Host Marie Chindamo introduces an interview recorded in July 2025 with Brittany Hirson, CEO of South Bay Energy, a boutique retail energy supplier in New York and PJM. Brittany recounts joining the startup as a college intern in 2013 and rising to CEO by following strong leaders, building relationships, taking initiative, and embracing learning before feeling ready. She discusses leading by example, creating room for growth and safe failure, and the importance of authenticity in business trust. Brittany also describes her role as president of the Mid-Atlantic chapter of the Women’s Energy Alliance, focused on women supporting women through member mentorships with inclusive male allies. She shares her consulting work in operations and marketing, shifting from 1x to 10x goals through delegation and “who versus how,” views on technology and APIs, self-care through Pilates and a vegan lifestyle, and the belief that people can tap an extra 10% of effort to seize opportunities.

From Intern to CEO: Brittany Harrison on Choice, Confidence, and 10x Leadership

00:00 Show Intro

00:22 Intern To CEO

01:24 Episode Context

04:12 Meet Brittany

06:14 Startup Culture

08:46 Mentorship Matters

11:15 Women’s Energy Alliance

15:16 Authenticity Wins

16:06 Future Of Energy

18:50 Confidence To Lead

20:41 Consulting And Ops

23:46 Defining Success

26:25 Ten X Thinking

27:47 Perfectionism And Progress

29:16 Risk And Mistakes

31:20 Mistakes Can Be Fixed

32:00 Beautiful Mistakes and Discovery

32:16 Tech and Leadership Tools

33:08 APIs and Automation Basics

34:16 Upskilling the Team

35:10 Low Risk Tool Practice

38:16 Too Many Tools Problem

40:08 Avoiding the Tech Rabbit Hole

41:24 Self-Care and Pilates Routine

43:58 Intentional Choices and Health

47:59 Truth Be Told Extra Ten Percent

52:41 Spotting Opportunities and Initiative

57:37 Final Takeaways and Outro

Connect with Brittany

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-hirson-660b6788/

A little bit about Marie Chindamo:

Marie is the founder and CEO of ProTilly, a successful consulting practice founded over 8 years ago. ProTilly specializes in building strategy, challenging the status quo, and inspiring individuals and organizations to think radically differently to achieve transformative benefits. By encouraging fresh perspectives and innovative thinking, Marie and her team help organizations break free from limiting practices, creating room for disruptive ideas and growth. They provide strategic guidance that’s tailored to navigating transitions, whether it's organizational change, market shifts, or leadership development.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers:

• 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie Chindamo
• Exclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not Chance
• Unlimited email correspondence with a coach
• Semi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members

https://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar

Strategic Restraint: Navigating Competing Priorities with Discernment

Marie returns to the Choice Not Chance podcast after an eight-month pause, explaining it was driven by competing priorities and a commitment to quality rather than burnout or lost passion. She reflects on how high-achieving leaders often struggle not with a lack of options but with too many meaningful opportunities, arguing that leadership is defined by discernment, focus, and long-term alignment rather than constant output. During the break, she narrowed instead of accelerated, practiced instead of published, and pursued advanced coursework to deepen her knowledge and integrate new experiences into sharper future frameworks. She reframes pausing as strategic restraint and maturity, encouraging listeners to evaluate whether stepping back is avoidance or alignment. She also connects these themes to the Extreme Executive Club, positioned as a structured space for rigorous thinking, refinement, and executive signature work.

00:00 Welcome Back and the Pause

00:31 When Consistency Becomes Noise

01:12 Every Yes Has a Cost

02:12 Competing Priorities and Focus

03:26 Integration Builds Depth

04:13 Strategic Restraint and Ego

05:00 Discernment Questions to Ask

05:35 Extreme Executive Club Update

06:24 Calibration Over Acceleration

07:00 Returning With Clarity

07:20 Choice Not Chance Closing

A little bit about Marie Chindamo:

Marie is the founder and CEO of ProTilly, a successful consulting practice founded over 8 years ago. ProTilly specializes in building strategy, challenging the status quo, and inspiring individuals and organizations to think radically differently to achieve transformative benefits. By encouraging fresh perspectives and innovative thinking, Marie and her team help organizations break free from limiting practices, creating room for disruptive ideas and growth. They provide strategic guidance that’s tailored to navigating transitions, whether it's organizational change, market shifts, or leadership development.

ENJOY THE SHOW?

--> Join my X-Treme Executive Clubä to get exclusive access to simple yet mind-blowing strategies and support to achieve your highest potential.

--> If this episode is making you think, I would love it if you could share your thoughts with me over on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn!

Support the show

If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers:

• 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie Chindamo
• Exclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not Chance
• Unlimited email correspondence with a coach
• Semi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members

https://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar

EP015 – Freedom Mindset: Tethered to Nothing, Anchored to Purpose

“Freedom mindset is saying, I'm making conscious choices to do and act on things that will benefit my long-term growth, and requires you to remove the things that aren't going to contribute to that.” Marie Chindamo

In this first episode of season two of 'Choice, Not Chance: Simplifying Success,' host Marie Chindamo delves into the concept of the freedom mindset. Reflecting on her six-week sabbatical and annual retreat, Marie emphasizes the importance of making conscious choices to cultivate freedom and growth. She discusses the power of envisioning your future self, using 'I am' statements, and clarifying core values as foundational steps to achieving exponential personal and professional success. Through personal anecdotes and retreat experiences, Marie offers strategies for overcoming obstacles, leveraging strengths, and enlisting support to enrich one's journey. She invites listeners to utilize her resources and join her in building a life they do not want to retire from.

00:00 Introduction to Choice, not Chance

00:22 Season Two Kickoff

01:10 Embracing the Freedom Mindset

06:39 Visioning Your Future Self

12:00 Lifetime Extension

15:00 Focus on Strengths vs. Weaknesses

17:02 Your Superpowers

18:59 Commitment Creates Action

19:47 Clarifying Core Values

21:17 Overcoming Obstacles

24:21 Conclusion and Resources

Connect with Marie Chindamo

LinkedIn

Website

Instagram

Facebook

ENJOY THE SHOW?

--> Join my X-Treme Executive Clubä to get exclusive access to simple yet mind-blowing strategies and support to achieve your highest potential.

--> If this episode is making you think, I would love if you could share your thoughts with me over on Facebook Instagram or LinkedIn!

Support the show

If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers:

• 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie Chindamo
• Exclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not Chance
• Unlimited email correspondence with a coach
• Semi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members

https://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar

Empowering Young Women: The Journey of Wonder Girls

In this episode of 'Choice, Not Chance: Simplifying Success,' host Marie Chindamo interviews Natalie Maniscalco and Irene Robles, co-founders of Wonder Girls. They discuss the inception and mission of their nonprofit organization that empowers high school girls through leadership building, community service, and confidence workshops. They share personal stories, the impact of their professional skills, and the importance of empathy, support, and mentorship in shaping the future of young women. The conversation also touches upon their ambitious plans for expansion and continuous support for aspiring young women leaders.

00:00 Introduction to Choice, Not Chance

00:27 Meet the Wonder Girls Founders

01:26 Natalie's Journey and the Birth of Wonder Girls

06:03 Irene's Background and Contributions

10:21 Empowering Young Women Through Confidence

16:58 Wonder Girls Programs and Impact

26:38 Leadership and Support Behind Wonder Girls

27:21 Team Effort and Acknowledgements

28:08 Board Members and Their Contributions

29:23 Personal Fulfillment and Purpose

32:13 Fundraising and Events

34:25 Podcast and Partnerships

36:49 Future Goals and Expansion

42:21 Personal Choices and Reflections

47:13 Mindset and Overcoming Obstacles

49:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Natalie Maniscalco & Irene Robles

https://www.wondergirlsusa.org/our-team

https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-j-maniscalco-54195a1/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/irene-paleologos-zervoudis-301aa0110/

A little bit about Wondergirls:

https://www.wondergirlsusa.org/ourvisionourteam

Founded in December 2020, Wonder Girls is a non-profit 501(c)3 | empowerment program for middle, high school, and college girls with a mission to build confidence, leadership, community spirit, and the necessary business skills to succeed no matter what educational or career path they may choose.

Wonder Girls strive to create a space
for addressing the current emotional, physical, and mental challenges facing
our young girls today. Wonder Girls provides our girls with a support system,
giving them a place where they feel safe and comfortable expressing themselves
while also providing them with the tools they need to grow and thrive in this
world. We offer our young girls the opportunity to speak their truth without
fear of isolation or judgment.

Wonder Girls believes that every young
woman deserves the opportunity to thrive as a leader of their own life despite
economic, social, or educational challenges. As a network of successful and
powerful professionals, we want to positively impact the lives of our Wonder
Girls and foster our future female leaders who are ready to make a difference!

Support the show

If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers:

• 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie Chindamo
• Exclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not Chance
• Unlimited email correspondence with a coach
• Semi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members

https://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar

In this episode, Marie welcomes Dr. Steven Padnick, a psychologist with extensive experience in treating stress-related and psychophysiological disorders. Dr. Padnick discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing stress and anxiety, emphasizing that anxiety is a natural and helpful signal indicating that something is out of balance. By tuning into one's inner thoughts and feelings and expressing them through methods like writing, individuals can better manage anxiety and avoid destructive behaviors. Dr. Padnick advocates for early intervention and therapy to prevent the escalation of stress into more serious health issues. The conversation touches on methods of self-therapy, the benefits of group therapy, and the crucial role of self-awareness and intentional living in achieving personal and professional success.

“I wish people would seek counseling way sooner than they do. Generally, people wait much too long. If you feel like you're struggling and you're dissatisfied with your life, dissatisfied with your relationships, you have anxiety, you're not sleeping well, you have bouts of depression, or you find that you're drinking more than you should, go find a good psychologist, analyst, or a therapist to talk to, why wait until it has more of a grip on you.” – Dr. Steven Padnick

EP013: Show Highlights

01:52 Dr. Padnick's Early Life and Career Choices

05:45 Understanding Stress and Its Effects

08:14 Defining Success and Passion

11:36 The Role of Therapy in Overcoming Symptoms

15:42 Challenges in Therapy and Group Dynamics

22:18 The Importance of Early Intervention

30:06 Navigating Professional Challenges

30:57 Repetition Compulsion in Adulthood

31:44 Personal Stories of Overcoming Adversity

32:10 Understanding Childhood Survival Mechanisms

33:18 The Brain's Role in Survival and Stress

34:36 Free Association and Stress

36:48 The Importance of Silence and Self-Reflection

37:57 Embracing Anxiety as a Growth Tool

44:14 Defining Success and Personal Fulfillment

50:02 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Dr. Padnick:

Commack Center for Counseling: https://commackconsultationcenter.com/

Moody Blues Songs Mentioned

Balance: https://open.spotify.com/track/10iVtp83V7n1nvCJcqJITZ?si=d7ea0ac7707c42f2

Question: https://open.spotify.com/track/4Q27I5G3W14hnYVi45oi2h?si=436df51f97fa45c2

A little bit about Dr. Steven Padnick:

Dr. Padnick received intensive post-doctoral training at the Humanistic Psychology Center, the Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies, and the Center for the Advancement of Group Studies.

Full bio can be found here:https://commackconsultationcenter.com/our-therapists/

Support the show

If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers:

• 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie Chindamo
• Exclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not Chance
• Unlimited email correspondence with a coach
• Semi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members

https://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar

“Things happen, change, go back, and cycle. That's what happens. So, you adjust. Even through your career, something changes that you didn't plan on. How am I going to adjust to going forward to be the best I can be in this new environment?” Dr. Bryan Frank

[Ep 013]: This episode focuses on how flexibility and seizing opportunities can lead us to realize our fullest potential.

My guest in this episode is a wonderful and impressive example of how hard work, flexibility, and commitment have served humanity in multiple ways.

Dr. Brian Frank, whose diverse career spans law enforcement, education, and cybersecurity, shares insights from his experiences as an NYPD officer, Intelligence analyst in Iraq, educator, school administrator, and cybersecurity consultant. We explore Dr. Frank's motivations, how his various roles are interconnected, the evolving school safety landscape, and best cybersecurity practices. Dr. Frank's journey emphasizes the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and seizing opportunities to shape one's destiny.

Show Highlights

01:20 Exploring Dr. Frank's Career

01:58 School Safety and Security

05:33 The Role of Educators in Security

14:53 Parental Involvement and Support

22:12 Challenges and Changes in Education

29:46 Pressure on Students and Work-Life Balance

35:51 Navigating the Modern Workplace

36:46 Health and Wellness Initiatives at Work

37:31 The Importance of Candid Environments

38:33 Team Approach and Ego Management

40:21 Challenging the Status Quo

43:54 Cybersecurity Insights and Best Practices

56:23 Personal Motivation and Career Reflections

01:08:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

More About Guest Dr. Bryan Frank:

Connect: Bryan Frank LInkedIn

Dr. Frank’s Bio:

Bryan Frank is an Adjunct Lecturer at Stony Brook University. He earned a B.A. in Political Science and History from CW Post In 1993. Bryan holds a M.S. in Social Studies 7-12, a M.S. in Liberal Studies, and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership through Stony Brook University. He earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Saint John's University. Bryan holds permanent certifications in social studies and school administration at the building and district level, and a graduate certificate in Cyber Policy from the University of Maryland. More information on Dr. Frank's extensive bio can be seen through these links:

Stonybrook University Bio

Covert Investigations Bio

Support the show

If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers:

• 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie Chindamo
• Exclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not Chance
• Unlimited email correspondence with a coach
• Semi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members

https://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar

“We connect on an emotional level. We don't connect through facts and figures. There's a statistic that we remember 70 percent more information that's told to us through stories than through facts.” Tessa Rawson

[EP011] - From Thought to Influence: Owning Your Narrative with Confidence.

In this episode of 'Choice, Not Chance: Simplifying Success,' host Marie Chindamo interviews Tessa Rawson, a highly experienced speaking coach and founder of Resonance Coaching, who has over 10 years of experience producing TEDx talks. Tessa shares insights on how to help individuals become effective speakers and confidently share their stories. Topics include common challenges in public speaking, the importance of storytelling, and practical tips to overcome fear and anxiety. Tessa also discusses the impact of public speaking on personal and professional growth and offers advice on applying for TED and TEDx events. The episode underscores the significance of embracing one’s voice and using storytelling to make a message impactful.

00:00 Introduction to the Show

00:27 Meet Tessa Rawson: Expert Speaking Coach

01:48 Life on a Sailboat: Tessa's Unique Living Situation

03:43 The Importance of Finding Your Voice

05:26 Overcoming Speaking Challenges

06:56 The Power of Storytelling

10:30 Tips for Women to Be Heard in the Workplace

14:30 Preparing for a TED Talk

16:04 Defining Success Beyond Views

21:46 How to Get on the TEDx Stage

27:41 Starting with the Core Idea

28:41 Building the Talk Framework

29:03 Engaging the Audience

31:04 Overcoming Nerves and Anxiety

35:13 The Power of Storytelling

39:13 The Birth of Resonance

44:52 Future Aspirations and Final Thoughts

Connect with Tessa Rawson

LinkedIn

Website

Books or Resources Mentioned:

TedX Application Kit

A little bit about Tess Rawson:

After nearly 10 years of producing TEDx events in Europe and the US, Tessa founded Resonance because she genuinely believes everyone can be a powerful public speaker. Working with speakers has shown here over and over again that by gaining confidence in your voice, you can change not just your world but someone else’s, too. You already have all the tools you need, sometimes you need a little help figuring out what you want to say and how best to articulate it.

She has been sharing stories around the dinner table and on the stage in the US, Turkey, and Switzerland. Tessa now lives with her family on a sailboat in the Caribbean. She has coached leaders from across industries and geographies- everyone from non-profit founders and corporate executives to educators and artists.

Videos of their talks have been viewed over 2 million times on YouTube & TED.com, but more importantly, finding what they really want to say and the words to say it has allowed them to grow their brand and increase their impact.

Support the show

If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers:

• 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie Chindamo
• Exclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not Chance
• Unlimited email correspondence with a coach
• Semi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members

https://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar

“The key to navigating power dynamics is knowing your own power. It doesn't matter if you're in a position of authority. Your power lies in your values, your boundaries, and your ability to act in alignment with them.” Marie Chindamo

[EP010] - The Strength of Quiet Confidence: From Chaos to Clarity

In this solo episode of 'Choice, Not Chance: Simplifying Success,' host Marie Chindamo delves into the importance of trusting your intuition, standing by your values, and making intentional choices in challenging situations. She builds on themes from a previous bonus episode, offering universal principles for managing life's disruptions. Marie emphasizes the power of aligning with our internal energy frequency and the strength found in quiet resilience. She explores strategies for navigating power dynamics and taking small, intentional steps over time to achieve transformative and sustainable change. Self-care, reflecting before reacting, setting clear boundaries, and celebrating small victories are key takeaways to maintaining personal power and integrity.

Show Highlights

[Ep 010]: Description

00:00 Introduction to Choice, Not Chance

00:27 Reflecting on Personal Challenges

02:45 Understanding Emotional Reactions

05:39 Navigating Power Dynamics

09:39 The Importance of Values and Intuition

14:30 Real-Life Examples and Applications

26:29 Strategies for Self-Care and Reflection

28:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Support the show

If you enjoyed this content and would like to learn more about how you can awaken and showcase your unique gifts, use the link below to join our X-Treme Executive Club. Our Club offers:

• 30-minute private coaching calls each month with Marie Chindamo
• Exclusive Masterclasses and access to bonus episodes of Choice, not Chance
• Unlimited email correspondence with a coach
• Semi-Annual live inspirational mixers with Marie Chindamo and other X-Treme Executive Club Members

https://successschool.protilly.com/membership#nav_bar