Blog Post
Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs, Senior Business Leaders, Managers, Sales Professionals, Female Leaders, and R&D, Innovation, DEI, and Other Critical Teams
Ep 105 - Dive into Confidence with Cori Myka
Darlene Hawley
How Adult Swim Education Can Transform Your Life Beyond the Pool.
Welcome back, everyone! I'm thrilled to share another episode from the Attract and Stand Out podcast. I'm joined by the incredible Cori Myka, founder of Calm Within Adult Swim. With over 25 years of experience in adult swim education, Cori brings a wealth of knowledge on overcoming fear and discovering personal growth, both in the water and in life.
Diving into the Fear of Water
Cori specializes in demystifying and dismantling the common fear of water many adults harbor. Through a tailored combination of mental and physical training, she empowers individuals to not only become confident swimmers but also to embrace their personal development journey. Cori’s passion for swimming started young, and her unique approach highlights the importance of individual discovery and self-trust over conforming to standard methods.
Understanding the Inner Critic
Our conversation naturally gravitates towards a common challenge: the inner critic. As we both acknowledge, this internal voice can be a relentless obstacle, whether you're learning to swim or striving towards leadership. We delve into the significance of being present, embracing who we are, and reshaping the narrative inside our heads. Tackling these beliefs is a massive step toward liberating ourselves from self-imposed limitations.
The Process of Overcoming Fear
Cori walks us through her method of helping adults overcome their fears in the water. By aligning mental fortitude with physical readiness, she teaches students to stay grounded and calm, even when confronted with nerve-wracking situations like the shock of cold water. Instead of succumbing to fear, she encourages them to use such instances to connect with their innate resilience and adaptability.
Transformational Success Stories
A highlight of our chat was the story of Rhonda, a student who conquered a profound fear of water stemming from a traumatic incident in her youth. By gently guiding Rhonda through a supportive process, Cori helped her fulfill a lifelong dream of jumping into the Hawaiian waters from a boat. Rhonda’s journey is a powerful reminder of how transforming fear into empowerment transcends swimming and can significantly impact all facets of life.
Lessons for Life and Business
Cori and I found enriching parallels between the lessons learned in the pool and those applicable in personal and professional realms. Facing the fear of public speaking or navigating entrepreneurship requires similar courage and self-trust. We both emphasize the vital importance of flexibility, joy, and curiosity when setting and pursuing goals.
As I wrap up this inspiring episode, I encourage you all to reflect on the interconnectedness of fear, confidence, and personal evolution. Through Cori’s compassionate teaching and our heartfelt discussion, I hope you’re inspired to approach challenges with kindness and patience.
For those of you feeling the call of the water or embarking on new ventures, I highly recommend exploring Cori Myka’s offerings at Calm Within Adult Swim. Her approach could be the transformative experience you’ve been searching for.
Don't forget to subscribe to the Attract and Stand Out podcast and leave a review—your support helps me make a splash in helping others find our community. If you’ve been away from the water or curious about a swimming journey, I invite you to connect with Cori and discover the joy and confidence that the water can bring. Until our next episode, remember to let your unique light shine and embrace your journey wholeheartedly.
I offer 1:1 Executive Leadership & Business Coaching & Team Trainings! If you would like to explore what working together would look like, I invite you to submit an application.
Hey There!
I'm Darlene
As a mother, wife, connector, and dream builder, I’m Darlene Hawley, the founder of DarleneHawley.com and an Executive Leadership & Businesss Coach dedicated to empowering leaders like you.
My passion lies in helping ambitious professionals cultivate their unique leadership style while crafting an authentic and impactful personal brand. Through my coaching, we’ll work together to build a solid foundation that not only inspires your team but also drives results and growth within your organization.
Since 2007, I have been committed to guiding leaders and entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their businesses with confidence and clarity.
Today, I focus on supporting women in reaching their leadership goals and living their dream lives—all while balancing the joys of raising my family and creating meaningful memories each day.
Together, we’ll transform your challenges into opportunities, allowing you to lead with authenticity and inspire those around you.
Reflect on 2025, choose a transformative Word of the Year, and unlock success in the new year. Discover how 'Trust' fuels growth, leadership, and your personal brand.
Struggling with imposter syndrome even after years of success? Discover how leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs overcome self-doubt and confidently share their expertise, personal brand, and client results. In this post, learn proven strategies to showcase your achievements without feeling like you’re bragging, transform testimonials into credibility boosters, and establish yourself as a trusted authority in your industry. By embracing your unique value, you’ll strengthen your personal brand, inspire trust, and drive sustainable business growth—proving that your “big brain” belongs front and center in your leadership journey.
How Practicing Gratitude Can Recharge Leaders and Strengthen Business Connections
Struggling with poor workplace communication? Discover actionable strategies to improve clarity, confidence, and listening at our holiday-themed Leadership Roundtable for HR leaders and executives.
In this blog, we address practical strategies for overcoming nerves when speaking to senior or higher-titled audiences. Learn how to conquer imposter syndrome and boost your public speaking confidence when presenting to executives or experienced professionals. We explore common challenges, such as feeling unprepared, facing self-doubt, and managing industry jargon, and provide actionable tips to help you speak with authority, command respect, and leave a powerful impression. Ideal for women entrepreneurs, leaders, and emerging speakers looking to communicate confidently with high-level audiences.
Join Darlene Hawley in Episode 104 of the Attract and Stand Out podcast, featuring Brenda Barbour, co-host of the Body Wealth Podcast. In this episode, they discuss the power of storytelling in health advocacy, overcoming personal health challenges, and practical self-care strategies. Discover how Brenda's inspiring journey and community-focused approach support Black women’s mental and physical well-being. Learn tips for finding your health flow, setting boundaries, and taking action toward well-being. Tune in for an episode filled with resilience, inspiration, and actionable insights for a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Learn how to handle tough criticism with confidence and turn feedback into a tool for growth. In this blog, we share practical strategies for embracing constructive criticism, separating your work from your worth, and building a growth mindset to strengthen your leadership skills. Discover how to respond thoughtfully to feedback and use it as a stepping stone to success.
Master Strategies for Staying Calm, Confident, and In Control When Facing Tough or Unexpected Questions in Business Meetings and Presentations
Learn practical strategies to overcome the fear of speaking up in high-stakes meetings and presentations. Discover how to manage public speaking anxiety, build confidence, and make a lasting impact with your voice in important professional situations
