Ep. 105 What If You Have Been Chasing The Wrong Version of Success All Along with Nina Zapala

What if the version of success you’ve been chasing… was never really yours?

In this powerful episode of The Beauty In The Mess, host Michele sits down with Nina Zapala — award-winning hospitality professional, speaker, author, and the creator of Spiritual Personality Typing — a modern, mystical reimagining of traditional personality systems.

After decades in high-powered branding and luxury travel, Nina had what she calls a “life tsunami.” Everything fell apart — and yet, everything began. Her breakdown became a breakthrough, one that led her to help women rediscover the WHO of who they really are: not society’s version, but their real, unfiltered self.

Together, we explore:

• How burnout may be your soul’s signal to realign
• Why fulfillment leads to purpose — not the other way around
• The surprising way your personality type holds spiritual wisdom
• What it means to follow your “North Star” trait and finally feel at home in yourself

With humor, heart, and so much truth, Nina invites us to slow down, tune in, and stop outsourcing our answers. If you’ve ever wondered who you really are beneath the hustle — this conversation is for you.

[02:40] – Meet Nina Zapala

[06:00] – The onstage moment that sparked a total life unraveling

[10:15] – Why “success” didn’t feel like success — and what came next

[14:30] – What is Spiritual Personality Typing, and how is it different?

[18:50] – The "North Star trait" and why it matters more than dominance

[24:00] – Hearing your soul’s whispers vs. your ego’s demands

[29:10] – How your personality shows up in travel, relationships, and resistance

[34:30] – The myths of authenticity and the truth about fulfillment

[38:45] – Learning to trust yourself — even when no one else gets it

[43:00] – Women, aging, and being unapologetically audacious

[47:20] – Nina’s book Unpack Your Personality and how travel can reveal the real you

[52:00] – Everyday steps to reconnect with your inner voice

[56:30] – Final thoughts: You’re not broken — you’re buried under conditioning

🔗 Connect with Nina Zapala

• Website: https://www.ninazapala.com
• Book: Unpack Your Personality: Let Your Inner Guide Be Your Travel Guide
•  Nina’s rescued poodle: Oliver (yes, he gets a shoutout!)
•  Learn more about Spiritual Personality Typing on Nina’s blog

🔗 Connect with Michele Simms at The Beauty In The Mess

• Website: https://thebeautyinthemess.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/676609323457906
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-simms-mba-a061b96a/
• Instagram: https:/www.instagram.com/the.beauty.in.the.mess/

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