#030: Growth That Starts Within

Talks That Shape Success

What if the real reason you’re stuck in business isn’t strategy, but an internal story you didn’t know you were still living?

This week’s guests, Carly Pepin and Scott McInnes, are coming at growth from two sides of the same coin.

Carly reveals how deep inner shifts create the freedom to scale, lead, and live in alignment. From LA to Australia and back again, her journey is a masterclass in authenticity over autopilot.
And on the Podjunction Podcast, Scott shares how his podcast evolved from a casual idea into a credibility engine for his consultancy, with lessons on preparation, humanity, and the quiet power of consistent content.

Spotlight #1: Conversations That Grow
The Internal Shift Behind Real Growth
Carly Pepin, Leadership Strategist & Mindset Coach

What if the biggest thing holding you back from growth… is you?

That’s the uncomfortable, and powerful, realization Carly leans into as she unpacks the inner roadblocks that quietly sabotage our leadership, impact, and momentum. Whether it’s guilt, fear, trauma, or the pressure to meet someone else’s definition of success, Carly shows how internal clarity creates external transformation.

Her own journey, from burnout and self-doubt to purpose-driven coaching and B2B growth, shows that sustainable leadership starts with reclaiming what’s truly yours.

This conversation is a reset button for anyone tired of chasing “shoulds” and ready to lead with intention.

🎤 Mic Drop Moment:
“Some people will love you. Some will hate you. And neither defines you.”

🛠️ Try This:
Notice every time you say “I should…” this week. Then ask: Whose voice is that? Carly’s top tip is to track the “shoulds” to find what’s no longer serving you and start crafting a life you actually want.

🔥 Why She’d Slay a Podcast:
She’s sharp, real, and deeply insightful. Carly doesn’t just coach from theory, she speaks from lived transformation, with a presence that’s both calming and catalytic.

Spotlight #2: Podjunction
Credibility Through Conversation
Scott McInnes, Host of Building Better Cultures

When a stranger becomes a client because they “heard you on a podcast,” you know you’re doing something right.

Scott McInnes didn’t launch his show with a marketing agenda but over 130 episodes later, it’s become a core pillar of his consultancy’s credibility. In this episode, Scott reflects on how keeping his podcast human, focused, and guest-driven has opened doors, deepened trust, and quietly positioned his brand as a leader in the culture and communication space. From his 70/30 hosting philosophy to the power of prep and the long tail of podcast content, this is a masterclass in how to show up strategically without sounding like a strategy.

🎤 Mic-Drop Moment:
“You can bring a horse to water, but you can’t make it prep for your podcast.”

🛠️ Try This:
Sprinkle, don’t sell. Scott subtly weaves his expertise into conversations without hijacking the mic. Think of your podcast as a platform for credibility—not a sales pitch.

🎙️ Why It Matters:
Because podcasts aren’t just content, they are connection. And when your audience feels like they know you before they ever meet you? That’s when the right doors start to open. 

Sadaf’s Playbook: What Stood Out This Week

Carly brought home that clarity on the inside changes everything on the outside. It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing what’s aligned. And Scott reminded me that podcasting done with intention isn’t just content, it’s credibility. Quiet, long-game credibility that builds while you sleep.

The question I’m walking away with:
Where am I showing up out of habit … and where am I showing up on purpose?

🎧 Your Turn: One Word Takeaway

What’s your one-word takeaway from these conversations?

Reply and let me know your one word or feel free to share any thoughts on the episodes or the newsletter. I’d love to hear what’s resonating (and what’s not).

Thanks for reading,
Sadaf