What if your money problems have nothing to do with money?
In this episode of Become Empowered, Sabine sits down with Scott Maderer — host of the Inspired Stewardship podcast with over 1,800 episodes — to unpack a truth most people avoid: financial Stress is a symptom, not the source. The real problem is alignment.
Scott opens up about his raw personal story: $60,000 in debt on a $40,000 teacher’s salary, suicidal thoughts he kept hidden from his wife, and the radical turning point that changed everything. From the classroom to a corporate executive suite to launching a full-time Coaching business after a stranger said, “You and your wife are weird — can you help us be weird?”
In this conversation you’ll discover:
• Why your checkbook and calendar reveal what you actually value (not what you say you do)
• The little-known difference between career and vocation — and why it changes how you live
• How to master your time, talent, and treasure intentionally
• The one question we stop asking adults that could unlock everything
Scott shares insights from his book Inspired Living and has a free resource page exclusively for Become Empowered listeners at inspiredstewardship.com/becomeempowered.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, out of alignment, or like your life doesn’t match what you say matters most — this episode is for you.
CONNECT WITH SCOTT
Website: inspiredstewardship.com
Podcast: Inspired Stewardship
CONNECT WITH SABINE
Register for free webinar:
https://sabinekvenberg.com/be-seen-live-masterclass
Website: sabinekvenberg.com/resources
Book a call: talktosabine.com
Instagram/LinkedIn: @sabinekvenberg
TOPICS COVERED
[0:01] Welcome — Introducing Scott Maderer
[0:56] Scott’s three words: Curious, Knowledgeable, Giving
[3:40] From science teacher to corporate executive — Scott’s path
[4:47] $60K in debt on a $40K salary — and suicidal thoughts he kept secret from his wife
[6:35] “You and your wife are weird” — how a stranger accidentally launched a coaching business
[9:43] Money is the symptom — here’s the real problem
[12:28] “Show me your checkbook and calendar — I’ll tell you if you’re lying”
[17:09] Scott’s book: Inspired Living — assembling the puzzle of your calling
[18:06] The “blood of the covenant” quote that reframes Legacy
[21:00] Can you — and should you — get paid for your calling?
[21:51] Career vs. vocation: the word roots that will change how you think about purpose
[24:09] What “calling” actually means and why it shows up in everything
[29:35] Scott’s final message: stop asking “what do you want to do?” — ask who you want to BE
