Embracing Your Zone of Genius as an Empath with Liz Rohr

 

Catherine A. Wood  00:10

Oh, hello. You’re on mute.

 

Liz Rohr  00:15

Hi. Um, can I get my headphones too?

 

Catherine A. Wood  00:18

Yeah, totally. Are they the pink ones and your photoshoot?

 

Liz Rohr  00:24

Oh, no. So those don’t plug into my mic. And those are gonna help me here. My mic working well, um, hold on one second.

 

00:32

Okay

 

Liz Rohr  00:41

um, I asked Leslie to take the week off. And so I’m just kind of covering for her a little bit. It was it was a it was an option, but it was a very, not quite an option option for her to work this week. Yeah, she was burnt out as fuck. So I was like, no, not acceptable. You need to get yourself. She was already planning on taking a couple of days off. But I was like, take the whole week. You know, Tuesday and Wednesday. Were the only day she was going to be here anyway, so. Well, that’s

 

Catherine A. Wood  01:14

fun. Yeah, it’s good.

 

Liz Rohr  01:16

It’s good. Well, then let me change my second Can you hear me? Yeah. Awesome. Cool. This is fun. I’m excited. Um, is this is just gonna be on video, or is it just gonna be audio? So I’m

 

Catherine A. Wood  01:36

recording them all with video, but I’m not doing anything with the video at this point. Okay, maybe at some point? I might, but sure.

 

Liz Rohr  01:47

Yeah, no worries.

 

Catherine A. Wood  01:48

Prefer we not even consider video because that’s totally an option too.

 

Liz Rohr  01:53

I’d prefer not if that’s okay. I’m just because I don’t have any makeup on. I feel better with makeup on. That’s fine. Yeah. Actually, that’s fine. The zoom is touching me up a little bit. So I don’t care actually. Whatever. Um,

 

Catherine A. Wood  02:08

you need to get some of Martha’s zoom filtering expertise so she can put makeup on you.

 

Liz Rohr  02:14

I know. Have you tried to do that before now? Oh, my God, we were playing with it. During one of my I do lessons on zoom with Margaret. And, um, yeah, that we were playing with it one time. And it was kind of ridiculous. It did not look good.

 

Catherine A. Wood  02:30

That’s fine.

 

Liz Rohr  02:32

I’m a little bit nervous. I just want to tell you that because this is my first like official podcast as a bot as a business as a second consultant business owner. And I think it’s just yeah, just let me know, huh? Yeah. Because I’ve done like, how many podcasts forever? You know, forever. Never ever. Yeah. And I do interviews all the time. It’s just I’m usually the interviewer. And I’ve only never done one other business podcast, and I wasn’t a business, whatever at the time. So anyway,

 

Catherine A. Wood  02:56

I’m a little nervous too, because I’ve never had a guest on a former client on my podcast or current mastermind there. And I don’t want to like ask you questions that only I know. And like, reveal things that I know, is privileged. So it’s like, a lot of different hats.

 

Liz Rohr  03:12

Totally, totally. So I get it. No, it’s all good. It’s all good. And editing is a is a beautiful thing, isn’t it?

 

Catherine A. Wood  03:20

It is especially when you don’t have to do any of it.

 

Liz Rohr  03:23

I know. Sweet. That’s so great.

 

Catherine A. Wood  03:27

Did you find a new winter jacket?

 

Liz Rohr  03:31

Yes and no. So Carolyn helped me find a beautiful camel colored one. That’s wool, which is really nice, but I don’t have a puffer yet. That’s like a normal length. Puffer

 

Catherine A. Wood  03:42

what brand do you know what brands you want? Don’t know. Are you getting me a coat? Yeah, no, I’m not getting you a coat but I’ve been getting. I’ve thought about getting your coat and I was like, No, this is way too much of a big of a decision. Like I can’t even imagine such a big decision for me that I’m like, is like how do you pick a winner winner Cooper someone else?

 

Liz Rohr  04:02

Totally. And also try it on. So yeah,

 

Catherine A. Wood  04:06

but I am buying a new winter coat and I am really struggling with it because I love Patagonia. I love what they stand for. I love their brand. I love their customer service. I love their return policies like I am like a Patagonia client for life. Yeah, and I don’t like any of their winter coat options. Right now armor Yeah, like not at all and I bought one and it was like literally the most expensive coat they have and I was like well, it’s probably gonna be this one because this guy has done one and I Yeah, and it still sucked and I didn’t like it. So I’m returning it but I found a north face one that I’m I just ordered I actually ordered three so I can see which size in which color and then I’ll return the others but I love to Patagonia has a 40% off The end of season sale right now that just started today if you’re needing any amazing Patagonia merchandise. Yes,

 

Liz Rohr  05:07

I will definitely check it out. I’m just gonna say a couple of things. So one, my friend Margaret, you’ve talked to Margaret but she’s like I feel like she’s very aware of all the Bougie stuff and I’m Canada Goose apparently some sort of Gucci brand is very expensive but it’s super warm she had it she was gifted one and it didn’t fit her but she still has it like she’s like I don’t know what I’m gonna do with it but yeah, I wore I bought it in Chicago and was really lovely and then the other one is my in laws are obsessed with it’s Eddie Bauer I think is the brand and it’s called ever therm and it’s actually a very very thin type of jacket almost looks like a windbreaker but the way that they do the down like makes it like extra warm and they actually gifted it to me for Christmas is the wrong size so I have to exchange it but it’s really warm but you’d probably want to try it on like it looks like it’s not going to be warm enough but it is is really nice.

 

Catherine A. Wood  05:55

I tried on a Canada Goose when at the mall last night and yeah, it was gorgeous and beautiful and like snow white color. And I was like if my dogs didn’t jump and and Park was like if we can spend this much money on mold then of course you can spend this much that’s his that is his that is his excuse for everything now if you spend this on a house if we could spend this on a yard if we could spend this on you know Phil XYZ like of course we can spend this and I’m like this is not as a lose lose situation for me right here. You are not and you’re not a good but anyway, the the Canada goose ones are beautiful. They look. Everyone has them in Boston, there’s a Canada Goose store in the Prudential if you’re wanting to try and yard but they also have an Nordstroms but we’ll see I bought my North faces I’m going to try.

 

Liz Rohr  06:58

My mom likes her. She has a down one that’s really really warm. A North Face one. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So I’ll have to try that too.

 

Catherine A. Wood  07:06

It was like a little like betrayal. Because it feels I feel like North Face and Patagonia are like the two brands, you know? Yeah. Yeah, that’s totally fair market share. And it’s like,

 

Liz Rohr  07:17

well, you should like right into their customer service of like, Hey, I’m like a diehard Patagonia fan and I hate all of your coats. Here’s what I’m looking for. Because maybe other people want to do you know?

 

Catherine A. Wood  07:28

Yeah. Yeah, that’s true.

 

Liz Rohr  07:33

All right, where should we start?

 

Catherine A. Wood  07:36

So let’s see. So just a little bit of how this is gonna go. So I’m going to do it a little differently with you where after our episode, I’m recording another episode after we get off, but after I record these episodes, I’ll come back and record like an official welcome, like intro and a recap of the episode and what I’m excited for people to listen into. So we don’t have like that weird. Like me talking about you? I know I don’t do that’d be there. I frickin hate it. Um, but yeah, like, I think we’ll just have you start well, we’ll like a welcome you and you can share your story and then we’ll just see where our curiosity goes and will end by the hour for sure. And and then at the end, I’ll ask you what supported you in becoming a prosperous and Beth. And it can be anything it can be mindset, it can be book, tool, strategy, practice, like whatever. Hmm, cool. Um, anything you don’t want to talk about?

 

Liz Rohr  08:48

Probably stuff with Dave. Great spousal things maybe we’ll see could be light but yeah, I think that’s pretty much it. i

 

Catherine A. Wood  08:58

Yeah, it’s interesting. You say that, like Bono was on a podcast a couple of weeks ago, and I shared for the very first time that I am estranged from my sister. And it was just so interesting. Like, it just kind of like, came it came out and it’s interesting. Like when you feel called to share things about your story?

 

Liz Rohr  09:22

Yeah, totally. Definitely.

 

Catherine A. Wood  09:27

Okay, well, um, wait for what it’s worth. I’m not gonna. I’m not gonna reference you specifically as a client or a mastermind participant. I’ll just say that like, like, I’ve been like intimately connected with your journey. Sure.

 

Liz Rohr  09:42

And do you not want me to see that? Are you okay with that if I share that? No, totally. I just, I don’t just feels weird. Sure. Yeah. Cool. Cool. Sounds good. Okay. Maybe we should like shake it out. I am gonna take it out. Um,

 

Catherine A. Wood  10:01

I recorded another podcast yesterday with someone who’s based in California. And it was like, so gorgeous. I was on her podcast and of all the podcasts I’ve been on. It flowed the most it was like cool. It felt so. I don’t know there’s just something about it. So whose was it? Her name? Jesse. Jesse. Jesse Michelle Agha Dhoni and she her she’s a wellness practitioner. Oh, how does health coaching but she has this like, just a gorgeous being.

 

Liz Rohr  10:46

Hmm, cool. I can’t wait to hear it.

 

Catherine A. Wood  10:50

You will love it. You’ll really love it. Okay, I’m ready. Are you ready?

 

Liz Rohr  10:54

I’m ready. Ready?

 

Catherine A. Wood  10:55

Okay, Haley, we’re gonna start here. I am so thrilled to have you on the podcast today, Liz. I feel like a big part of me launching the podcast was your champion net telling me I needed to share my message. So thank you for us being here today. And why don’t we just get started by you sharing a little bit about your journey and how you got to be where you are.

 

Liz Rohr  11:23

Now? Totally. Yeah, I’m so thrilled you started this podcast. Like, I just feel like it came to me. And I was like having this podcast. So it’s wonderful. Um, but yeah, so um, yeah, so a little bit about me and my journey. So I, my name is Liz roar. And so she they, and I have two companies I have my first company is a online medical education and continuing education for nurse practitioners in primary care. And I started that in 2019. And then this year, I started my consulting company where I do business consulting, vision, vision, marketing, messaging, and helping people with their offers. I’m still kind of like narrowing down my focus. But um, but yeah, I’m also a mom, I am. I don’t know, what else can I tell you? I have to say I said this before we started recording, but I’m a little bit nervous as it’s my first official business consultant podcast. So just want to be out loud about that?

 

Catherine A. Wood  12:20

Well, I know starting this consultancy is something that you’ve been really excited about for a while now. And I’m wondering what it was like for you jumping into your second

 

Liz Rohr  12:30

business. You know, it’s interesting. So I think for me, I had this like voice that was very loud. It started off quietly, and I got very, very loud of like, wanting to do this, do do the business consulting. And I think having allowing myself the space to explore it is kind of just like getting it out of my system. And just like allowing it be a thing. It’s just been really fun. And I think I’m allowing myself to be like more in my zone of genius. And then the other piece of it is yeah, I think it’s like the pressure is off in terms of, it’s less off and in, in my mind compared to my other company, because it’s like, I just get so wrapped up and like pressured and intense and stressed about it. And it’s like, I get to practice the way I want to run a business in this way. Because there’s like just less pressure on it, because it’s an experiment. And so going through that is kind of helping me look at my company in a very different way. My first company, real world, NP, and it’s just been really fun. I really, I really love it. I really love where it’s going. And I love working with people. It’s just been I’m just like, How can I do this more all the time.

 

Catherine A. Wood  13:37

And, you know, for our listeners who have perhaps heard the term zone of genius, but don’t necessarily know what it is like, this is something I was and I talk about a lot like it’s this idea of doing something that is natural to you and doesn’t even feel like work.

 

Liz Rohr  13:54

Hmm. Yeah, definitely.

 

Catherine A. Wood  13:56

It feels like you know, it feels like for you when you’re in your zone of genius that you really create magic.

 

Liz Rohr  14:06

Yeah, definitely.

 

Catherine A. Wood  14:09

What and what’s your journey been like allowing yourself to operate and to hang out in your zone of genius longer and more consistently? Hmm.

 

Liz Rohr  14:21

Well, yeah, so like, if if anyone listening is not familiar, we’re referencing the Gay, gay Hendricks his book The Big Leap where he talks about the different zones and so yeah, like I think you and I’ve talked about that expansion it’s like the more you can allow yourself to be in that space like the more the more you get out of it, because it can be uncomfortable and I think that’s been for me is kind of like Yeah, I think it’s I think it’s it’s a slow but steady process of like, more and more and more as been allowing like, I think in my mind, like I hope for these things like a rival and it like flipping a switch and then just being there but but yeah, it’s just it’s just gotten easier and more fun and I I think I think though, there’s still some work in there in terms of like. Yeah, like, like, it’s not for real, quote unquote, right? Like, it’s not for real yet that this is my zone of genius all the time. And I’m not, it’s not my primary company. So my primary source of income, and so it’s like, I’m allowing myself to play there, but I feel like that’s gonna be my next level is like letting that be both my source of support financially and my source of joy.

 

Catherine A. Wood  15:26

Mm hmm. I mean, I really appreciate that reminder, it’s like that we never actually arrive. We’re constantly evolving and giving ourselves more permission to operate at, you know, this level and the next level and the next level. And I was thinking about things that I, that I thought would be fun to talk about with you. And I know you are, you and I are both like big numbers, people. So can we talk about numbers? Not not money, but other numbers? For sure. I think this is gonna provide some context for our audience today. So yeah. How many email subscribers do you have at the moment?

 

Liz Rohr  16:09

About 20,000? Yeah, and

 

Catherine A. Wood  16:11

how many people are on your YouTube channel?

 

Liz Rohr  16:15

Around the same about 2122?

 

Catherine A. Wood  16:18

And what’s the highest number of listeners on any of your YouTube videos?

 

Liz Rohr  16:26

Oh, wow, I have a couple of breakaway videos that are in the 50,000 range. Yeah. But those are in the breakaway strategy world as your breakaway videos, but that I saw I make clinical educational videos for nurse practitioners and the videos, there are certain topics that perform really well with nurse practitioners like my cup, my core ideal clients. And then there are some topics that people at large are searching for that topic, like people who are patients. And so those patient specific, they’re not patient specific, but people who are patients are like, oh, I want to watch this too. Those are my like, quote unquote, Breakaway videos, because my audience is so much larger for those. So yeah, it’s got like 20,000 50,000 plus maybe even 80,000. I haven’t looked in a while for those videos. But yeah, we’re working on our data systems to look at data more closely.

 

Catherine A. Wood  17:10

Yes, yes. to that.

 

Liz Rohr  17:14

I know, I’m so excited. I’m really excited to Data Box is a great tool, by the way. We’re investigating its usage. But yeah.

 

Catherine A. Wood  17:21

So I mean, I love that context. Right. Because when we talk about operating there, that at that level, I wonder, how have you gotten comfortable operating at that level? Like, knowing the consequence, the visibility, that impact with which and the reach with which your efforts? Great?

 

Liz Rohr  17:46

Yeah, I mean, it’s, it’s, it’s been a really interesting process, like just speaking as like a highly sensitive person. I didn’t mention that. But I’m also a highly sensitive person empath. And yeah, I think for me, I’m you and I’ve talked about this, there are some people that are the bridge builders, and the bridge burners. And so for, like, if I can speak for my knowledge of you is that, like, you like to have a plan. And you kind of set it out in motion, 1234. And I just kind of like, I just have this idea, I’m gonna go full force, and I just do it. So I think that’s like part of my personality. But then, in terms of like, being an HSP, sensitive person, it’s just, it’s been a huge, like, nervous system shift every single time. And I know, coaching absolutely has supported me during therapy has been supportive. And I think like a practice that you and I have done is is celebrating wins to like, I really do feel like that has made a big impact in terms of acclimatized not just to the publicity part, but to like the success part to have like, you know, like this, like, I how, like, you and I have talked about this, like, how can you be comfortable getting to those higher levels, if you’re not comfortable appreciating those wins now, and I feel like the same thing is probably true for the audience members and, and I feel like a lot of people say this in business spaces, whether it’s like, you know, what the hardest sale sometimes is the first one. Actually starting the second company. I’m like, totally put back in that beginner’s mind place of like, oh, yeah, this is terrifying. Um, and I think when I looked backwards, that was the beginning was the hardest part because I mean, I remember I like the first day I launched my website. I like couldn’t eat like I just I get real stomach stuff when I get nervous. I like couldn’t eat all day for like a couple of days actually. Because I was like, so like, I just like staring at my computer hitting refresh. Looking at

 

Catherine A. Wood  19:29

my email list. Are you talking about the business consultant?

 

Liz Rohr  19:35

This is real world MP No, this this this three and a half years ago? Yeah. Yeah. But no, for that for the Consulting has been it’s way toned down because I’ve already acclimatized to being a visible person and like, being also okay with putting stuff out in the world that like, it’s not to my standards, right? Because it’s an experiment, right? And it’s like, it’s going to feel clunky and messy and middle school messy. You know, like that just awkward phase. I’m more comfortable with that. But yeah, it’s Just just it’s been a process and I think one of the pieces is that I am such an ambitious person that I just want to keep going forward and I, I’ve gotten a lot more self kindness over the years, I honestly, I really do feel like coaching has helped me, I’m just gonna say I’ve worked with you as a coach. And I think working with you working with other coaches has just been really, really helpful thinking through all of those detangling those pieces and like also giving myself the space and rest to acclimatized. Like it just happened in December, where I had a big leap in my revenue. And I have a lot more team members now. And I was having a really hard time and I was like beating myself up about it. And it’s like, just keep going. I was like, What is going on here, but like on that deeper emotional nervous system level, like I was, I was a compromising. So just space and time.

 

Catherine A. Wood  20:48

I think the term a climatization like is so important for HSPs and Empath entrepreneurs because we’re so deeply sensing, like, deeply impacted by the environment, some of us are deeply impacted at a sensory level like I know, I’m not but I think you are. Yeah, definitely. So like when you think about your experience acclimatized thing in your business? What, what has made a difference for you? And when do you notice that there’s an opportunity or an invitation to acclimatized to a new level?

 

Liz Rohr  21:31

That’s a great question. Usually, I have this barometer at this point of like, where my baseline energy is, like, I think I’m pretty aware of my energy levels at this point. And so one of my one of my friends calls it her sparkly place is like that zone of genius place of like, when you’re in your like, essence of who you are, like, you have this like, son, you have the sense of like, what that is like, and then I feel like when I’m in a place that’s like very friction, and I’m like, not really in like my best wellness place and like feeling more more like myself, I usually need to take it as a sign of like, okay, it’s usually an assessment thing it’s like is, am I not taking care of myself is like a wellness practice? Or is it that something else is going on? Whether it’s like, especially as like a sensitive person, like, you know, picking up on everything else that’s happening in the world at large, whether it’s on the news, or there’s something in my business? So I think it’s, I think it’s, um, yeah, I think it’s just kind of like a process of awareness of like, what’s like, how am I feeling? What’s going on? And like, how do I kind of like strategize where that’s coming from? And how do I mitigate that?

 

Catherine A. Wood  22:42

And if you think about strategies, or practices that have helped you mitigate what, what tends to work well for you?

 

Liz Rohr  22:59

I feel like with I feel like it’s tends to be time and space. Honestly, like, I feel like I feel like talking things over really like articulating them. I’m more of like an auditory processor, verbal processor than I am like a writer. But I think working through that stuff, emotionally. And then with either a friend or a coach or therapist or something like that. And then giving myself time and space without judgment, like just trying really hard to practice that like, yeah, sometimes it’s just I feel like I get in this wrestling match sometimes about like, wanting to control how I respond, how I how my energetics are like, I just I know where my sparkly places, and I just want to be back there. And I think I just have to be patient sometimes of like, you know what, I’m not here. Have I figured out what’s going on? If not, it’s just time. You know, like, sometimes it’s just like laying in bed with the covers of my eyes. I’m just like, to sensory overloaded, you know, getting to that place.

 

Catherine A. Wood  23:56

I love the the word choice of like your sparkly place, like your sparkly place.

 

Liz Rohr  24:04

My friend might So Brooke Nielsen, I have to give her credit for that. She’s an HSP therapist, and she’s awesome. So yeah, I did not claim I did not claim that. But sparkly places is awesome. I love how that feels.

 

Catherine A. Wood  24:18

I mean, that that permission to give ourselves space and rest, like space and grace is something I say a lot. Like, it’s so important. Yeah, like, I mean, I think about my journey. And, you know, you know that words of the year are very important for me. And yes, it was 2019 or 2020 that I declared spaciousness as my word of the year. And that was the year I got certified as a kundalini yoga instructor and started meditating consistently. And that was the year that I truly embodied given myself that mental and physical space and it was simultaneously the year. I like had a breakthrough after breakthrough in my intuition. I love allowing my intuition to emerge to make decisions from that place.

 

Liz Rohr  25:09

I love that, and actually reminds me to is that one of the other kinds of support structures that I lean on, in general, but especially during those times, is I have an energy healer that I love. So she does a combination of like, it’s, yeah, just energy healing stuff. But she’s fantastic, too. That’s really helpful. But I think I guess the thing I wanted to add about that, and about time and space is that I think like, just from like a HSP perspective is like, and business owner perspective, is like, we just we operate in a society that like, has productivity as the most important thing. And this, like hyper individualism, and then this, like, people are basically treated like machines and like encouraged to treat ourselves like machines. And that’s not real, and it’s not sustainable. And so I think that I think I’ve done a lot more in terms of like anti oppression work in the last couple of years and, and really like making those choices to honor that place and honor that kind of humanity, really is part of the action towards anti oppression work in general, too. So I think that I think I’ve kind of fight up against that of like, you know, I just want to keep going and going, because I’m so mission driven, and I’m so excited about what I do. And also like, I need to like remember that, like when I take that stand for myself and with my team. Like, that’s it, it causes like those ripple effects, you know, and it’s it also contributes to the culture of my team, too, which I think they really appreciate. And I really appreciate it too.

 

Catherine A. Wood  26:30

I mean, this feels like a lot of the clarity that the pandemic has brought. Yes, it’s just these patterns around workaholism and hustle mentality that is no longer sustainable. Yeah. And it feels like it’s really kind of illuminated a path for, you know, this quiet quitting movement, and just this opportunity to do less. And yeah, what’s enough. And I think that that can be really challenging when you’re highly ambitious and a highly driven, and simultaneously, really inspired by what you’re creating, and create really big results really quickly, which has been your experience,

 

Liz Rohr  27:16

right? Definitely. Yeah, yeah.

 

Catherine A. Wood  27:18

So how do you manage those competing commitments?

 

Liz Rohr  27:27

Um, I think for me, the place. Yeah, it’s so fascinating. I mean, there’s so many different ways I could answer that. So I think that for me, my kind of my practice, I guess, to first some context for people who aren’t, who don’t know, like me and my company, I started as a solopreneur, like, solo entrepreneur myself in 2019. And then, you know, I went from brand new business and to now we’re like, past the half million mark. I’ve got, you know, 666 team members mixture of part time and full time and some employees, some contractors, and yeah, I guess like, the context is that like, I had this like rapid acclimatization for like over the past, like three years or so. And so it’s just been, it’s been a process of like, I think when I first started out, I was definitely in that workaholism place of like, I just didn’t know anything else. Because I came from working in the clinic setting all full time, and I stayed in the clinic time, I’m not in the clinic anymore. But yeah, so I think it’s just been like a gradual kind of hitting, I think I unfortunately, kind of keep learning through hitting a wall. Like, I almost get, like, basically, I started the company for a number of reasons, but I was nearing burnout. And so now I kind of do this thing of like, I almost get to that burnout place. And I’m like, oh, shoot, hold on, bring it back. And then I keep going and keep going and keep going. So I was like testing boundaries of myself. Kind of like, okay, it’s test boundaries. But I think at this place, like, I think whenever that kind of comes up of like, this is too much, then I’m like, Okay, I gotta reel it back. And what is the support structure that I need? Like, I think, you know, you and I have worked together talking about that of like, you know, who are the WHO IS THE Is it a do delegate? Is it a person that I need to hire? Is it parity that needs to change? Like, what is the impact, like, it’s always kind of this triangulation of like, what’s going on, and like, making sure that my priorities, my values stay first. And I just like, never, I have that commitment of like, I never want to get to that place of burnout. And I know that I am not of any help to anybody in the world if I’m burnt out. And so even if it’s difficult to make the choices to either slow down my programming, or sort on my business process, or, you know, just just have a day off where I do nothing, I took the month of December off, like I just I was getting kind of close to burnout again, and that’s like, okay, none of that. And I took a whole month off and then I got the supports. And so it’s just been a gradual process of like, little chips away. Again, with a lot of support. Like I’ve done coaching, I’ve done therapy. I’ve just done little, little movements of practice over time where I’ve made the choice to get some sort of support, and just like push that needle a little bit further each time, but I think it’s I’m a lot more balanced now than I used to be because I think that I’ve also acclimatized to that place of being a leader, having a team, and then also really embracing the zones of genius. And also like, you know that I love Clifton Strengths. If anybody listening doesn’t know Clifton Strengths, it’s a really phenomenal way to look at somebody’s what they’re best at, in terms of energy, like your top 10 things out of 34 are the things that you really double down on, and then you kind of mitigate the rest. And so just that’s also like a self knowledge self embracing piece that I’ve like, also really stepped into

 

Catherine A. Wood  30:32

I’m appreciating how your hand is over your face. Do you need to like pull a window blinds down? I think I do. All that. I mean, talking about being sensory impacted?

 

Liz Rohr  30:57

Hey, um, I rearranged my office, and so I’m not used to the sun coming in through that window at that afternoon time.

 

Catherine A. Wood  31:05

Totally. Absolutely.

 

Liz Rohr  31:08

I was just going okay, so far. Yeah. Okay, cool.

 

31:11

Is it going? Well, for you? Yeah.

 

Liz Rohr  31:13

Yeah, definitely. Cool.

 

Catherine A. Wood  31:17

Well, I, you’ve been talking, you’ve been mentioning indirectly, like all these different support structures that you’ve hired over the years, both direct hires, but also external support. And one thing I really appreciate about impasse is that we are natural givers. Right? We are like extremely generous, and we give a lot and we give well, and that experience of learning how to receive and learning how to be supported and ask for support. Yeah. Is such a necessary and challenging journey. Yes. And you’ve just mentioned, like, I don’t know, maybe 10 different support structures. So what has been your journey? Like? Yeah, managing being a giver and your generous self with asking for opening yourself up to and allowing yourself to receive support and be supported? Well?

 

Liz Rohr  32:23

Yeah, I mean, I think I think the slow and gradual process has been like, if I so it started as it basically started as a nurse practitioner in a way, because when I worked in primary care in the clinic, I would do the same workaholism, do it all myself, don’t ask for help, don’t bother anybody. And then getting to that place, it’s like, I’m not being of service, if I’m not taking care of myself, and so I didn’t really have the self esteem, self care that I do now, where it’s like, I just, I needed to have something else I needed to let that empathy like work for me in terms of like, you know, I can, I’m motivated by taking care and continuing my work and helping people and so I’m going to do it for them. And then I think, like, slowly, but surely, I think coming up into that place of like pushing pushing the boundaries of like, how far can I go without support until I get burnt out? Like, what’s that fine line? Maybe I’ll learn someday. But, um, but yeah, I think it’s been a real challenge. And it’s just been kind of consistent courage to keep looking at what’s working and what’s not. And like, where are the growth edges and keeping to push that of like, you know? Yeah, I think I think it started from a place of like, I was drowning in the company, where I if the company blew up way faster in the first year than I expected, and I had way more clients than I could handle. I was doing the video editing and the customer service and the client support and the teaching and all the things it was way too much. And so I came from, like, this drowning place of like, I don’t want this to go away. I really do like this company. I like this job. And yeah, I think it’s just I think it’s just been like a slow and gradual process of like, allowing it and, and sitting in the discomfort of allowing it. And like putting that external, what I’m here to be of service for first and then letting the internal I like, it’s safe for me to receive things kind of catch up.

 

Catherine A. Wood  34:14

I mean, I was like, cheering for you yesterday in your Instagram stories. When you were talking about something we’ve talked about a lot like this idea of putting in the support structures sufficient to your resistance. And I think sometimes really reconnecting with your, our commitments, and we’re committed to being what we’re committed to creating who we’re in, committed to serving and contributing to can open us up to receive sooner, right. Yeah. Yeah, allow for an experience of being held and supported. And for those of us who are Listening and perhaps new to this journey. And? And no, they’re in a place of wanting or needing more support and perhaps don’t know what support looks like, Hmm, I would love for you to share what your support structures are.

 

Liz Rohr  35:15

Oh my god, of course, I do feel a little bit shy sharing. But I think it’s important. And I’m committed to that to realness and honesty, because I don’t know if you saw me share about this. But one of the things I’m also really pissed about in terms of the online business spaces is the lack of like integrity and people being real and and anyway, this anyway. But so I am committed to transparency. But yeah, so I have a number of support structures. So in terms of the journey over the last three and a half years, I added a full time assistant in the company and she became my operations director, integrator, slash integrator, and she is my full time employee. And then I also have someone who helps me write content in the company. So she helps with blog posts, video descriptions, podcasts, podcasts descriptions, I have a research assistant, who helps me prepare the clinical topics for the videos to make sure that I’m not making any mistakes, sharing misinformation, medical misinformation. I also have a social media assistant. And she also helps cover with customer service. I have a Systems Operations kind of person that works with my integrator. And yeah, that’s my team. And I have a nurse practitioner, mentor, I don’t even think I mentioned her, but she is helping mentor clients, and she’s helping me develop further. But then in terms of other personal support structures, because it’s really like a, it’s really a holistic thing. One thing I was talking about in the stories was, I have some resistance to my videos that I make. Every week, I’m really committed to the service that they are. And I do love to teach. And also it can be scary being on online and being visible. And so why would set up a whole bunch of structures that way, where it was like, I got my hair done with by my hairdresser. So I was like ready to be on camera. I invested in this last year and a stylist or friend, a mutual friend of ours, personal styles to help me make sure that I felt comfortable confident on camera. At home, I have some support structures I have. I have like a home helper. I don’t she doesn’t really like that’s what I call her but home assistant home manager something like that a couple of hours a week. And what else do I have? I have someone to help me clean my house twice a month. What else do I have I get my groceries delivered? I sign up for all of the aftercare possibilities for my daughter in case I need them. I think those are a couple examples of support structures. So financial team, I’ve my legal team. I have a lot of I have a lot of people. Yeah, literally.

 

Catherine A. Wood  37:37

I mean, like I hear the professional support structures that like in the home support structures, you’ve already mentioned, a lot of like, personal support structures that you have for you and your well being and your own journey. Like I think it’s really inspiring. And I do think it’s incredibly permission giving when we talk about the support structures we have when we are willing to be transparent, and and to some degree like to be transparent about our privilege, you know, like, because it’s certainly not possible for all of us. And like I’m so mindful about my privilege when I talk about my morning routine, right. And because I work with a lot of moms, yeah, probably not very possible for moms to take four or five hours every morning as I do for my

 

Liz Rohr  38:32

explicit. If you have if you had a nanny that started at four in the morning like that, you could totally do that amazing. Totally.

 

Catherine A. Wood  38:41

Well, you know, it’s interesting, I will say that because I share this with a lot of my family members who are moms or, or work caring for young ones like that. The nurse practitioners in my life tell me that I have to get a night nurse y’all when I have a baby. Yes, I say this all the time, Liz. Yes, that’s true.

 

Liz Rohr  39:04

I mean, honestly, like when I yeah, I have one child and I have some complications sometimes at home. So I would, I would I think anybody should have one. And if you have any needs at home, in addition to Yeah, it’s It’s so wonderful to not have that. But I would I would if I have another child, we will definitely, definitely be doing that. For sure. But yeah, I think in terms of like talking about support structures, like I guess. Yeah, I think it’s a it can be a complicated conversation sometimes. Because Because, yeah, I mean, privilege comes into there. And also like one of the conversations so I’m working with this equity work consultant. And one of the conversations that we’re having right now actually, I didn’t share this with you yet. Cabo. One of one of our initial questions was about ideal life. And, and I just thought that was a great question to start with, because it kind of is a container to talk about what comes up when you talk about that, right and like how do you how do you navigate and create an equitable world, like equity for everybody doesn’t mean that like one person suffers to help the other person be better, you know, so it’s like, anyway, it’s there’s a lot to detangle there, but I think I think the other piece, I love talking about it, I like love and don’t love talking about at the same time, I’m a little sheepish being so public sometimes, but, um, but yeah, the thing that I think is so important to talk about it is like, we are all humans, like, I’m just so committed to humanity. That’s definitely one of my company values, my core values and like, we get to, like, we get to need the things we need and get supported with the things we need support with and like your, your support, my support, like looks different than other people. I’m like a highly sensitive person. I’m an empath. I’m an introvert, I have some some challenging life circumstances. Like, there’s just there’s a lot of reasons and I have a child, right. And so it’s like, when you whenever you add more things in there, you’re gonna need more support. And it’s about, you know, what people need to do their best work in the world.

 

Catherine A. Wood  40:59

Absolutely. And like, even if you didn’t have any of those challenges, like you still we still get to be supported, if that’s the lifestyle that we’re committed to having. Yeah, that’s true. Definitely. I think that that’s something I’m really mindful of, you know, because especially when you talk about support structures, and, you know, we’re all in relationship with people in our lives who don’t have any of this self awareness. Yeah, perhaps don’t have any models of people being supported extremely well, you know, like, Yeah, I’m a I’m a call myself a recovering workaholic. You know, like, I’m a people pleaser, I grew up in a world of people pleasing. And so my experience is that, you know, I don’t have a lot of models from my life of others being supported. Well, we’re just really practiced and giving. And so when you start creating and charting a different path for your life and your lifestyle, it can oftentimes draw up judgment, and sad eyes and critiques from sometimes from the people closest in our lives. And it’s really, it. I think it’s a practice in learning how to stay committed to how you want to live your life, while also bringing that sense of humanity and compassion and grace, when you share those parts of yourself with other people and noticing what that might bring up for them without taking it personally. offended or needing to react or defend or justify.

 

Liz Rohr  42:42

Totally, totally, yeah.

 

Catherine A. Wood  42:47

Well, let’s see what else what else did I like to talk about? You know, I think that

 

Liz Rohr  42:54

you said you wanted to talk about, like, do like roles, or identities or hats, or I don’t know what it was? Yeah, you go Go for it. We just we had a conversation before this started. So I didn’t know if there I can’t even remember the specific things. But yeah, go for it.

 

Catherine A. Wood  43:08

I mean, I feel like you you know, you wear a lot of identities in your life and in your business. Yeah. And I think they’ve they’ve shifted in your relationship to them has shifted over time. Yeah. What? What are the roles and identities that have evolved the most for you?

 

Liz Rohr  43:49

So good question. So I think, yeah, in terms of identities, I think like let me think. It’s funny, just thinking about two HSPs having a podcast episode. So just deep thinkers and processors.

 

Catherine A. Wood  44:13

Were like over here closing our eyes.

 

Liz Rohr  44:19

I concentrate better when eyes are closed, because then it’s like, anyway. Um, but yeah, I think there’s just so many different ways you can think about identities, right? So I have so I’m a nurse practitioner. I’m a business owner. I’m a mom, I’m a partner. I’m a queer person. I have a late in life diagnosis of ADHD. God, I mean, I highly sensitive person. I’m an empath, right. I just feel like I feel like that thing for me with starting and running the business and growing it over time. It’s like, it’s like some people talk about running a business or starting a business as being like the quickest way to bring up some personal development. work that needs to be done. Right. And so I think it’s just like, brought me face to face with all the different facets. And I think that the biggest change has kind of been the self awareness over time of what all of the identities are, and like more time and space to kind of reflect on them, because whether or not I want to address them, they’re gonna come up, or that’s been my experience. Like I hear that from other people too. And so I think for me, the biggest shift is like, it’s actually pretty holistic, and that I’ve really gotten more into this, like self knowledge, self reflective journey, and like normalizing what’s normal for me. And that’s enough. Because I think that I felt so much pressure to be a mom in a certain way to be a clinician in a certain way to be a business owner in a certain way. Oh, my God, I have so many stories about like things that I’ve done like you and I’ve talked about this about like, mentors kind of quote, unquote, business gurus that tell you what to do, and then you follow them. And then there’s like, there’s no room for discernment and subtlety and not a nuance in those conversations. And so that’s one of the things that I’m really passionate about in terms of this business consulting, it’s not only my sparkly place, but then also, I really do have that strong feeling about that. And so I think, for me, in terms of the identities piece is really just like, it’s coming to terms with, like, what is what are the different facets of my personality? And my identity? And like, what does that mean for me? And like, what are the things that I need because of that, right? And so for example, if ADHD is a late in life diagnosis, like, I think learning more about that I’m like, Oh, my gosh, like the things that I’ve either been embarrassed about or frustrated by, or that aren’t, quote, unquote, socially acceptable, right, like being really forgetful or absent minded or late for things like, you know, there’s so many different pieces about it, but it’s like, just, it’s just the knowledge and then the acceptance part. And like, what do I do to mitigate that, so that I can still do the things that I want to do make the magic I want to make and also, like, keep the things that I value as important, right. So relationships with people timeliness, respecting people’s time is important. So like, what are the structures that I do to work that out? So? So yeah, it’s it is it really has been a holistic process.

 

Catherine A. Wood  46:58

I mean, I love hearing you affirm that, like the idea that a big part of your journey has been in learning to both focus on and trust and act in alignment with your own intuitive knowing. Yeah. Because I think that is everything.

 

Liz Rohr  47:17

It is, it is it is. And it’s like, you know what, that’s the thing. And so when I talk with people, especially, like, I did a consultation with a new business owner, like an aspiring entrepreneur, and, and it’s just like, the one kind of like one piece of advice, I kind of, she was like any words of advice, I was like, You know what, like, start as you intend to go on, because like, you can only lie to yourself for so long, especially in entrepreneurship, because like, you’re just face to face with that literally every single day. And so if you’re not being self honoring, that’s not sustainable. So it’s like, it’s just not even an option. And I think that’s been a huge thing for me, with this growth of my company is like that courage, tenacity to be able to, like, look at that constantly, and being willing to look at it and grow with it. For sure.

 

Catherine A. Wood  48:02

I was talking about this idea, like, just yesterday with my own coach, like the idea that sometimes as coaches or successful business owners, like other people, they put us on pedestals, like they like look up to us, and admire us and as seen what we say and our opinions and, you know, I, I really struggle with that with clients, because that’s not the work like the work is in relating to a coach me as a peer, like, as your as a partner versus like, the one with the answers. And so I know for me, like, I am really mindful of that, and I try to compensate for it. And my sense is that you do as well by like, being extra human. Through sharing the mess, share the process, like reminding people often that like, Hey, I’m human to like, Yeah, got it, Ben. Yeah, you know, totally,

 

Liz Rohr  49:06

totally. And I think like, so often, at least one of the seems like the one of the core mindset pieces that I’ve been working through, and I see other people working through is like, you know, people come to me with this because not consulting stuff, and they’re kind of like, I don’t know what to do. And like, the moral of the story is, it’s, you always know, they always know it’s about who they are and what they want, you know, so it’s like, yeah, it’s just, it’s really hard, especially earlier on and in the journey to not look at somebody else’s success or what they’re doing and like, oh, how do I do it that way? But it’s such it’s such a onion, onion process on an onion layer process for sure.

 

Catherine A. Wood  49:43

Well, you’ve talked about the your identities and some of the roles that you identify with, and we’ve just mentioned this idea of success and like, you know, I’m curious how they have been interconnected for you like how this experience of owning the different identities you are, have contributed to your success.

 

Liz Rohr  50:09

Yeah, I love that. I mean, I think I think that one of the magical pieces about business that I love so much that, you know, is ideal customer avatar, practice and marketing. And so I think that for me, yeah, I think that it’s been like a, like, I am very much myself in my company. And the way that I run my company is also very much myself, right. So for example, it’s like both the way that I work with my clients, but also the way that I run the company internally. So the external stuff is kind of like, you know, I’m very, I just allow myself to be excited. Like, I, I am a nerd, I’m a professional nerd, and professional dreamer. Those are my new, my new type, like real titles. And the essence of what I do is professional nerd and professional dreamer. So when I get to allow myself to be a professional nerd people are I’m really excited about medicine. And most people hate, like, Martha, a friend of ours, as talked about, like, I’ve never heard anybody talk about medicine in the way that you do, where you’re just like, lit up and smiling ear to ear, and like so excited. Like no one talks about medicine like that. And so I’m allowing myself to be my nerdy self, where I’m just like, Isn’t this so cool? This is just so cool. Let me talk to you about bronchiectasis. It’s amazing. Like people, I’m not gonna say I am a score. I didn’t, I didn’t get your consent about swearing on this podcast. So people are really excited about it. And people fucking love that shit. They love it, right? Because it’s like, who wants to be bored when they’re learning about stuff, right, and also being my vulnerable empathic self. I just was on a strength call with this coach, this morning to do in consultation about my team hiring process. And, and we were talking about creating vulnerability, creating safe spaces allows for vulnerability, and what more vulnerable place are you in than being a new learner? And so I’m in an education role in my other company. And so it’s like, when you when I get to be my full, empathic, weird, nerdy, kind of self like people are, like, magnetized to that, because, because it’s just who I am. And like the people who are who are into that are gonna be drawn to it. But then also, yeah, it’s just, it’s, it creates that safety for people. And then internally, like, I’m all set, I’m all set with the way that company cultures are run in that it’s like, it’s just like this workaholism not being self honoring no boundaries working to like, no, like, none of that. And so, because I’m because I do that, and I model that for my team, like they get to be their authentic selves. Like I had this really special call with them last week, where they were basically like, initiated by them, we’re talking about, like, what do you love about this company? What should what do we want to retain as we grow because we’re, we’re looking forward to some growth this year. And they were talking about the company culture, and that was part of it is just like, you know, me being self disclosing. I think I told this to you cap and me being self disclosing of like, you know, what, I’m really cranky today. And I even said at the beginning of this interview, I’m like, I’m trying to be, you know, self disclosing, because it’s just normalized as the conversation about like, I’m cranky, today, don’t take it personally, please. It’s like, just so you know, that’s what’s going on. And like that safe space creation, and like, being my full self allows them to be their full selves, and then they just also get to do and also like, my commitment to my values of like, what I’m committed to is creating something really magical and beautiful. And bringing on a team that gets to work in their sparkly places, and that we find the right people and their sparkly places, right. And so if we bring that out like that, just just showing up in that way, and my own selfness is just creates the things that I want to create, you know, just just by being myself. So Holy,

 

Catherine A. Wood  53:40

it’s so cool. So cool. And I’m just reminded that as empaths like, we’re often so hyper and overly responsible for our emotional worlds, that we shut it down, and think that we can’t include those parts of us in the conversation, when in reality, they drive our conversations. Yeah. And that when we do, be responsible for them and communicate them transparently, like they create so much permission for others who are less empathic or less attuned to their empathy, like, Yeah, honestly, that would be my pro advice for marriage. Like, yeah, share your share your emotions, right. Like,

 

Liz Rohr  54:24

I never say, self disclosing. And I think that there’s a way to do it and, and also a responsible way where it’s like, you know, just like that flat way of saying, like, you know, what, I, I’m just feeling grumpy today. You know, it’s like, it’s like, I’m just letting you know, like, I am your leader. I am your boss, but I’m just letting you know. Versus like, you know, like, I’m not doing in this way. Like, I need I need things like I’m pushing it on you like, No, I’m just like, I’m just letting you know. Because yeah, I mean, I think I was gonna say the odds are depending on on people listening, like if they’re interested in building a team versus being a solopreneur. Chances are if you’re an HSP, or an empath, you’re going to hire HSPs and empaths. And like, I’d say at least half my team is H ESPYS unlike, like, did not mean to do that did not did not intend that at all. But they’re all empaths all of them, every single one of them. And it’s like I didn’t do that on purpose, but that’s just who I attracted. So, you know, I think that it’s probably going to be the case you’re going to be surrounded by people who are very sensitive as well.

 

Catherine A. Wood  55:18

Absolutely could not agree more. And well, as we wrap up, what would you say is supported you in becoming a prosperous and invest in really thriving?

 

Liz Rohr  55:33

I think I, money, mindset work, money mindset work, financial literacy, and Clifton Strengths. I just had to throw it in, I’m totally going to become certified. But it’s like just the again, it’s like really just like the self knowledge piece there like consistent, courageous mindset work. And then financial literacy, honestly, like, the more you know, the more and also I’m a learner and my Clifton’s drinks, so I love to learn about stuff. But I think the more we know, the more agency we have. So yeah, and I think just authenticity. Like honestly, the business grew so fast, because I was very clear about my ideal clients. I was very, like, authentic with who I am. I was very transparent. I made the things that they wanted. And like, you know, that’s it. That’s that. I mean, it’s really, yeah, yeah, I could go on and on. I love money. We could we could have talked. So I mean, I can come back and we can talk about money, too. We should talk about

 

Catherine A. Wood  56:32

money. We both love talking about money. Totally. I feel like I’ve had a kind of like an inside view of your journey. And it’s so fun. Coming back, right, like two and a half years later, and hearing this, like, very distinguished, like share of, of what you’ve learned, and how it’s gone along the way. And it’s been, it has been nothing short of magical. And you’re magical. And I’m excited to share you with our audience. Thank you so much for coming on today. Thank you. Thank you so much.