29/2025

3 Leading Causes of Pain in Organizations This episode is brought to you by the ! In this solo episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh shines a spotlight on three of the biggest sources of organizational pain: ineffective communication, role and responsibility mismatch, and ineffective risk management. These common challenges cause breakdowns in projects, teams, and trust—and yet, they’re often overlooked or accepted as "just how things go." With clarity and compassion, Sinikka explores how better communication, aligned expectations, and proactive planning can lead to fewer headaches and better workdays—for everyone. From understanding what you're working on (and why), to setting and clarifying expectations, to learning from past mistakes and planning for risks, this episode offers practical wisdom for project managers, business leaders, and teams at every level. As Sinikka puts it: “A lot of pain can be avoided if we just ask better questions.” Tune in for thoughtful insights and a few helpful “If…then…so…” strategies to return real value to your organization—one better day at a time. Sinikka Waugh - Connect with me on either or send me an email! Founder, Owner, Trainer, and Coach Sinikka Waugh, PMP, President and CEO of Your Clear Next Step, spends her days helping people have better workdays. Trainer, coach, business leader, and difference maker, Sinikka is known for consistently helping people solve problems and get things done at work. With a 20+ year background in languages, literature, and project management, Sinikka has helped over 50,000 people have better workdays since 2008. Her clients value how her professionalism blends seamlessly with her down-to-earth, “try this now” approach and her passion for helping others. Sinikka holds a BA from Central College, an MA from the University of Iowa, and is a certified Project Management Professional through the Project Management Institute (PMI). /episode/index/show/evenbetterpodcast/id/37571415

More Than Small Talk: Making Meaningful Connections 07/15/2025

You Can Fail at Something and Not Be a Failure 07/01/2025

Set Boundaries Before You Need Them 06/17/2025

The Even Better Podcast

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