Polished Podcast: Refining The Details Of Life

We know we are still living in an unprecedented time of uncertainty and that we are all doing our best to navigate this time well. You all loved our last episode with Tiffany Ashenfelter so much that the amazing Feleceia Benton teamed up with Tiffany to co-create a super thoughtful and practical digital guide on how we can find peace during this time of uncertainty. The guide is filled with practical tips, calming scripture and thoughtful prompts for journaling. In light of the current situation, our host, Kat Armstrong, and National Director, Feleceia Benton, recorded a special bonus episode to discuss this exclusive digital download, help you find peace and focus on stories of hope during this time.  Get the Guide! Connect With Kat and Feleceia  Instagram: @heyfeleceia & @katarmstrong1 Verses Psalm 77 James 1:2-5 " Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its

Are you wondering how to adjust in these uncertain times? We know our all of our lives look very different then they did even just a week ago leaving us with a lot of thoughts, fears and emotions. All of us at Polished are right there with you. We are trying to learn how to cope in the midst of this extremely hard time which is why  our co-founder, Kat Armstrong, talked with Tiffany Ashenfelter, a licensed professional counselor and Polished leader, to talk about mental wellbeing during a crisis. In the episode, Tiffany helps us to understand our different reactions to the current situation and gives several incredibly helpful tips for staying emotionally healthy during this crisis.  Tiffany is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor in Dallas TX specializing in helping individual's whose lives are screaming something's gotta give. She is partnered with her husband Michael, who specializes in helping couples identify and overcome the conflict cycles that leads to disconnection. Connect With Tiffany 

We know. There is a lot going on in our world right now. Whether you need a short distraction to give your mind a break or need some company while you clorox your house for the millionth time, we are so excited to share the latest episode in our Breaking the Glass Ceiling series with you. In today’s episode, Kat chats with Chong-Ae Shah about the importance of always having a desire to learn from colleagues and the joy that comes with investing in others. Let us tell you. Chong-Ae is the real deal. Throughout her career, she has worked for General Motors, AARP, International Justice Mission and currently serves as the Associate Director of DTS-DC. And she has absolutely broken glass ceilings every step of the way. Chong-Ae’s gratitude for and tenacity to learn from those who have gone before her will inspire you no matter where you are in your career.  Connect With Chong Ae Shah Stay connected with Polished by: Attending a Polished event Following Polished on Instagram Joining the Polished Network St

Did you hear that? It’s the guests for our March episodes shattering the glass ceiling. This month, we’ll learn from the stories women who are breaking into boardrooms, C-Suites, and partner roles normally filled by men. We’re confident you’ll be encouraged hearing from women who have entered into professional settings where no women had gone before. To kick off our new series, Kat chats with Gaylan Hendricks, the founder and CEO of Senior Security Benefits. In today's episode, Gaylan shares about she persevered in her career despite several difficult disruptions throughout her life. Her courage and tenacity to go where God called her is inspiring. No matter where you are in your professional and personal life, we know you'll be encouraged by Gaylan's story today.  Connect With Gaylan   Instagram: @hendricksgaylan Verses: Romans 8:26 "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." Stay connected

They say it takes 10 years to be an overnight sensation…"If that’s the case, then ShySpeaks is right on the verge of you knowing her name. Shy is a hip hop and spoken word artist, poet and speaker who has shared the stage with so many greats — Tye Tribbett, Torey Lanez, Mail Music…the list goes on and on. She’s even been on songs and albums with the likes of Kirk Franklin and Lecrae.  She’s also a leader who often finds herself on the frontlines of education and literacy advocacy work. Christened as a quintessential renaissance voice, Shy is sought after by some of today’s top recording artists and organizations for her songwriting, custom poetry, and speaking skills.  In this conversation, you’ll learn about:  How Shy learned about not needing outside validation to know her worth in her space How creatives can add value to your industry  The importance of relating with the people at your job before you trying to share the Gospel  Connect With ShySpeaks Instagram: @shyspeaks Stay connected with Polished

Devika Kornbacher is a brilliant technology attorney and partner in Houston, Texas.  She started her career working in ministry serving teens and young adults after graduating Cum Laude with a B.S. in Engineering.  Devika later successfully transitioned into the field of engineering.  While working as an engineer she was reminded of her childhood dream to be an attorney and went on to receive her J.D. from Harvard Law School.  Devika is a remarkable actress and entertainer, a thoughtful and incredibly generous sister and friend.  I see her as brave and fearless in the pursuit to be obedient to the places and spaces where God has called her. Connect With Devika Instagram: @Devikakornbacher Stay connected with Polished by: Attending a Polished event Following Polished on Instagram Joining the Polished Network Starting a Polished chapter in your area

Celebrate Black History Month with us as we highlight stories of black women in our series, She’s the First!  In today’s episode you’re going to meet Ashley Williams. Ashley shares about taking a leap of faith during her successful career as an Investment Banking Analyst in NYC, after graduating with a Finance and International Business degree from the University of Texas at Austin.  Listen in as she breaks down one of my favorite phrases, Do it Afraid. Ashley brings strategic systems to help dreams become ventures that soar through, Bird Williams Consulting, and on her podcast, Bird Means Business she shares practical tips from her 7-year journey in entrepreneurship.  Ashley is owner of The League, a warehouse gym in Houston.  She’s an investor, wife and mom to two ridiculously adorable sons. Ashley Williams helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Through Bird Williams Consulting, she brings strategic systems to help dreams become ventures that soar. Through her podcast, Bird Means Business, A

As professional women with full lives, we know how out of control we can feel with packed schedules and no room for what we love most. We have some good news though! Our lives don’t have to be this way. We know. This doesn’t even seem remotely possible to many of us. But trust us, it is. The best part is YOU have the power to ignite the change in your life.Sometimes we need a loving friend to share the hard truth with us and Tonya Dalton is that woman for all of us today. In the latest episode, Tonya graciously reminds us of the importance of taking ownership of our choices in our lives and guides us in how to break down our choices that are keeping us from making the changes we want to see in our lives. Hopefully you’ll let out a sigh of relief after listening to today’s episode and find freedom in owning the choices that affect your daily life.  Tonya Dalton is a productivity expert, author, speaker and founder of inkWELL Press Productivity Co, a company centered around productivity tools and training. She

Season 4 is here! When it was time to celebrate a decade of Polished Ministries, we called our friend @marshawnevans. Like no other, she's able to help women make a shift in life. The women of Polished are discussing why we can't change. You know the feeling. Your goals are set, intentions made, dreams solidified. But actual change is elusive. That's why we invited Marshawn onto the Polished Podcast to talk about making shift. In Marshawn’s book, Believe Bigger: Discover the Path to Your Life Purpose, she encourages her readers to embrace the new opportunities God places before them without fear. She offers tools for pushing past barriers, discovering our dreams, and stepping away from confusion and toward clarity. Our Co-Founder, @katarmstrong1, spends some time with Marshawn talking about practical tools for embracing change and moving forward in boldness. Connect With Marshawn Instagram: @marshawnevans Website: Marshawn.com Verses: Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transforme

Have you ever struggled to reconcile parts of your faith? This time of year tends to bring up all of the feelings about church and our own relationship with God, which can leave us feeling lost in the questions. If you can relate, there’s no need to feel alone! In today’s episode, Taylor shares how she has learned to reconcile her faith when she doesn’t see the world or her faith  in black and white. Taylor Nichols is a podcaster, speaker and the chief vision office at Nichols Construction.   Connect With Taylor   Instagram: @nichols_taylor Verses: Proverbs 15:4 "Gentle words are a tree of life" Stay connected with Polished by: Attending a Polished event Following Polished on Instagram Joining the Polished Network Starting a Polished chapter in your area

Teri Ijeoma began her professional career working in education and non-profits. When she started trading stocks nine years ago, she initially saw it as an opportunity to simply supplement her income. However, she was so successful with this side hustle that in 2017, she decided to quit her job, travel the world, and begin trading full-time. While traveling, Teri was constantly asked to show others how she was successfully trading in the stock market. She set up and taught her first class in Thailand, her second in Vietnam, and had a fully-fledged curriculum created by the time she returned to the States. Teri now offers an online curriculum that shares her investing strategies with people all over the world. She also partners with organizations and companies to train and empower individuals to achieve financial freedom and build wealth through investing. Teri received her Bachelors degree in Management Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and her Masters in Media and Communications from Da

Cheryl Luke is committed to helping people connect with their God-given purpose and challenges them to embrace the story of their lives. With over 35 years in ministry, Cheryl's goal is to equip and inspire others to acknowledge Christ’s unyielding love and share it with those around them. Her warmth and wisdom resonate as she delivers God’s message of restoration and hope. Cheryl lives in Austin, Texas and works at Shoreline Church. Connect With Cheryl Instagram: @cherylluke Website: Cherylluke.com Verses: Galatians 5:1 " It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and

Sheila Walls has been described as a calm yet strategic influencer positioned to ignite and cultivate positive change in individuals, teams, and organizations. She is a wife, mother, inspirational speaker, teacher, preacher, pastor, and leader who passionately pursues purpose and Kingdom impact. Sheila has been married to her best friend and her partner for life, Christopher Walls, for 24 fruitful years. They have been blessed with four amazing miracles: Ernest, Christopher II, Evan, and Kiersten. Sheila is Associate Pastor of Life Community Church-Collin County in McKinney, Texas under the leadership of her husband who serves as Senior Pastor; is the founder and overseer of Faith Empowered Women - a ministry that equips women to be empowered by their faith, to live life victoriously, laugh contagiously, and love willingly. She is employed by State Farm Insurance Companies where she leads and develops people, builds highly productive teams, and together with her team achieves remarkable results. When asked

Morgan Eseke is passionate about helping all ages of women experience a deep, meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ and to fall in love with God’s Word. She writes about faith, relationships and career at morganeseke.com. Morgan works as a marketing professional and organizational health consultant, helping businesses simplify strategy and craft compelling messages. In 2009, Morgan founded CoffeeTalk in Norman, Oklahoma, a multigenerational mentorship ministry focused on providing biblical wisdom and leadership development for all ages of women. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Christian Education at Dallas Theological Seminary. She and her husband, David, live in Dallas with their two daughters. They are active members of Watermark Community Church. Connect With Morgan Instagram: @morganeseke Website: morganeseke.com Links From The Show Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives Stay connected with Polished by: Attending a Polished event Following P

Stephanie Allen works as a trust officer for Argent Trust Company, assisting individuals as they navigate the issues surrounding inherited wealth. Prior to joining Argent, Stephanie was a trust officer/assistant vice president at Frost Wealth Advisors in Austin beginning in 2015, but started her career in private law practice as an estate planning and probate attorney. Stephanie earned her law degree from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and a Bachelor of Science from Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas. Additionally, she holds a Master of Laws in Taxation from the University of Alabama. Stephanie is a member of the State Bar of Texas, a member of the Estate Planning Council of Central Texas, serves on the board of the Estate Planning and Probate Section of the Austin Bar Association as its President-Elect, and previously served on the boards of Travis County Women Lawyers and AGE of Central Texas. Stephanie is one of those unicorns who grew up in Austin and still call

Nicole Clark is a Texas native who loves Jesus and spends her days as a servant leader. A former back-up dancer, she now uses her experiences in a service environment. Founder of a 501(c)(3) women’s ministry and children's ministry director, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family, reading and learning more about the bible. Nicole lives in Plano, TX with her husband Darren and daughter Delanie. Connect With Nicole  Instagram: @nicolehillclark Links from the Show  Twelve 12 Ministries Vereses Ephesians 2:8-10 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Stay connected with Polished by: Attending a Polished event Following Polished on Instagram Joining the Polished Network Starting a Polished chapter in yo

One way we can push back against consuming chaos is to be there for those close to us who are in the midst of pain and loss. In today’s episode, Kimberly Alexander shares how the presence of her family and friends following her husband’s death was crucial for helping her remain unmoved in the face of devastating loss. Now, Kimberly spends much of her time rallying for others though her cancer awareness advocacy work. Her example shows us that we can use our past trials to comfort others who may be going through similar circumstances. Let’s be women who come together for our friends, families and communities when chaos and loss hits. Kimberly Alexander is a speaker, cancer advocate, radio show co-host, experience coordinator and author. After losing her husband, NFL linebacker Elijah Alexander to complications due to multiple myeloma in 2010, she decided to dedicate her time to raising awareness about the disease, fundraise for cancer research and serve as a resource for cancer patients and their caregivers.

Embodying home cooking at its finest, Melissa d’Arabian naturally connects with today’s diverse families to offer unique yet relatable food and lifestyle solutions that are part of a bigger story about how to eat well, be a mindful consumer, and spend with purpose. d’Arabian won season 5 of “The Next Food Network Star”, subsequently hosted “Ten Dollar Dinners”, and is the New York Times bestselling author of Ten Dollar Dinners: 140 Recipes and Tips to Elevate Simple, Fresh Meals Any Night of the Week. Melissa and her family live just outside San Diego. Connect With Melissa  Instagram: @melissadarabian Links from the Show  Buy Melissa's new book!  Stay connected with Polished by: Attending a Polished event Following Polished on Instagram Joining the Polished Network Starting a Polished chapter in your area

Have you ever been angry with God or felt beyond frustrated that you couldn’t control a painful situation? Nothing can make us feel more chaotic than when we are totally unable to control a specific situation, person or even what’s happening to our own bodies. In today’s episode, Bren shares about how she learned to totally relinquish control to God when faced with difficult circumstances in her life including cancer and infertility. Born and raised here in Dallas, Bren has never had to stray far from her hometown to find God’s plans for her. Her very favorite “things” big D has brought her are her husband of 25 years, Greg, and their daughter Jordan who attends TCU in Ft Worth. Bren graduated from SMU with a degree in music & vocal performance. Her musical background spans several genres and has allowed her to share the stage with everyone from local radio personalities, to Tony nominated artists, to Bob Hope, and LeAnn Rimes. Bren’s early music career was heavily focused in Regional Theater, where she p