Limiting Beliefs

"Dr. Mona Jhaveri discusses biotech innovation and Music Beats Cancer.

Ambitious Women Natalie Luke February 3, 2025

Breaking Barriers in Biotech: Dr. Mona Jhaveri’s Resilient Journey to Transform Cancer Solutions

In Episode 5 of UnCeiling Your Career, we sit down with Dr. Mona Jhaveri, founder of Music Beats Cancer, to uncover her inspiring story of resilience, ambition, and innovation. Mona’s journey highlights the power of determination to overcome obstacles and create systemic change in the fight against cancer.

Whether you’re a scientist, entrepreneur, or someone striving to make a difference, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on turning setbacks into stepping stones.

Who is Dr. Mona Jhaveri?

Dr. Mona Jhaveri is a scientist turned entrepreneur and nonprofit leader who has dedicated her career to addressing the funding challenges in biotech innovation. After founding Foligo Therapeutics, a biotechnology startup focused on ovarian cancer treatment, Mona faced the harsh realities of the “Valley of Death”—a critical funding gap that many groundbreaking ideas never overcome.

Rather than view this as a failure, Mona used her experience to launch Music Beats Cancer, a crowdfunding platform that empowers donors to support early-stage biotech entrepreneurs working on cancer solutions.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

1. Understanding the “Valley of Death” in Biotech
Mona explains how the “Valley of Death” is a metaphorical space where many innovative cancer therapies die due to lack of funding. She discusses the systemic issues that prevent life-saving solutions from reaching patients and how she aims to bridge this gap through Music Beats Cancer.

2. Resilience as the Foundation of Success
Mona’s journey exemplifies the importance of resilience. She emphasizes how fear, when channeled correctly, can fuel ambition and lead to meaningful progress. Her ability to learn from setbacks and adapt her strategy has been instrumental in her success.

3. Redefining Philanthropy in Cancer Research
Unlike traditional charities that often focus on patients, Music Beats Cancer supports entrepreneurs on the frontlines of innovation. Mona believes in empowering individuals to choose where their donations go, creating a more direct impact on advancing cancer treatments.

4. Ambition with a Purpose
Mona’s story is a testament to the power of ambition to drive change. She encourages listeners to embrace their fears and use them as motivation to take bold steps toward their goals.

What Makes Music Beats Cancer Unique?

Music Beats Cancer connects donors with early-stage biotech innovators, creating a platform for “passion capital” that funds critical experiments and milestones. Unlike traditional grant processes, which can take months or years, this crowdfunding approach ensures that life-saving ideas don’t stall due to lack of resources.

As Mona puts it,

“We’re not just funding research for a cure. We’re supporting entrepreneurs for cures.”

Inspiring Quotes from the Episode

“The Valley of Death is where great ideas go to die. It’s not just a lack of money—it’s a lack of relationships.” – Dr. Mona Jhaveri

“Ambition isn’t just about success. It’s about the courage to keep going despite the setbacks.” – Dr. Mona Jhaveri

“We aim to swim upstream and stop the flood, addressing the systemic breakdown in how we fight cancer.” – Dr. Mona Jhaveri

How You Can Get Involved

If you’re inspired by Mona’s mission, here are three ways to support Music Beats Cancer:

Visit Music Beats Cancer to learn more about their campaigns and the innovators they support.
Donate to a campaign that resonates with you—your contribution can fund the next breakthrough in cancer treatment.
Share this episode with your network to spread the word about the critical need for innovation in the fight against cancer.

Listen to the Full Episode

🎧 Episode 5: Breaking Barriers in Biotech with Dr. Mona Jhaveri
https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7745435f-fc5f-4dbf-850f-9c882f52a8db/

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/fE7ne7aMCHc

Natalie Grimes Advice for Managing Self Critic

Limiting Beliefs Natalie Luke January 27, 2025

Taming Your Inner Critic: Expert Advice from Therapist Natalie Grimes

Do you ever find yourself spiraling into self-doubt, with a little voice in your head saying, “You’re not good enough,” or “You’ll fail”? That voice is your inner critic, and while it’s a common experience, it can hold you back from reaching your potential if left unchecked.

In this episode of UnCeiling You, therapist Natalie Grimes joins me to explore the origins of the inner critic and, more importantly, how to manage it. Whether it’s affecting your confidence at work, on the tennis court, or in your daily life, Grimes’s practical strategies can help you turn self-doubt into self-empowerment.

What Is the Inner Critic?

The inner critic is the voice inside your head that magnifies your insecurities and doubts. Grimes explains that this voice often starts in childhood as a survival mechanism to protect us from perceived failures or dangers. However, it can become overly critical as adults, holding us back rather than helping us.

One powerful takeaway from this episode is the idea of naming your inner critic. For me, that voice is called Natasha. Grimes shares why naming the inner critic is a great idea.

“When we learn to label and distinguish ourselves from our negative thoughts, we gain control over them and stop identifying with them.”

Why Naming Your Inner Critic Works

Naming your inner critic is a small but powerful step toward separating negative thoughts from your identity. By doing this, you can observe those thoughts objectively and decide how to respond.

For example, during a tennis match, Natasha—the name I gave my inner critic—told me, “Don’t miss this serve.” Instead of letting her overwhelm me, I acknowledged her presence and decided to shift my focus. I imagined how my future self—Natalie 2.0—would feel and act in that moment, channeling confidence and focus to win the game. This slight mindset shift made all the difference.

How to Quiet the Inner Critic

If your inner critic often takes over, Grimes offers actionable strategies to regain control:

Label and Separate the Critic from Yourself
- Acknowledge the critic’s voice without letting it define you.
- Grimes emphasizes, “Your inner critic is not your identity. It’s a voice, and you have the power to turn down its volume.”
Practice Mindfulness
- Mindfulness helps you observe your thoughts without judgment. Ask yourself:
  - What emotions am I feeling right now?
  - How is my body reacting?
- By slowing down and identifying these patterns, you can respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
Challenge Negative Thought Patterns
- Grimes explains common thought distortions like:
  - Catastrophizing: Jumping to the worst-case scenario.
  - “Should” Statements: Unrealistic expectations like, “I should be perfect.”
- Counter these thoughts with reframes such as, “I’m learning,” or “I don’t have to be perfect to make progress.”
Visualize Your Future Self
- Imagine the best version of yourself—your own 2.0—and focus on how that person would act, think, and feel.

The Inner Critic at Work

The inner critic doesn’t just show up during personal challenges—it’s often loudest in professional settings. I shared a story with Grimes about receiving a compliment from a senior leader at work. While the compliment was positive, my inner critic latched onto a single phrase, twisting it into a negative. Grimes explained,

“The inner critic thrives on insecurity and often distracts us from the full context of a situation. By naming it and creating space, you can refocus on the positive.”

New Level, New Devil

As you grow personally and professionally, the inner critic evolves, too. From Episode 2, remember we learned, “New level, new devil.” Each growth stage brings new challenges, but with the right tools, you can continue to quiet self-doubt and embrace confidence.

Beginner Tips for Managing the Inner Critic

If you’re just starting to recognize your inner critic, Grimes suggests these steps:

Notice Patterns: Pay attention to when and why your inner critic gets loudest.
Journaling: Writing down your thoughts can help you track and evaluate recurring themes objectively.
Therapy: A professional can guide you through this process and provide personalized strategies.

Key Takeaways from Natalie Grimes

This episode is packed with practical insights to help you manage your inner critic. Here are a few of Natalie’s standout quotes:

“Naming your inner critic helps you take control over negative thoughts and emotions.”

“Mindfulness allows you to observe your thoughts without judgment, creating space to respond instead of react.”

“Shame says, ‘I’m flawed.’ Guilt says, ‘I made a mistake.’ Knowing the difference is key to self-awareness.”

Listen Now

Ready to meet your inner critic and learn how to tame it? Tune into the latest episode of UnCeiling You featuring therapist Natalie Grimes. This conversation is perfect for anyone looking to improve their mindset and unlock their potential.

🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c6c2339f-12ee-4d70-b714-a578733715e8/

🎧 Watch now and get inspired to unceiling your potential! 👉 https://youtu.be/KyBH7-E4XPY

Connect with Us

We’d love to hear from you!

What’s the name of your inner critic?
How do you manage self-doubt?

Drop a comment below or send us a message—we may feature your story in a future episode! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review UnCeiling You to help more people discover the show.

Follow Us on Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unceiling-you

Let’s take the first step together toward silencing your inner critic and embracing the best version of you!

Ambitious Women Natalie Luke July 23, 2024

Gendered Language in Politics: How Words Shape Our Perception of Female Leaders

In late July 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris garnered the backing of most Democratic delegates, positioning her as the party’s presidential nominee. While most celebrated, others called her the “Childless Cat Lady.” This derogatory label not only demeans her personal choices but also highlights a broader issue: the impact of gendered and demeaning language. Such language shapes our perception of female leaders and reinforces harmful stereotypes.

The Historical Context of Gendered Language

Gendered language is not a new phenomenon. Historically, women in leadership have faced derogatory remarks that aim to undermine their authority and capabilities. From labeling powerful women as “hysterical” or “emotional” to using terms like “childless cat lady,” these words carry significant weight and impact.

For instance, during Margaret Thatcher’s tenure as the UK Prime Minister, she was often described using gendered language that highlighted her femininity in a pejorative manner. Similarly, Hillary Clinton faced a barrage of sexist comments during her presidential campaigns, which focused on her appearance, voice, and personal life rather than her policies and qualifications.

The Impact on Women in Leadership

The use of gendered language perpetuates stereotypes that women are less capable or less serious than their male counterparts. It reinforces the notion that a woman’s worth is tied to her adherence to traditional gender roles, such as motherhood or marital status. This not only affects public perception but also impacts women’s self-perception and ambition.

While women receive labels like “hysterical” or “emotional,” I’ve seen men who pound angrily on the table or scream at the top of their lungs to the point that everyone in the building can hear them being excused because they are considered “passionate” or “assertive.” This double standard further highlights women’s challenges in being taken seriously as leaders.

Research shows that women who are subjected to gendered language and stereotypes in the workplace are less likely to pursue leadership roles. They may internalize these negative messages, leading to self-doubt and diminished capability. This creates a cycle where fewer women aspire to leadership positions and those who do face additional barriers. It’s a matter of women internally measuring the cost and benefits of moving into leadership roles. The cost of enduring name-calling outweighs the benefits of becoming the leader she dreams of being.

The Case of Vice President Harris

The recent comments about Vice President Harris being a “childless cat lady” are a stark reminder of women’s ongoing challenges in becoming the leaders they were meant to be. These remarks attempt to diminish her professional achievements and send a message to other ambitious women: your personal choices will be used against you.

Such language is particularly harmful because it trivializes Harris’s extensive career and contributions. Instead of focusing on her policies, leadership skills, and achievements, the conversation is diverted to her personal life. This shift in focus undermines her authority and distracts from the real issues.

Step Up to the Challenge

We must challenge and change the narrative surrounding women in leadership. Recognizing and calling out gendered language when we encounter it is crucial. Doing so can help create a more equitable and respectful environment for all leaders, regardless of gender.

We want to hear from you! How has gendered language affected your professional life or ambitions? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below or send us a voicemail. We can shed light on these issues together and work towards a more inclusive future.

Career Development Natalie Luke September 4, 2023

Unlocking Your Potential: Overcoming Limiting Beliefs to Build Your Dream Career

Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming about your dream career, only to be halted by thoughts like, “I’m not good enough,” or “I don’t have what it takes”? If so, you’re not alone.

Many of us grapple with limiting beliefs that undermine our confidence and hinder us from pursuing our desired careers. The good news is that these beliefs can be challenged and overcome. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the common limiting beliefs that hold individuals back from building their dream careers and provide actionable strategies to unlock your potential.

Identifying the Culprits: Common Limiting Beliefs

Limiting beliefs are negative thoughts or assumptions about ourselves, our abilities, and our potential for success. These beliefs can be deeply ingrained, often stemming from past experiences, societal pressures, or fear of failure. Some common limiting beliefs that might be familiar include:

Imposter Syndrome: The feeling that you don’t deserve your achievements and are just pretending to be competent.
Fear of Failure: The belief that failure is catastrophic and should be avoided at all costs.
Comparisons to Others: Constantly comparing yourself to others and feeling inadequate.
False Belief in Lack of Skills: Believing that you need more skills or qualifications to pursue your dream career.

Empowering Strategies to Overcome Limiting Beliefs

Self-Awareness: Begin by identifying your limiting beliefs. Write them down and reflect on where they originated. Understanding their roots can help you challenge their validity.
Positive Affirmations: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. For example, if you think, “I’m not smart enough,” counteract it with, “I am capable of learning and growing,” “I am constantly learning and growing,” “I possess unique talents and strengths that contribute to my success,” “I can acquire new skills and knowledge whenever I choose to,” “I am capable of tackling challenges and finding creative solutions,” and “My intelligence is not fixed; I can improve and excel with dedication and effort.”
Embrace Failure as Learning: Shift your perspective about failure. Instead of fearing it, see failure as a stepping stone toward growth and improvement.
Set Realistic Goals: Break down your dream career into smaller, achievable goals. This helps you focus on progress and boosts your confidence as you accomplish each milestone.
Seek Support: Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, friends, and colleagues who can provide encouragement and constructive feedback.

Real-Life Success Stories: Inspiration in Action

Let’s look at a real-life success story to show you that overcoming limiting beliefs is possible. Jane Smith, a once self-doubting artist, battled the idea that she wasn’t good enough to make a living from her art. She silenced her inner critic through consistent positive affirmations, seeking professional development opportunities, and joining an artist’s community. She built a successful art career that fulfills her creative aspirations.

Know your dream career is within reach, and overcoming limiting beliefs is the key to unlocking your potential. Recognizing and challenging these beliefs, practicing positive affirmations, and seeking support can transform self-doubt into self-confidence and turn your aspirations into reality. Remember, your journey might have setbacks, but each step you take toward your dream career brings you closer to a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

Seeking assistance in recognizing your limiting beliefs? Access my complimentary ‘Uncovering Limiting Beliefs’ journaling exercise for guidance. Download it now and embark on a journey of self-discovery.

Download Your Free “Identification and Clearing Limiting Beliefs” Tool Here

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