Brilliant Balance
Business & Economics Podcasts
You deserve a big, full life and the freedom to enjoy it. The Brilliant Balance Podcast helps women in leadership design their next chapter for sustainable success—without burnout. Every week, host Cherylanne Skolnicki, a leading expert in work-life balance, leadership growth, and mindset coaching, shares ideas, inspiration, and insights to help high-achieving women align their ambition with personal fulfillment. Through conversations on leadership mindset, time management, and personal growth, you'll gain the tools to thrive in both your career and personal life. Whether you're considering a career pivot or craving more time for your personal life, you might find yourself asking: How do I advance my career—without working 24/7? Can I achieve my goals while still having time for my family? How do I stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling in control? What's next for me—and how do I design it intentionally? If you've ever wondered how to fulfill your potential without breaking your life, this podcast is for you. In addition to sharing her own insights, Cherylanne sits down with experts, thought leaders, and ambitious women who reveal their strategies for burnout recovery, productivity for women, and redefining success on their terms. You'll love the Brilliant Balance Podcast if you like podcasts like: Unlocking Us or Dare to Lead with Brene Brown, Women at Work by Harvard Business Review, The Midlife with Reshma Saujani, We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle, The Mel Robbins Podcast, HerMoney with Jean Chatzky, So Money with Farnoosh Torabi
Location:
United States
Description:
You deserve a big, full life and the freedom to enjoy it. The Brilliant Balance Podcast helps women in leadership design their next chapter for sustainable success—without burnout. Every week, host Cherylanne Skolnicki, a leading expert in work-life balance, leadership growth, and mindset coaching, shares ideas, inspiration, and insights to help high-achieving women align their ambition with personal fulfillment. Through conversations on leadership mindset, time management, and personal growth, you'll gain the tools to thrive in both your career and personal life. Whether you're considering a career pivot or craving more time for your personal life, you might find yourself asking: How do I advance my career—without working 24/7? Can I achieve my goals while still having time for my family? How do I stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling in control? What's next for me—and how do I design it intentionally? If you've ever wondered how to fulfill your potential without breaking your life, this podcast is for you. In addition to sharing her own insights, Cherylanne sits down with experts, thought leaders, and ambitious women who reveal their strategies for burnout recovery, productivity for women, and redefining success on their terms. You'll love the Brilliant Balance Podcast if you like podcasts like: Unlocking Us or Dare to Lead with Brene Brown, Women at Work by Harvard Business Review, The Midlife with Reshma Saujani, We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle, The Mel Robbins Podcast, HerMoney with Jean Chatzky, So Money with Farnoosh Torabi
Language:
English
Website:
http://brilliantbalance.net/
Email:
csp@tpf.services
Episodes
You vs. You: Why Inner Conflict Makes Everything Harder with Dana Bernstein
2/24/2026
Ever find yourself stuck in an endless loop of overthinking, self-doubt, or battling between what you want and what you "should" do? To get to the heart of this inner tug-of-war, today, I'm joined by Dana Bernstein, principal of Dare to Live Brave and author of It's the Thought that Counts: Mastering the Art of YOU vs. You. Dana is a conflict resolution coach, helping professionals in high-stakes environments like universities, government, banking, and the court system.
We're talking real-life inner conflict between ambition and self-doubt, or when your values feel like they're battling for control. Dana breaks down why labeling our emotions is magic and how knowing exactly what drives you can shift everything about how you show up, not just in tough conversations, but in your biggest moments.
Join us if you're ready for powerful stories, actionable steps, and plenty of aha moments to reclaim your power and move forward as your most empowered, graceful self (even in the messiest moments) to the big, bold life you envision.
Show Highlights:
To take the Who assessment: https://danabernsteinconflictcoach.github.io/the-who-assessment-official-/
To find Danas book: http://bit.ly/3PLlYG9
Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly
Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki
Duration:00:26:23
Don't Miss the Life You're Actually Living
2/17/2026
Ever feel like you're always racing toward the next big milestone and forgetting to savor the moments of the life you're actually living? In this episode, I'm discussing how we can easily overlook the lives we're truly living, continually focused on what's next, waiting for things to settle down, missing out on the present.
I'm talking about my own recent experience of this and the common patterns I see among high-achieving women: treating our current chapter as just a stepping stone, constantly planning, or having trouble letting the good moments sink in. With relatable reflections and practical suggestions, I'll share ways to help you notice the goodness in your daily life and become more present, even when things feel messy or transitional.
This episode is here to remind you: you don't need a different life to feel more joy—you just need to truly be here for the one you have. Let's rediscover the brilliance in our everyday moments.
Show Highlights:
Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly
Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki
Duration:00:18:38
When Health Optimization Becomes Another Job
2/10/2026
Today, I'm taking a closer look at the growing pressure so many of us feel around health optimization, especially during midlife, when simply keeping up with the latest wellness and beauty trends and advice can start to feel like another full-time job.
I'm breaking down why health information and solutions constantly inundate us, and the mental and financial costs of trying to do it all, and I'm sharing practical ways to bring more ease and intention back into our daily routines.
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by constantly shifting "rules" or found yourself buried in trackers, apps, wearables, and endless wellness products, this episode is your permission slip to turn down the noise and refocus on what truly supports your well-being. We can reclaim self-care as something that fits into our lives rather than another source of stress.
Show Highlights:
Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly
Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki
Duration:00:17:38
The ROI of Invisible Labor: A New Lens on Women's Leadership with Aimee Rickabus
2/3/2026
This week, I'm sitting down with Aimee Rickabus, powerhouse entrepreneur, author, mother of six, and CEO of Tomahawk Information Solutions, to shine a light on the invisible labor women manage every day and reveal its surprising ROI.
Aimee shares her experience of managing both her business and a bustling family, and how she has built executive-level skills along the way, turning household micro decision power into strategic thinking and leadership. We discuss the idea that success shouldn't be viewed as a relentless climb up a ladder, but more as tending to a garden, acknowledging the varied and shifting seasons of life. Aimee has practical strategies for you to make your invisible work visible, leverage it in your career, and optimize your time and energy through technology.
If you've never wondered how all those behind-the-scenes efforts are training grounds for high-level skills, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air.
Show Highlights:
To find Aimee's work, book, and podcast, visit: https://themanageher.com
Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly
Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki
Duration:00:28:14
Building habits for your hard days
1/27/2026
If you're tired of seeing your good habits crumble when life gets messy, today's episode is a must-listen. I'm revealing why our routines often fail, and it's not because we aren't disciplined.
You'll learn my "minimum viable dose" strategy, which makes it easy to stick with your habits even when motivation is low or your schedule is off track. I'll show you how making small adjustments can help you keep promises to yourself, with actionable tips for building your Plan A, Plan B (and Plan C!), so you can keep moving forward even on the toughest days.
Say goodbye to all-or-nothing thinking and embrace a more resilient approach to self-care, productivity, and growth. Hit play now and let's build habits that truly last!
Show Highlights:
Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly
Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki
Duration:00:19:05
Accountability is a forcing function
1/20/2026
Today, I'm looking at the idea of using accountability as a "forcing function" that can transform our cherished goals from wishful intentions into accomplished realities. If you ever wonder why our work projects always seem to get done while personal goals keep getting relegated to "someday," this episode will hit home.
I'm sharing why our personal lives lack the built-in accountability and structures that make professional commitments non-negotiable, because, get this, motivation isn't enough. I'll explain that with examples, insights from behavioral science, and actionable steps to harness accountability mechanisms to accomplish your most important priorities. Discover the value of enlisting paid professionals (and even some unlikely familiar faces) as accountability allies!
Accountability doesn't add pressure! It powerfully creates freedom by clearing space for what matters most to you. I'm inviting you to hit play and discover a few simple shifts to make this your year to soar.
Show Highlights:
Register for my free workshop "Make Your Week Work for You": https://brilliant-balance.com/reclaim
Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly
Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki
Duration:00:23:21
Breaking the Maybe Mindset
1/13/2026
Ever find yourself circling around a decision, stuck between yes and no, with a big "maybe" holding you back? This week, I'm pulling back the curtain on the "maybe mindset"...that quiet habit of postponing meaningful choices and playing it safe.
I'll share why it's so tempting to linger in indecision, the real price we pay for not committing, and practical strategies for finally breaking that cycle. Expect honest recollections, a fresh perspective on why clarity doesn't require perfect certainty, and a powerful invitation to make bolder, more confident choices.
If you're ready to stop living in limbo and start moving forward, don't miss this episode.
Show Highlights:
Register for my free workshop "Make Your Week Work for You": https://brilliant-balance.com/reclaim
Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly
Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki
Duration:00:22:20
The myth of the "perfect choice"
1/6/2026
Happy New Year! As we kick off the new year with a fresh season of possibilities and clean, blank calendar pages, the pressure to make "just right" choices can trip us up in our careers and personal lives, or even when managing our week. So, today, I'm discussing the myth of the "perfect choice."
I'm taking a close look at how perfectionism and procrastination go hand in hand, keeping us from taking action. I'll share my honest experiences and a practical framework to help you break out of analysis paralysis, with a gentle reminder that progress happens when we act, not when we wait for certainty—it's movement, not perfection, that creates clarity and momentum.
Plus, I have a free live workshop lined up to help you reclaim your week. Let's make this your year of progress, one bold decision at a time!
Show Highlights:
Register for my free workshop"Make Your Week Work for You": https://brilliant-balance.com
Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly
Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki
Duration:00:16:47
Instead of Resolutions, Try This
12/30/2025
Ready to make this your most extraordinary year yet—without the pressure of unrealistic resolutions? In this episode, I'm challenging the usual approach to New Year's resolutions and sharing a refreshing perspective to kick off your year.
As we head into January, it's so easy to get caught up in creating grand resolutions and making bold promises for change. But as I discuss, these resolutions often burn bright and then quickly fizzle, leaving us feeling frustrated or behind.
Instead, I'm inviting you to focus on something much more powerful—making small, intentional choices every day. I'll explain why these smaller, consistent decisions matter far more than sweeping resolutions and how they can help you become the best version of yourself, step by step. Tune in and step into a year without the pressure of traditional resolutions!
Show Highlights:
If you're ready to make courageous choices that create a life you love, join the BRAVE waitlist today: https://brilliant-balance.com/brave
Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly
Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki
Duration:00:15:52
Permission to pause
12/23/2025
Today, I want to talk with you about giving yourself permission to pause. As we move through a season that's usually packed with busyness and long to-do lists, I'm inviting you to slow down—truly rest and enjoy the present moment without feeling guilty or needing to justify it.
In this episode, I'm sharing why stepping out of your normal routine, even just for a little while, can help you feel more clear-headed, creative, and connected with the people around you. I believe taking this kind of pause sets us up to enter the new year feeling grounded and restored.
Let's let go of the constant push for productivity and embrace a week of presence, laughter, and simple joy, and enjoy what happens when we allow ourselves to just be. Happy Holidays!
Show Highlights:
If you're ready to make courageous choices that create a life you love, join the BRAVE waitlist today: https://brilliant-balance.com/brave
Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly
Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki
Duration:00:09:31
The high cost of playing it safe
12/16/2025
Today, I'm discussing the hidden cost of playing it safe, a topic that's secretly all too familiar for women with strong track records of achievement. If you feel restless for that next big leap, yet find yourself sticking to the safe and predictable path, or even avoiding measured, everyday growth opportunities, this episode is for you.
I'll help you rethink what responsibility and excellence truly mean, and shed light on why we avoid risk and how to start taking meaningful, supported risks to bring more growth and fulfillment into our lives. From navigating childhood patterns of perfectionism to confronting the fears that keep us boxed in, the insights I'm sharing will help you shift from stagnation to flowing brilliance.
This conversation is your invitation to stop shrinking your possibilities and start stretching into your potential and a vibrant next chapter designed just for you!
Show Highlights:
If you're ready to make courageous choices that create a life you love, join the BRAVE waitlist today: https://brilliant-balance.com/brave
Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly
Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki
Duration:00:17:44
When life looks great.... but doesn't feel great.
12/9/2025
Do you feel like your life ticks all the right boxes, yet something's missing under the surface? This week, I'm discussing a surprising paradox many high-achieving women experience—what happens when our dream lives look perfect and applaudable from the outside, but fail to bring fulfillment on the inside.
If you've been performing instead of living or started to sense that your ladder to success has been up against the wrong wall, this episode is for you. I'm sharing how to spot the performance trap and signals of misaligned success, plus practical strategies for reconnecting with your essence, auditing energy-drainers, and letting go of obligations that no longer serve you.
Let's break the cycle of discontent together and claim a lighter, more satisfying life that both looks and feels great. Are you ready to make your next chapter the one that's truly yours?
Show Highlights:
If you're ready to make courageous choices that create a life you love, join the BRAVE waitlist today: https://brilliant-balance.com/brave
Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly
Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki
Duration:00:23:52
Give this year the ending it deserves
12/2/2025
As this year winds down, I'm inviting you to give it the fully present ending it deserves before you jump ahead to all that next year holds. In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite ways to embrace December with intention, whether that means finishing strong, leaning into rest, or striking a balance between the two.
I'll prompt you to reflect on what you're ready to release, and what you still want to accomplish (minus the pressure or perfectionism), trading burnout for brilliance and making space for the magic that lives in the present moment.
Plus, I'm sharing an exciting sneak peek into Brave, my brand-new community for women who are ready to make the courageous choices that create a life you love. Let's make these last weeks of the year count!
Show Highlights:
If you're ready to make courageous choices that create a life you love, join the BRAVE waitlist today: https://brilliant-balance.com/brave
Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly
Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki
Duration:00:20:01
Make holiday choices that work for you
11/25/2025
In this episode, we're looking at how we unintentionally contribute to our own holiday overwhelm, and how we can make choices this season that actually work FOR us instead of against us. The holidays are meant to sparkle with joy, but we all know firsthand how it feels to get caught in the whirlwind of picture-perfect expectations (miles of twinkling lights and Pinterest-worthy cookies anyone?).
I'm sharing how to take back control, set boundaries, and actually enjoy the season instead of running yourself into the ground. You'll learn why doing less isn't a failure (it's liberation) and how giving yourself permission to break traditions or to call in support can make all the difference. I'll offer my favorite practical ways to simplify and clarify what matters most, so you create a holiday that feels magical instead of exhausting.
Let's say yes to more connection and a whole lot less chaos this holiday season, and create celebrations that are both meaningful and manageable.
Show Highlights:
To download my Holiday Planning Guide: https://brilliant-balance.com/holiday
Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly
Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki
Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057
Duration:00:23:56
Become the next version of you: The Enneagram Revisited with Heather Warnke
11/18/2025
This week, I'm joined by our newest Brilliant Balance coach and a certified Enneagram expert, Heather Warnke, for a conversation about the transformative power of the Enneagram. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Enneagram or just curious about this buzzworthy tool, you'll discover how finding your true Enneagram type can catalyze profound self-awareness, compassion, and growth.
We'll break down what the Enneagram really is, why we sometimes mistype ourselves, and how uncovering your correct type can reshape the way you lead, love, and live. For years, I thought I knew my Enneagram type, until Heather walked me through a new assessment, and everything changed.
This episode offers a glimpse into how discovering your core motivations can impact every part of your life, and practical wisdom to embrace your essence. Plus, I'll tell you how you can experience this next-level clarity for yourself with a unique opportunity to work directly with Heather and Brilliant Balance!
Show Highlights:
To book an Enneagram Intensive with Heather: https://brilliant-balance.com/enneagram
Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly
Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki
Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057
Duration:00:42:36
Unpopular advice: Get comfortable being uncomfortable
11/11/2025
In today's encore episode, I'm sharing one of my favorite mindset reminders: how to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Expecting and embracing discomfort is where real growth happens—personally and professionally.
I'll revisit a memorable parenting moment to show how stepping into discomfort creates growth, and share the mindset shifts I use with clients and family. If you're facing a new challenge or feeling stretched in your current chapter, this episode is for you. You'll get practical tips on why discomfort is normal, temporary, and totally survivable.
Join me for a fresh perspective and actionable insights to help you push past limits and step into new opportunities for brilliance!
Show Highlights:
Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly
Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki
Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057
Duration:00:23:09
Closing the Gratitude Gap: Why It's Hard to Feel Thankful When You're Tired
11/4/2025
Have you ever found yourself staring at a gratitude journal, knowing you have so much to be thankful for, but just not feeling it? This week, I'm sharing a candid look into why gratitude can feel so out of reach when we're tired, stressed, or running on empty, even as the world tells us it's the season to count our blessings.
As ambitious women with full plates and big dreams, it's easy to fall into the trap of forcing gratitude, but in this episode, I reveal why rest and presence (not pressure) are the secret ingredients. I'll show you how letting go of the "gratitude checklist" and learning to savor real moments can reignite that sense of appreciation you crave.
If you're ready for a fresh perspective on thankfulness that actually fits your busy, brilliant life, this episode is for you. Let's give ourselves permission to experience gratitude as it was meant to be…joyful, effortless, and truly rewarding.
Show Highlights:
Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly
Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki
Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057
Duration:00:19:08
Burnout Backslide: Why High Achievers Keep Ending Up on Empty (and How to Stop It)
10/28/2025
Feeling like you’re running on empty, no matter how hard you try to have it all together? Fresh from an inspiring BOLD retreat in Asheville, NC, today I'll share the real reason high-achieving women like us keep slipping back into burnout, even after we swear we’ve got it handled. It’s not about willpower or your to-do list. Burnout is actually a biological loop that our bodies get stuck in, especially when the pace never seems to let up.
I’ll walk you through the hidden mental loads we carry and why recovery needs to be built into our rhythm, not just crammed in when we’re desperate for a break. You’ll hear my top three strategies for breaking free from the burnout cycle and creating a life with energy, joy, and true freedom.
This episode is your invitation to a new chapter, to make room for brilliance—and finally normalize rest, reclaim your rhythm, and enjoy what you're working so hard to build!
Show Highlights:
Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekl
Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki
Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057
Duration:00:16:31
Think inside the box: How constraints can lead to creative breakthroughs with Sheri Jacobs
10/21/2025
In this episode, I’m joined by Sheri Jacobs, an accomplished entrepreneur, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and passionate advocate for creative breakthroughs. She’s here to help us rethink everything we know about boundaries!
We often hear that endless options drive innovation, but Sheri shows us how setting the right boundaries can actually ignite creativity and teamwork. She brings impactful stories and inspiration, from her arctic wildlife photography adventures to behind-the-scenes moments with leading companies like Bank of America, demonstrating how a few smart limits can lead to sharper solutions. She shares practical ways to create more clarity and space for what matters, at work and at home, even while juggling busy family lives and bold aspirations.
If you feel overwhelmed by all you “should” be doing or struggle to find space for your passions, this episode offers fresh tools to help you choose what truly matters and design your most vibrant season yet. Listen in to learn how setting sensible limits can spark your next great idea.
Show Highlights:
To find Sheri's work and her books, go to https://www.sherijacobs.com/.
Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly
Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki
Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057
Duration:00:24:39
Q4 Energy Check: Are You Running on Empty?
10/14/2025
In this episode, I’m inviting you to join me for a much-needed Q4 energy check. As I head off to host a rejuvenating fall retreat with my BOLD coaching circle at the beautiful Grove Park Inn, I want to bring you into that vibe right here on the show.
If your calendar is starting to feel like a pressure cooker—with work deadlines, kids’ activities, and holiday plans piling up—I get it. You’re not alone. I’ll walk you through a practical, honest self-audit to help you identify what’s draining you and what’s fueling you, and I’ll share small but powerful strategies to restore your energy before year’s end.
From finding those micro-breaks in your day, to setting healthier boundaries, and making space for what truly matters, and whether you’re approaching exhaustion or simply want to preserve your spark this season, this episode is your permission slip to prioritize your well-being so you can finish the year feeling energized, present, and brilliant!
Show Highlights:
Subscribe to the Brilliant Balance Weekly: www.brilliant-balance.com/weekly
Follow Cherylanne on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cskolnicki
Join the Brilliant Balance Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/281949848958057
Duration:00:21:13