What's The Point? - Discover Your Purpose

Why can someone earn well, save responsibly, and still feel anxious every time they open their bank account?

That question is at the heart of this conversation with Tari Vickery, financial wellness coach, founder of Life Matters Financial Group, and author of The Emotional Side of Money. We aren't talking primarily about budgets, investments, or how to earn more. We're exploring the memories, fears, relationships, and inherited beliefs that shape how we spend, save, and struggle.

Tari's own money story began with fear. Her mother was only 19 when Tari was born, had limited education, and was left to raise two children without financial support from their father. Tari describes growing up in a family where generations of women became the providers and survivors. The message wasn't simply that money was scarce. It was that they were people who would always have to struggle—but would somehow find a way through.

Those lessons reached Tari long before she had money of her own. She remembers being four years old, hearing an advertisement for a loan company, and asking why her mother couldn't simply call and borrow the money they needed. Her mother explained the realities of debt and repayment, giving Tari an unusually early awareness of financial pressure. It was one of many experiences that connected money with survival, security, and fear.

Tari's adult life brought dramatic financial extremes. She and her husband built a successful wholesale carpet business and achieved significant wealth at a young age. Then economic forces beyond their control caused them to lose the business, their home, their retirement, and the life they had created. Tari went from living in a 6,000-square-foot home to cleaning houses for income before making the unexpected decision to apply to Stanford.

Her story shows that rebuilding after financial loss is rarely just about rebuilding a bank account. It is also about rebuilding identity, confidence, and trust in yourself. Tari explains that the financial recovery often follows the personal recovery—not the other way around.

We also explore why reaching a certain number rarely makes anxiety disappear. Tari shares the story of a friend who believed having $100,000 would finally make her feel safe. Once she had it, the money suddenly "didn't count," and the target moved again. When we are chasing a feeling of safety rather than a specific financial need, there may never be a number that feels like enough.

The same hidden stories often surface in relationships. Tari describes couples who believe they are fighting over credit cards, furniture, or spending decisions when they are really arguing about the completely different financial worlds in which they were raised. One person may believe money must be earned through effort, while another grew up with easy access to a parent's credit card. One may believe in buying the best and keeping it forever, while the other believes in stretching limited money across everything the household needs.

Money becomes the surface-level disagreement, but underneath it are beliefs about safety, responsibility, control, love, worth, and what a successful life should look like.

Ultimately, this conversation is about the difference between having enough and believing you have enough. Tari's journey from scarcity toward abundance did not mean pretending that financial hardship wasn't real. It meant developing the confidence that whatever happened, she could respond, adapt, and find a way forward.

Financial freedom may not begin with a number. It may begin with understanding the stories we inherited, deciding which ones still serve us, and learning to trust that we can create a life aligned with who we are and what we value.

What's The Point? is a podcast hosted by Bill Ellis featuring real conversations with people who've figured out what matters - their purpose. Each episode explores what motivates them and how they find meaning in what they do.

Connect with Bill:

bill@billellis.com
www.billellis.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
Facebook - @bill.ellis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

CONTACT INFO:

Name - Tari K. Vickery
Email - tari@tarikvickeryauthor.com
Website(s) - https://www.tarikvickeryauthor.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tari-k-vickery-09027a2/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561349842621
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tarikvickeryauthor/
Threads - https://bsky.app/profile/tarikvickeryauthor.bsky.social

BOOK: "The Emotional Side of Money"

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/242974806-the-emotional-side-of-money
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Side-Money-Financial-Wellness/dp/B0FWZY5J8H/
Bookshop - https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-emotional-side-of-money-a-roadmap-to-financial-wellness-tari-k-vickery/9fb9475edf7fe89f

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Why money is rarely just about money
01:00 – Meet Tari Vickery and The Emotional Side of Money
02:00 – Growing up with money, fear, and survival
03:00 – Three generations of women, work, and financial struggle
04:00 – Do we inherit a financial mindset?
06:30 – Asking for a loan at four years old
08:00 – Understanding her mother and releasing the past
09:30 – What financial instability really threatens
11:00 – Tari's first childhood business
12:00 – Working through high school and becoming a high achiever
14:00 – Building wealth through a family business
15:00 – Losing the business, home, retirement, and lifestyle
17:00 – Cleaning houses and deciding to apply to Harvard
18:00 – Applying to Stanford and changing the family's future
20:00 – From a 6,000-square-foot house to campus housing
21:00 – Reinvention driven by survival
22:00 – How different childhoods affect financial hardship
24:00 – Rebuilding personally before rebuilding financially
25:00 – Why reaching a financial goal doesn't always bring safety
27:00 – Feeling financially secure but emotionally unsafe
28:00 – What children learn by watching their parents
30:00 – Why the goalpost of "enough" keeps moving
31:00 – Spending $1,000 and feeling nothing
34:00 – Why money is so difficult to talk about
35:00 – Two completely different childhood money stories
37:00 – What couples are really fighting about when they fight over money
40:00 – Why successful people still avoid opening bills
42:00 – How to begin changing a painful relationship with money
44:00 – The difference between having enough and believing it
45:00 – Scarcity versus abundance
46:00 – What financial freedom really means
48:00 – Money, identity, gratitude, and loving your life
49:30 – Tari answers: "What's the point?"

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Most people think getting organized means having a cleaner house, a tidier desk, or a color-coded planner. But what if organization isn't really about tidiness at all?

In this episode of What's the Point?, I sit down with Lisa Woodruff, founder of Organize 365 and author of The Paper Solution and the upcoming book Escaping Quicksand. Our conversation explores a question that resonates with almost everyone: Why do capable people feel so overwhelmed by ordinary life?

Lisa argues that the problem isn't laziness, lack of discipline, or personal failure. The real issue is that most of us were never taught how to manage the operating system of everyday life. We learn how to do jobs, earn degrees, and build careers, but very few people ever learn how to manage the invisible work of running a household. From bills and calendars to appointments, paperwork, meals, planning, and decision-making, there's far more happening beneath the surface than most of us realize.

One of the most eye-opening moments in the conversation is Lisa's estimate that maintaining a household requires roughly 28 hours of work each week—and much of that work is invisible. Because we don't see it, we often fail to account for it, which creates guilt and frustration when we inevitably feel behind.

We also explore the difference between organizing visible clutter and organizing life itself. Lisa explains that piles of paper, overflowing inboxes, and unfinished tasks aren't usually the real problem. More often, they're symptoms of larger systems that haven't been designed to handle the ongoing projects and responsibilities of everyday living.

The conversation also dives into executive function, ADHD, procrastination, discipline, and why systems create freedom rather than restriction. Lisa shares her own late-in-life ADHD diagnosis and explains how creating structures that fit her strengths allowed her to build a successful business while managing a complex household. Rather than viewing organization as a personality trait, she sees it as a learnable skill that helps people trust themselves more.

Perhaps most importantly, this episode reframes organization as something much bigger than keeping things neat. It's about reducing overwhelm, reclaiming mental bandwidth, and creating enough space to focus on what truly matters. In other words, getting organized isn't about becoming perfect. It's about building a life that works for you.

Connect with Bill:

bill@billellis.com
www.billellis.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
Facebook - @bill.ellis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Email: customerservice@organize365.com
Website(s) http://organize365.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisawoodruff
Instagram http://instagram.com/organize365
BOOK: https://organize365.com/escapingquicksand

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Why getting organized isn't really about being tidy
01:00 – Meet Lisa Woodruff and Organize 365
02:30 – The invisible work of running a household
04:00 – Why organizing your pantry isn't enough
06:00 – What people think organization is vs. what it actually is
07:30 – Why piles of paper become emotional burdens
10:00 – The hidden projects behind everyday clutter
11:00 – Running a household like a business
13:00 – The surprising economic power of households
14:30 – Planning, supply chains, and invisible labor
16:00 – Lisa's entrepreneurial upbringing and early lessons
19:00 – Is overwhelm caused by invisible work?
20:00 – Digital overwhelm vs. paper systems
23:00 – A forgotten $123,000 account and why paper still matters
26:00 – Why households need systems too
28:00 – The grocery shopping story that changed everything
30:00 – Executive function explained simply
32:00 – Why knowing what to do isn't enough
33:00 – Productive procrastination and small tasks
35:00 – Why organization isn't about willpower
37:00 – Systems for different personalities and learning styles
39:00 – Lisa's ADHD diagnosis and what it changed
43:00 – ADHD, entrepreneurship, and adapting to life
46:00 – Why structure creates freedom
47:00 – Ownership, responsibility, and self-trust
48:00 – Feeling permanently behind? Start here.
50:00 – Discipline, habits, and consistency
52:00 – Escaping Quicksand: the idea behind the new book
53:00 – What's the Point? Lisa's answer

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How much of who we become is actually ours?

That question sits underneath this deeply thoughtful conversation with Femi Corazon, a senior creative leader whose life has moved across cultures, industries, storytelling, leadership, and behavior change. Her story begins in Iowa, stretches through the Philippines and Nigeria, and eventually lands in New York advertising, technology, and creative strategy. But underneath all of it is a deeper thread: identity.

Femi talks openly about growing up feeling visibly different in every environment she entered. In the Philippines, her Blackness stood out. In Nigeria, her mixed identity made her feel foreign. Returning to the United States as a teenager brought another layer of cultural adaptation. Yet what stands out most in her story is the distinction she makes between difference and rejection. She never felt unloved by her family or communities, but she became deeply aware of how much human beings adapt in order to belong.

That lifelong process of adaptation eventually became the foundation of her work. Femi explains that storytelling wasn't simply creative expression for her — it was survival. Stories helped her understand people, navigate unfamiliar environments, and make meaning out of change. That same curiosity later shaped her career in advertising, coding, user experience, and behavioral strategy. Whether she was building software systems at BBDO or leading creative teams years later, the underlying question remained the same: What makes people move?

One of the strongest themes in this episode is that information alone does not change people. Human beings change when a new version of themselves feels emotionally survivable. Femi describes behavior through the lens of narrative: the unhealthy habits, fears, or limitations people hold onto are often rooted in stories that once kept them safe. Meaningful change only happens when people can imagine a different story that feels possible for them.

We also spend time discussing leadership, empathy, creativity, and the emotional burden leaders sometimes carry. Femi speaks candidly about learning boundaries, avoiding burnout, and understanding that leadership is not about sacrificing yourself for others, but about creating environments where people can safely do their best work. Again, the conversation keeps returning to meaning, purpose, and the stories human beings live inside every day.

Toward the end of our discussion, Femi reflects on technology, artificial intelligence, and the fear that humanity may slowly lose touch with what makes us human in the first place. But she also shares what gives her hope: the belief that despite all our flaws, people are still driven by connection, meaning, and the desire to understand one another.

Ultimately, this episode is about identity — not as something fixed, but as something continually shaped through story, culture, adaptation, and choice. And maybe the most important question isn't simply Who am I? but Is the story I'm living still helping me become who I'm meant to be?

What's The Point? is a podcast hosted by Bill Ellis featuring real conversations with people who've figured out what matters — their purpose. Each episode explores what motivates them and how they find meaning in what they do.

Connect with Bill:

bill@billellis.com
www.billellis.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
Facebook - @bill.ellis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

CONTACT INFO: Name: Femi Corazon Email: femi@femicorazon.com Website(s): femicorazon.com SOCIAL MEDIA INFO: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/femicorazon Instagram: @‌femicorazon

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Introduction + "The Versions of Ourselves We Learn to Become"
01:00 – Growing up between Iowa, the Philippines, and Nigeria
03:00 – Feeling different in every culture
05:00 – Difference vs. rejection: an important distinction
07:00 – Being visibly "other" and adapting to survive
10:00 – Family, belonging, and multigenerational influence
13:00 – Learning English and adapting in Nigeria
15:00 – Creativity, imagination, and storytelling as survival
17:00 – The stories we inherit vs. the stories we choose
18:00 – Why acting and advertising both mattered to Femi
20:00 – Moving to New York to become an actress
21:00 – Coding at BBDO and learning human behavior
24:00 – Storytelling, software, and influencing adoption
26:00 – Why behavior change starts with curiosity
29:00 – Understanding the stories people tell themselves
31:00 – What actually makes people change?
33:00 – Safety, fear, and emotionally survivable change
36:00 – Leadership, meaning, and motivating teams
40:00 – Leadership boundaries and avoiding burnout
42:00 – Pitching ideas and understanding human psychology
46:00 – Why information alone doesn't change people
48:00 – Curiosity, learning, and stepping into uncertainty
49:00 – What worries Femi most about the world today
51:00 – Humanity, connection, and what gives her hope
52:00 – "What's the point?" + Femi's final answer

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Have you ever found yourself in something that works on paper… but doesn't really feel right anymore?

That's the question at the center of this conversation with Julian Lighton, executive coach, strategist, and author of Navigating Your Next. Julian has spent decades helping leaders and organizations navigate change, but this conversation isn't just about career strategy — it's about identity, growth, and learning how to recognize when something no longer fits.

Julian's own path has been anything but linear. Trained originally in law at Oxford, he realized early that he didn't want the life attached to the career he had prepared for. That decision began a journey across startups, consulting, Cisco, McKinsey, and executive leadership roles — each step driven less by title and more by what he calls "progress over progression." In other words, focusing on becoming better rather than simply climbing higher.

One of the most compelling parts of our conversation centers around competency versus passion. Julian challenges the modern obsession with "following your passion," arguing instead that confidence and fulfillment are often built through becoming deeply competent at something meaningful. Passion can fuel us, but discipline, consistency, and learning are what sustain long-term growth.

We also explore the emotional side of change: fear, identity, risk, and the uncomfortable realization that success doesn't always equal happiness. Julian shares stories of leaving environments that no longer aligned with who he was becoming, including a major move from London to San Francisco that completely reshaped his career and life. He talks openly about failure, why learning requires discomfort, and why some of the most successful people he knows are also deeply unhappy because they pursued progression without questioning what they actually wanted.

Throughout the episode, Julian returns to three key questions:

Am I learning?
Am I in the right context?
Am I surrounded by the right people?

Those questions become a framework not just for career decisions, but for life itself.

This episode is ultimately about responsibility — understanding that no one is coming to rescue you, and that meaningful change begins the moment you decide you're no longer willing to stay where you are. It's a conversation about growth, risk, purpose, and the realization that the point may not be the destination at all… but the journey itself.

Connect with Bill:

bill@billellis.com
www.billellis.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
Facebook - @bill.ellis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

https://www.julianlighton.com
Navigating Your Next: https://amzn.to/4eV8CVU

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Introduction + "When It's Time to Change, Even If It's Working"
01:00 – Julian's background in law and choosing not to become a barrister
04:00 – Joining a startup before startups existed
08:30 – How early career experiences shaped everything that followed
09:30 – Progress vs. progression explained
13:00 – Why these ideas apply far beyond business careers
14:00 – "What discussion should never happen without you in the room?"
16:00 – Competency vs. passion: what actually creates success?
20:00 – Why expertise is more accessible today than ever before
22:00 – Discipline, identity, and "doing is being"
24:00 – Taking opportunities before feeling fully ready
27:00 – Recognizing when leadership or culture no longer fits
30:00 – Learning, context, and culture: Julian's framework for change
31:00 – Moving from London to San Francisco in the 1990s
37:00 – Fear, risk, and deciding what you're no longer willing to tolerate
40:00 – Why change begins with personal responsibility
42:00 – Choosing the right work, context, and people
45:00 – Career success vs. balanced life
49:00 – Failure, learning, and why growth requires discomfort
54:00 – "It's about the journey, not the destination"
56:00 – Closing reflections + final thoughts

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In this episode of What's the Point?, I sit down with Susan Friedmann, founder of Aviva Publishing and Marketing, to talk about longevity — not just in business, but in life. What does it take to stay engaged with something over time without becoming stale, stuck, or disconnected from yourself?

Susan has spent decades helping nonfiction authors bring their books into the world, but what stood out most in our conversation wasn't simply publishing. It was her honesty about passion, reinvention, and recognizing when something no longer fits. She reflects on starting in the trade show industry, building expertise there for more than two decades, and eventually realizing she had lost the excitement that once fueled her work. That recognition led her toward publishing — first for her own books, then eventually for more than 1,200 titles through her company.

Throughout the episode, Susan shares what authors often misunderstand about success. Many believe publishing the book is the finish line, when in reality it's only the beginning. Marketing, she explains, is a long game built on consistency, clarity, and understanding exactly who you're trying to help. The same principle applies far beyond books: meaningful work requires ongoing attention and adaptation.

We also explore identity — how difficult it can be to let go of the version of yourself you've spent years building. Susan speaks candidly about the fear of starting over later in life, losing the title that once defined her, and realizing that excitement and curiosity mattered more than simply maintaining familiarity. It's a conversation many listeners will recognize, especially anyone wrestling with whether to stay in something that no longer feels alive.

Another recurring theme is learning. Susan talks about travel, exposure to different cultures, communication in long relationships, and even the role AI now plays in creativity and publishing. Rather than resisting change, she looks for ways to stay curious. Her belief is simple: if something feels stale, explore it from another angle. Find new perspectives. Keep learning.

Ultimately, this conversation is about paying attention — to your work, your relationships, and yourself. Longevity isn't passive. It requires honesty, adaptation, communication, and the courage to ask whether what once fit still does. Susan reminds us that staying engaged is less about holding onto one identity forever and more about continuing to grow into the next version of yourself.

Connect with Bill:

bill@billellis.com
www.billellis.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
Facebook - @bill.ellis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Email: susan@avivapubs.com
Website(s) https://avivapubs.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanfriedmann
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author.marketer/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avivapubs
PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/book-marketing-mentors/id1053995420
BOOKS: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Susan-A.-Friedmann/author/B001ILM7BA

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Introduction + "Staying Engaged: The Point of Longevity"
01:00 – Susan Friedmann's work helping nonfiction authors
02:00 – What authors really want from writing a book
03:00 – Why marketing to "everyone" never works
05:00 – Editing, attention spans, and book covers that matter
08:00 – Passion, confidence, and believing in your work
10:00 – Being honest about what you can and can't do
11:00 – The biggest mistakes authors make
13:00 – Why publishing is only the beginning
15:00 – The long game of marketing and consistency
18:00 – Susan's early career and trade show expertise
20:00 – Getting rejected three times before success
22:00 – How Aviva Publishing unexpectedly evolved
23:00 – Losing passion and recognizing it was time to change
25:00 – Identity, reinvention, and starting over later in life
27:00 – Adapting to technology, AI, and publishing shifts
31:00 – Staying excited instead of becoming stale
33:00 – Creativity, AI, and finding fresh perspectives
35:00 – What makes something truly "work"
37:00 – Learning from people, travel, and different cultures
39:00 – The secret to long relationships: communication and honesty
42:00 – Feeling like you don't belong and what travel teaches us
46:00 – Knowing when something no longer fits
49:00 – Being brave enough to change your life
52:00 – "What's the point?" Susan's answer on gratitude and purpose

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How do you choose a career before you've really lived life?

That's the question at the center of this conversation with Alex Dworsky and Gabriel DeSanti, co-founders of Staj. Most of us are asked to decide what we want to do at 18, 20, or 22 — long before we've had enough experience to truly understand what those choices mean. And while some people land in the right place, many others find themselves years into a path that no longer fits.

Alex shares her experience inside corporate America, where careers often follow a predictable path shaped by expectations, environment, and stability. But as time goes on, many people begin to question whether what they chose actually aligns with who they are becoming. Gabriel's journey offers a different perspective — pivoting early from a technical trade into content creation, ultimately building a career around exploring what different jobs are really like from the inside.

Together, they unpack why so many people stay in roles that don't fulfill them. Fear plays a major role — fear of losing stability, identity, or success. For many, it's not just about changing jobs, but about walking away from something that looks "successful" on paper. That tension — between comfort and fulfillment — is where people often feel stuck.

A key theme throughout this episode is the lack of real exposure. Most career decisions are made with limited information, based on what we're told, what we see around us, or what seems safe. Even internships, which are supposed to offer insight, often fall short by showing only a narrow slice of the job rather than the full picture.

This conversation challenges the idea that choosing once is enough. Instead, it invites a different approach: staying curious, experimenting, and being willing to reassess what success actually means at different stages of life.

Because sometimes the real work isn't choosing the right path — it's recognizing when the one you chose no longer fits.

Connect with Bill:

bill@billellis.com
www.billellis.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
Facebook - @bill.ellis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Name: Gabriel DeSanti
Email: gabe@gabedesanti.com
Name: Alex Dworsky
Email: admin@gostaj.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/gabriel.desanti
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-desanti
IG: https://www.instagram.com/go_staj

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Why choosing a career early is so difficult
01:30 – The idea behind Staj (try before you commit)
03:00 – Alex's corporate career and COVID shift
06:00 – Gabriel's early pivot and "world's longest resume"
08:30 – Why people outgrow their careers
10:00 – Why most people stay in jobs that don't fit
12:00 – How we actually choose careers at 18–22
14:00 – The problem with internships
16:00 – Fear, identity, and career changes
18:30 – The "golden handcuffs" problem
21:00 – Why people don't explore other paths
24:00 – Who understands Staj immediately (and who doesn't)
27:00 – Why small businesses get it faster
30:00 – Hiring, risk, and finding the right fit
33:00 – Why internships don't fully solve the problem
36:00 – Unexpected jobs and hidden career paths
40:00 – How to explore without quitting everything
45:00 – What to do if your career feels wrong
50:00 – Redefining success over time
53:00 – Final reflections on choice and fulfillment

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In this episode of What's the Point?, Bill Ellis sits down with Andi Simon—corporate anthropologist, author, and founder of Simon Associates—to explore a deceptively simple question: Why is it so hard to see what's right in front of us?

Andi has spent decades studying how people think, behave, and—most importantly—how they make meaning. From working with banks and healthcare systems to helping leaders navigate transformation, she's seen the same pattern over and over again:

People don't resist change because they lack information.They resist change because of the stories they believe.

These stories—often invisible to us—shape how we interpret the world, what we notice, and what we ignore. Even when evidence is clear, our brains filter reality through familiar patterns, protecting us from discomfort but also limiting growth.

Through real-world examples, Andi explains how habits, myths, and internal narratives keep individuals and organizations stuck—and how change only begins when we learn to see differently, not just think differently .

This is a conversation about perception, identity, and the quiet forces shaping every decision we make.

Key Takeaways * We Don't See Reality—We See Our Story Humans are meaning-makers, interpreting the world through internal narratives that feel true, even when they're incomplete . * Change Doesn't Come From New Information People don't change because they're told something new—they change when they experience something that shifts how they see. * Habits Protect Us—But Also Limit Us Our brains prioritize efficiency and familiarity, making it easier to stay the same than to grow. * Myths Shape Behavior More Than Facts Many beliefs about identity, capability, and success are repeated assumptions—not proven truths. * Change Requires Small Wins and Visibility Momentum builds through shared experience, not instruction. People change when they see others changing too. * Curiosity Is the Gateway to Growth The most underused skill in personal growth is curiosity—the willingness to question what feels "obvious."

Connect with Bill:

bill@billellis.com
www.billellis.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
Facebook - @bill.ellis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Email asimon@simonassociates.net
Website(s) https://www.andisimon.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andisimon/
Andi's Podcast: https://www.simonassociates.net/category/podcast/
BOOKS: https://www.andisimon.com/the-books

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Introduction: Why we miss what's right in front of us
01:00 – Meet Andi Simon: corporate anthropologist and meaning-maker
02:00 – What anthropology really studies
04:00 – Discovering that humans live inside stories
06:00 – Why people don't change—even when told to
07:30 – Habits and invisible patterns in behavior
09:00 – Why disruption often requires a crisis
10:30 – The brain, storytelling, and filtering reality
12:00 – Why people must see change to believe it
13:30 – Resistance inside organizations and individuals
15:00 – Copycat behavior and how change spreads
17:00 – Leadership vs. management mindset
18:30 – Why change feels mentally exhausting
20:00 – Small wins and positive reinforcement
21:30 – Why people need to feel they matter
22:30 – Myths: beliefs that feel true but aren't
24:00 – Breaking myths through real examples
25:30 – Imposter syndrome and identity shifts
27:00 – Creating a new narrative
29:00 – Why we try to fix the future using the past
30:00 – Curiosity vs. fear
31:00 – Resistance and identity transitions
33:00 – Losing structure, purpose, and community
35:00 – Why purpose matters
37:00 – Why we delay change
38:30 – Habits and human efficiency
40:00 – Loyalty vs. familiarity
42:00 – What people misunderstand about change
43:00 – Curiosity as a life skill
44:30 – Endings as transitions
46:00 – Embracing what's next
47:00 – What's the point? Embrace change

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In this episode of What's the Point?, Bill Ellis sits down with David Schnurman to explore a question many of us quietly carry: what do we think will happen when we change our lives?

Change often begins with hope. A new job, a new city, a new path — we imagine it will give us clarity, fulfillment, or relief from whatever feels unresolved. But as David reflects throughout this conversation, change doesn't always deliver exactly what we think we're buying.

Together, Bill and David explore the deeper motivations behind the choices we make. Family expectations, personal responsibility, ambition, and identity all shape the way we pursue change. Sometimes those choices bring us closer to what matters most. Other times they reveal that the answers we're searching for can't be found simply by changing circumstances.

David shares reflections on how family influences the decisions we make, the stories we tell ourselves about success, and the quiet tension between the life we build and the life we imagined. It's an honest conversation about responsibility, perspective, and the complicated nature of personal reinvention.

Ultimately, this episode invites listeners to step back and ask a deeper question: when we pursue change, are we chasing something external — or searching for something within ourselves?

Connect with Bill:

bill@billellis.com
www.billellis.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
Facebook - @bill.ellis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidschnurman/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidschnurman/

CURRENT PROJECTS / OFFERINGS

Author of Eleven Suitcases – a memoir about family, identity, and reducing life to what matters most
Author of The Fast Forward Mindset – focused on fear, focus, and intentional action
CEO of Lawline – leading online CLE and professional development for attorneys
Host of the Lawyers Who Learn podcast – interviews with legal and business leaders on lifelong learning and growth
Speaker & Keynote Presenter – topics include leadership, navigating change, mindset, and living with intention\

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Introduction to David Schnurman
01:20 – The idea behind life-changing decisions
03:45 – What we imagine change will give us
06:30 – How family shapes the choices we make
09:10 – The tension between ambition and responsibility
12:05 – When expectations don't match reality
15:20 – Identity, growth, and the stories we tell ourselves
18:40 – Why change alone doesn't always bring fulfillment
21:15 – Learning what truly matters
24:10 – How perspective evolves over time
27:30 – Navigating life transitions
30:10 – What keeps people moving forward
33:20 – The deeper meaning behind our choices
36:40 – David reflects on purpose and family
39:30 – David answers: "What's the Point?"

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In this episode of What's the Point?, I sit down with Omar Ritter for a conversation about discipline, leadership, and what it really means to live with purpose.

Omar's story is rooted in challenge. He reflects on the moments that shaped him — not just professionally, but internally. We talk about early lessons in responsibility, learning how to carry weight, and what it means to choose growth instead of comfort.

Throughout our conversation, a theme keeps surfacing: discipline. Not the loud kind. Not the performative kind. But the quiet, daily commitment to becoming someone you can depend on. Omar speaks candidly about leadership — not as a title, but as stewardship. Influence carries responsibility. Authority demands integrity. And the strongest leaders are often the ones willing to do the unseen work.

We explore what keeps someone moving forward when results aren't immediate. What drives you when applause fades? Omar's answer isn't flashy. It's anchored in consistency, values, and faith. He challenges the idea that purpose is a single lightning-bolt moment and instead reframes it as a series of intentional choices over time.

This is a conversation about grit without ego, strength without arrogance, and ambition that stays grounded. It's a reminder that discovering what matters often requires testing what doesn't — and that real growth shapes not only what we build, but who we become.

What's The Point? is a podcast hosted by Bill Ellis featuring real conversations with people who've figured out what matters – their purpose. Each episode explores what motivates them and how they find meaning in what they do.

Connect with Bill:

bill@billellis.com
www.billellis.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
Facebook - @bill.ellis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Name: Omar Ritter
Website(s) http://omarritter.com
SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/omar-ritter-cpa-sphr
Instagram: omar.ritter.9
Youtube: @‌ORitter1
BOOK: West Point to Wall Street - available for purchase at:
https://a.co/d/9LSBgOZ
http://omarritter.com

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Omar Ritter
01:20 – Omar's early influences and foundational lessons
03:45 – The turning points that shaped his leadership mindset
06:10 – Discipline: what it actually means
08:30 – Responsibility before recognition
11:00 – Leadership as stewardship, not status
14:20 – Learning through adversity
17:00 – Faith, values, and internal grounding
19:30 – What drives growth beyond external success
22:00 – Influence, integrity, and consistency
24:40 – What keeps you going when motivation fades
27:30 – Redefining strength
30:00 – Daily habits that build long-term character
33:15 – How Omar approaches setbacks
36:40 – What he hopes others take from his journey
39:10 – Omar answers: "What's the point?"
41:00 – Closing reflections

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In this episode of What's the Point?, Bill Ellis sits down with Ron Kmetovicz—engineer, entrepreneur, investor, and author of Ghost Money: The Pathway to Financial Independence.

This conversation isn't about getting rich quickly. It's about what quietly sustains a life.

Ron reflects on growing up in an entrepreneurial farm family in Pennsylvania, working in early Silicon Valley labs during major technological shifts, and building a career grounded in confidence rather than accumulation. He shares the philosophy behind "ghost money"—multiple revenue streams paired with minimal debt—and explains why independence matters more than image.

From navigating the dot-com crash to thinking carefully about what he will (and won't) leave behind for future generations, Ron explores how money, discipline, inheritance, and physical vitality all intersect.

This episode invites listeners to consider: Are you chasing money—or freedom? And what are you really passing forward?

Connect with Bill:

bill@billellis.com
www.billellis.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
Facebook - @bill.ellis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Email ron@ghostmoneythebook.com
Website(s) http://www.ghostmoneythebook.com

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Introduction: Money as independence, not just income
02:00 – Early realization: personal responsibility in his twenties
03:00 – Growing up on a Pennsylvania farm with entrepreneurial roots
05:00 – From military service (father) to early cable television innovation
08:00 – Aerospace vs. collaborative lab culture
10:00 – Early investing and stock analysis in the 1970s
12:30 – "Enough is enough": redefining financial goals
14:00 – Debt as the true trap
16:00 – Witnessing early internet and GPS development
18:00 – Confidence from competence, not income
20:00 – Why he never subscribed to 16-hour grind culture
21:00 – Skill-building in the age of AI
24:00 – Defining "Ghost Money"
26:00 – A practical example: teaching a 16-year-old to build multiple revenue streams
30:00 – Advertising, comparison, and financial traps
34:00 – Three steps: enjoy your work, invest 20%, leave it alone
36:00 – Emergency resilience and the danger of credit dependence
38:00 – Physical independence and active aging
41:00 – Writing the book as legacy for great-grandchildren
44:00 – Surviving the dot-com crash
45:00 – Why he won't leave lump-sum inheritances
48:00 – Optimism with caution in relationships
49:00 – Final advice: identify skill gaps and correct them
50:00 – What's the point? "Work hard, play hard… and have a little ghost money."

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Welcome to What's the Point? — the show where we explore what shapes us, what changes us, and what gives our lives meaning over time. In this episode, I'm joined by Annie Dike — a writer whose life has moved through wildly different worlds: a complex early life in Clovis, New Mexico, a career in law, years living and working at sea, and a steady commitment to writing as a way of making sense of experience.

Annie begins in Clovis — a place she once wanted to escape, but later came to appreciate for what it gave her: creativity, closeness with her brother, and a tough kind of resilience built in a childhood without many resources. She also talks about what it was like growing up between two very different environments after her parents divorced — traveling across the country to Alabama and experiencing how different landscapes, people, and family structures can expand your world.

From there, Annie takes us into what she calls her "supposed to" track — the version of success built on prestige, degrees, salary, and stability. She pursued law largely because it felt like a parachute: a way to avoid the financial struggle she knew as a kid. And while she became successful on paper, she also became deeply unhappy — especially working defense for corporations and insurance companies. The more she sensed her work didn't align with her core, the harder it became to ignore.

Annie also shares the personal side of that same season: marriage, divorce, and the quiet shame she carried as she tried to keep her life looking "fine" from the outside. But that divorce became a turning point — proof she could change something hard. And soon after, she faced the bigger question: if I can change this… can I change everything else that isn't working too?

A major part of Annie's next chapter is Philip, her partner — someone who saw strengths in her that she couldn't see in herself. She describes imposter syndrome as a constant companion, yet also shows how trust and relationship can become a bridge to courage. Their sailing life becomes a living metaphor: night watches, shared responsibility, and the kind of communication that has to be honest because the stakes are real. Annie makes a powerful point: trust is built through communication — even the awkward, pride-challenging kind.

We also talk about identity — how hard it is to answer "what do you do?" when your life doesn't fit a neat box. Annie's story is a reminder that purpose isn't always discovered in one dramatic moment. Sometimes it's built through reinvention: lawyer, cruiser, writer, speaker, and now novelist again — someone who keeps returning to the work of meaning through words.

Toward the end, Annie reflects on what she hopes readers take from Clovis: a willingness to accept change, and deeper empathy for people different from us — including her brother's experience and the layers of struggle that can exist beneath the surface. And when I ask the question I ask every guest — "What's the point?" — Annie answers with a line that lands like a bell: "Remember you're dying." Not as darkness, but as permission: take the risk, be brave, do the thing, and live awake.

Connect with Bill:

bill@billellis.com
www.billellis.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
Facebook - @bill.ellis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Contact Info:

Email annie@anniedikeauthor.com

Website(s) http://www.anniedikeauthor.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/anniedike.author

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/anniedikeauthor/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@AnnieDikeAuthor Author's chapter by chapter reading of Clovis

BOOK Clovis https://www.amazon.com/Clovis-Annie-Dike/dp/B0FPMFZD66/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Welcome + who Annie Dike is (writer, law, life at sea)
01:00 – Clovis, New Mexico: childhood, poverty, creativity, family
03:10 – Parents divorced + traveling between New Mexico and Alabama
05:00 – Annie's dad: bull riding, cowboy life, resilience + humor
08:40 – "Get out of Clovis": school, achievement, pressure, exhaustion
10:00 – Choosing law on the "supposed to" track (money, stability)
12:00 – Practicing defense law + the work not feeling right
13:00 – Marriage, divorce, and keeping it quiet out of fear
14:10 – Realizing divorce was possible… and work might need to change too
17:00 – Leaving the firm: fear, freedom, and starting over
20:20 – Identity shift: "What do you do?" vs "Who are you?"
21:40 – Imposter syndrome + Philip seeing strengths she can't see
23:10 – Agreeing to sail around the world + becoming a strong "cruiser"
25:00 – Cruisers vs sailors (what that really means)
26:40 – Trust on a boat: night shifts, responsibility, judgment calls
27:40 – Communication as the foundation of trust
29:30 – Redefining success + "enough" + becoming a sailing writer
33:00 – New chapter: selling the boat, travel, writing novels
34:00 – Why Annie avoids "Hollywood endings" in her books
36:40 – What she hopes readers take from Clovis: change + empathy
41:20 – Brother's story + learning to empathize beyond labels
45:40 – Advice: "remember you're dying" + take the risk
48:00 – "What's the point?" Annie's answer + closing

View Details

In this episode of What's The Point?, I sit down with Loryn Nalic and Edo Nalic, partners in life and work and the force behind Balkan Treat Box, Telva, and the Ridge Room in St. Louis.

Their story isn't just about building award-winning restaurants. It's about displacement, resilience, trust, and what happens when two people commit to solving problems together instead of letting adversity define them.

Edo shares what it was like growing up in Bosnia during war, fleeing to Germany, living with uncertainty, and eventually coming to the United States alone. Loryn reflects on a very different upbringing—rooted in St. Louis, shaped by family, responsibility, and a lifelong relationship with food that began as a way to bring people together. Their paths couldn't have looked more different, yet they converged through shared struggle and mutual empathy.

Their relationship began not with certainty, but with necessity and trust—formed during a period marked by financial stress, immigration challenges, and responsibility to family. Over time, that trust deepened into partnership. Together they navigated economic collapse, job changes, parenting, and the bold decision to build something of their own without guarantees.

The idea for Balkan Treat Box came from honoring roots while creating something new—food that reflected the Balkan region's shared history rather than a single identity. What followed was anything but easy: a failed food-truck build, years of delay, advice from nearly everyone to give up, and the decision to keep going anyway. Through persistence, word-of-mouth, and genuine connection with customers, the truck slowly transformed into something people sought out—and talked about.

From there came a brick-and-mortar restaurant, the challenge of the pandemic, the humility of learning from peers, and the commitment to quality and community over convenience. Their growth continued through collaboration—within the St. Louis restaurant community, with local partners, and eventually through opportunities like serving at CITYPARK for St. Louis City SC.

Throughout the conversation, one theme keeps surfacing: belonging. Whether through food, family, or shared experience, Loryn and Edo have built places where people feel welcome, seen, and connected. Their story is a reminder that meaning often comes from consistency, partnership, and choosing to keep building—even when the outcome isn't guaranteed.

Connect with Bill:

bill@billellis.com
www.billellis.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
Facebook - @bill.ellis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Website: balkantreatbox.com

Email:

Loryn Nalic - loryn@balkantreatbox.com
Edo Nalic - edo@balkantreatbox.com
Phone - Balkan Treat Box 314-733-5700
Address - 8103 Big Bend Blvd, Webster Groves, MO 63119

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Instagram:

@‌balkantreatbox
@‌lorynnalic
@‌telvastl
@‌ridgeroom

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/balkantreatbox
ORDER VIA GOLDBELLY:
www.goldbelly.com/balkan-treat-box

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Loryn and Edo Nalic
01:00 – Edo's childhood in Bosnia and displacement during war
02:50 – Deportation, uncertainty, and starting again
03:15 – Loryn's upbringing in St. Louis and early connection to food
05:10 – Cooking as care, connection, and identity
05:50 – Being a single parent and working through instability
06:40 – How Loryn and Edo first met
08:30 – Guarded trust and early impressions
10:30 – Empathy, shared struggle, and partnership
12:10 – Deportation notice and life-altering decisions
14:10 – Choosing to trust each other
16:30 – Building a relationship through adversity
18:40 – Economic collapse and job transitions
19:50 – The idea of building something of their own
21:30 – Choosing Balkan food as a shared identity
23:20 – Traveling to Bosnia for inspiration
26:00 – Understanding culture, food, and shared roots
29:00 – The food truck dream and devastating setbacks
30:45 – Almost giving up
33:20 – Community stepping in to help
34:20 – Learning how to sell, explain, and connect
36:30 – Word-of-mouth growth and pride in the work
38:10 – Opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant
42:50 – Navigating the pandemic together
47:30 – Collaboration within the restaurant community
49:20 – CITYPARK and being part of St. Louis history
52:00 – Telva and the evolution of their vision
55:20 – How they balance each other as partners
59:00 – What makes their partnership work
01:03:35 – Loryn answers: "What's the point?"
01:05:00 – Edo answers: "What's the point?"
01:06:40 – Closing reflections

View Details

In this episode of What's the Point?, I sit down with Jason Van Ruler for an honest conversation about healing, responsibility, and the quiet work of becoming someone you can respect.

Jason shares parts of his story that began in instability—growing up in a chaotic environment, learning early how to survive, and internalizing beliefs about worth that followed him into adulthood. Like many of us, he found himself repeating familiar patterns, even when they no longer served him.

We talk about the turning point that came when Jason realized that awareness alone wasn't enough. Wanting change didn't automatically create it. That moment forced a deeper question: What does it actually take to become the person you want to be?

Jason reflects on the small but powerful steps that helped him rebuild—from learning to tolerate the person in the mirror, to counting small wins, to seeking the right kind of help. He explains the difference between avoiding pain and doing the work, and why true growth requires honesty, ownership, and support.

Our conversation also explores how healing shapes leadership, relationships, and purpose. Jason challenges the idea that success alone defines a meaningful life, arguing instead that who we become—and how we show up for others—matters far more than what we achieve.

This episode is a human story of growth. It's about discovering what matters when old narratives fall apart, finding meaning through responsibility, and understanding that purpose isn't something we stumble into—it's something we build, one choice at a time.

Connect with Bill:

bill@billellis.com
www.billellis.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
Facebook - @bill.ellis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

CONTACT INFO:

Name Jason VanRuler
Email jason@jasonvr.com
Website Jason VanRuler | Therapist, Coach, Speaker, and Author

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn Jason VanRuler, LPC-MH, LMHC, CSAT-S | LinkedIn
https://www.instagram.com/jason.vanruler
https://www.facebook.com/thejasonvanruler/
Book: Get Past Your Past: How Facing Your Broken Places Leads to True Connection: VanRuler, Jason, Bob Goff: 9780310367413: Amazon.com: Books
Upcoming book: Discovering Your Communication Type: The 5 Paths to Deeper Connections and Stronger Relationships - Kindle edition by VanRuler, Jason. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Jason Van Ruler
01:00 – Why Jason hopes people feel hope when they encounter his work
02:15 – Growing up in Sioux Falls and the impact of early instability
03:40 – How childhood chaos shapes identity and self-worth
05:00 – Finding refuge and safety in books
06:20 – Early exposure to personal development tapes and hope
07:40 – Leaving home at 18 and recreating familiar patterns
09:00 – Realizing adulthood requires personal responsibility
10:00 – The mirror moment at rock bottom
11:20 – Learning to like the person staring back
12:45 – Counting small victories and rebuilding confidence
14:00 – Leaving recruiting to pursue therapy
15:20 – Why wanting change isn't enough
17:00 – Doing the work yourself before guiding others
18:30 – Therapy vs. coaching: looking back and moving forward
20:30 – Jason's personal support system: therapist, coach, spiritual guide
22:10 – Taking ownership of your direction
24:00 – Why success doesn't always equal happiness
26:00 – Redefining success and purpose
27:30 – Relationships as our true legacy
29:00 – Moving from self-loathing to self-acceptance
31:00 – Finding the right help and building trust
33:00 – What Jason wishes he'd known earlier in life
35:00 – Get Past Your Past and choosing credible guidance
37:00 – Understanding needs vs. wants in relationships
39:00 – Showing up differently as a husband and father
41:00 – Jason's upcoming book on communication styles
43:00 – Daily habits and practices for stability
45:00 – What people are really searching for
46:30 – Rethinking purpose as broader than one role
47:30 – Jason answers: "What's the point?"
48:45 – Closing reflections and gratitude

Get Past Your Past: How Facing Your Broken Places Leads to True Connection

View Details

In this episode of What's the Point?, host Bill Ellis sits down with Dr. Jaime Goff, founder of The Empathic Leader, LLC and author of The Secure Leader, for a powerful conversation on how our earliest emotional experiences quietly shape the way we lead.

Drawing from her background in psychology, higher education leadership, and executive coaching, Dr. Goff explains how attachment patterns formed in childhood influence trust, control, communication, and emotional regulation in adulthood—especially in leadership roles. She shares personal stories from her own journey, including growing up in a restrictive emotional environment, navigating perfectionism and control early in her career, and learning how true leadership requires both empathy and accountability.

The conversation explores why secure leaders create psychologically safe environments, how repair—not perfection—is the foundation of strong relationships, and why self-awareness and emotional regulation are essential skills for modern leaders. Dr. Goff also reflects on career transitions, resilience through setbacks, and the courage it takes to build a life aligned with purpose rather than pressure.

This episode is an honest, grounded look at leadership from the inside out—and a reminder that lasting impact begins with secure connection.

Connect with Bill:

bill@billellis.com
www.billellis.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
Facebook - @bill.ellis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Name Dr. Jaime Goff
Email https://drjaimegoff.com/contact
Website(s) https://drjaimegoff.com SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjaimegoff
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dr_jaimegoff
Other https://www.youtube.com/@drjaimegoff
CURRENT PROJECTS
New book - "The Secure Leader"

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Dr. Jaime Goff
01:10 – Jaime's path into psychology and leadership work
03:10 – Why leadership starts long before adulthood
05:20 – Early emotional environments and attachment patterns
07:45 – How childhood patterns show up at work
10:30 – Control, perfectionism, and leadership identity
13:00 – What secure leadership actually looks like
15:40 – Psychological safety and trust in teams
18:10 – Repair vs. perfection in leadership relationships
21:00 – Self-awareness as a leadership skill
23:40 – Emotional regulation under pressure
26:10 – Empathy without losing accountability
29:00 – Career transitions and resilience
31:30 – Authenticity, courage, and purpose at work
34:10 – Lessons from executive coaching
36:40 – What insecure leadership environments create
39:00 – Building security in yourself first
41:30 – How leaders can start changing patterns today
44:00 – Defining success beyond performance
46:10 – Dr. Goff answers: "What's the point?"

View Details

In this episode of What's the Point?, I talk with Kacper Staniul, founder and CEO of MyArchitectAI, about how purpose often reveals itself not through a single calling—but through curiosity, experimentation, and the discipline to keep building.

Kacper's journey began far from startups and artificial intelligence. As a university student in Poland studying materials science, he admits he had little sense of direction. What changed everything was exposure to the internet and the realization that learning wasn't limited to formal education. That discovery sparked curiosity, and curiosity led to building.

Rather than waiting for the "right" moment, Kacper started experimenting. He worked full-time while launching side projects at night, learning firsthand that momentum comes not from perfect preparation, but from publishing, listening, and improving in public. One of the most powerful lessons he shares is that if you're not slightly embarrassed by your first version, you probably waited too long to launch.

We talk about failure—not as something dramatic, but as something quiet and common: waiting too long, learning too much without acting, hesitating when action is required. Kacper reflects candidly on how those early missteps became teachers, shaping a more disciplined, feedback-driven approach to building.

That mindset eventually led him to MyArchitectAI. Not because he was an architect. Not because he was an AI engineer. But because he recognized an opportunity to empower creatives by removing barriers. By partnering with the right people, listening closely to users, and staying focused on solving one clear problem, he helped turn an early-stage idea into a tool used by designers around the world.

Throughout our conversation, Kacper challenges a common myth about entrepreneurship—that it's all about taking massive risks. Instead, he describes himself as risk-averse, methodical, and intentional. Purpose for him isn't about gambling; it's about steady improvement, meaningful feedback, and building something that genuinely helps others.

This is a human story of growth—about how people find meaning not by waiting for certainty, but by creating, learning, and refining as they go. Purpose, as Kacper shows, often takes shape through the simple act of building something useful for someone else.

Connect with Bill:

bill@billellis.com
www.billellis.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
Facebook - @bill.ellis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Name: Kacper Staniul Website(s): https://myarchitectai.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacper-staniul/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kacperstaniul

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Kacper Staniul
01:00 – From science student to builder
03:00 – Discovering curiosity through the internet
05:00 – Why intrinsic motivation matters more than credentials
06:30 – Viewing life and learning like a video game
08:00 – First side projects and early lessons
09:30 – The courage to hit "publish"
11:00 – Launching before you're ready
12:30 – Balancing full-time work with building on the side
14:00 – Avoiding analysis paralysis
15:30 – Why real user feedback matters more than theory
17:00 – Discovering MyArchitectAI
18:30 – Building without being an architect or AI developer
20:30 – Partnering instead of trying to do everything yourself
22:00 – Staying focused amid endless AI possibilities
24:00 – Why small teams work best for him
26:00 – Risk aversion and disciplined decision-making
28:00 – Creating a framework for choosing ideas
31:00 – What keeps Kacper motivated
33:00 – Advice for builders who haven't started yet
35:00 – How he defines purpose
36:30 – Kacper answers: "What's the point?"

View Details

In this episode of What's the Point?, I sit down with Gavin Lance Topp, a former professional boxer whose life has been shaped as much by the battles outside the ring as the ones inside it. Gavin's story is a powerful exploration of purpose, identity, and the fight within us all.

Growing up in Australia and moving often as a child, Gavin found structure and validation in boxing. What began as an outlet for rage and energy became a disciplined pursuit that carried him from amateur fights to becoming the Australian Junior Middleweight Champion and eventually earning a world ranking. But as Gavin explains, the lessons that mattered most didn't come from winning—they came from getting punched, listening to mentors, and realizing that sometimes others can see what we can't.

Outside the ring, Gavin's life unraveled. Alcohol became a substitute for identity, integrity slipped, and promises were broken. At just 22 years old, standing at the graveside of his sister's boyfriend who had taken his own life, Gavin reached a breaking point. That moment—followed by walking into his first recovery meeting—became the beginning of sobriety, self-honesty, and a second chance.

From near homelessness and food vouchers, Gavin rebuilt his life. He returned to boxing with clarity and discipline, eventually living out his childhood dream of becoming a national champion. But success brought new questions. What do you do when the dreams you chased finally come true—and still something feels unfinished? That question became the doorway to Gavin's deeper purpose.

Through mentors, faith, and years of inner work, Gavin began to understand the idea of rites of passage—the transformation from boyhood into mature, grounded manhood. That understanding led him to found Fight Like a Pro, The Man Alive Experience, and ultimately a global mentorship platform helping thousands of men find purpose, identity, and direction.

Today, Gavin speaks openly about courage, humility, adventure, and living a life that inspires others. He challenges men to pursue dreams bigger than comfort, to stop living out of alignment, and to understand that purpose often reveals itself through struggle, honesty, and service.

This is a human story of growth—one that reminds us that while every man will die, not every man will truly live.

Connect with Bill:

bill@billellis.com
www.billellis.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
Facebook - @bill.ellis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

https://gavin-topp.mykajabi.com/manchallengetickets
https://www.youtube.com/@gavinlancetopp
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076350442592
https://www.instagram.com/gavinlancetopp?igsh=MW1xanN6OTlsejMxbA==

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Gavin Lance Topp
01:00 – Early life in Australia and entering the boxing gym
03:00 – What boxing gave Gavin as a teenager
04:00 – The lesson: a cornerman sees what you can't
06:00 – Learning to trust more and force less
08:00 – Traveling young and searching for manhood
09:30 – Alcohol, loss of integrity, and reaching a breaking point
12:00 – Standing at a graveside and asking for help
14:30 – Walking into his first recovery meeting
16:00 – Reclaiming integrity and creating personal oaths
18:00 – From food vouchers to national champion
19:30 – When dreams come true… now what?
21:00 – Rites of passage and the gaps men don't see
23:00 – Faith, calling, and being carried through the fight
25:00 – The mission behind Fight Like a Pro
26:30 – Every man longs for a battle, an adventure, and love
29:00 – Purpose vs mission and finding the fire
32:00 – Why men burn out when living someone else's purpose
34:00 – Personal oaths, fatherhood, and leading by example
37:00 – What a good day looks like now
39:00 – Living a life of adventure that inspires others
43:00 – Domestication, comfort, and shrinking our dreams
46:00 – What he hopes listeners take away
48:00 – "Every man will die, not every man will live"

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In this episode of What's the Point?, I'm joined by Vanessa Thompson, whose story is a clear reminder that purpose doesn't usually arrive fully formed. More often, it takes shape slowly—through struggle, uncertainty, and hard-earned clarity.

Vanessa shares her journey through seasons of instability and questioning, moments where the path forward wasn't obvious, and how those experiences ultimately reshaped how she thinks about work, success, and sustainability. We talk about how easy it is to chase outcomes without pausing to ask whether the life we're building is actually livable—and how purpose often shows up when something simply stops working.

What stood out in our conversation is Vanessa's honesty about redefining success. She speaks openly about burnout, recalibration, and the courage it takes to slow down enough to listen. Her story reflects how people find meaning not by avoiding difficulty, but by paying attention to what those moments are asking of us.

We explore what it means to create sustainability—not just environmentally or professionally, but emotionally and personally. Vanessa describes learning to align her values with her daily choices, letting go of expectations that no longer fit, and building a life that can be sustained over time, not just admired from the outside.

This episode is a human story of growth, resilience, and intentional living. It's about discovering what matters when life strips away certainty—and how purpose often reveals itself not in the breakthrough moment, but in the steady work of rebuilding.

Connect with Bill:

bill@billellis.com
www.billellis.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
Facebook - @bill.ellis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Email vanessa@vanessathompson.com
Website(s) https://www.the-sustainability-experts.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessathompson5 https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sustainability-experts

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Vanessa Thompson
01:00 – Vanessa's early struggles and uncertainty
03:00 – When life stops working the way you planned
05:00 – Rethinking success and sustainability
07:00 – Burnout as a wake-up call
09:00 – Learning to pause and reassess
11:00 – Letting go of old definitions of achievement
13:00 – How purpose begins to take shape
15:00 – Building work and life that can last
18:00 – Alignment between values and daily choices
20:00 – Why sustainability isn't just environmental
22:00 – Living with intention instead of urgency
24:00 – What keeps Vanessa going now
26:00 – Advice for those feeling stuck
28:00 – Discovering what truly matters
30:00 – Vanessa answers: "What's the point?"

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In this episode of What's the Point, I sit down with artist Cbabi Bayoc, a painter, muralist, illustrator, and author whose work is rooted in one powerful idea: painting the world he wants his children—and all of our children—to thrive in.

Cbabi shares how his art has always been about people. Faces. Emotion. Community. From his early days studying at Grambling State University to drawing caricatures at Six Flags, he learned to observe humanity closely, to listen, and to let people teach him through their reactions. What could have been discouraging moments became lessons in humility, learning, and perseverance.

A major part of our conversation centers on Cbabi's decision to move his studio to East St. Louis and his work with the Sunshine Cultural Arts Center. He challenges the narratives many of us have been handed about places and people, reminding us how quickly false perceptions can dissolve once we experience community firsthand. His work consistently invites us to look past stereotypes and toward shared humanity.

We also talk about fatherhood and how becoming a dad reshaped his purpose. His 365 Days with Dad series—and the children's book When I Became Dad—grew out of a deep desire to reflect love, presence, and care. Hearing Cbabi describe parents crying in galleries as they connected with his work was a powerful reminder of how art can speak where words fall short.

Cbabi reflects on the role of music in his creative process, the responsibility of creating public art, and the deeply meaningful experience of designing stained glass for the Episcopal Church of Holy Communion—an opportunity that allowed him to explore faith, justice, representation, and history through art.

We also explore how he sees technology and AI intersecting with creativity, and why human experience, emotion, and perspective can never be replaced. For Cbabi, art remains a timeless tool for connection, empathy, and meaning.

This episode is a human story of growth, purpose, and responsibility. It's a reminder that living with purpose doesn't require grand gestures—sometimes it starts with simply caring, paying attention, and creating something that helps others feel seen.

Connect with Bill:

bill@billellis.com
www.billellis.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
Facebook - @bill.ellis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

For inquiries about commissions, collaborations, or special projects, please contact his representation as follows: Name - Amber L. Howlett- Bayoc, PH,D strategist & change artist for CBAI Bayoc originals

Email cb@cbabioriginals.com
Phone 314-384-9642
Website(s) http://cbabibayoc.com , http://cbabiisgodstool.com (store) and http://leadwithdharma.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn @‌cbabibayoc
Instagram @‌cbabi

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Cbabi Bayoc
01:00 – What Cbabi hopes people feel when they see his art
02:00 – The meaning behind the name "Cbabi Bayoc"
03:30 – Grambling State University and breaking false narratives
05:00 – First art jobs and learning through observation
06:30 – Working at Six Flags and learning humility
07:45 – Moving the studio to East St. Louis
09:00 – Reframing perceptions of East St. Louis
10:30 – Music as a foundation of visual art
12:00 – Art, rhythm, and movement
13:15 – Children's books and becoming a father
15:00 – The 365 Days with Dad project
16:45 – How people emotionally respond to his work
18:30 – Community as the common thread
20:00 – Painting the world our children should grow up in

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When you sit down with someone who has lived a big life, you can feel it instantly. That's exactly what happened in today's conversation with Tracy Spears—author, speaker, leadership coach, and co-founder of the Exceptional Leaders Lab. Her story is one of grit earned the hard way, grace discovered over time, and the lifelong work of becoming who we actually are.

Tracy's journey begins in a trailer park in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where early messages about work ethic, worthiness, and performing for belonging shaped her worldview. She openly shares how one sentence from her father in third grade set the tone for her internal drive—and how that drive later became both a superpower and a liability.

What moved me most in this conversation is Tracy's willingness to revisit the moments that hurt the most: being disowned by her parents at age 22, hiding parts of herself to survive in corporate America, and the sting of being fired after 29 years with a company she once considered home. She speaks about all of it with a raw honesty that reminds us how human stories of growth are often rooted in pain we never planned for.

But this isn't a story about loss. It's a story about choosing agency. Tracy talks about redefining belonging—shifting from trying to "fit" into prescribed structures toward intentionally choosing the people and environments that allow her to be fully herself. That evolution didn't happen overnight, but it shaped the leader she became: someone who listens deeply, leads with humanity, and asks powerful questions like "What do you want?"—questions that have helped countless people discover what really matters.

We also explore the courage it takes to hold both grit and grace at the same time. Tracy discusses overcoming her inner critic, reframing past decisions with compassion, and becoming the kind of leader who creates space for others to shine. She offers insights on purpose, identity, influence, and why she now believes her true work is helping others find meaning in their own story.

This episode is full of wisdom—earned, honest, and generously shared. If you're navigating transition, searching for purpose, or learning to trust your own becoming, Tracy's story will speak directly to you.

What's The Point? is a podcast hosted by Bill Ellis featuring real conversations with people who've figured out what matters—their purpose. Each episode explores what motivates them and how they find meaning in what they do

Connect with Bill:

bill@billellis.com
www.billellis.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
Facebook - @bill.ellis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

CONTACT INFO:

Email tracy@tracyspears.com

Website(s)

http://TheLeaderLab.com
http://tracyspears.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn - @‌tracylspears
Facebook - @‌tracyspearsspeaker
Tiktok - @‌tracyspearsspeaker
Instagram - @‌tracylspears
Twitter - @‌tracylspears
YouTube - tracyspears

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Tracy Spears
01:00 – From athletics to leadership: who Tracy is today
02:40 – Grit, grace, and learning from what goes wrong
03:45 – Early years: growing up in a Tulsa trailer park
05:10 – The moment that shaped her life at age nine
07:00 – The teachers and community that helped her belong
09:00 – Building confidence, battling the inner critic
11:00 – Becoming a college athlete + lessons from softball
14:00 – Learning adaptability: the "utility player" mindset
15:00 – Major turning points: injury, coming out, being fired
18:00 – Getting fired after 29 years—and what came next
21:30 – What belonging really means (and what it doesn't)
24:00 – Performing for worth vs. living from who you are
29:00 – Reclaiming agency + choosing where we belong
30:30 – Leadership lessons: shifting from self-focus to service
33:00 – What do you really want? The power of the question
36:00 – Reframing "what happened" vs. "what I learned"
40:00 – Producers vs. leaders + the toolbox analogy
45:00 – Developing an inner coach instead of an inner critic
48:00 – True humility + accepting our gifts
49:00 – What brings Tracy joy now
51:00 – Travel, culture, and expanding our worldview
53:00 – Final reflection: becoming, belonging & purpose
54:00 – Tracy answers "What's the Point?"

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In this episode of What's the Point, I sit down with Tim Christophersen, one of the world's leading voices in nature restoration and conservation, to explore what really drives us as humans and how we find meaning in our relationship with the natural world. Tim's journey is a powerful human story of growth, purpose, and responsibility — and it's bigger than politics, bigger than hot-button climate debates, and deeper than soundbites.

Tim shares how his love of nature began as a young boy walking through forests in Germany with his grandfather, quietly building the foundation for a life dedicated to restoring what we've lost. From living across three continents, to leading global environmental initiatives at the United Nations, to now restoring a former dairy farm in Denmark, Tim's life reflects a deep, lived commitment to purpose not as a concept — but as a way of being.

We talk about what keeps him going, including his belief that we're living through a real relationship crisis with Mother Nature. Not as an abstract idea, but as a broken relationship — one where humans take, extract, and deplete instead of giving back. Tim walks us through powerful examples like the lost oyster beds of New York Harbor and the mysterious migration of the European silver eel, revealing how much richness we've lost — and how possible it is to restore it.

This conversation also dives into how younger and older generations must work together, how people find meaning through restoration, and why rediscovering our connection with nature restores something inside of us too. Tim explains why this isn't just about saving forests or oceans — it's about rediscovering our life purpose, our role as stewards, and what it really means to be human.

We also explore Tim's work with global movements like Generation Restoration and his current role at Salesforce, where he helps companies rethink nature as critical infrastructure instead of decoration. His message is clear: meaning isn't found in perfection — it's found in responsibility, reciprocity, and showing up differently.

This episode isn't about fear. It's about hope. It's about what drives us forward. And it's a powerful reminder that restoring nature is inseparable from restoring ourselves.

Connect with Bill:

bill@billellis.com
www.billellis.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
Facebook - @bill.ellis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Email tim.christophersen@gmail.com

Website(s) timchristophersen.com

Trello Board for visual assets: https://trello.com/b/atycizuD/generation-restoration-marketing-design-projects

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-christophersen-a4876228/

Instagram tim.christophersen9

Twitter @‌TimChristo

CURRENT PROJECTS

Generation Restoration is my new book about repairing our broken relationship with nature. Learn how to enter into a new, rewarding and reciprocal relationship with nature that will make you happier, healthier, and wealthier. It's time to restore diversity and abundance to Planet Earth! #GenerationRestoration

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Tim's mission and purpose
01:00 – Living in Denmark and restoring a farm
03:00 – Childhood in Germany and time with his grandfather
05:00 – First experiences sensing nature's interconnectedness
06:50 – Relationship vs. resource: how we misunderstand nature
09:00 – Returning to roots and finding life purpose
11:00 – Generation Restoration and the UN Decade
13:00 – Writing the book and removing polarization
15:00 – Why restoration is more powerful than conservation
17:00 – Nature as infrastructure, not decoration
19:00 – The oyster story and New York Harbor
22:00 – The European silver eel migration
25:00 – Learning from indigenous wisdom
28:00 – Relationship crisis with Mother Nature
31:00 – Biodiversity Jenga explained
33:00 – Biggest Little Farm and nature's intelligence
35:00 – Salesforce, corporations, and restoring systems
38:00 – Why collaboration is necessary for the future
41:00 – What individuals can actually do
44:00 – Listening to nature and rediscovering purpose
46:00 – Jane Goodall's influence and legacy
49:00 – Why ecology and economy are connected
52:00 – Tim answers "What's the point?"

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In this episode of What's the Point, I sit down with Noemi Beres, a woman whose life story is a powerful reflection of resilience, kindness, and purpose. From growing up in Hungary in a modest but deeply loving family, to becoming an entrepreneur, connector, and creative force, Noemi shares what keeps her going and how she discovered what truly matters.

Noemi opens up about her childhood, shaped by hardworking parents and the strong values of Eastern Europe. She shares how her family's history — stories of survival, perseverance, and hope — gave her the foundation to keep going, even when life became incredibly difficult. We talk about how moving between countries, cultures, and languages helped her understand how people find meaning and how deeply human connection shapes our sense of belonging.

Her entrepreneurial journey wasn't smooth or predictable. Noemi speaks openly about business failures, financial loss, and the shock of losing her travel business during the pandemic. But what stood out most was her unwavering belief in learning, growth, and living with purpose. When everything collapsed, she didn't quit — she adapted, learned, and built Podcast Connections, a business driven by genuine care and service.

We also explored the deeply human side of Noemi's story — losing her father, navigating grief, anxiety, and physical burnout, and ultimately discovering healing through art, silence, music, and presence. From her silent thinking sessions to her ASMR-style reading podcast, everything she creates comes from a desire to help people slow down, feel safe, and find meaning in their own lives.

This episode is a true human story of growth, compassion, and purpose — a reminder that discovering what matters isn't about perfection, but about kindness, self-awareness, and choosing to keep going even when life feels overwhelming.

Connect with Bill:

bill@billellis.com
www.billellis.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
Facebook - @bill.ellis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Email noemi@podcastconnections.co

Website(s) https://www.podcastconnections.co https://noemiberes.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/noemiberes

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/noemi.beres

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/noemi_beres

CURRENT PROJECTS My new ASMR-style reading podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@noemiberes/podcasts

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Welcome + introducing Noemi's journey of resilience and purpose
01:00 – How it feels to be on the guest side of the microphone
03:00 – Growing up in Hungary and learning resilience early
05:00 – Family history and the power of cultural roots
06:30 – Travel, exchange programs, and discovering belonging
08:00 – Why Noemi never wanted a boss
09:00 – Business failure and losing money early on
11:00 – Starting an online travel business before remote work was normal
13:00 – Losing everything during the pandemic
15:00 – Learning podcasting from scratch
17:00 – Building Podcast Connections from nothing
18:30 – Why connection and communication matter most
20:00 – Silent thinking sessions and the power of quiet
22:00 – ASMR-style reading and helping people heal through sound
24:00 – Living outside the traditional "rules" of life
26:00 – Discovering the Go-Giver philosophy
28:00 – Why listening is more powerful than fixing
30:00 – Losing her father and navigating grief
33:00 – Art as therapy and healing
35:00 – Music, drumming, meditation, and peace
37:00 – Taking care of others without losing yourself
39:00 – Why self-care became non-negotiable
41:00 – Never giving up — "Just keep going"
43:00 – Advice for people who feel stuck
45:00 – Small steps create lasting change
46:00 – What legacy really means
48:00 – Why kindness is a strength
50:00 – The power of giving without expectation
52:00 – What's the point?

View Details

On today's episode of What's the Point, we explore how meaning is created—slowly, intentionally, and lovingly—through the everyday work of craft, family, and purpose. Bill welcomes Shawn and Lawren Askinosie, the father–daughter team behind Askinosie Chocolate, one of America's most respected bean-to-bar chocolate companies. Their story is more than a business profile—it's a human story of growth, legacy, and discovering what truly matters.

Shawn left a long and intense career as a criminal defense attorney to pursue chocolate making—a leap that few understood at the time. But that decision became a powerful turning point, both in his own life and for everyone who has touched the Askinosie mission. Today, he and his daughter Lawren co-lead the company with a shared commitment to community, craftsmanship, global relationships, and living with purpose.

In this conversation, Shawn and Lawren open up about family, loss, calling, and the values that guide their work. They discuss how compassion, grief, service, and legacy shaped their path; how meaningful work is built on relationships; and why the "sweet work" of craft can become a vehicle for connection across the world—from Springfield, Missouri to Tanzania and the Philippines.

You'll also hear the surprising and emotional story behind Chocolate University, a program that has touched more than 20,000 children through education, mentorship, meals, and empowerment opportunities. And you'll learn why the Askinosie approach to values is not something they add to their work—it's the very backbone of how they operate, hire, and serve.

This is an episode about discovering what keeps you going, how people find meaning in their work, and how purpose is passed from one generation to the next. It's a conversation about what drives us—and why the most important work we do often has nothing to do with profit, but everything to do with people.

What's The Point? is a podcast hosted by Bill Ellis, featuring real conversations with people who've figured out what matters—their purpose. Each episode explores what motivates them and how they find meaning in what they do.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com www.brandingpillars.com www.brandingforresults.com IG - @wcellis Facebook - @CoachBillEllis LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/askinosie-chocolate
Facebook: http://facebook.com/askinosie.chocolate
Instagram: http://instagram.com/askinosie
Threads: http://threads.com/@askinosie
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@askinosie
BOOK: Meaningful Work: A Quest to Do Great Business, Find Your Calling, and Feed Your Soul

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Welcome to What's the Point: A conversation about purpose, craft & family
01:00 – Introducing Shawn & Lawren: A father-daughter story years in the making
03:00 – What it feels like to record this episode together
04:00 – Shawn's shift from criminal defense to chocolate: following the path in front of you
07:00 – Lawren's view as a teenager watching her dad reinvent his life
09:00 – The story behind the Askinosie name (and why Shawn advises against it)
11:00 – How father and daughter grew the Askinosie brand together
12:00 – Co-authoring Meaningful Work: what they learned about each other
14:00 – Why writing someone else's voice is an act of trust
15:00 – The Lost & Found Grief Center and Shawn's early calling to service
17:00 – How grief shaped Shawn and how that legacy passed to Lawren
19:00 – Lawren on compassion, community, and becoming a parent
21:00 – The generational impact of grief and healing
23:00 – Legacy, values, and what it means to grow a business from the heart
25:00 – How the Askinosie team keeps values alive during the busiest seasons
28:00 – Father–daughter dynamics: strengths, differences, and real communication
32:00 – Why Shawn would fear Lawren if she were a prosecutor
34:00 – Lawren's passion for empowering female cocoa farmers
37:00 – What she's learned from women around the world
39:00 – What Chocolate University really is—and why it's transformative
42:00 – 11,000+ graduates: the long-term impact on students and communities
44:00 – The ripple effect of service and mentoring young leaders
45:00 – Bill's own experience with Askinosie's tasting kit
46:00 – Why every sale means something deeply personal to the Askinosie team
48:00 – How their chocolate becomes part of families' most meaningful moments
49:00 – Rapid-fire questions: favorite bars, coffee vs. tea, early mornings or late nights
50:00 – What's bringing them joy right now
51:00 – What they would tell their 14-year-old selves
52:00 – What's the point?

Meaningful Work: A Quest to Do Great Business, Find Your Calling, and Feed Your Soul

View Details

Discovering meaning and purpose by choosing connection over division — how one leader turned a moment of frustration into a nationwide movement for unity.

After three decades in high-powered business and private equity, Adam Mizel found himself yelling at the TV in 2020, watching the world unravel. That moment sparked an unexpected transformation—from executive to bridge-builder. Today, he's the co-founder and CEO of US United, a growing movement focused on creating unity through human connection, community action, and service.

In this episode of What's The Point, Bill Ellis and Adam talk about what it really means to find purpose after success. Adam shares how his background in business and philanthropy shaped the foundation for US United, an organization inspiring people to reconnect across divides through conversations, service, and kindness.

They discuss how National Unity Day (recognized by the National Day Registry) invites us to step outside our personal and social media bubbles and connect with people from different backgrounds—and why unity starts at the grassroots level, not in politics or media.

Adam also opens up about the challenges of leading a movement for connection in a divided world, the lessons learned from partnering with Sheriff Chris Swanson, and how seemingly small actions—like a kind word, a coffee shared, or a civil conversation—can restore hope in our culture.

Whether you're a business leader, a community builder, or just someone searching for more meaning in your life, Adam's story reminds us that purpose isn't about profits—it's about people.

Connect with Bill:

bill@billellis.com
www.billellis.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
Facebook - @bill.ellis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Email adam@un-united.org

Website(s) us-united.org

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adammmizel/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/USUnitedOrg
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/us_united_org/

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Welcome and introduction: from business success to calling for unity 01:00 – The moment that changed everything: yelling at the TV during 2020 03:00 – Why Adam decided to act instead of complain 05:00 – The founding of US United and its mission to build bridges 07:00 – Escaping our bubbles: how connection rebuilds empathy 09:00 – The Sheriffs Unity Network and grassroots leadership 11:00 – Creating National Unity Day and what it represents 13:00 – Why unity must start with everyday people, not politicians 15:00 – The power of one act: the Flint, Michigan story that inspired the movement 18:00 – How Adam met Sheriff Chris Swanson and co-founded US United 20:00 – Simple ways anyone can start building unity 23:00 – Lessons from Princeton: "In the Nation's Service and the Service of Humanity" 25:00 – The Five-Mile Rule: how small, local actions create national change 28:00 – Running a nonprofit with a business mindset 31:00 – The 30 for US Program and how it brings people together 35:00 – What sports, music, and food teach us about unity 37:00 – Shaquille O'Neal's wisdom on respect and connection 41:00 – How to avoid "I'm right, you're wrong" conversations 45:00 – Changing minds through storytelling instead of argument 48:00 – Why US United matters—and how to get involved 54:00 – The personal transformation behind the mission 59:00 – What's the point? Why unity is worth fighting for

View Details

In this episode of What’s the Point?, Bill Ellis welcomes John Golden—strategist, podcaster, martial arts practitioner, and Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer at Pipeliner CRM. John’s story stretches from growing up in Ireland to building a career in the U.S. that blends sales leadership, publishing, and purpose-driven business.

Through their conversation, John emphasizes why embracing the journey matters more than obsessing over the destination. He shares how self-awareness, core values, and non-negotiables can guide decisions, why comparison is a trap, and how authenticity is the only way to lead effectively.

From his 1,600+ podcast interviews to his decades in sales, John also shares powerful lessons about preparation, humility, and what it means to leave a lasting legacy. This is a rich, thought-provoking dialogue about human nature, leadership, and living with intentionality.

🗝️ Key Takeaways * Embrace the Journey: Success isn’t about an overnight win—it’s about learning from every step, even the missteps. * Self-Awareness First: Before chasing goals, know your strengths, triggers, and true fit * Non-Negotiables Matter: Having clear values helps avoid distractions and wasted effort * Preparation Wins in Sales: Top performers always do their homework—it’s the ultimate respect for the client * Authentic Leadership: True leaders model values, act with humility, and elevate others without pretending leadership is just “being nice” * Legacy Over Noise: The real point is the impact you leave on those closest to you, not chasing global applause .

LINKS:

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

CONTACT INFO:

Name: John Golden
Email: john.golden@pipelinersales.com
Website: https://www.pipelinersales.com/
SOCIAL MEDIA:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SalesPOP
X: https://twitter.com/RealSalesPOP
X: @‌JohnGoldenFRR
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngolden/
Sales POP! Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sales-pop-podcasts/id1455305326

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Meet John Golden: strategist, podcaster, and sales leader
02:00 – From Ireland to San Diego: why embracing the journey matters
06:30 – Self-awareness and core values as the foundation of clarity
10:30 – Building your list of non-negotiables
14:00 – Podcasting lessons: consistency, purpose, and value over vanity
18:30 – Human nature insights: what the Maasai warriors can teach us about silence and observation
24:00 – Martial arts lessons: humility, competing with yourself, and long-term discipline
30:00 – Why comparison is destructive in life and sales
33:00 – The power of preparation: a cautionary sales story
38:00 – Debunking myths: salespeople are made, not born
40:00 – Purpose-driven leadership beyond metrics
46:00 – Flaws, scars, and the beauty of imperfection
48:00 – John’s answer to “What’s the Point?”

View Details

Trust. It’s something we all crave, yet so many of us feel it slipping away. In today’s conversation, I sit down with Chip Webster, founder of Unity and Service and author of Unity and Service: A Pathway to Responsible Citizenship. Chip has spent decades observing how trust is built—and broken—in boardrooms, neighborhoods, and across our country. His mission is simple: rebuild unity one act of service at a time.

We dive deep into the cultural shift that’s left many of us disconnected and cynical. Chip challenges us to get off the couch, engage with our neighbors, and remember that the smallest actions—like holding a door, saying hello, or volunteering locally—can begin to restore trust.

Chip also shares his bold vision for mandatory national service—not military, but one year of working on community projects, side by side with people different from ourselves. He believes that when we serve, barriers come down and our humanity shines through.

We also discuss:

Why trust is highest in our local communities and lowest at the national level.
How listening—truly listening—creates consensus, even when we disagree.
The difference between microaggressions and micro-validations—and why small affirmations can heal more than we think.
What it really means to be a responsible citizen in today’s America.
Chip leaves us with a timeless challenge: If not now, when? If not us, who?

This episode is both a wake-up call and an invitation. The point is clear—unity doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when each of us decides to serve.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Name: Chip Webster
Phone: 727-618-9376
Email: chip@unityinservice.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipwwebster
Website http://unityinservice.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chip.webster.2025

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 – Introduction: Craving trust in a divided world
02:00 – Why trust can’t be built online
05:00 – Getting off the couch: first steps toward building trust
07:00 – Small acts that matter (holding doors, saying hello)
10:00 – The loneliness epidemic and knowing our neighbors
12:00 – Culture as “the water we swim in”
15:00 – Why national service could change everything
18:00 – Dehumanization in politics and media
21:00 – Listening, compromise, and consensus building
25:00 – The role of Vistage in teaching trust and transparency
30:00 – Generational shifts: helicopter parents and entitlement
34:00 – Bridging the gap between generations
36:00 – The United States or the Un-United States?
39:00 – The CCC and WPA: lessons from the past
43:00 – Chip’s vision for modern mandatory service
45:00 – Who should read Unity and Service?
48:00 – Micro-affirmations vs. microaggressions
52:00 – What’s the point? Chip’s final message
54:00 – Closing thoughts and how to connect with Chip

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In this episode of What’s the Point?, host Bill Ellis sits down with Derrick Girard—entrepreneur, Air Force veteran, and author of Put to the Test. Derrick shares how a series of business challenges—including three major lawsuits—pushed him to reevaluate everything he thought he knew about success, leadership, and resilience.

From growing up in a military family to launching a tech company without a tech background, Derrick’s story is one of grit, adaptability, and a relentless “figure it out” mindset. He opens up about the emotional and professional toll of building something from scratch, the cost of unchecked ambition, and how failure became the greatest teacher. This episode unpacks what it means to lead with integrity, step away from ego, and stay grounded in purpose—even when the pressure mounts.

🗝️ Key Takeaways

Adversity as the ultimate test: Derrick’s life shaped by lawsuits and business breakdowns—not personal loss.
Mindset over platform: Success isn’t about status—it’s built through resilience, curiosity, and relentless problem-solving.
Drive has a cost: Extraordinary ambition allowed achievement—but at the expense of relationships until awareness rebalanced perspective.
Culture starts at the top: Corporate turnaround failed because the leader wouldn’t acknowledge systemic issues—culture isn’t declared, it’s lived.
Quitting is okay when you truly tried: Persistence matters—but so does knowing when you've done all you can and it’s time to walk away.

💬 Final Thoughts

Derrick emphasizes that success is not about avoiding failure, but about responding to it—with honesty, grit, and generosity. His Figure It Out mindset equips listeners to take accountability, embrace setbacks as fuel, and stay true to values amid chaos.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Name: Derrick Girard
Email: dmgirar@gmail.com
Phone: (612) 205-5280
Website(s): www.derrickgirard.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrickgirard/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/derrickgirardauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author.derrickgirard/
Twitter: https://x.com/DerrickGirard1
BOOK: https://a.co/d/3Wg6LMN

Quick Episode Summary:

0:00 – Welcome and guest introduction: Meet Derrick Girard.
1:42 – The unexpected call that changed everything.
3:11 – Walking through crisis and asking, “What is God doing here?”
5:20 – Letting go of ego and career identity.
8:55 – Rediscovering purpose through faith and family.
12:43 – Why we often confuse busyness with purpose.
15:16 – What it means to obey even when it costs.
18:38 – Derrick’s view on legacy, marriage, and spiritual leadership.
22:07 – Final reflections and encouragement to follow God’s lead

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What if the real problem in corporate culture isn’t the strategy—but the absence of shared principles? In this powerful episode of What’s the Point?, Bill Ellis welcomes bestselling author, speaker, and former Fortune 10 executive Kyle McDowell. Kyle pulls back the curtain on what’s broken in today’s organizations—and how The 10 WEs framework can shift the culture from dysfunction to excellence. With nearly 30 years of experience leading massive teams, Kyle’s message is as bold as it is simple: begin with WE. Whether you’re leading thousands or just trying to be a better teammate, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, courage, and culture.

Kyle McDowell is a leadership coach, keynote speaker, and the author of the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller Begin With WE: 10 Principles for Building and Sustaining a Culture of Excellence. After nearly three decades in corporate leadership roles—including at some of America’s biggest firms—Kyle now helps organizations dismantle dysfunction by putting people over ego and mission over metrics. His trademarked philosophy, The 10 WEs, is redefining how leaders create buy-in, accountability, and authenticity across every level of business.

Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways:

Begin With WE: Kyle introduces his leadership framework and why starting with a unified vision creates cultures of excellence.
From Fortune 10 to Full-Time Purpose: Kyle opens up about his decision to leave corporate life and step into his calling as a thought leader.
The First WE Principle: "We do the right thing. Always." Kyle shares why this one idea is the cornerstone for trust, safety, and transformation.
Courageous Candor: Kyle talks about moving past polite silence in the workplace and building teams that speak truth with respect.
The Power of Modeling: Leaders can’t just talk the talk—they must model behavior and create an environment of accountability.
It’s Not Soft, It’s Strong: Kyle breaks down why vulnerability and empathy in leadership are not weaknesses but the ultimate strengths.
One-on-One Moments Matter: Leadership isn’t about stage presence—it’s about the impact you have in your next conversation.

Kyle McDowell’s message is a wake-up call for leaders everywhere: Culture isn’t someone else’s job—it’s yours. His “10 WEs” offer more than a framework; they’re a mirror. One that reflects the kind of leader you are—and the one you’re capable of becoming. If you’re tired of watching dysfunction win, this episode will inspire you to lead with courage, clarity, and a whole lot more WE.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

https://www.instagram.com/kylemcdowellinc
https://www.tiktok.com/@kylemcdowellinc
https://www.youtube.com/@kylemcdowellinc
https://www.facebook.com/KyleMcDowellInc
https://twitter.com/KyleMcDowellInc
BOOK: Begin With WE: 10 Principles for Building and Sustaining a Culture of Excellence

Quick Episode Summary:

0:00 – Bill introduces Kyle and his mission to rewire corporate leadership
1:08 – Kyle shares his background, from leading tens of thousands to walking away from it all
3:44 – The origin of Begin With WE and how the “10 WEs” came to life
6:10 – The core dysfunctions Kyle saw over and over—and why no one was solving them
9:29 – “We do the right thing. Always.” Why principle-driven leadership builds unstoppable trust
13:00 – How Kyle’s team of 15,000 began to adopt a shared belief system
15:50 – What vulnerability in leadership really looks like—and how it unlocks deeper performance
18:45 – Kyle breaks down his journey from fear to courage in leaving a secure corporate life
22:00 – “We own our mistakes.” Why authenticity, not perfection, makes great leaders
24:55 – Leaders who hide behind silence—and how to bring truth back into the room
29:10 – Why great leadership is personal, not positional
31:30 – The message behind his book and how The 10 WEs can transform any team
33:45 – Kyle shares the moment he knew he was living out his calling
36:00 – The ripple effect of cultural change—from the break room to the boardroom
39:00 – Why Kyle believes impact, not income, is the true measure of success
41:00 – Final thoughts from Kyle on what it really means to lead with purpose

Subscribe & Share:Know someone frustrated with toxic work culture or looking to grow as a leader? Share this episode and help spread Kyle’s mission to bring principle-driven leadership to every workplace. Subscribe to What’s the Point? for more conversations that cut through the noise and help you live—and lead—with purpose.

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What if you didn’t need a college degree to create the life of your dreams? In this episode of What’s the Point?, Bill Ellis sits down with bestselling author, entrepreneur, and blue collar advocate Ken Rusk to unpack what it really means to take control of your future—without following the traditional path. Ken shares his journey from ditch digging at age 15 to becoming a successful business owner, author, and mentor helping others pursue comfort, peace, and freedom on their terms. From practical tools to mindset shifts, this episode offers a blueprint for building a life by design, not by default.

Ken Rusk is the author of the bestselling book Blue Collar Cash and the founder of the Comfort, Peace & Freedom Foundation. A former ditch digger turned successful entrepreneur, Ken is on a mission to help people—especially young adults and veterans—build meaningful, financially free lives through skilled trades, visualization, and practical goal setting. He’s been featured on over 300 podcasts and continues to inspire others to reimagine success, one blueprint at a time.

Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways:

What “Blue Collar” Really Means: Ken redefines the term to include anyone who builds, creates, or makes things happen with their hands—and challenges outdated assumptions about skilled trades.
The Myth of College = Success: He debunks misleading stats about higher education and shows how skilled workers often out-earn their white-collar peers—without student debt.
Visualization = Power: Ken outlines his process for helping people map out their dream life in vivid detail, turning “someday” into “today.”
From Someday to Now: A real-world story of a team member who paid off her car loan, bought a house, and built her dream life—all by starting with a $48/week savings goal.
Start Where You Are: Whether you're 19 or 59, Ken shares how to pivot into a meaningful, profitable path using side gigs, local insight, and simple planning tools.
Giving Back: Proceeds from Blue Collar Cash and Ken’s online programs support veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families through his nonprofit foundation.

Ken Rusk’s story is proof that you don’t need permission, prestige, or a PhD to build the life you want. His message? Stop waiting for a lucky break and start building with what you’ve got. Whether you’re at the beginning of your career or hitting reset midlife, this episode is a reminder that comfort, peace, and freedom are within reach—if you’re willing to map it out and get your hands a little dirty.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

CONTACT INFO:

Name: Ken Rusk
Email: ken@ruskind.com
Website: kenrusk.com & veteransuccess.org
SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-rusk-2656a7175
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KenRuskOfficial/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenruskofficial/?hl=en
Twitter: http://twitter.com/KenRuskOfficial
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenrusk.official
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCobMStuxuarzLDFSMgX7u0A

Quick Episode Summary:

0:00 – Bill introduces Ken Rusk and sets the stage for a conversation on building purpose through skilled work
1:08 – The real meaning behind “blue collar” and why it’s time to reclaim the term
3:44 – Why higher education can mislead people—and how the trades offer an alternative path to wealth
6:10 – Ken explains the power of visualization and why we plan vacations better than our own lives
9:00 – “Comfort, peace, and freedom”: Ken’s definition of success
11:00 – Real-life examples of people who changed careers, found purpose, and built wealth without degrees
13:00 – The story of Tim, who went from ditch digger to VP—one visual goal at a time
16:00 – Ken shares how growing up in a modest home inspired his entrepreneurial mindset
19:00 – The "someday" story that transformed one employee’s life—and how small steps lead to big change
22:00 – How Ken helps people make “unrealistic” dreams possible by turning them into when-goals, not if-goals
26:00 – The puzzle analogy: why your life needs a clear picture before you can put the pieces together
28:00 – The worst advice Ken ever got as a business owner—and what he learned about letting go of control
31:00 – His biggest regret: waiting too long to start a 401k program for his team
33:00 – Advice for older adults seeking purpose or pivoting into trades and entrepreneurship
36:00 – The three-step process Ken recommends before launching your own business
41:00 – Don’t chase passion—build infrastructure, then plug in your dream
43:00 – Why Ken gives 100% of his book profits away to help veterans transition to civilian careers
45:00 – The letter to his daughter that became Blue Collar Cash
47:00 – Ken on staying hungry for growth—even after success
48:00 – What’s the point? Ken’s morning gratitude practice and the legacy he hopes to leave behind

Subscribe & Share: Inspired by Ken’s story? Share this episode with someone who’s ready to break free from the rat race. Subscribe to What’s the Point? for more inspiring conversations about purpose, potential, and the power of self-determined living.

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In this powerful episode of What’s the Point?, Bill Ellis welcomes leadership and change consultant Diana Fritz to share the profound journey she’s walked since her rare cancer diagnosis. Diana opens up about the physical, emotional, and spiritual impact of living with—and surviving—a life-altering form of cancer. From losing her eye in a high-risk surgery to gaining a deeper sense of mission, her story is one of grit, grace, and choosing to grow through what she’s gone through. Diana’s message is clear: adversity doesn’t have to define us—it can uniquely qualify us to serve others.

Diana Fritz is a wife, mom, leadership coach, and cancer thriver who brings two decades of business experience and a deep personal story of resilience. A DISC-certified consultant and member of the Maxwell Leadership Group, Diana leads with authenticity, using her life experiences to teach others about communication, connection, and courage. Her book, Uniquely Imperfect, Uniquely Qualified, captures the heart of her message: that even our hardest seasons can become our greatest qualifications to help others.

Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways:

A Rare Diagnosis: Diana shares how a routine biopsy turned into an 11-year battle with sebaceous carcinoma, a rare form of cancer that eventually led to the removal of her eye.
From Control to Surrender: As a single mom and executive, Diana reflects on learning to release control and trust the journey—especially when the future was uncertain.
Faith and Family First: Grounded by her faith and driven by her love for her two sons, Diana found strength in focusing on what truly matters.
Seen, Heard, and Valued: Diana offers insights on how to treat others with dignity, especially those with visible differences, and why a smile or “hello” can change someone’s day.
Purpose from Pain: Her story reveals how challenges can transform into powerful opportunities to lead, influence, and serve others.

Diana Fritz’s story is a testimony to the power of faith, perspective, and service. Her willingness to embrace vulnerability and lead with compassion is an invitation for all of us to stop waiting for perfect circumstances—and instead, start living with purpose. Whether you're walking through a storm or simply searching for direction, Diana reminds us that we can find strength not in spite of adversity, but because of it.

Subscribe & Share: Inspired by Diana’s story? Be sure to subscribe to What’s the Point? so you never miss a conversation about finding meaning in every chapter of life. Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement, clarity, or a reminder that they’re not alone in their journey.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

CONTACT INFO:

Email diana@grituiuq.com

Website(s) https://grituiuq.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/diana-fritz-b032064

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/diana.kline.395

BOOK:

Uniquely Imperfect. Uniquely Qualified: Overcome Adversity, Escape the Imperfection Mentality, and Journey from Self to Serve https://www.amazon.com/dp/1636804306?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_1JNFAV8K7142AJXD77CX&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_1JNFAV8K7142AJXD77CX&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_1JNFAV8K7142AJXD77CX&bestFormat=true

Quick Episode Summary:

0:00 – Bill introduces Diana and previews the themes of resilience, surrender, and compassion
1:08 – Diana shares her rare cancer diagnosis and what made her case so unique
3:44 – The decision to remove her eye and undergo a life-altering surgery
6:10 – Parenting through pain: navigating cancer as a single mom with young children
9:29 – The emotional and relational weight of visible differences and public perception
13:00 – Why Diana strives to make others feel seen, heard, and valued
15:10 – How connecting with patients, doctors, and strangers gave her a greater sense of purpose
17:01 – Bringing her story into her leadership coaching and DISC communication work
20:00 – Her career evolution from corporate leadership to coaching and people development
22:45 – Choosing authenticity in leadership: owning your mistakes and leading with humility
24:55 – Her motivation to model resilience for her children and others watching
26:00 – Viktor Frankl, meaning-making, and how her mindset started long before her diagnosis
28:00 – Why she titled her book Uniquely Imperfect, Uniquely Qualified and what it means
30:00 – The power of turning adversity into a unique ability to help others
31:00 – How her commitment to growth and influence shaped her career and personal mission
34:00 – The worst advice she ignored—and the best advice she followed
38:45 – Final reflections on finding your “why” and helping others as the path to healing

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In this episode of What’s the Point?, Bill sits down with Alaskan financial coach and entrepreneur Chad Hufford. Chad shares how growing up under the mentorship of his father in the finance world laid the groundwork for his passion to help families build wealth with purpose. As the founder of Veritas and a longtime Dave Ramsey SmartVestor Pro, Chad brings deep experience, a coaching mindset, and powerful insights on faith, finances, and family legacy.

Chad Hufford is a lifelong Alaskan, financial advisor, and founder of Veritas, a holistic financial services firm based in Anchorage. A Ramsey SmartVestor Pro and former athlete, Chad blends strategy with the heart of a teacher. He and his wife Tiffany homeschool their six children and stay deeply connected to their community. Whether it’s moose in the backyard or mission-minded investing, Chad is all about building financial freedom with intentionality and faith.

Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways:

From Father to Founder: How Chad’s upbringing in a financial household shaped his calling to help others manage their money with wisdom.
Faith at the Core: Why financial stewardship, generosity, and biblical principles are foundational to the way Chad serves clients.
Beyond the Numbers: Chad shares why financial planning is about more than money—it’s about life purpose, legacy, and mindset.
Coaching for Confidence: Learn how Chad uses a coaching model to empower people with clear direction instead of confusion or fear.
Generational Wealth: Hear Chad’s thoughts on inheritance vs. impact, and what it means to truly prepare the next generation.

Chad Hufford reminds us that financial freedom isn’t just about spreadsheets and savings—it’s about living a life of generosity, clarity, and conviction. Whether you’re starting your financial journey or looking to leave a legacy, Chad’s wisdom offers a refreshing, faith-rooted approach to money and purpose.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Email: chad@veritasalaska.com
Phone: 907-561-2462
Website: www.veritasalaska.com (main website)

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-hufford-066208100
https://www.instagram.com/veritas.alaska
https://www.facebook.com/VeritasWealthManagement
https://www.youtube.com/@veritasalaska

BOOK: Forging Financial Freedom www.forgingfinancialfreedom.com

Quick Episode Summary:

0:00 Bill welcomes Chad Hufford to the show and introduces today’s theme.
1:18 Chad shares his upbringing in Anchorage, Alaska, and his early exposure to the world of finance.
5:10 Why faith and family became the driving forces behind Chad’s financial practice. 9:32 Chad explains the founding of Veritas and what sets his approach apart from traditional advisors.
14:00 How being a former athlete informs his coaching style and the way he serves clients.
20:48 A deeper look into the dangers of financial comparison, emotional decision-making, and fear-driven planning.
26:17 The difference between financial education and financial transformation—and how Chad helps people shift their mindset.
32:00 Final reflections: Chad shares his “point” on what truly matters when it comes to finances and life purpose.

Enjoyed this conversation? Make sure to subscribe to What’s the Point? and share this episode with someone who’s ready to take control of their financial future. Every share helps us grow this community and continue delivering powerful stories like Chad’s.

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Trauma. We all see it and experience it at some point...to some degree. What is it? What can we do about it? How do we move through trauma? How do we find and embrace healing? In this episode of What’s the Point?, host Bill Ellis sits down with Gigi Khonyongwa-Fernandez, a Professional Coach and Consultant, Trauma-Informed Certified Coach, and Founder of GKF Coaching and Consulting/Families Blossoming LLC. Gigi has a deeply personal connection to trauma and shares her compelling personal story of navigating significant life’s rollercoasters, and how these lived experiences, coupled with her professional expertise across continents within the health sector, led her to a deeper understanding of and passion for purpose, resilience, healing and finding joy along the way. Gigi offers insight into her own journey, including experiencing loss, medical trauma, and raising a child with special needs.

With warmth and wisdom, she walks listeners through the importance of defining your own narrative when faced with trauma and the importance of always making room for healing and hope. Whether you're navigating a traumatic event, know someone who is, or are simply seeking clarity, Gigi’s story and practical strategies offer encouragement, empowerment, and inspiration.

Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways:

Transition as Transformation: Gigi believes transitions aren’t just events but opportunities to transform into who you’re becoming.
Reclaiming Identity: After years of shaping her life around others, Gigi chose to ask: “What do I want?” That question changed everything.
Language Matters: Words like “should” and “must” carry heavy energy. Reframing your language can shift your mindset.
Redefining Success: It’s okay to pause and reassess what success looks like to you—especially if your definition no longer fits.
Parenting with Purpose: Raising a neurodivergent child deepened Gigi’s empathy, patience, and commitment to coaching with compassion.
Permission to Heal: You don’t need anyone’s approval to start your healing journey. Sometimes, the person you need permission from is yourself.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/gigikhonyongwafernandez
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/gigi.khonyongwafernandez
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/yourjoyfinder/

Quick Episode Summary:

0:00 Welcome and introduction to Gigi Khonyongwa-Fernandez
2:15 Gigi’s global background: From the U.S. to London to Zambia and back
5:45 Starting over after a divorce and why it led her to coaching
9:30 Reclaiming identity after years of people-pleasing and shifting roles
14:10 Redefining success: What it means when your old goals no longer fit
17:50 On raising a neurodivergent son and how it reshaped her perspective
23:30 Coaching as a calling: Helping others find clarity during their transitions
27:45 The power of language in shaping mindset and confidence
34:10 Advice for those feeling stuck: Start by asking "What do I want?"
39:00 Final reflections: The point is to live intentionally and authenticall

Final Thoughts: Gigi Khonyongwa-Fernandez’s story is a powerful reminder that life’s most uncertain moments can become the most transformational. Through her lived experience and coaching insights, she invites us to lean into discomfort, reframe our narrative, and confidently embrace our next chapter.

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A Radical Rethink on Addiction and Healing In this episode of What’s the Point?, Bill Ellis is joined by Harold Long, a theologian, recovery coach, and author of The Big Delusion: Shattering the Delusions of Alcoholism and Addiction. With over 40 years of experience in recovery, Harold brings a deeply compassionate and honest perspective on what really keeps people trapped in addiction—and what it takes to finally break free.

Drawing from personal experience, decades of volunteer work in the criminal justice system, and countless conversations with those in treatment and recovery, Harold shares the hard truths about addiction. This conversation isn’t just for those struggling with substance abuse—it’s for loved ones, professionals, and anyone ready to better understand the spiritual and psychological grip of addiction.

Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways:

The Big Delusion: Why most people struggling with addiction never find long-term recovery—and what’s really blocking them.
Delusion of Inequality: Feeling like a square peg in a round hole—and how that fuels addiction.
Victimhood and Hopelessness: Why many stuck in addiction believe recovery isn’t possible for them.
Naming the Problem: “You’ve got to name it before you can climb it.” Harold explains how language and truth are essential to healing.
Who the Book is For: A resource not just for addicts, but also for families, counselors, recovery groups, faith communities, and skeptics.
From Denial to Delusion: Understanding why addiction goes far deeper than denial—and why it takes a spiritual shift to recover.
Taking Ownership: Healing begins when people stop blaming others and start owning their piece of the puzzle.
Dumping the Puzzle on the Table: Harold’s metaphor for finding freedom—letting go of pride and inviting others to help you rebuild.

Harold Long reminds us that addiction recovery is not about willpower—it’s about truth, connection, and radical honesty. Whether you’re struggling yourself or walking alongside someone who is, this episode is a powerful invitation to step into the light and begin the real work of healing.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Email: haloharoldlong@gmail.com
Website: https://thebigdelusion.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/thebigdelusion/
https://www.facebook.com/haroldelong
Instagram:@‌thebigdelusion @‌haroldelong
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haroldelong/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBigDelusionBook

Book:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Delusion-Shattering-Delusions-Alcoholism/dp/B0DXNBWG8G
Website: https://thebigdelusion.com

Quick Episode Summary:

0:00 Welcome and introduction to Harold Long and The Big Delusion
2:00 The 30-year journey that led to writing the book
5:00 The roots of addiction and how most people never reach recovery
8:00 Who the book is for and why it’s not just another recovery guide
10:00 The importance of removing ego and certainty to access transformation
14:00 Why spiritual separation and the fractured self are at the heart of addiction
18:00 The delusion of inequality and how it drives poor decisions
22:00 Denial vs. delusion—why addicts often can’t see the truth
28:00 Victimhood and the lie that it’s “not my fault”
32:00 Hopelessness and why so many give up before even trying recovery
36:00 Finding agency and equality in recovery circles
40:00 The power of community and walking shoulder to shoulder
43:00 Recovery as a spiritual and emotional transformation
46:00 What’s the Point? Harold shares the deeper reason behind recovery work

Don’t miss an episode of What’s the Point?. Subscribe on your favorite platform and share this episode with someone who needs to hear that recovery is possible—and worth the fight.

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Redefining Retirement, One Wave at a Time In this episode of What’s the Point?, Bill Ellis welcomes Deborah Hammett, retired educator turned solo sailor and author of Young Salt at 60. After a 30+ year career as an elementary school teacher and principal on Martha’s Vineyard, Deborah did something few would expect—she learned to sail at age 60 and now lives aboard her boat, Maia, navigating the East Coast and The Bahamas.

Deborah’s story is about more than sailing—it’s about reinvention, lifelong learning, and answering the question: what’s next? From her early dreams of changing society through education to navigating the open ocean with no prior experience, Deborah exemplifies the power of purpose-driven pivots later in life.

Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways:

From Classroom to Cockpit: How Deborah transitioned from public education to full-time sailing.
Tears Are Not a Strategy: Lessons in resilience she passed on to students—and learned herself.
Raising Kids and Building Community: Why Martha’s Vineyard became her home and launching point.
Learning to Sail at 60: The hilarious and humbling early days of flipping lasers and falling in the marina.
Solo Sailing as a Lifestyle: How she learned to manage a 36-foot keelboat and navigate weather, tides, and repairs.
Mechanical Mastery: From bilge pumps to solar panels—how Deborah learned the technical side of boat life.
Unlearning Bias: Facing internal biases and gender assumptions as a female captain.
What’s the Point of Retirement?: Why Deborah believes your post-career years can hold just as much growth—and adventure—as the decades before.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Book: Young Salt at 60 (available wherever books are sold)

Quick Episode Summary:

0:00 Welcome and intro to Deborah Hammett’s unique journey
1:00 What inspired her to take up sailing at 60
3:00 Reflecting on three decades as a teacher and principal
6:00 Life on Martha’s Vineyard and how the ocean called to her
10:00 Family, independence, and growing up with grit
12:00 Teaching kids confidence, curiosity, and how to fail forward
14:00 Challenges with the teacher’s union and burnout at the end of her career
18:00 “Believe in Yourself”: The message her former students still remember
20:00 Life after retirement—travel, divorce, and the courage to start over
24:00 Discovering sailing and falling (literally) into a new life on the water
29:00 Buying Maia, learning the ropes, and sailing solo
32:00 Navigating weather windows and the unpredictability of boat life
34:00 Writing Young Salt at 60 to inspire others to take bold steps
35:00 Why staying active and learning new things keeps you young
38:00 The steepest learning curve: understanding mechanics and repairs
41:00 Self-discovery through travel—and confronting her own biases
43:00 Her answer to “What’s the Point?”: Use your post-career years for something big

Subscribe & Share: Don’t miss an episode of What’s the Point?. Subscribe on your favorite platform and share this episode with someone who’s wondering what comes next in life. Bold choices can start at any age.

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Reimagining Leadership Through Generosity In this episode of What’s the Point?, Bill Ellis is joined by Joe Davis—retired Managing Director and Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), author of The Generous Leader, and lifelong connector. Joe spent 37 years with BCG, co-founding the DC office, launching its North American public sector business, and eventually leading BCG North America. He also founded the Center for Inclusion and Equity, reflecting his core belief: the best leaders are those who help others thrive.

Now in his second term as Board Chair at Whitman College, Joe brings wisdom from decades in high-stakes leadership, combined with the personal clarity that comes from being a father, grandfather, and man of purpose. In this conversation, he and Bill unpack what it truly means to lead with generosity.

Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways:

What is Generous Leadership? Giving of yourself to help others grow—without expecting direct benefit.
Performance Through People: Joe explains why the best results come from investing in your team’s potential.
Leadership ≠ Niceness: Generosity includes difficult conversations and accountability, not just kindness.
Letting Go of the Mask: Why vulnerability and honesty are essential in high-performing teams.
Seven Ways to Give: An overview of the elements in The Generous Leader, including listening to learn, giving direct feedback with care, and small acts that have lasting impact.
Early Lessons: Joe’s mentor helped shape his leadership philosophy through a simple but powerful act of loyalty.
From Small-Town Kid to BCG Exec: How Joe’s drive, shaped in childhood, carried him from Whitman to Harvard Business School to global leadership.
Consulting Behind the Curtain: Joe explains what top-tier consulting is really about—and why being an outsider gives you the advantage of objectivity.

Joe Davis shows us that leadership isn’t about title, ego, or being the smartest person in the room—it’s about being real, building others up, and having the courage to lead with both heart and accountability. Whether you're managing a team or mentoring a child, the ripple effect of generous leadership can be life-changing.

Subscribe & Share: Don’t miss an episode of What’s the Point?. Subscribe on your favorite platform and share this episode with someone striving to lead with impact. Real leadership starts with generosity.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Name: Joe Davis
Email: joedavistgl@gmail.com
Website(s):
https://www.joedavis.com
SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joedavis1313
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joedavistgl
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joedavistgl
Twitter: https://x.com/JoeDavisTGL?s=20
BOOK: https://www.joedavis.com

Quick Episode Summary:

0:00 Welcome and intro to Joe Davis and his BCG legacy
2:00 What does it mean to be a generous leader?
5:00 Generosity includes hard truths, team accountability, and letting people go when needed
8:00 Stories of tough conversations delivered with care
12:00 How humility and feedback create stronger teams
15:00 Boss vs. Leader: Why leadership is about service, not control
17:00 Joe’s seven principles from The Generous Leader
20:00 Vulnerability and realness in a competitive workplace
24:00 Helping your team shine vs. grabbing the spotlight
27:00 A personal story of loyalty and how a mentor had Joe’s back
32:00 How Joe’s childhood and family shaped his work ethic and vision
35:00 Joe’s journey to Harvard Business School and discovering consulting
38:00 What consulting really is—and why clients value clear communication
42:00 External perspective as a strategic asset
43:00 Joe’s answer to “What’s the Point?”—Help others be the best they can be

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In this enlightening episode of What’s the Point?, Bill Ellis welcomes Scott Doyne—a former sports executive, keynote speaker, professional coach, and author of Exploring the Midlife Career Crisis: A Guide to Navigating the Four Stages of Career Transition. After two decades leading strategy and analytics at Turner Sports, Scott made a dramatic shift, stepping away from the world of NBA.com, March Madness, and Bleacher Report to help others redefine success in midlife.

Scott unpacks how leaving behind a "dream job" can be the beginning of a more aligned and fulfilling journey. From unpaid internships to executive leadership, and eventually entrepreneurship, his story is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and real-world strategy.

Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways:

The Power of Internships: How Scott broke into the sports industry and built a 20-year career at Turner through early sacrifices and persistence.
Leveraging Your MBA: Why graduate school gave Scott the education, network, and confidence to pivot into leadership roles.
Networking That Works: The mindset and methods Scott used to authentically build a long-lasting network.
Turning Points: How layoffs, life transitions, and journaling led Scott to discover his next purpose.
The ICAN Framework: A practical approach to networking—Identify, Connect, Ask, Navigate.
What Makes a Career Crisis 'Midlife': Why this time in life is uniquely suited to transformation and legacy-building.
The Four Stages of Career Transition: Realize, Explore, Articulate, and Activate—Scott explains how anyone can use this model.
From External Success to Inner Alignment: Redefining what a "career win" looks like beyond title and salary.

Scott Doyne’s story reminds us that our careers are not linear and our identities are not defined by titles. Whether you're navigating a transition or simply wondering if there's more to life than your current role, Scott's perspective offers clarity, confidence, and encouragement to take the next step—thoughtfully and with purpose.

Don’t miss an episode of What’s the Point?. Subscribe on your favorite platform and share this conversation with someone exploring a new chapter in their professional life. Transitions can be powerful—especially when you have the right roadmap.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Quick Episode Summary:

0:00 Welcome and intro to Scott Doyne and his impressive career journey
1:00 How Scott transitioned from Cincinnati to the world of Turner Sports
3:00 The sacrifices and hustle of early unpaid internships
6:00 The value of an MBA in finding purpose and confidence
10:00 Networking lessons, the ICAN framework, and pushing limits professionally
14:00 The importance of not tying identity to job titles alone
18:00 Working alongside major sports figures and what he learned from them
23:00 The reality of layoffs and why preparing early makes a difference
25:00 How journaling and coaching helped him find his new direction
28:00 Explaining the four stages of transition: Realize, Explore, Articulate, Activate
33:00 Pursuing purpose, not just a paycheck, in your next chapter
36:00 Grieving what you lose when leaving a big company—like colleagues and culture
39:00 The Ikigai concept and designing a life that blends passion, mission, and profession
41:00 Eastern philosophy vs. Western productivity: A different view of success
43:00 Scott’s answer to "What’s the Point?" — Help others help others

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An Honest Conversation About Life, Illness, and the Power of Perspective In this powerful episode of What’s the Point?, Bill Ellis sits down with Deb Krier—a seasoned marketing and communications expert, longtime business podcaster, and three-time cancer survivor—who has turned unimaginable adversity into a purposeful mission to help others live with clarity and courage.

Deb's career began with a simple piece of advice: turn your passion into your profession. That led to a decades-long journey in PR, branding, social media, and communications, eventually founding Wise Women Communications, LLC, an award-winning, full-service firm. She later launched The Business Power Hour podcast, now a part of the C-Suite Network, where she's hosted over 1,000 episodes helping business leaders thrive.

But in 2015, her life took a dramatic turn when a routine mammogram resulted in a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis. Deb faced catastrophic complications during treatment, spending months in the hospital and undergoing nine surgeries. Through it all, she worked, coached, and kept her sense of humor. Today, she channels that experience into her platform, TryingNotToDie.live, and supports others by showing what it means to not just survive—but truly live.

Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways:

Living with Purpose: Why Deb launched TryingNotToDie.live to encourage others to embrace life despite illness.
Turning Passion into a Career: How a love for PR and communications led to the founding of her own agency.
Trust and Advocacy in Healthcare: How standing up for herself—and switching doctors—was essential to her survival.
The LIVE Acronym: Lead your tribe, Invigorate your soul, Voice your feelings, Elevate your mindset.
Misdiagnosis and Resilience: From a stage 0 to stage 4 diagnosis and overcoming life-threatening complications.
Support is Everything: The role her husband, friends, and professional network played in helping her recover and thrive.
What Not to Say: The worst advice Deb didn’t follow—and why that mattered.
Professional Identity Through Illness: How she balanced treatment with podcasting, coaching, and leadership.

Deb Krier doesn’t just talk about surviving—she lives out the message of thriving through adversity, being your own best advocate, and helping others find strength in their stories. Whether you’re facing a diagnosis, caring for someone who is, or simply looking for ways to live with more intention, this episode offers perspective and purpose in abundance.

Subscribe & Share: Don’t miss an episode of What’s the Point?. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to lead, live, and leave a lasting impact.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Name: Deb Krier
Email: deb@debkrier.com
Phone: +1_-_303-594-8930
Website: https://tryingnottodie.live/
SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahkrier/
Facebook: Personal: https://www.facebook.com/Deb.Krier
Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tryingnottodielive

Quick Episode Summary:

0:00 Welcome and introduction to Deb Krier’s inspiring journey
1:00 From communications and cancer PR to becoming a patient herself
3:00 Misdiagnosis, shifting from stage 0 to stage 4, and the importance of informed care
6:00 Finding the right medical team and surviving septic shock
10:00 Deb’s perspective on trusting medical providers versus liking them
14:00 The childhood advice she rejected and the wisdom she embraced
17:00 The moment she launched Trying Not To Die LIVE
20:00 A deeper dive into the LIVE acronym and what each part means
27:00 Standing your ground when medical instincts say otherwise
31:00 Why we can’t just "try not to die"—we have to choose to live fully
33:00 Legacy, service, and taking others on the journey with you
34:00 Deb’s podcasting journey: Over 1,000 episodes and counting
36:00 Communication, nuance, and the lost art of listening
40:00 What’s next: Becoming a cancer coach for business leaders
43:00 Deb’s answer to "What’s the Point?"—Leave a legacy you’re proud of

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The Road to Successful Book Publishing In this episode of What’s the Point?, Bill Ellis sits down with Rick Lite, the founder of Stress Free Book Marketing, to discuss the ins and outs of self-publishing, book promotion, and long-term success as an independent author. With decades of experience helping authors launch and market their books, Rick shares invaluable insights into what it really takes to get a book into the world—and keep it thriving.

Rick’s journey into the publishing industry began unexpectedly when he stepped in to help his wife, Lori, launch her children’s book series. What started as a short-term project turned into a lifelong passion for book marketing and self-publishing, leading to the creation of Stress Free Book Marketing. Now, Rick works with independent authors to help them navigate the complexities of self-publishing, from cover design to distribution and marketing strategies.

Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways:

The Birth of Stress Free Book Marketing: How Rick transitioned from the IT recruiting world to book publishing.
The Role of an Author Platform: Why building an audience early is key to a successful book launch.
The Truth About Book Marketing: Why it’s a multi-year journey, not a one-time event.
Navigating Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: Understanding the trade-offs between control, royalties, and exposure.
The Power of Beta Readers: How getting feedback before publishing can prevent costly mistakes.
Marketing That Works: The importance of consistent engagement, building relationships, and leveraging social media.
Lessons from Failure: The biggest mistakes new authors make—and how to avoid them.
Persistence is Key: Why book marketing requires continuous effort long after launch day.

Rick Lite’s insights into self-publishing and book marketing remind us that writing a book is just the beginning. Success in the publishing world requires strategy, persistence, and a willingness to adapt. Whether you’re an aspiring author or a seasoned writer looking to expand your reach, this episode offers valuable takeaways on how to market and promote your book effectively.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Name: Rick Lite
Emai: rick@stressfreebookmarketing.com
Phone: 678-642-9555
Website(s) http://www.stressfreebookmarketing.com
SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:
LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-lite/
Facebook- @‌stressfreebookmarketing
Twitter- @‌stressfreepub

Quick Episode Summary:

0:00 Bill introduces Rick Lite and the world of book marketing.
1:10 How Rick got into publishing by helping his wife with her children’s books.
5:00 Why authors struggle with marketing and how Stress Free Book Marketing helps.
10:00 The difference between traditional and self-publishing—and which one is right for you.
15:00 The importance of building an author platform before launching a book.
22:00 How beta readers provide critical feedback to refine a book before publishing.
28:00 Long-term book marketing strategies: What works and what doesn’t.
35:00 The truth about bestsellers—why short-term rankings don’t equal long-term success.
41:00 Final thoughts: Rick shares his “point” on doing what you love and making it work.

Subscribe & Share: Don’t miss an episode of What’s the Point?! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and share this episode with someone looking to publish or market their book. Success in the book world starts with taking the right steps—let Rick Lite show you how!

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In this episode of What’s the Point?, Bill Ellis sits down with Dre Baldwin, the CEO and Founder of Work On Your Game Inc. Dre’s journey from a late-blooming high school athlete to a professional basketball player spanning nine years and eight countries is nothing short of remarkable. Now, with over 103 million content views, 35 books, and 3,200+ episodes of his Work On Your Game MasterClass, Dre is a master of high performance, consistency, and personal development. If you're looking for strategies to level up your mindset, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways:

The Power of Persistence: How Dre went from getting cut from his high school team three times to playing professional basketball internationally.
Finding Your Competitive Edge: Why mindset matters more than talent when it comes to long-term success.
Overcoming Obstacles: How Dre turned rejection into fuel for growth and success.
Building Confidence: The role of preparation, repetition, and exposure in becoming a high performer.
Transitioning from Basketball to Business: How Dre leveraged his experiences to create Work On Your Game and impact millions.
The Four Pillars of Success: Discipline, confidence, mental toughness, and personal initiative—and how to apply them in your life.
The Importance of Clarity: Understanding the game you’re in and positioning yourself to win.
Leveraging Digital Media: How Dre used YouTube and content creation to build a global brand.
Why Everyone Needs a Game Plan: The importance of being proactive, not reactive, in both sports and life.

Final Thoughts: Dre Baldwin’s story is a masterclass in resilience, mindset, and taking ownership of your success. His journey proves that preparation, confidence, and a commitment to self-improvement can take you from the sidelines to center stage—whether in sports, business, or life.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Email Marielle@DreAllDay.com
Phone 305.384.6894
Website(s) http://www.WorkOnYourGameUniversity.com
SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:
http://Instagram.com/DreBaldwin
http://YouTube.com/Dreupt
https://www.facebook.com/WorkOnYourGameUniversity
http://LinkedIn.com/in/DreAllDay
http://X.com/DreAllDay
http://TikTok.com/WorkOnYourGame

CURRENT PROJECTS:

Free Book (just cover shipping):
The Third Day: The Decision That Separates The Pros From The Amateurs http://ThirdDayBook.com

Quick Episode Summary:

0:00 Bill introduces Dre Baldwin and sets up the conversation.
1:10 Dre’s early years: From playing on the street to getting cut from his high school team.
5:00 How Dre’s perseverance led to playing college basketball as a walk-on.
10:00 The turning point: Dre’s journey to professional basketball despite no early offers.
15:00 How Dre’s exposure camp experience opened the door to a professional career.
22:00 The mindset shift: How Dre transitioned from athlete to entrepreneur.
28:00 The power of digital media: How YouTube helped Dre build his brand.
35:00 The Work On Your Game philosophy: Breaking down the four key pillars.
41:00 Final thoughts: Dre shares his “point” and why clarity is key to success.

Don’t miss an episode of What’s the Point?! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and share this conversation with someone who wants to level up their mindset and performance. The game is yours to win—if you’re willing to work for it.

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The Power of Public Speaking In this episode of What’s the Point?, Bill Ellis sits down with Fred E. Miller, an internationally recognized speaker, best-selling author, and public speaking coach. Fred has spent years helping people overcome their fear of speaking, improve their networking skills, and deliver presentations with confidence. His books, NO SWEAT Public Speaking! and NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!, have guided countless professionals toward becoming stronger communicators. If you've ever struggled with public speaking—or want to take your presentation skills to the next level—this episode is packed with invaluable insights.

Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways:

Why Public Speaking Matters: How speaking opportunities translate into business, career, and leadership growth.
Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking: Why the fear of failure holds people back and how to push past it.
Lessons from Toastmasters: How joining Toastmasters transformed Fred’s approach to communication.
The Power of Storytelling: Why people remember stories and how they create lasting connections.
Career Shifts and Taking Risks: Fred’s leap from corporate life at Procter & Gamble to becoming a business owner.
The Secret to a Great Elevator Speech: Crafting a concise, clear, and compelling introduction that opens doors.
Presentation Best Practices: The importance of using slides correctly, practicing effectively, and engaging your audience.
Why Everyone Needs a Coach: How professional coaching accelerates growth and helps identify blind spots.
Travel and Communication: How traveling the world reinforces the importance of connection and effective communication.

Fred E. Miller reminds us that public speaking is a skill that can open doors to new opportunities. Whether you’re in business, leadership, or just looking to communicate more effectively, mastering the art of speaking can make all the difference. His message is clear: never stop learning, because life never stops teaching.

Don’t miss an episode of What’s the Point?! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and share this episode with someone who wants to improve their public speaking skills. Confidence starts with taking the first step—so why not start today?

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Name: Fred Elliott Miller
Email: Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com
Phone: 314-517-8772
Website(s) https://www.nosweatpublicspeaking.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredemiller
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fredelliottmiller
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fredelliottmiller

Quick Episode Summary:

0:00 Bill introduces Fred E. Miller and his expertise in public speaking.
1:17 Fred shares his journey into public speaking and the impact of Toastmasters.
5:00 The connection between fear, failure, and public speaking.
10:00 How Fred transitioned from corporate life to entrepreneurship.
15:00 The critical role of storytelling in making an impact as a speaker.
22:00 Why professional coaching matters in public speaking and personal growth.
28:00 The essential elements of an effective elevator speech.
35:00 The importance of practice, preparation, and continuous learning.
41:00 Final thoughts: Fred’s powerful message on lifelong learning.

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In this episode of What’s the Point?, Bill Ellis welcomes Jacki McEwen-Powell, a communications veteran turned gut health advocate. After building a successful 25-year career in public relations, Jacki made a bold pivot—retraining as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and launching WellNow.co.za. Her journey, marked by resilience and personal discovery, led to two insightful books: WELL NOW: Reclaim Your Life from Ulcerative Colitis and GET WELL NOW: Heal Your Gut to Transform Your Life.

Jacki’s story is one of listening to intuition, embracing change, and trusting the gut—both figuratively and literally. She shares how a life-altering diagnosis of ulcerative colitis forced her to reevaluate stress, lifestyle, and overall well-being, ultimately leading to a drug-free remission. Now, she’s on a mission to help others navigate gut health and reclaim control over their lives.

Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways:

Career Reinvention: How Jacki transitioned from a high-stress communications career to becoming a certified health coach.
Trust Your Gut: The importance of intuition in making life and health decisions.
Lessons from Illness: How Jacki’s 14-year battle with ulcerative colitis shaped her approach to health and wellness.
Taking Control of Your Health: Why listening to your body is the most important step in any healing journey.
From PR to Publishing: How Jacki turned her personal experience into two bestselling books.
Bio-Individuality Matters: Why no single diet or supplement works for everyone, and how to find what works for you.
Navigating Criticism: The value of constructive feedback and trusting yourself when making big decisions

Jacki’s journey is a testament to the power of intuition, resilience, and self-discovery. Whether you’re navigating a health challenge or facing a career shift, her insights remind us that listening to our gut—both physically and metaphorically—can lead to transformational change.

Subscribe & Share: Don’t miss an episode of What’s the Point?! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and share this conversation with someone who needs to hear it. Let’s keep the conversation going and connect via the links below—because when you trust your gut, you’re already on the right path.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Email Jacki@wellnow.co.za
Phone WhatsApp +27 (0)833245552
Website(s) www.wellnow.co.za

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacki-mcewen-powell-154ba617
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563906296060
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnow.health.coach
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/jacki_mcewen-powell

Quick Episode Summary:

0:00 Bill introduces Jacki and sets the stage for an insightful conversation.
1:05 Jacki’s background: From aspiring journalist to PR agency founder.
3:00 The unexpected path to business ownership and how she built a thriving company.
6:00 Facing stress and illness: How ulcerative colitis changed everything.
10:30 Why she stepped back from communications to prioritize health and self-discovery.
15:45 The moment she decided to go medication-free and focus on natural healing.
22:00 The turning point: Becoming an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and finding purpose.
28:00 Writing WELL NOW and GET WELL NOW: How her books came to life.
35:00 The power of intuition and listening to your body for long-term health.
41:00 Final thoughts: Jacki shares her “point” and why trusting your gut is the ultimate life philosophy.

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Hey Purpose Seekers! Welcome to another inspiring episode of What’s the Point?, hosted by Bill Ellis. This week, we’re thrilled to welcome back Jeff C. West—an award-winning author, accomplished sales leader, and musician—to discuss the power of storytelling, finding your purpose, and the unexpected twists that shape our lives. If you loved episode 73, you’ll want to dive into this one as Jeff shares fresh insights, lessons from his latest books, and his journey from sales to celebrated author.

Meet the Guest: Jeff C. West is the author of The Unexpected Tour Guide, Said the Lady with the Blue Hair (co-written with Lisa M. Wilber), and Streetwise to Saleswise (co-written with Bob Burg). These acclaimed parables have won multiple awards, including the Axiom Business Book Awards and the American Indie Excellence Awards. Before becoming an author, Jeff enjoyed a 30-year career in sales and leadership, guiding teams to over $150 million in recurring revenue. When he’s not writing, Jeff resides in Texas, where he plays Dixieland music—because, as he says, everyone loves the tuba player.

Episode Highlights:

Storytelling as a Tool: By weaving lessons into engaging narratives, Jeff’s parables provide actionable insights for readers while keeping them entertained.
Why Jeff’s Books Matter: Jeff’s books blend fiction and sales lessons to inspire readers and leaders alike.
Purpose Evolves Over Time: Jeff’s journey from sales to storytelling demonstrates that your purpose isn’t static—it evolves as you embrace new opportunities.
Career Pivots: The pivotal moments that shaped Jeff’s career, including his transition from sales leadership to writing.
Roots of Success: How Jeff’s upbringing in Georgia and early work ethic laid the foundation for his achievements.
Purpose and Accountability: The importance of finding your purpose and embracing accountability in all aspects of life.
Inside the Writing Process: Sneak peeks into Jeff’s creative journey and upcoming projects.
Lessons in Leadership: Strong leadership skills and integrity are transferable traits that can shape any career.

Jeff C. West reminds us that finding purpose is about embracing our strengths, learning from setbacks, and sharing our unique gifts with the world. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode offers invaluable lessons on leadership, storytelling, and living a purpose-driven life.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Email: jeff@jeffcwest.com
Website(s) https://jeffcwest.com www.fusionpoints.com and www.coauthoryourmessage.com
Speaking, Workshops and 1:1 Coaching: www.fusionpoints.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffcwest/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.west.330/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffcwest/profilecard/?igsh=MTVvd2RqanR5MDA2Zw==
Twitter: @‌JeffCWestAuthor
Other: http://linktr.ee/jeffcwest

CURRENT PROJECTS:

Sign up for Jeff’s free, twice-weekly, FusionPoints™ Unleashed Newsletter with behind the scenes looks at my journey as an author, sales and leadership coaching, and entrepreneur mentoring, by going to https://jeffcwest.com/#FPUNEWSLETTER

Quick Episode Summary:

0:00 Welcome back! Bill introduces Jeff C. West and sets the stage for the episode.
1:10 Jeff reflects on his childhood in Dalton, Georgia, and how early challenges shaped his work ethic.
5:00 Lessons from Jeff’s sales career, including his journey with Aflac before and after the iconic duck campaign.
10:00 Why Jeff transitioned from sales to writing and how The Unexpected Tour Guide became his first award-winning book.
15:00 The role of faith, accountability, and resilience in Jeff’s life and career.
22:00 Collaborating with Lisa Wilber and Bob Burg: Insights into Jeff’s co-authoring process.
28:00 Jeff’s latest parable: A sneak peek into a story about financial management set during a bank robbery.
35:00 Advice for listeners: How to find your purpose and turn challenges into opportunities.
41:00 Final thoughts: Jeff shares his “point”—leaving every room better than you found it.

Subscribe & Share:Don’t miss an episode of What’s the Point?! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave a like, and share this episode with someone who could use a little inspiration!

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Hey Purpose Seekers! Welcome to the exciting relaunch of What’s the Point?, hosted by none other than Bill Ellis! After a longer-than-expected hiatus, the podcast is back with fresh energy, upgraded features, and a renewed commitment to delivering value-packed episodes. In this new chapter, Bill promises to dig even deeper into the stories, strategies, and insights of incredible guests who are sure to inspire you to uncover your purpose and elevate your success.

What’s New? Bill kicks off the relaunch by highlighting some key changes you can expect from the podcast:

Deeper Conversations: Get ready for more probing questions that reveal the fascinating journeys and lessons of each guest.
Bite-Sized Brilliance: Episodes are now shorter and more focused, making them easier to enjoy in your busy schedule.
Enhanced Video Experience: The YouTube channel now features upgraded production quality, adding a visual edge to the inspiring stories shared.

While the format and production have leveled up, one thing remains the same: the incredible quality and diversity of guests. Expect powerful moments of reflection, inspiration, and actionable insights to help you achieve your definition of success.

Episode Highlights:

Why the podcast took a break and how it led to growth and fresh perspectives.
Bill’s commitment to delivering more value with each episode.
A behind-the-scenes look at what it means to create meaningful conversations with purpose-driven guests.

Final Thoughts: Bill reminds listeners that this podcast is all about helping you find clarity, purpose, and fearless confidence to achieve your goals. Whether you’re tuning in for education, inspiration, or just a good laugh, there’s something for everyone in every episode. Make sure to hit subscribe and share the show with someone who could benefit from its messages.

Connect with Bill:

EMAIL:

bill@billellis.com

WEBSITE(S):

www.billellils.com
www.brandinfforresults.com

INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/wcellis

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/bill.ellis
https://www.facebook.com/BillEllisCoach

Quick Episode Summary:

0:00 Welcome back! Bill introduces the podcast’s exciting new chapter.
0:31 Reflecting on the hiatus: Travel, growth, and new opportunities.
0:58 What’s changed? Deeper questions, shorter episodes, and better video.
1:18 The constant: High-quality guests and diverse stories.
2:00 How you can help the show grow by engaging and sharing.
2:33 Final thoughts: This podcast is here to support your success journey.

Subscribe & Share: Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to What’s the Point? on your favorite podcast platform and share the inspiration with your network. Together, we can expand the impact and purpose of this incredible show.

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Mitch Meyers is successful in all aspects of her life, most notably perhaps, is that she’s an incredibly accomplished business professional, There’s only one career that she’s failed at, and that’s retirement.

Her career began in auditing and accounting before making the move to marketing where, at Anheuser-Busch, she became informally known as the “Mother of Bud Light: and was named Ad Age Woman of the Year. Next, she built a multi-million dollar marketing agency.

Her next move was retirement - her first professional failure.

CONTACT INFO:

Name: Mitch Meyers

Email: mitch@beleafco.com

Phone: 618-709-6529

Links for This Episode:

Website: http://swadecannabis.com/
BeLeaf Life's Oils: http://beleaflifesoils.com/
BeLeaf Medical: https://www.beleafmedical.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: Beleaf Medical; Swade Cannabis

Facebook: BeLeaf Medical; Swade Cannabis

Instagram: swade_cannabis

Twitter: Beleaf Medical

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

WEBSITE:

The Good Advice Company

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethrosenberg/

Twitter: goodadviceco

Quick Episode Summary:

Welcome Mitch Meyers, one of the leading faces of the medical cannabis industry
Mitch’s pedigree including marketing background at Anheuser-Busch
Medicinal cannabis vs recreational marijuana use
BeLeaf and bringing medicinal cannabis to Missouri
Big Pharma and synthetic CBD
This is an industry and you can be employed in it
Mitch Meyers answer to - What’s the Point?

View Details

Bobby Herrera has been called the "best CEO you've never heard of". He may be the best LEADER you've never heard of... but you should! His leadership philosophy is simple:

"We all struggle."

"Inside every struggle is a gift

"Leaders share their gifts with others."

Born in New Mexico, the 11th of 13 children to a loving, hard-working family with a proud Mexican heritage - Bobby is now the co-founder and CEO of The Populus Group, a $500M+ revenue company.

Herrera's story is one of inspiration, insights, and learning. He is committed to adding value to the world. Bobby is a passionate supporter of the underdog, especially those who live on the wrong side of the opportunity divide.

Listen as Bobby shares his wisdom in a very unassuming, yet powerful way.

LINKS:

Contact Info:

Email: rherrera@populusgroup.com

Website: bobby-herrera.com

Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-herrera-5781821/

BUY the Book: https://bobby-herrera.com/books

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

WEBSITE:

The Good Advice Company

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethrosenberg/

Twitter: goodadviceco

Quick Episode Summary:

Get to know Bobby
How Bobby’s brilliance for storytelling began
A look into the populous group
Bobby’s lightbulb moment at Bootcamp
The act of kindness that changed Bobby forever
Why we should all help each other with our “piles”
Bobby’s answer to - What’s The Point?

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"The world isn't going to hand anything to you; you've got to get it!" Russell Ledet not only says this - he lives it! He also says, "Time is a non-refundable resource."

Driven by an unquenchable thirst for learning, coupled with a deep desire to help others, Ledet has accomplished more in 13 years than most do in a lifetime - MD, PhD, MBA, - and he's only just begun!

What he's most proud of and committed to, however, is being a loving, present father and husband.

If you tell yourself, "I just don't have time" or "I can't do that", you really need to listen, learn, and enjoy as "RJ" shares his incredible journey with host Bill Ellis

Connect with Russell:

Email: russell.ledet@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjledet/

Website: https://www.the15whitecoats.org/

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com

www.brandingpillars.com

www.brandingforresults.com

IG - @wcellis

Facebook - @CoachBillEllis

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis

Book: Women Who Won

Quick Episode Summary:

Get to know Russell Ledet, MD, PhD, MBA
The only limits in life are the ones we create
What led Russell to his life today
The Facebook post that started it all
A look into just how far we have come
The power of being surrounded by a community
No one accomplishes anything alone
Russell’s answer to - What’s The Point?

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Juggling led Jeff Koziatek to the life of a well-known entertainer. He performed in a variety of venues and formats around the world.

Life as a juggler also led Jeff to the challenge of how to juggle his professional life and his personal life.

Solving that puzzle, in turn, led Jeff to a life as a business advisor, author, speaker, and peak performance coach.

Listen as Jeff discusses with host Bill Ellis, how to live life to the fullest by effectively juggling (meaning managing) the many facets of your life!

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

CONTACT INFO:

Name: Jeff Koziatek

Email: Jeff@CoreAuthenticity.com

Phone: 314-852-1134

Website: www.CoreAuthenticity.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkoziatek

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coreauthenticity

Instagram: @coreauthenticity

Twitter: @coreauthentic

Book: Blueprint For Value: 52 Habits to Discover and Strengthen Your Personal Worth (Volume 1) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1732691304?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Quick Episode Summary:

How Bill would describe Jeff Koziatek
How Jeff discovered his purpose
How Jeff would define burnout
A look into Jeff’s books
The importance of listening to others
The values that guide Jeff’s life
How to identify your core values
Why Jeff loves audiobooks
Jeff’s answer to - What’s The Point?

View Details

While working as a journalist on the West Bank, Steve Sosebee met two Palestinian children who'd suffered traumatic injuries when their home had been bombed. Their innocence and injuries touched Steve's heart. He became determined to find treatment for them and through his efforts, they received free care in Akron, Ohio.

Returning to the Middle East, he was determined to help more of Palestine's children and others throughout the region get the care they so desperately needed. With that, the Palestine Children's Relief Fund was born.

Politics was pushed to the side in favor of humanitarianism and love. For the past nearly 30 years, Sosebee has been steadfast in his purpose - bringing aid, compassion, and love to children who are so gravely in need.

Listen as Steve Sosebee speaks with host Bill Ellis about the big challenges and even greater rewards of living a purpose based on humanity over politics.

Contact Info:

Email: stevesosebee@icloud.com

Phone: +1 330 671-2143

Website: https://www.pcrf.net/

Social Media:

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/steve-sosebee-b54a0310/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ssosebee

Instagram: https://twitter.com/Stevesosebee

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com

www.brandingpillars.com

www.brandingforresults.com

IG - @wcellis

Facebook - @CoachBillEllis

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis

Book: Women Who Won

View Details

Today's guest, Fleet Rand, has a core belief that all of us are seeking secure attachment - a relationship that matters. Such a relationship might be with a family member, a spouse, a higher power - basically any one that can provide unconditional love.

Fleet is a Mental Health Professional specializing in individual counseling, family counseling, drug and alcohol recovery counseling, treatment placement and relationship counseling. He has helped thousands of people directly and countless others through the ripple effect of his counseling.

What helps set Fleet apart from many others, is that he has navigated his own journey - one which took him from hell on earth to the highly respected, loved, person he is today.

Life can be overwhelming for all of us at times. For others, it can seem that life's challenges are endless. One key take away from Fleet in today's episode is to keep in mind that Hope Wins!

Listen as Fleet shares his personal journey, his professional insights, and his genuine humanity with host Bill Ellis.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Guest: Norfleet Rand
Email: frand@solutionscounseling.com
Phone: +1-636-449-6000

Quick Episode Summary:

Get to know Fleet Rand
How Fleet generates his client base
Fleet’s answer to - What’s The Point?
How Fleet has always been a seeker
It’s okay to ask others for help
How to love people unconditionally
How Fleet was introduced to spirituality
Fleet’s idea of how to create hope and opportunities

View Details

Every high performing athlete has a coach. No matter how talented we might be, there is always a benefit to receiving impartial, independent, outside, perspective on how to improve our performance. It’s been said that if you don’t have a coach…get one!

That said, it takes a great deal of work and dedication to even begin to hone one’s skills, learn their craft, improve their performance. A great deal of that work has to be done by the individual.

Antonia Bowring is a very highly credentialed executive coach. She works with founders, C-Suite executives, and leadership teams. During her career, she’s come to believe that there is a definite need for guidance for people not quite ready to engage a professional coach, for any number of reasons.

Seeing that need, she’s authored a book to help fill that need. Coach Yourself!: Increase Awareness, Change Behavior, and Thrive provides keen insight and advice for anyone seeking to improve their performance, whether they currently have a coach or not.

Listen as Antonia discusses with host Bill Ellis, the importance of coaching and keys to coaching yourself!

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

CONTACT INFO:

Name: Antonia Bowring

Email: antonia@ab-strategies.com

Phone: 917-690-2907

Website(s): www.ab-strategies.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonia-bowring/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antonia_abstrategies/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@antoniabowring963
Book - https://www.amazon.com/Coach-Yourself-Increase-Awareness-Behavior/dp/1119931452

WEBSITE:

The Good Advice Company

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethrosenberg/

Twitter: goodadviceco

Quick Episode Summary:

Introduction to Guest, Antonia Bowring
Understanding Executive Coaching
Coaching for Different Executive Types
The Concept of an 'Outside Mirror'
Working with Neurodiverse Leaders
Understanding ADHD in Leadership
The Role of an Executive Coach in ADHD
The Importance of Transparency in Leadership
The Role of Communication in Leadership
Understanding Personality Tests in Communication
The Journey to Becoming a Published Author
Antonia’s Answer to “What’s the Point?”

View Details

Throughout our lives, we are exposed to countless outside influences. Family - in particular our parents. Geography and local culture. Economics and financial status. How we incorporate these experiences into our lives…how we choose to react, behave, engage with others…is up to us.

Michael “Tate” Barkley allowed those factors - in particular, his relationship with his father - to lead him down a path of self-destruction, shame, guilt, and regret.

But with time, comes experience, perspective, self-reflection, and the opportunity to change and evolve to a greater version of ourselves. Listen as Tate addresses the impact of his life’s challenges, his decisions, and their impact, and how he ultimately was able to overcome them and flourish.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

CONTACT INFO:

Name Michael “Tate” Barkley

Email: tate@bainlaw.net

Phone: 713-702-9198

Website: http://tatebarkley.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-tate-barkley-3014bb14/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barkley.tate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barkley.tate/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Sunday-Dinners-Moonshine-Tate-Barkley/dp/1953321224/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3CG12WDWTALYD&keywords=sunday+dinners%2C+moonshine+and+men&qid=1688755096&s=books&sprefix=sunday+dinners%2C+moonshine+and+men%2Cstripbooks%2C108&sr=1-1

WEBSITE:

The Good Advice Company

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethrosenberg/

Twitter: goodadviceco

Quick Episode Summary:

00:16 Introduction and Welcome to Special Guest, Tate Barkley
00:37 Understanding the Book's Title
01:26 Exploring Tate’s Childhood and All It’s Challenges
02:31 Life in Rural North Carolina
03:53 The Influence of Moonshine
06:48 Moving to Booming Houston, Texas
09:23 The Impact of Alcoholism on Tate’s Life
16:36 Coming Out and Accepting Identity
29:15 The Downfall and Recovery
42:10 Tate’s Answer to What’s the Point?

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She’s at her best when she feels inside like she’s four-years-old. That’s when she is most able to channel that uninhibited, 'born-to-be-wild' spirit which ignites her creativity.

Caren Libby is a native of St. Louis who lived in Northern California for 8 years. She has a corporate and entrepreneurial background in sales, marketing, and project management. In 2008, she founded Image Media, LLC as a photography and digital marketing company. She currently specializes in on-location portrait and event photography.

As an artist, Caren blends digital images with textures to create unique works of art. Her work has been displayed in galleries and businesses throughout St. Louis. She publishes stories on her gallery website that feature her photographs of cities, neighborhoods, and parks. She is currently working on a book called Exploring St. Louis: A Photographer’s Journey that will be published next year.

Listen as Caren speaks with What’s the Point? host Bill Ellis about how her life has evolved and grown, while retaining her childlike magic.

Links for This Episode:

CONTACT INFO:

Name: Caren Libby

Email: caren@carenlibby.com

Phone: 314-258-2718

Website: http://carenlibby.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn https: //www.linkedin.com/in/carenlibby

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carenlibby

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carenlibby/

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

WEBSITE:

The Good Advice Company

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethrosenberg/

Twitter: goodadviceco

Quick Episode Summary:

00:00 Introduction to today’s conversation with Caren Libby, a professional photographer
01:29 Caren talks about starting a business, Image Media LLC, in 2008
03:50 More about Image Media and beyond just the photography
09:52 Caren talks about her first book that is no longer available and if it ever will be
12:32 More about Caren’s family life and “grand buddies”
15:35 Caren’s passion of wanting to add value to people
18:49 How Caren’s gift and passion for photography started and developed over the years
25:33 Caren talks about her new book, expected in 2024 about photography in St. Louis
30:00 How photography has impacted Caren’s view of life, the world, and herself
37:00 Caren’s in depth look on building legacy
41:46 The importance of having a good filing system to keeping your memories safe
43:35 Caren talks about her idea of offering an extended photography experience
45:39 Caren’s answer to the question, “what’s the point?”

View Details

After a career in the Singaporean navy, Dr. Karuna Ramanathan took his experience with change leadership and organizational development to the private sector. His extensive studies and broad experience commanding ships of various sizes provided him with key insights about management, leadership, and organizational transformation.

Listen as Dr. Ramanathan shares those insights and his answer to the question “What’s the Point?” with host Bill Ellis.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Contact Info:

Name: Dr Karuna Ramanathan

Email: julie@pikkal.com (Podcast Outreach Manager)

Phone: +65 9088 9468

Website(s): https://krk.sg

Social Media Info:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karuna-ramanathan-885b52a/

Quick Episode Summary:

Introduction to today’s show and welcome to special guest, Dr. Karuna Ramanathan
Karuna is an organizational transformation consultant, stationed in Singapore
Karuna talks about the method behind mostly consulting local people rather than global
Karuna shares about his native country, Singapore
Karuna talks about the requirement of serving 2 years in the military and why he chose the Navy
A passion for leadership was formed when Karuna was selected into a leadership academy
Karuna talks about the long process of becoming a ship captain after 12 years
Karuna talks about the difference between leading a small ship versus a larger ship
Direct leadership is all about being relational
Karuna focuses on senior leadership, but transformation happens in middle management
Karuna breaks down why organizations fail and the keys to finding leadership success
The importance of change and how to realize that a change is needed in the organization
Karuna talks about how to settle between capacity and capability
Karuna talks about getting people to recognize and accept change
Karuna talks about the importance of working with their clients in person everyday
Valuing empathy and respect in the workplace
Karuna’s answer to “what’s the point?”

View Details

Do you struggle to live bright, bold, and brave? You’re not alone!

Mich Hancock is a brilliant example of how to accept life on life’s terms while being 100% true to who she is.

What best defines Mich, however, is that she craves meaningful connections with amazing people; if that’s you, start the conversation with her.

Mich (think Michelle without the elle) is the founder and CEO of 100th Monkey, a digital marketing agency that began in 2010. Mich is also the Co-Founder and License Holder of TEDxStLouis, an innovative and thought-provoking organization that brings TED Talk experiences to St. Louis.

On her popular MichMash Podcast, she interviews TEDx speakers, movers, and shakers. Listeners tune in to her unique, positive, and intriguing podcasts to learn new ways to positively impact their lives and communities by leveling up their kindness.

CONTACT INFO:

Email: mich@100thmm.com

Website: http://100thmm.com/

Phone: 314-303-3782

SOCIAL MEDIA:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michhancock/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/michhancock/

https://www.instagram.com/100th__monkey/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/888mich

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

WEBSITE:

The Good Advice Company

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethrosenberg/

Twitter: goodadviceco

Quick Episode Summary:

Introduction to special guest Mich Hancock
Mich talks about her company, 100th Monkey
Why Mich’s focus has gone towards digital media and the online world
Why Mich’s company is worth the investment for a company
The importance of getting comments on your social media posts
The power of marketing through social media
Managing and keeping up with algorithms
More about who Mich is and her life journey with alopecia
Mich’s advice on accepting others even though they are different
The premise behind the MichMash Podcast and interviewing TEDX speakers
Mich shares her favorite highlight moments from her guests on the MichMash Podcast
Teaching your children to honor their gut feeling
Mich talks about the difference between TEDX and TED
Mich talks about sourcing local speakers and helping prepare their TED talks
Mich gives her answer to the question, “what’s the point?”

View Details

As much as we plan, prepare, and work, life will bring unexpected challenges. The question becomes: “What am I willing to do to adjust and adapt?”

For Dr. Stephen Stowers, the first insurmountable challenge came when his patient-focused, empathetic approach to his practice was crushed when the “corporate” bottom-line-focus became paramount. Profit became the primary and driving factor with hospitals and big pharma,

Dr. Stowers closed his practice and moved to New Zealand, where he learned even more about a patient-first approach to health care.

Then, life presented yet another challenge, the good doctor became the patient.

Listen as, now retired, Dr. Stowers shares his insights regarding putting patients first, the healthcare industry, and overcoming personal challenges and be sure to grab a copy of his book Box of Birds (link below)

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

CONTACT INFO:

Email: stephenstowers@me.com

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Website: https://www.kiwicardiology.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephen.stowers1/

BOOK:

Box of Birds - https://amzn.to/3R51zxR

WEBSITE:

The Good Advice Company

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethrosenberg/

Twitter: goodadviceco

Quick Episode Summary:

Special guest Dr. Stephen Stowers shares about his experience in life and medicine
At the age of 68, Stephen developed Parkinson’s disease
Stephen shares stories of his childhood and his grandfather
Stephen talks about how his grandfather inspired him to get into medicine
Stephen opens up on being doubted and having to work hard to achieve his dreams
Stephen breaks down the years of schooling that it takes to become a cardiologist
How to get placed into a practice after finishing medical school
Stephen talks about the spiritual aspect of medicine and how it gets lost today
Stephen shares about his time living in New Zealand
How the medical field has become a profit driven corporation
New Zealand was focused on preventive health care and not profit driven
Stephen talks about his book, “Box of Birds” and what inspired the title
New Zealand’s emphasis on preventive care produces better outcomes
Stephen shares his answer to “what’s the point?”

View Details

Dan Rockwell is one of the most highly regarded voices in the field of leadership. His writings, anchored by the Leadership Freak blog, boast over 450,000 followers and are read in virtually every country on Earth.

Now he’s a published book author, creating a powerful parable, The Vagrant. His co-author, John David Mann, is himself, a global best-selling author of over 30 books.

In The Vagrant, Bob is so successful in business he is anticipating being promoted. Instead, he’s fired. Leaving the office after that experience, he encounters a vagrant and Bob’s life will never be the same.

Listen as Dan shares his personal journey in leadership, the impetus to writing his first business book, and some keen leadership advice with What’s the Point? host, Bill Ellis,

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

CONTACT INFO:

Name: Dan Rockwell

Email: dan@leadershipfreak.com

Phone: 570-651-5803

Website(s): leadershipfreak.blog

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/leadershipfreak

Facebook: Leadership Freak

Twitter: @‌leadershipfreak

BOOK:

The Vagrant: The Inner Journey of Leadership: A Parable: https://leadershipfreak.blog/the-vagrant/

WEBSITE:

The Good Advice Company

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethrosenberg/

Twitter: goodadviceco

Quick Episode Summary:

Special guest Dan Rockwell, well known in the field of leadership, recognized by Inc. Magazine, and has a daily blog called The Leadership Freak
Dan’s daily blog was not expected to be as successful as it is and it has changed their lives
Sometimes we act out of fear of not being enough and fear of not accomplishing what we want
Leadership Freak is a perfect example of being true to yourself with the content that you create
Posting daily for a blog requires a lot of reading and inspiration to keep up with fresh ideas
Becoming a great writer starts with becoming a great reader
Dan shares the story behind writing his book, “The Vagrant”
This book is a self reflection of the decisions we make affect the people we are leading
As a leader, if you learn how to notice yourself, you will start to notice others
A collision with reality is often times a slow moving thing and takes years to figure out
To grow as a leader we have to come to know ourselves and how others see us to better the people around us that we are leading
Dan’s book is a great combination of being entertained and learning
Dan’s what’s the point answer is to lead out of who you are and be the person you were created to be

View Details

Tessa Greenspan has literally gone from the outhouse behind her family’s small home in Arkansas to the penthouse she currently calls home. Her story is one of overcoming long odds through determination, creativity, positivity, and a firm belief in the Law of Attraction.

As a woman business owner in a male dominant industry, she was able to resurrect a business which was near bankruptcy and develop it into a highly profitable enterprise which she ran for nearly three decades.

Today Tessa's an inspirational speaker, business consultant, coach, mentor/ and positivity trainer. Listen as Tessa share’s her life challenges, successes, and lessons with host Bill Ellis.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Contact Info:

Name: Tessa Greenspan

Email: Tessa@TessaGreenspan.com

Phone : 314-210-6100

Website: TessaGreenspan.com

Social Media Info:

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessagreenspan/

Facebook:

(business) https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=tessa greenspan

(personal) Tessa Greenspan

Instagram: Instagram (@tessa.greenspan.official)

Book: From Outhouse to Penthouse: Life Lessons on Love, Laughter, and Leadership

WEBSITE:

The Good Advice Company

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethrosenberg/

Twitter: goodadviceco

Quick Episode Summary:

Tessa Greenspan: business mentor to bestselling author
Tessa is most known for flipping a business, losing a million dollars a year to making 10 million
The major lesson learned for Tessa in all of this is forgiveness
Tessa believes we cannot keep hold of something and still advance to the best of our ability
Pay attention, have diligence, embrace integrity
Tessa shares a saying her mother would always say, “You can be a victor or a victim, you choose.”
Tessa lives by, no matter what you do in life, do your best, with integrity and credibility
Get creative, do your research to help grow your business and provide value to your customers
One of Tessa’s creative ideas was to have a moving toy train in her store to appeal to families
Anyone can sell something, but giving an experience they will always remember is special
Tessa shares about her mother and the impact she had on her life
Tessa shares her passion behind her bestselling book, “From The Outhouse To The Penthouse”
Tessa wants readers to know that it doesn’t matter where you come from, it’s what you decide to do with your life
Tessa’s purpose in life is to touch anyone’s life that wants to be touched
Tessa encourages that whatever you want in life, put it out there and live life in expectancy
It is important to be grateful for where you are in order to get where you want to go

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Introduction

In this episode we explore three D’s of leadership: delegation, decision making, and dreaming. Two of the three are often top-of-mind for managers, but dreaming with your team is a new idea that gets everyone thinking bigger. We dig into these topics with a coach who works with leaders in the trenches every day.

Guest Bio

Drew Jackson believes that anyone can become a leader if they have the proper motivation and a clear plan for development. He communicates this message new book, The Executive Leader’s Handbook, and in his role as an executive coach and a leadership trainer for a wide array of organizations including Chick-fil-A, Lennox and Habitat for Humanity. Drew has been married to his wife Heather for 20 years, they have five kids and three dogs, and reside in Fort Worth, Texas.

What You’ll Learn

Why it’s difficult for some leaders to delegate

How situational delegation serves leaders well

How to become more confident in your decision making

Why “dreaming” is a big part of leader and team development

Links for This Episode:

Website: drewtjackson.com
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/DrewTJackson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewtjackson/
Download The Executive Leader’s Handbook FREE at: http://www.theexecutiveleadershandbook.com

Connect with Dr. Mike:

Website: https://www.drmikepatterson.com
Book: https://www.missionfirstpeoplealwaysbook.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaellpatterson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdrmikepatterson/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/drmikepatterson
Buy The Book!: Mission First People Always

Episode Minute By Minute:

0:02 What’s inside today’s episode!
4:19 Introduction and welcome to the Mission First People Always podcast.
5:12 Get to know Drew Jackson, and his work in leadership coaching and training.
6:30 Three topics for the episode: Delegation, Decision Making, and Dreaming.
7:05 Discussing the challenges of delegation for leaders and the reasons for their hesitation.
9:30 Fear and trust as factors influencing leaders' inability to delegate effectively.
11:00 Importance of extending trust to empower the team.
12:15 The impact of micromanagement on high-performing employees.
13:28 Approaches for effective delegation based on individuals' willingness and ability.
16:55 The significance of asking questions and seeking to understand employees' perspectives.
19:00 The higher stakes and interconnectedness of decisions as leaders.
20:10 Advice on becoming a better decision maker, focusing on being decisive and employing strategic planning.
21:15 The importance of accepting that not all decisions will be perfect and learning from outcomes.
21:47 Drew introduces the concept of "gap analysis" in decision making and shares the importance of having options when making decisions.
23:10 Drew explains the process of "GROW" (Goal, Reality, Options, Will) to improve decision-making.
25:20 The significance of good decision-making during historical events and its impact on the success of missions.
27:08 The importance of leaders dreaming and helping their team members find their dreams.
33:30 Drew suggests having regular one-on-one meetings with team members to ensure alignment and save time in the long run.
34:40 How to get a FREE copy of his book, "The Executive Leaders Handbook," follow the links for this episode to get yours today!

Mission First, People Always: The Definitive Guide to Balancing People and Performance

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When experts want to book more business, make more money, and maximize their results, they call Lois Creamer, the author of “Book More Business: Make Money Speaking” and “The Speaker Author: Sell More Books and Book More Speeches”. Lois work with speakers, consultants, and subject matter experts who want to fully monetize their message.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

CONTACT INFO:

Name: Lois Creamer

Address: 539 Bedford Oaks St. Louis, MO 63122

Phone: (314) 374-4007

Email: info@BookMoreBusiness.com

Website: Lois Creamer - Book More Business

Email: info@BookMoreBusiness.com Website: https://www.bookmorebusiness.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loiscreamer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loiscreamer/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loisbmb/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bookmorebusiness#p/u

Twitter: https://twitter.com/loiscreamer/

BOOKS available on Amazon and elsewhere;

“Book More Business: Make Money Speaking”

“The Speaker Author: Sell More Books and Book More Speeches”

Quick Episode Summary:

Lois Kramer got into speaking by accident after leaving her corporate job to raise her child.
She started working with Shep Hyken, a professional speaker, and learned about the speaking industry.
She focused on working with speakers, consultants, and subject matter experts to help them book more business, make more money, and monetize their message.
She believes that effective communication is crucial in various aspects of life and suggests incorporating Toastmasters into school curricula.
Lois acknowledges the importance of practicing and receiving feedback to become a powerful communicator.
Lois Kramer discusses the importance of communication and how Toastmasters can help improve communication skills.
She shares the concept of a positioning statement to effectively communicate expertise and stand out as a speaker.
Lois highlights the current opportunities in the speaking industry, particularly with the rise of virtual presentations.
She emphasizes the need for professional speakers to excel in both virtual and in-person settings.
Lois highlights the positive qualities of dogs, particularly her own dog Buddy, in terms of living in the present moment and maintaining a positive attitude.
She shares the benefits of writing and how it can complement speaking engagements, allowing for deeper exploration of expertise and providing additional value to clients.
She encourages speakers to negotiate and add value rather than lowering fees.
Lois concludes by emphasizing the importance of effective communication and encouraging individuals to become better communicators.

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In her late 30’s, Elizabeth Rosenberg suffered from severe corporate burnout. In a job she loved, traveling the world, living and what appeared to be the ideal life, Elizabeth landed in the emergency room with a migraine where she lost all of her motor skills. This became the foundation for reshaping her priorities in life.

In 2017 she leaned into focusing on her health and wellness (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual). It’s an ongoing journey that she will continue to explore.

Elizabeth quit her job on March 2, 2020 and launched The Good Advice Company shortly thereafter.

She’s an advanced Akashic Record Reader. In 2023, she came out of the “spiritual closet” and embarked on a personal mission to overcome spiritual bias in Corporate America.

Today, she works with a few select creative agencies and start-ups, but mostly with executive leaders in all industries who are looking for a sense of purpose, a personal brand architecture, and an honest, transparent partner by their side.

Listen as Elizabeth shares her insights on finding one’s purpose, evolving brands, embracing spirituality, and living a more fulfilling, and therefore happier, life.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

WEBSITE:

The Good Advice Company

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethrosenberg/

Twitter: goodadviceco

Quick Episode Summary:

Welcome, Elizabeth Rosenberg, a personal branding expert and communications consultant.
The story behind Elizabeth’s company name
Elizabeth helps people to create a personal brand that is media optimized for the world
The six steps of the personal branding process
Elizabeth explains what intuitive reading is and how she uses it in business
Our purpose ignites our passion
As your personal brand evolves, your purpose will evolve with it
Life purpose leads to fulfillment, work purpose leads to success
Second session with clients focuses on behavioral analytics
Third session is a very, in depth story mining
Fourth session focuses on a full bio redo
Last two sessions are a full Linkedin tutorial
Elizabeth’s answer to the question: What’s the point?

View Details

How does someone determined to be a band director end up being a multi-million dollar sales leader and a best-selling, award-winning author? Great question! There’s no better person to provide that answer than Jeff West, today’s guest on What’s the Point?

Jeff’s journey is one of being open to new opportunities, having a constant commitment to learning, and fully embracing his core purpose. One aspect of Jeff’s approach to business - to life - is to always be aware of what’s important to those he interacts with. Whether in a professional sense or on a personal basis, West, seeks to add value to others, while remaining true to his own principals and goals

Listen as Jeff shares his story of growth, evolution, motivation, growth, and success with host, Bill Ellis.

‌

CONTACT INFO:

Name: Jeff C. West

Email: jeff@jeffcwest.com

Phone: 713-213-5900

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Website(s)

https://jeffcwest.com

https://fusionpoints.com

https://coauthoryourmessage.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffcwest/

Facebook: Jeff West

Twitter: JeffCWestAuthor or @‌JeffCWestAuthor

BOOKS, PROGRAMS, & OTHER RESOURCES

Said the Lady with the Blue Hair: https://jeffcwest.com/stlwtbh

The Unexpected Tour Guide:

The Unexpected Tour Guide | Jeff C West

Free Fusion Points® Consultation for Sales Team Leaders and Entrepreneurs: https://fusionpoints.com

Free 3-Video Sales Training Course: https://survivalskillsforcommissionsalespeople.com

Free Sales and Leadership Coaching (Weekly Email Series, 2 Great PDFs and 3 Chapters of The Unexpected Tour Guide):

ULTIMATE FREE COACHING LANDING PAGE | Jeff C West

Quick Episode Summary:

Welcome Jeff West, multi million dollar sales professional and author
The Unexpected Tour Guide
Partnering with Lisa Wilbur for a new book in 2019
How Jeff went from studying music education to becoming a salesman
The connection between logic and emotion and the science of persistence
Unpacking the 3 steps of influence
How to determine if someone has the potential to be a great speaker
Jeff’s answer to the question: What’s the point?

View Details

Everyone has unique skills, perspective, and experience - yet many of us don’t realize the advantage they present us with. It’s not uncommon for us to benefit from an outside, independent, resource that can put our assets into context. That’s where Patty Block comes in.

In her book, Your Hidden Advantage™: Unlock the Power to Attract Right-fit Clients and Boost Your Revenue, Patty reveals a new perspective and proven, practical solutions, guiding women to unleash their inner power to run their business with less stress and more joy, achieving a more profitable future.

While framed as a book for females, Patty’s insights are beneficial regardless of gender. Listen as Patty shares her knowledge with What’s the Point? host Bill Ellis.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Website: https://www.theblockgroup.net/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattyblock/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patty.block/

Patty’s Book: Your Hidden Advantage: Unlock the Power to Attract Right-fit Clients and Boost Your Revenue http://www.yourhiddenadvantage.com/

Quick Episode Summary:

Welcome Patty Block, author and advisor to female business owners
From business owner to employee to business owner again
The decision to focus on women and building a brand new business
A choice to go virtual that setup Patty for incredible success
Not just handing out business cards but right fit clients
The hidden advantage, something every business owner has
Strategic pricing models built on value being brought to clients
The broken cookie effect and the SNAP system
The communication challenges for women in business
What to do when you encounter bias against females in business
Patty Block’s answer to - What’s the point?

View Details

Sometimes what seems like a disaster is actually a catalyst for changes not thought of before. That was the case for Lida Citroen. When the economy tanked in 2008, Lida was one of countless successful corporate executives who were suddenly unemployed.

What did she do? She consulted with a coach and had an epiphany. “I can be an entrepreneur!” And that’s exactly what she did.

Now she helps other executives further develop their personal brand and manage their reputation. That work helped guide Lida to some of her most fulfilling work today, helping veterans transition from the military to civilian life and work.

Listen as Lida shares her experience and insights while delivering actionable advice about brand building and reputation management with What’s the Point? host, Bill Ellis.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lida360/ Facebook: LIDA360

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lida_citroen/

Twitter: LIDA360

CONTACT INFO: Name: Lida Citroën Email: Lida@LIDA360.com Phone: (720)840-3388 Website: www.LIDA360.com

Quick Episode Summary:

Welcome Lida Citroen, expert in personal branding and reputation managing consultant
How Lida discovered what she wanted to do
The importance of knowing your values
The right questions and understanding goals to get clients where they need to be
The difference between authenticity and transparency
When shrinking your network can actually benefit you
How to become a person of value in a service to others
How Lida serves our veterans with her branding expertise

View Details

Her next move was retirement - her first professional failure.

CONTACT INFO:

Name Mitch Meyers

Email mitch@beleafco.com

Phone 618-709-6529

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

HOME

BeLeaf Life's Oils

BeLeaf Medical

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: Beleaf Medical; Swade Cannabis

Facebook: BeLeaf Medical; Swade Cannabis

Instagram: swade_cannabis

Twitter: Beleaf Medical

Quick Episode Summary:

Welcome Mitch Meyers, one of the leading faces of the medical cannabis industry
Mitch’s pedigree including marketing background at Anheuser-Busch
Medicinal cannabis vs recreational marijuana use
BeLeaf and bringing medicinal cannabis to Missouri
Big Pharma and synthetic CBD
This is an industry and you can be employed in it
Mitch Meyers answer to - What’s the Point?

View Details

When it comes to purpose, passion, and persistence, few have as compelling a story as Dr. Salvatore Forcina!

As a child born in Italy during World War II, Dr. Salvatore’s early years were spent poverty-stricken and without any proper shelter.

Like many Italians at the time, his parents followed a popular migration to Argentina, a stable country that offered rich natural resources and the chance for a more stable life.

Shortly after arriving in Argentina, he was sent away to live with an order of priests for seven years, as they offered the only available avenue for educating the boy.

The one thing that kept him going during this lonely time was his dream to study medicine and live a life whose focus was on helping people. His indefatigable determination eventually compelled him to enter and graduate from medical school, emigrate to America and become the chief of surgery at two major hospitals.

Listen as Dr. Forcina shares his story and talks about his book The American Doctor with host Bill Ellis.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

CONTACT INFO:

Name: Dr. Salvatore Forcina

Email: Diana@dalynmillerpr.com or salvatore.j.forcina.md@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Salvatore-Forcina/100080742693642/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsalvatoreforcinamd/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrSalForcina

BOOK:

https://www.amazon.com/American-Doctor-Salvatore-J-Forcina/dp/1592112099 or https://histriabooks.com/product/the-american-doctor/

Quick Episode Summary:

Get to know Dr. Salvatore Forcina
Dr. Salvatores experience fleeing Italy to Argentina
The impact of Sal’s parents and the ‘drip method’
What goest Dr. Salvatore the determination to finish medical school
The emergence of “The American Doctor”
The significance of general care and general empathy
Dr. Salvatore Forcina answer to - What’s the point?

View Details

How does a girl born in a small Texas town go to university on a full drama scholarship yet becomes a general contractor building houses and ultimately become the CEO of Faith Based Counselor Training Institute? Great question.

Listen as Holly Haynes shares her story of how following her passion and purpose throughout her life led her to the ideal position - both professionally and personally.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

CONTACT INFO:

Website: Faith Based Counselor Training Institute
SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:
Facebook: Faith Based Counselor Training Institute
YouTube: Faith Based Counselor Training Institute
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichaelkhaynes/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faith-based-counselor-training-institute/
Twitter: fbcticounselor
BOOK: (Available to download for free on www.fbcti.org)

Quick Episode Summary:

Welcome and introduction to Holly Haynes of Faith Based Counselor Training Institute
How does a girl from Paris, Texas become a general contractor?
What was the learning curve like for a female in a predominantly male industry?
Some major life shifts and new locations such as Colorado and Belize
The 5 P’s of purpose according to Holly
How Holly’s journey took her from contracting to running her father’s institute
How Holly’s answer to - What’s the point?

View Details

Brian Ahearn is the Chief Influence Officer at Influence PEOPLE. He specializes in applying the science of influence in everyday situations. He’s one of only a dozen individuals in the world who holds the Cialdini Method Certified Trainer designation.

Brian’s first book, Influence PEOPLE, was named one of the Top 100 Influence Books of All Time by BookAuthority. His second book, Persuasive Selling, was an Amazon new release bestseller. His latest book, The Influencer: Secrets to Success and Happiness, is a business parable.

Brian’s LinkedIn courses have been viewed by more than 500,000 people around the world.

Listen as Brian shares his powerful insights, vast experience, and actionable tactics with host Bill Ellis

CONTACT INFO:

Name - Brian Ahearn

Email - Brian.Ahearn@influencepeople.biz

Phone - 614.313.1663

Website(s) - https://www.influencepeople.biz

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfahearn/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IinfluencePeopleBrianAhearn

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BrianAhearn

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Quick Episode Summary:

Welcome Brian Ahearn to the show and why he is 1 of only 12 people in the world with this designation
How do you differentiate influence and manipulation
What’s the easiest way to define manipulation?
Brian’s backstory, where he comes from and how he got to where he is now
Sometimes our dreams come true and we don’t even realize it
Power lifter and marathon runner, oil and water, right?
Influence People and other books by Brian Ahearn
How to hold onto your ethics and standards in sales, corporate settings and more
A virtuous cycle versus manipulation

View Details

“It's the sum of our everyday choices that defines who we are.” so says Colleen Doyle Bryant.

Colleen is an expert on common decency and the author of five books and more than 50 learning resources about character and values. Her latest book, Rooted in Decency, looks at the decline in common decency in society and ways that we can build more trust and cooperation. Colleen’s Talking with Treesseries for elementary students and Truth Be Told Quotes series for teens are used in curriculums around the world with more than 100,000 of her good values resources downloaded each year.

“When you think about it, most of life isn’t about big defining moments—those are few and far between. Really, we create ourselves in the little daily choices that show we’re honest, kind, and responsible. Choice by choice—layer by layer—we create ourselves.” Listen as Colleen shares her insights this and her mission to restore common decency with show host Bill Ellis

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Colleen Doyle Bryant

Email: info@lovewellpress.com

Website: colleendoylebryant.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-doyle-bryant-8154042/

Facebook

Colleen Doyle Bryant Author

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/colleendoylebryant/

Twitter

colleendbryant

Other

LoveWell Press (LoveWellPress) - Profile | Pinterest

Quick Episode Summary:

Welcome Colleen Doyle Bryant, expert in common decency!
Colleen discusses being nice for the wrong reason and how it all started for her
Colleen shares about her background from Duke University and living in China
How Colleen’s children opened her eyes to HUMAN issues beyond her families own background
“Talking with Trees” an incredible book series for children that explores every day issues
Lessons learned from children transitioning to adulthood
Sharing about Rooted Indecency and the exploration of adult behaviors
The four core values that govern civil human life
Let’s talk about compassion vs empathy
Colleen’s books are also widely available as teaching resources!
What’s the point as stated by Colleen

View Details

How does a 7-year-old boy learning to play the ukulele in Tulsa, Oklahoma become known world-wide as a master of the Flamenco guitar?

Purpose. Passion. Persistence.

Ronald Radford learned guitar prior to hearing - and falling in love with - Flamenco guitar. He was immediately “all in” - his thirst to master this musical style fully ignited. A series of events led to him beginning his career as a student of the legendary Flamenco guitarist Carlos Montoya and studied classical guitar with Andres Segovia.

He is the only individual ever to be awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in Flamenco guitar and traveled thousands of miles in Spain studying the music of the Spanish Gypsies.

He has performed at New York's Carnegie Hall, Washington's Kennedy Center and at colleges and concert halls across the United States.

Through his travels, Ron was made aware of a death-row prisoner in Texas, a leading advocate for him. That led to Radford becoming the administrator of an amazing Prison Transformation Project.

Listen as Ron shares his adventures and accomplishments with What’s the Point? host Bill Ellis.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

CONTACT INFO:

Name: Ronald Radford
Email: ron@ronaldradford.com
Website(s) www.ronaldradford.com (currently being redesigned)
SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:
Facebook http://Facebook.com/Ronald.Radford.5
Full Concert Video: Live Your Passion
https://vimeo.com/pierpontproductions/ronaldradford Password: LiveYourPassion

Ron is the Administrator of an amazing Prison Transformation Project.

Here are some important Links:

Reprint of Ron’s report on Roger McGowen:
https://www.7sky.life/roger-mcgowen-changes-an-entire-prison-culture/
Website on Roger McGowen (Includes a documentary film by Nicholas Pallay):
https://www.rogermcgowen.org

Quick Episode Summary:

Get to know Ron Radford
What led Ron Radford to the music industry
What makes Flamenco music so unique
When Ron got his big break in NYC
When Ron played at Carnegie Hall
Ron’s time playing his music around the world
How Ron is creating impact beyond the stage
The three “P’s” for success
How Ron is helping inmates transform their lives
The gift of unlimited improvement

View Details

Tambry Harris found her voice, named her truth, and created a vision to help others who have experienced the pain and shame of abuse find healing, strength, and freedom. She has a Masters in Applied Psychology and certifications in the areas of Leadership Coaching, Spiritual Direction, Change Management, and Diversity. Through her organization, Going Forward: Survivors to Thrivers, she provides individual guidance, retreats, and speaking engagements to bring awareness and light into the shame and silence of abuse and trauma.

Tambry's gifted a limiting belief exercise to my listeners....here's the link for that!

https://www.survivorstothrivers.com/download-the-limiting-belief-exercise

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Email tambryharris@bellsouth.net
Phone 704-281-9637
Website(s) tambryharris.com and survivorstothrivers.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tambry-harris-8a01b0b
Facebook: survivorstothriversofficial
Instagram: @survivorstothrivers

Quick Episode Summary:

Get to know Tambry
What is the core you?
What led Tambry to pursue healing
It takes courage to do self-work
We can all have a butterfly transformation
The story behind Strivers to Thrivers
Claim the chapter in your life
Bill’s journey to recovery
A look into Tambry’s recent books
Working towards significance over success
Tambry’s answer to - What’s The Point?

View Details

As a Mental Toughness Coach, Chris Dorris is ultimately in the business of Success Coaching. He helps people close the gap between how their lives are and how they want them to be.

Starting his career as a social worker working on the streets of Atlantic City, helping the mentally ill, drug addicted and homeless populations upgrade their lives, provided Chris with a unique perspective on persistence and the power of belief.

That insight led him to marry his passion for the power of the human spirit with his passion for sports. He enrolled at the graduate school at Arizona State University, where he created an internship with the Men’s Golf Team. That position evolved into a paid position as the team's formal Mental Toughness Coach. Over the course of ten years, Dorris really learned a ton about the mechanics of training the mind.

Today, Chris applies the Mental Toughness tools he's developed through the years, to his coaching, speaking, and writing career.

Want to your mental toughness and live life on your terms? Listen as he shares his insights, experience, and humor with host Bill Ellis.

Links for This Episode:

CONTACT INFO:

Name: Chris Dorris

Email: chris@christopherdorris.com
Websites: https://christopherdorris.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdorris
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisdorris
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thementalcoach
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrisdorris

CURRENT PROJECTS:

WORKSHOPS: Mental Toughness Mantras Corporate Workshop Series
https://christopherdorris.com/web-based-training
BOOK: The Book of Mental Toughness Mantras https://www.amazon.com/Book-Mental-Toughness-Mantras-ebook/dp/B0BHM8831D/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
PODCAST: https://christopherdorris.com/mental-toughness-podcast-tough-talks/

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Quick Episode Summary:

Get to know Chris Dorris
What “mental toughness” means
Why Chris wanted to commit his life to serving people
A book that changed Chris’ life
When people are at their best
What does perfect look like for you?
The power of being fully present
The best things Chris has ever created
Tips for everyone in sales and marketing
Chris Dorris’s answer to - What’s The Point?

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Juggling led Jeff Koziatek to the life of a well-known entertainer. He performed in a variety of venues and formats around the world.

Life as a juggler also led Jeff to the challenge of how to juggle his professional life and his personal life.

Solving that puzzle, in turn, led Jeff to a life as a business advisor, author, speaker, and peak performance coach.

Listen as Jeff discusses with host Bill Ellis, how to live life to the fullest by effectively juggling (meaning managing) the many facets of your life!

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

CONTACT INFO:

Name: Jeff Koziatek

Email: Jeff@CoreAuthenticity.com

Phone: 314-852-1134

Website: www.CoreAuthenticity.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkoziatek

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coreauthenticity

Instagram: @coreauthenticity

Twitter: @coreauthentic

Book: Blueprint For Value: 52 Habits to Discover and Strengthen Your Personal Worth (Volume 1) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1732691304?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Quick Episode Summary:

How Bill would describe Jeff Koziatek
How Jeff discovered his purpose
How Jeff would define burnout
A look into Jeff’s books
The importance of listening to others
The values that guide Jeff’s life
How to identify your core values
Why Jeff loves audiobooks
Jeff’s answer to - What’s The Point?

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"Purpose is a source of renewable energy that will power humanity forward." This quote, from today's guest Akhtar Badshah, hits at the root of the What's the Point? podcast. Purpose. Badshah is Chief Catalyst – Catalytic Innovators Group and co-founder Center for Purpose Mindset.

His book, The Purpose Mindset, shares the five principles that help you move the focus on the "me" to the focus on the "we" and extends the common good. Learn how you can develop a purpose mindset and inspire others to join you in making the world a better place.

Listen as Akhtar Badshah explains the power of purpose with host Bill Ellis.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

CONTACT INFO:

Name: Akhtar Badshah

Email: akhtarb@uw.edu or akhtarb@outlook.com

Phone: 425-445-8739

Website(s):

www.catalyticinnovatorsgroup.com

www.purpose-mindset.org

www.akhtarbadshah.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhtar-badshah-6250105

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akhtar.badshah

Instagram: @akhtarbad

Twitter: @akhtarbad

Quick Episode Summary:

Get to know Akhtar
The crazy journey that led Akhtar to his passion
It’s okay to NOT know your purpose
The purpose trinity
What Akhtar learned from Bill Gates
Shifting from “me” to “we”
Why “the great resignation” is happening
Akhtar's answer to - What’s The Point?

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Rocky Sickmann is a kind, grateful, selfless, caring, gentleman - and true American Patriot. His story is one that everyone absolutely needs to learn.

If you've not listened to, or watched, Part 1 of Iranian Hostage - American Patriot featuring Rocky Sickmann, it's suggested that you do prior to experiencing Part 2.

In Part 1, Rocky shares the story of becoming a Marine, being held hostage for 444 days, how that resolved, and the keys to his survival during captivity.

Part 2 focuses on Rocky's life after regaining his freedom. Rocky learned that many of his colleagues had been released much earlier than he and his 51 fellow captives. He tells the devastation of learning that eight Americans lost their lives during a failed rescue attempt - the people that Rocky calls the true heroes.

From Iranian hostage, to husband and father, to business executive, to a passionate advocate for Folds of Honor, Rocky has lived his life committed to his original core values. Love of Family. Love of Faith. Love of Country. Add to that Love of Freedom and you'll begin to see what makes a true American Patriot.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Email: rsickmann@foldsofhonor.org
Website: https://foldsofhonor.org

Quick Episode Summary:

Welcome back Rocky Sickmann!
One documentary Rocky recommends we watch
How Rocky’s wife has helped keep him going
Walking the red carpet for Algo
How Rocky smuggled his diary out of prison
How Rocky’s diary became a book
The significant meaning behind the number 444
How Rocky stays in alignment
The story behind FOLDS of Honor
Rocky’s answer to - What’s the point?

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Rocky Sickmann is a kind, grateful, selfless, caring, gentleman - and true American Patriot. His story is one that everyone absolutely needs to learn.

If you've not listened to, or watched, Part 1 of Iranian Hostage - American Patriot featuring Rocky Sickmann, it's suggested that you do prior to experiencing Part 2.

In Part 1, Rocky shares the story of becoming a Marine, being held hostage for 444 days, how that resolved, and the keys to his survival during captivity.

From Iranian hostage, to husband and father, to business executive, to passionate advocate for Folds of Honor, Rocky has lived his life committed to his original core values. Love of Family. Love of Faith. Love of Country. Add to that Love of Freedom and you'll begin to see what makes a true American Patriot.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Name: Rocky Sickmann
Email: rsickmann@foldsofhonor.org
Website: https://foldsofhonor.org/

Quick Episode Summary:

Get to know Rocky Sickmann
What life was like for Rocky growing up
What we can learn from President Jimmy Carter
The day that changed everything for Rocky
What it was like being a prisoner of war
The feeling of being forgotten
When Rocky finally knew he was free
What’s coming up on part two

View Details

Rocky Sickmann is a kind, grateful, selfless, caring, gentleman - and true American Patriot. His story is one that everyone absolutely needs to learn.

If you've not listened to, or watched, Part 1 of Iranian Hostage - American Patriot featuring Rocky Sickmann, it's suggested that you do prior to experiencing Part 2.

In Part 1, Rocky shares the story of becoming a Marine, being held hostage for 444 days, how that resolved, and the keys to his survival during captivity.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Name: Rocky Sickmann
Email: rsickmann@foldsofhonor.org
Website: https://foldsofhonor.org/

Quick Episode Summary:

Get to know Rocky Sickmann
What life was like for Rocky growing up
What we can learn from President Jimmy Carter
The day that changed everything for Rocky
What it was like being a prisoner of war
The feeling of being forgotten
When Rocky finally knew he was free
What’s coming up on part two

View Details

What helps set Fleet apart from many others, is that he has navigated his own journey - one which took him from hell on earth to the highly respected, loved, person he is today.

Life can be overwhelming for all of us at times. For others, it can seem that life's challenges are endless. One key take away from Fleet in today's episode is to keep in mind that Hope Wins!

Listen as Fleet shares his personal journey, his professional insights, and his genuine humanity with host Bill Ellis.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Links for This Episode:

Guest: Norfleet Rand
Email: frand@solutionscounseling.com
Phone: +1-636-449-6000

Quick Episode Summary:

Get to know Fleet Rand
How Fleet generates his client base
Fleet’s answer to - What’s The Point?
How Fleet has always been a seeker
It’s okay to ask others for help
How to love people unconditionally
How Fleet was introduced to spirituality
Fleet’s idea of how to create hope and opportunities

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The Great American Road Trip has been a staple of life in the U.S. for decades. There are so many places to see, visit, experience. Sometimes getting there can seem like a chore. But now, there's a travel 'oasis' on I-55 and I-44.

Michael Rubenstein and his partners have brought his vision of the ideal highway stop to life in the form of Wally's - THE Great American Road Trip. The concept is brilliant and the road to its creation is a remarkable road of its own.

Listen as Michael discusses his journey from small town boy to successful businessman to entrepreneur making his vision a reality.

Knowing our purpose ignites our passion and with persistence, dreams can come true.

Connect with Guest:

CONTACT INFO:

Name: Michael Rubenstein
Email: michael@wallys.com
Website(s) wallys.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wallys
Instagram: @wallys

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Quick Episode Summary:

Get to know Michael Rubenstein!
What makes Wally's different from the competition
How Wally’s came to be what it is today
How your “passions” may not lead you to your purpose
How Wally’s has helped transform a small economy
Tips for creating a great culture in your business
Michael’s answer to - What’s The Point?

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In this enlightening, entertaining, and quite humorous episode, Coach Shaquan shares her journey to discovering - and living - her ultimate life purpose. If you think you'll never find your “secret sauce”, if you believe you're stuck, if you're short on hope - listen to Shaquan as she speaks about tapping into her BS - her Belief System - allowing her to live in her purpose.

—

Connect with Shaquan:

Email: coach@coachshaquanspeaks.com
Website: coachshaquanspeaks.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/coachshaquan/ or @Coach Shaquan
Facebook: facebook.com/coachshaquan
Instagram: @coachshaquan
YouTube: Coach Shaquan

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Quick Episode Summary:

Get to know Coach Shaquan
How true connection begins
How Shaquan fell in love with communication
How Shaquans communication style changed in marriage
The 5 communication styles
The difference between aggressive and assertive communication
Why Shaquan decided to leave corporate
Why identifying your belief systems is critical for success
Shaquans answer to - What’s The Point?

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In Marc D. Braun's own words: "If you really knew me, you'd know that I love growth. I love the uncomfortable feeling I get when stretching and growing as a leader."

Growth almost always entails some level of discomfort, challenge, and fear. The best way to get past those concerns is to go at them head-on...and that takes courage.

For most, tapping into that courage is helped by having the right mindset. Getting the right mindset is more easily achieved with the help of a coach.

Marc D. Braun is such a coach. As he puts it: "My life's purpose is to encourage (breathe courage into) others to become everything they were created to be. This passion has led to a lifetime of pursuing challenge after challenge, testing my potential, and encouraging others to do the same."

Listen to Marc's insights as he shares his experience with What's the Point? host, Bill Ellis.

Connect with Marc:

Email: coaching@marcdbraun.com
Website: https://www.marcdbraun.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcdbraun/

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Quick Episode Summary:

The two things that sum up Mark
How Mark got into chemical engineering
How Mark learned about business
Learning the skill of empathy
The book Mark thinks everyone should read
How to pick the right coach for you
The definition of courage
Mark's answer to - What’s The Point?

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"The world isn't going to hand anything to you; you've got to get it!" Russell Ledet not only says this - he lives it! He also says, "Time is a non-refundable resource."

What he's most proud of and committed to, however, is being a loving, present father and husband.

If you tell yourself, "I just don't have time" or "I can't do that", you really need to listen, learn, and enjoy as "RJ" shares his incredible journey with host Bill Ellis

Connect with Russell:

Email: russell.ledet@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjledet/
Website: https://www.the15whitecoats.org/

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Guest info:

Website: www.elevatestlouis.org
Frank Bell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankbell-elevate/
Elevate St. Louis LinkedIn: https//www.linkedin.com/company/elevatestlouis/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElevateStLouis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevatestlouis/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ElevateStLouis

Quick Episode Summary:

Get to know Russell Ledet, MD, PhD, MBA
The only limits in life are the ones we create
What led Russell to his life today
The Facebook post that started it all
A look into just how far we have come
The power of being surrounded by a community
No one accomplishes anything alone
Russell’s answer to - What’s The Point?

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If you've heard the phrase "Pass It On," you'll relate to Frank Bell's story. As with many a college freshmen, Frank had little direction and no idea of his purpose. Thanks to several caring and supportive people, Frank eventually found his stride and graduated with a Masters degree.

As a result, he is determined to help others with the same guidance, support, and care that he received. For thirty years, Frank has invested himself into meaningful work, high education, nonprofit leadership, and community development.

On February 1, 2017, Frank became the first Executive Director of Elevate St. Louis, the local branch of the nationwide Elevate organization.

Frank’s life can be summed up by his organization’s slogan, “No one gets there alone”. Every accomplishment he has achieved has always come by collaborating with people who work for the good of their communities.

Listen as he discusses the gifts he's received and those he helps to give in support of bettering lives and communities.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Guest info:

Website: www.elevatestlouis.org
Frank Bell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankbell-elevate/
Elevate St. Louis LinkedIn: https//www.linkedin.com/company/elevatestlouis/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElevateStLouis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevatestlouis/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ElevateStLouis

Quick Episode Summary:

We never know the ripple effect our actions can have
How Bill and Frank first met
The history of Elevate St. Louis
Why Elevate focus on serving minority
The importance of knowing someone's story
Real success story’s from Elevate
What life was like for Frank growing up
Frank’s answer to - What’s The Point?

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From accomplished corporate executive to successfully building and running a national business, Kim Davidson has followed the Master's plan. Her faith and love of God has guided her throughout her life, on both professional and personal fronts.

Listen as Kim shares her story of faith, commitment, service, and love with host Bill Ellis on this episode of What's the Point?

CONTACT INFO:

Contact Info:

Kim Davidson

Email: ETSuperior@sbcglobal.net

Phone: 314-830-4107

Shalom Church City of Peace

5491 N Highway 67

Florissant, MO. 63034

314-653-2300

Pastor, Dr. Freddie James Clark

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

Get to know Kim Davidson
The Master’s plan vs your plan
How Kim became an internationally recognized entrepreneur
The seed Dave Stewart planted in Kim’s life
The importance of having and being a mentor
How to have more confidence in your partners
A look into Biblical Bible Training
The truth will always stand strong
How the pandemic impacted Kim’s business
Why it’s important to stay humble (even with your clients)
Kim’s answer to - What’s the Point?

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When your middle name (Madat) translates to "help", there's a high probability that there's a reason. Likky Madat Lavji's purpose in life is to help others, through his coaching, speaking, and his book. What got him on that path? Our childhood experiences can have quite an impact on our lives - and, in turn, those we encounter on our journey. Likky was born in Africa, moved at a young age to Pakistan for a short while, then his family immigrated to Canada. Kids being kids, he was teased mercilessly by his school mates because he looked and sounded differently than they. The result was that he developed a stutter that would stay with him well into adulthood. That stutter left in an almost unbelievable scenario as Likky worked to hone his craft of helping others. It's a perfect example of the Go-Giver Law of Receptivity and the Law of Left Field. You'll want to listen to Likky's conversation with host, Bill Ellis, to learn about his experience and how he helps countless people to eliminate the BS from their lives CONTACT INFO:

Name: Likky Lavji

Website(s): https://likkylavji.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/likkylavji
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/likky.lavji
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/likkylavji/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/likkylavji

BLINDSPOT INFO:

Death by BS book: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/177763220X
BlindSpot Global website: https://www.blindspotsglobal.com/
BlindSpot assessment: https://likkylavji.com/blind-spot-assessment

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

Get to know Likky Lavji
How Likky is helping transform leadership teams
A look into Likky’s book and his definition of “BS”
The importance of addressing blind spots
The mystery with communication
Understanding your trigger topics
Effective honesty vs brutal honesty
The 7 laws of success
The two ways to work with Likky
Likky Lavji’s answer to - What’s The Point?

Death by BS: Navigating Your Blind Spots to become a Better Leader

View Details

Now, more than ever, people are questioning their professional paths, their personal wants and needs, and what the future holds.

What's the Point? they ask.

Should I change things? What should I do? How do I do so? How do I discover the success I yearn for?

Well, the good news is there's help. If you're bored, burned out, or frustrated with your career, you should meet Bernie Frazier. Her answer is simple (though NOT easy)...as she says "Your Success is in YOU!"

Not just the title of her powerful book, but a philosophy that has allowed her to help hundreds of individuals discover the answers they sought to the above questions and pursue a career which fulfilled their souls.

Listen as Bernie shares her secrets to success and happiness with What's the Point? host Bill Ellis. She's sure to inspire you to pursue the best path for you.

LINKS:

GUEST CONTACT INFO:

Email Bernie@CAREERCompassLLC.com
Phone (314) 482-5650
Website(s) www.CAREERCompassLLC.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/berniefrazier
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CAREERCompassLLC
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bernie.frazier
Twitter: @bafrazier

Book and other offerings:

Book: “Your Success is in YOU!: Empowering and Equipping You to Create Your Best Career Ever!” https://YourSuccessIsInYOU.com

Offerings: 1:1 coaching

*FREE online training:

“5 Steps to Finding Your Courage to Live Authentically and Unapologetically” https://CAREERCompassLLC.com/5-Steps

*3-part online training series: “Living Life on PURPOSE” https://CAREERCompassLLC.com/living-life-on-purpose

Speaking:

“Your Success is in YOU!”
“Let L.O.V.E. (tm) Grow Your Results: Engaging Your Employees for"
"Productivity, Profitability, & Competitive Advantage”
"Winning the War for Talent”
“Networking to Get the Results You Want”
“Bringing Your A-Game to Your Next Interview"
“Negotiating to Get Paid What You’re Worth”

Customization: I can also create a customized career/professional development message.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

Get to know our amazing guest
The purpose behind Career Compass
The importance of having a cheerleader
Without receiving there is no giving
An exercise to help clarify your next steps
Remaining flexible and why it will serve you well
Finding purpose in work and home life
How to develop the hunger to succeed
Facing your fears head-on
Bernie’s answer to - What’s the point?

View Details

Good companies have a PURPOSE.
Great companies have a SOUL.

So says Ralf Specht, today's guest on What's the Point?. He is the author of the newly published book “Building Corporate Soul” and he developed the Soul System™, a framework that powers culture and success for any business.

After two decades with McCann Erickson in various executive roles, he was a founding partner of Spark44, an innovative, industry-first joint venture with Jaguar Land Rover. Under his leadership as CEO, Spark44 grew to a 1,200 people business in 18 countries.

His driving vision is to make soulless companies a thing of the past.

Listen as Ralf shares his valuable insights with host Bill Ellis. You're sure to be enlightened!

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Guest info:

Email: ralf@buildingcorporatesoul.com
Website: www.buildingcorporatesoul.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ralf-specht-b21b8529/

Get the book! Building Corporate Soul
https://buildingcorporatesoul.com/get-the-book/

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

Get to know Ralf Specht
Bringing a spirit to your company
Taking intelligent risk
Shared purpose, understanding, and behavior.
Why team culture is critical for businesses
A look into Ralf’s journey
What we can all learn from Apple and Porsche
The great reshuffle
The soul index and how it works
Ralf’s answer to - What’s The Point?
The soul system

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Stephen Shedletzky—or “Shed” to his friends—helps leaders listen to and nurture the voice of others. He supports humble leaders—those who know they are both a part of the problems they experience and the solutions they can create—as they put their people and purpose first.

Listen as Shed speaks with What's the Point? host Bill Ellis as they discuss, leadership, purpose, humility, and much more - all of which will make you a better leader, a better communicator, a better person!

CONTACT INFO:

Name: Stephen “Shed” Shedletzky (Shed-let’s-ski)
Website(s): www.shedinspires.com (in construction now)

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/stephenshedletzky/
Instagram: @shedinspires
Twitter: @shedinspires

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Quick Episode Summary:

Welcome back to What’s The Point!
Get to know Stephen "Shed" Shedletzky
When Shed started to see the world differently
Shed’s time with Simon Sinek
Creating a more “speak-up” culture
A leader vs a driver
Pursuing true humility
The results of unhealthy culture
The one thing leaders can’t teach
Physiological safety and why we need it
Does age and finding your purpose correlate?
Shed’s answer to - What’s The Point?

View Details

What makes a successful and enduring marriage or meaningful relationship? Many answer with one word - love. Love, of course, is essential. However, to say that love is the singular key, is similar to saying that oxygen is the sole key to life.

Creating and maintaining love takes commitment. It takes care, effort, and giving - lots and lots of giving. Not giving material things (though that is often nice) - but giving consideration, support, understanding, thoughtfulness, and true care for one's partner.

John David Mann, is the co-author of more than 30 books, including four New York Times bestsellers and five national bestsellers. Ana Gabriel Mann earned her degree in clinical psychology before going on to serve as an educator, therapist, corporate trainer, speaker, and coach.

Together, they've authored the Go-Giver Marriage, a book inspired by their own story of lasting love. Whether you're in a relationship or hope to be, this book is for you! It's a book you'll want to own for yourself- and gift to people you care about.

A loving, healthy, caring relationship carries over into every aspect of a person's life. Not just on a personal basis, but in the workplace, the community, the family - everywhere.

Listen as Ana and John Mann share their five secrets to a lasting love.

Buy "The Go-Giver Marriage" wherever books are sold!

PRE-ORDER NOW (before March 8th) AND RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE GIFTS! Details at www.gogivermarriage.com

Connect with John David Mann:

johndavidmann@me.com
www.johndavidmann.com

Social media:

instagram.com/johndavidmann
facebook.com/johndavidmann
twitter.com/johndavidmann
linkedin.com/in/johndavidmann

Connect with Ana Gabriel Mann:

anagabrielmann@me.com
www.gogivermarriage.com

Social media:

instagram.com/anagabrielmann
facebook.com/anagabrielmann
twitter.com/anagabrielmann1

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Quick Episode Summary:

Welcome our guest!
A look into the Go-Giver Marriage
Throwing out the score card
Learning about marriage before you get married
Practicing and learning the art of love
Why The Go-Giver marriage applies to professionals
Learning how to express love can awkward at first
Allowing your spouse to be themselves
Ana and Johns answer to - What’s The Point?
Grab the book on March 8th!

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Calum was in command of the flight having been certified as a Captain the day prior. The senior pilot who had signed-off on his captaincy, Peter Docker, was in the cockpit merely as a ride-along, hitching a fight home to England.

Shortly after leaving SFO, just a few hundred feet from the ground, the flight encountered unexpected and significant turbulence - rocking and bouncing the plane and its passengers like ragdolls.

Knowing it was Calum's first flight as full Captain, Peter Docker knew exactly what he needed to do. He sat, hands folded in his lap, with full confidence in the abilities of the pilot he'd certified.

That experience was the start of Peter Docker's philosophy of Jumpseat Leadership. It's a fascinating, powerful, and surprisingly effective approach to leading.

In this episode of What's the Point?, Docker speaks with host Bill Ellis, sharing the essence of Jumpseat Leadership, lifting up others so they can be extraordinary, and how love is at the very heart of leadership!

Contact Info:

Email: peter@leadingfromthejumpseat.com
Website: www.leadingfromthejumpseat.com

Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdocker
Instagram: @peterdocker
Twitter: @peterdocker

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Quick Episode Summary:

Welcome, Peter!
The power of curiosity
Leading from the jumpseat
The notion of commitment
An example of commitment
Are you driven by fear or love?
One thing Bill loved about Peters book
Everyone is a leader in some way
Wonderful things happen when people belong
The great resignation
Why we should all be the pebble in the pond
Peter's answer to - What’s The Point?

View Details

Many dream of becoming a millionaire before the age of 30. No one dreams of accomplishing that only to crash and burn - losing the entire fortune, becoming homeless, drug addicted, and rudderless.

That however, is Grant Muller's real life story. Grant has been a high performer his entire life, but when he achieved monetary success, boredom and disappointment set in because he had lost purpose.

Grant has, once again, achieved financial success. Starting as a $9 per hour admin at a real estate firm, he built his own award-winning real estate brokerage - built on the principle of providing more value than what he took in payment.

Today, Grant is a high performance coach, a speaker, and soon he'll be a published author. Listen as Grant shares the powerful and valuable lessons he's learned through his experiences. You'll be educated, motivated, and inspired!

Contact Info:

Email: grant@grantmuller.com

Phone: 720-289-1799

Website: www.grantmuller.com

Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thegrantmuller/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGrantmuller

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrantmuller

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/grantmullerTV

YouTube video:

"I Don't Know How I Survived" https://youtu.be/8dD6UXjdYpc

BOOK:

www.topofheart.com - Coming in 2022

FREE COURSE:

https://www.grantmuller.com/site/free-course

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Quick Episode Summary:

Welcome to the first episode of the year!
Get to know Grant
The start-up that started it all
Retired at 28?
How to get a deeper look into Grants story
The importance of adding value
What homelessness taught Grant
How Grant fell in love with coaching
What makes Grant coaching group different
Grant’s answer to - What’s The Point?

View Details

Listen as Steve Sosebee speaks with host Bill Ellis about the big challenges and even greater rewards of living a purpose based on humanity over politics.

Contact Info:

Email: stevesosebee@icloud.com

Phone: +1 330 671-2143

Website: https://www.pcrf.net/

Social Media:

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/steve-sosebee-b54a0310/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ssosebee

Instagram: https://twitter.com/Stevesosebee

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

View Details

One can learn a great deal about leadership by enlisting in the Air Force at age 18 as a Basic Airman and climbing to a high-ranking officer working with NATO partners, the Joint Staff at the Pentagon and becoming boot camp squadron commander. However, most of us will never follow that path.

The good news is that has been Matt Whiat's path. After leaving the military, he became co-founder of Chapman & Co., an organization dedicated to helping organizations create cultures where people feel valued.

His open, friendly, caring, and passionate approach to leadership is contagious and effective! Listen in as Matt shares his experience and insights with host Bill Ellis on this episode of What's the Point?

LINKS:

Contact info:

Email: Matt.Whiat@ccoleadership.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-whiat-ccoleadership/
Website: https://www.ccoleadership.com/

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

Welcome and get to know Matt
How Matt joined the military
Bob Chapman’s impact on Matt
Matt’s top lessons in the military
Matt’s comical billion dollar idea
Identifying your team’s motives and behaviors
Receiving feedback as a leader
Matt’s thought on “The great walkout”
Matt’s response to - What’s The Point?

View Details

A random shooting left him blind - but not helpless or hopeless. Bill Johnson was at the end of a business trip in Atlanta when he and two business associates were targeted by a gunman while on their way to the airport. His two partners died. Bill survived but lost his sight.

We never know what life has in store for us. Bill Johnson's is an incredible story of a man perfectly comfortable in life, when the unexpected happened. Blinded, he became more intentional than ever, determined to get the most out of life each and every day.

Listen as Bill recounts how being shot blind changed his life in so many unexpected and positive ways.

Contact info:

EMAIL: Bill@authorwilliamjohnson.com
WEB SITE: https://authorwilliamjohnson.com
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/authorwilliamjohnson

BOOK:

SNOW BLIND, Recovering after the Random Shooting. A Memoire

Available at:

Amazon - https://amzn.to/3GbARvI
Barnes & Noble - https://bit.ly/3vp0i7U

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

Welcome, Bill!
July 2nd, 1991.
How Bills injury changed his perspective
Bill’s experience with claustrophobia
When Bill decided to fight back
What it was like entering the world blind
Why Bill took up skiing
How Bill met his wife of 25 Years
Bill’s answer to - What’s The Point?

Snow Blind: Recovering After the Random Shooting

View Details

Living a fulfilling life is everyone's goal.

Suzanne Bird-Harris is doing just that! It's not been easy - not even simple. Her story is one which we can all learn from. She's determined, humorous, flexible, driven, and caring.

Suzanne is an ideal example of what we can achieve through the Purpose Principle.

Finding one's purpose is absolutely critical. Our purpose might change, evolve, expand - we might have multiple purposes. That is part of life's journey.

In all cases, our purpose must ignite our passion, which fuels our journey.

The third factor in living a fulfilled life is persistence. Not giving up. Being open to change and adjust our path - our purpose. Moving through those times when our fuel - our passion - may be low.

While she has countless talents and positive attributes, persistence is Suzanne's superpower, as you'll hear in her conversation with host Bill Ellis.

LINKS:

Guest Contact Info:

Email: suzanne@websitesinwp.com
Phone: 918-218-9809

Website(s):

https://WebsitesInWP.com
https://DiviDIY.club
https://MarketingViaStory.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannebirdharris
Facebook:
https://facebook.com/suzanne.bird.harris

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

Get to know Suzanne
The path to being an independent business owner
The guiding light of curiosity
Trusting your cut and building relationships
Creating and crafting your life
When Suzanne decided things had to change
The love for story and words
Suzanne's answer to - What’s The Point?

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Bobby Herrera has been called the "best CEO you've never heard of". He may be the best LEADER you've never heard of... but you should! His leadership philosophy is simple:

"We all struggle."
"Inside every struggle is a gift
"Leaders share their gifts with others."

Born in New Mexico, the 11th of 13 children to a loving, hard-working family with a proud Mexican heritage - Bobby is now the co-founder and CEO of The Populus Group, a $500M+ revenue company.

Listen as Bobby shares his wisdom in a very unassuming, yet powerful way.

LINKS:

Contact Info:

Email: rherrera@populusgroup.com
Website: bobby-herrera.com

Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-herrera-5781821/

BUY the Book: https://bobby-herrera.com/books

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

Get to know Bobby
How Bobby’s brilliance for storytelling began
A look into the populous group
Bobby’s lightbulb moment at Bootcamp
The act of kindness that changed Bobby forever
Why we should all help each other with our “piles”
Bobby’s answer to - What’s The Point?

View Details

This week's guest, Deborah Wright, is courageous, adventurous, accomplished, a bit of a weirdo, and has an insane amount of grit. It's because of those attributes that she is no stranger to stepping outside of her comfort zone.

Doing so has led to her experiencing some of life's greatest gifts - and along the way, some tragic hardships, as well. The gifts are priceless. The tragedies become lessons, a gift in their own right.

It's having the grit and courage to step out of her comfort zone that make her the woman she is today. Listen as Deb shares with host Bill Ellis her uniquely fascinating story and the gifts she found outside her comfort zone.

Contact info:

Email: dwright@bellff.com
Website: www.bellff.com/

Social media:

linkedin.com/in/deborahfwright
linkedin.com/company/bell-flavors-&-fragrances/mycompany/

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

Meet Deborah
How Deborah got in touch with her courageous and adventuresome nature
The journey to South Africa
Working for males vs female
Advocating for ideas, people, and ethics
Challenges and unexpected tragedy and rising above
A look into Deborah's business
Deborah's answer to - What’s The Point?

View Details

Perhaps a chaotic childhood was his catalyst - or maybe it was just his nature. Regardless of the cause, Jared Ribley has been a seeker throughout his life. Seeking truth. Seeking self-awareness. Seeking a spiritual connection. Seeking knowledge and insight in all areas of life.

The results? Jared is a highly regarded business man, a devoted father and friend to many, keenly aware of his strengths and areas which can be improved, and a very close bond with God.

He's also created the Manup Method, the purpose being to better define true masculinity in today's world.

Listen as Jared and host Bill Ellis talk about the power of seeking, the definition and importance of The Manup Method, and how others can also benefit from being open to learning.

LINKS:

Contact info:
themanupmethod@gmail.com

Social Media info:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-manup-method-469077215/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themanupmethod

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

Get to know Jared
What childhood was like for Jared
Following your own truth
How to seek the truth authentically
The unconscious backdrop
What led Jared on his spiritual journey
The Man Up Method
Jared’s answer to - What’s The Point?

View Details

An American ex-pat living in Dubai decides to shift from his very successful career of selling in the defense industry to creating his own business. What business would make sense given his background? MILK!

That's right, milk. Mustafa Koita started Koita Milk in 2013.

Not just any milk - but premium Italian, healthy, clean-tasting, 100% pure, shelf-stable, plant-based milks. What went into this seemingly off-the-wall decision?

That's exactly what Mustafa and host Bill Ellis discuss in this episode of What's the Point?

Whether you're a fan of milk or not, you'll want to listen to this conversation as Mustafa shares great insights about building a business, embracing a loving family, and living his purpose.

LINKS:

Contact info:
Email: m@koita.com
Website: www.koita.com

Social Media info
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafakoita/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/koitafoods
Instagram: @koitafoods

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

Meet and welcome Mustafa to the show
What life was like for Mustafa growing up
Mustafa’s experience with Biometric Technologies.
Mustafa’s journey into entrepreneurship
What is a ‘lifestyle’ business
A look into Mustafa’s product line
Mustafa’s answer to - What’s The Point?

View Details

Life is a series of opportunities and challenges; decisions and consequences; action and inaction. The results our choices aren't always what we expected or hoped for. The key is what we learn along the way.

Kathy Tagenel is a brilliant example of growing through what she's gone through. Professionally, Kathy has shifted her focus as she's learned and recognized new opportunities. From studying to be a medical doctor to her current role of COO at Burg Communications and co-founder of the Go-Giver Success Alliance, Kathy's purpose continues to evolve.

The same is true for Kathy outside of work. An adventurer, Qigong student and Certified Dragon's Way Qigong Instructor, traveler, and an advocate for the greater good, Kathy's journey is one of accomplishment, action, and authenticity. Listen as she shares her experiences and insights regarding living a value-filled life.

LINKS:

Contact Info

Phone: 775.220.6995

Websites:
www.GoGiverSuccessAlliance.com
www.ZoomStrategies.com

Social Media info

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathytagenel/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGiverInfluencers

Qigong Info:
Grand Master Nan Lu
https://www.grandmasternanlu.com

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

Welcome Kathy
Finding what your purpose is NOT is just as important
Kathy’s transition from leaving corporate
The early days of working with Bob Burg
The Go-Giver laws to The Go-Giver Five Laws?
Qigong: Unlock energy in your body
The correlation between the Go-Giver and Qigong
Kathy’s advice for Cindy Crawford
Kathy’s answer to - What's The Point?

View Details

Life happens - things unplanned, things unexpected, things over which we have no control. It's how we react and respond to those things that determine how successful, fulfilled, and happy we can be.

Travis Thomas is a master at improvisational comedy. He expertly teaches how to incorporate the same behavior essential for successful improv into business, sport, relationships - life in general.

As a performance coach, leadership and team development specialist, and author of 3 Words for Getting Unstuck: Live Yes, And!, Travis shares the secret of living a life based on "Yes, and...".

Listen as Travis and host, Bill Ellis, discuss the power of this philosophy in building trust, creating confidence, enhancing listening skills, and adapting a mindful approach to life and its many surprises.

Contact info:

Email: travislthomas@mac.com
Phone: 561-676-4583
Website(s): www.LiveYesAnd.com

Social Media info

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisthomas30daysofyes/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiveYesAnd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liveyesand/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LiveYesAnd
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Liveyesand

Book: 3 Words for Getting Unstuck: Live Yes, And!****

https://www.amazon.com/Words-Getting-Unstuck-Live-Yes/dp/1537799762/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1BGSNCXFVME6O&dchild=1&keywords=3+words+for+getting+unstuck&qid=1629828525&sprefix=3+words+for+gettin%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-3

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY:

Get to know Travis
Preparing for the world cup
The power of Live, Yes, And!
Competition versus collaboration
What you need to do if you want to stand out
What is a word toss
Finding phycological safety
Radical collaboration with reality
Finding your purpose is essential

3 Words for Getting Unstuck: Live Yes, And!

View Details

Why engage the power of your story?

Because the story is the nucleus -- the core -- of all of your marketing. If that core doesn't have enough power, nothing else will work.

For nearly a quarter-century, Tom Ruwitch has helped businesses attract leads, engage prospects, close sales, and maximize relationships. For the last 20 years, he's done this while running MarketVolt, the email marketing software and services firm he founded in 2001.

In 2020, Tom founded Story Power Marketing where he and his team have created a unique, proven process to discover your business story, diagnose the weaknesses, power-up your messages, and keep the power running.

Importantly, the power of story is equally essential to your personal brand. Tom's insights are filled with value both for businesses and individuals. If you want to make your good brand better, give this episode a listen today!

LINKS:

Contact info
Email: tom@storypowermarketing.com
Phone:
o: 314-529-1431
m: 314-368-4034

Story Power Marketing Resources

Website:
https://storypowermarketing.com

Blog:
https://storypowermarketing.com/blog

Join Email List:
storypowermarketing.com/email

Podcast:
https://storypowermarketing.show

Get our App (iOS or Android):
storypowermarketing.com/app

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY:

Meet Tom
From email marketing to storytelling
What life was like for Tom before entrepreneurship
How storytelling is in human nature
Tom’s success stories
The key to a great story
The warehouse concert series
How to get a free session with Tom
Tom’s love for fishing
The greatest piece of writing Tom has ever created
Tom’s answer to - What’s the point?

View Details

Sometimes it's necessary to take a new approach to solving an ongoing challenge - when current efforts are making headway, but much too slowly.

That's the basis of Fred Falker's premise for achieving diversity, equity, and inclusion faster and more effectively than current paths. Fred believes that there is nothing which divides us. Rather, it's the creation of artificial lines we draw around each other - boundaries, if you will - which lead to value judgements.

His longtime work in organizational development management, coupled with his personal experience as a scholar and an African-American, has led Mr. Falk to believe that rather than drawing those lines, we must focus on the distance we've created between ourselves and others - striving to close that distance by building relationships which bring us closer together.

Listening to Fred's conversation on What's the Point? will provide you with actionable concepts, proven to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion whether your interest is in business, community, or society as a whole.

LINKS:

TEDx Talk;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajf1iMlwi_o

Contact Info:
Email: falkercg@sbcglobal.net

Website(s):

https://www.ccoleadership.com/team/fred-falker
https://www.falkerconsulting.group (under construction)

Social media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredfalker

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY:

Get to know Fred Falker
Growing up in the civil rights movement
Nature does not draw lines
Exclusion vs inclusion
The power of connecting
The leader's role is to be inclusive
You can't change policies and create inclusively
The feeling of being valued
How Fred stays cool, calm, and collective
Add more than you take
Closing thoughts and advice

View Details

Peter Strople has been referred to as The Most Connected Man in America. If you ever receive a call that includes the line "Peter loves you!", you're part of his network. Peter has built his business - actually, his life - on the basis of being genuinely relational.

He is driven by the opportunity to help others and does just that. Whether it's people in business or people in need, Peter is committed to doing what he can to create "Instant Change". It's very common for Peter to pick up his phone in the midst of a meeting to call someone that he knows can provide value to the topic at hand.

The list of people and causes he's helped includes foster kids and agencies, former prisoners seeking rehabilitation, emerging leaders, family farmers, entrepreneurs - virtually anyone that can be lifted by Peter's network.

Relational-based business based on caring and love rather than mere transactional deals is how Peter Strople has created a successful life by every measure.

LINKS:

Connect with Peter:

Email:

peter@zero2.com
info@friendsofpeter.net

Websites:

www.zero2.com
www.friendsofpeter.net

Home Plate videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnJD1Zg4oY8
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eqiOkLBTJ38&feature=youtu.be

Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterstrople
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pdstrople

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY:

Welcome Peter
Pete’s professional background
The difference between Canadian and US-based relationships
Peter’s childhood
The power of relationships
When Peter learned the truth
Introducing people to the right people
The true definition of legacy
Peter’s answer to - What’s The Point?

View Details

Imagine being given a life expectancy of only 3 to 4 years. Then, when surpassing that age, being told that you would not have a normal life. No marriage. No children. No profession. What would you do?

That's exactly what Sarah Manuel was told her life would be. She decided that those prognostications would not define her. The disorder that was supposed to kill her, instead, left her in a wheelchair filled with incredible perseverance. Rather than looking at her disability as a hindrance, she learned to embrace the things about herself that were unique. Because of this, Sarah grew up to have a successful professional career, met her soulmate over 20 years ago and has been happily married ever since. She even defied the wisdom of doctors by getting pregnant and is joyfully watching her son grow up.

Today, Sarah is a school psychologist, author, and coach, as well as a wife and mother. Sarah's story is one of overcoming adversity and the naysayers, taking charge of her own future, and creating the life she wants. She's determined to inspire others to celebrate their differences, embrace their abilities, discover their purpose, and live a joyful life.

Contact info:

Sarah Manuel
email: manuelsarah35@gmail.com
phone: 530-828-4145
website: https://sarahmanuel.com

Social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.d.manuel
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmanuel35

Book: https://bit.ly/DifferencesareDynamite

Websites:

www.lifestylemedicine.org
www.lmconference.org
www.lmsymposium.org
www.lifestylemedicineglobal.org
www.lmeconomicresearch.org
www.plantricianproject.org
www.pbnhc.com

Social Media info

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-benigas-96335b2

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY:

Get to know Sarah
How Sarah’s parents help her develop an unstoppable mindset
How our purpose evolves
Celebrating your age
How Sarah met her husband
How Sarah’s husband dared her to dream bigger
Who Sarah loved to help today
Sarah’s ants - What’s The Point?

View Details

As Executive Director at The American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Susan Benigas is on a mission - an enormous one at that.

She, and the entire team at ACLM, are committed to transforming healthcare by shifting the focus, first and foremost, from treating symptoms to identifying and eradicating the root cause of disease, The ultimate goal being health restoration. Lifestyle Medicine is synonymous with value-based care and is an antidote to physician and provider burnout.

What's behind her drive? What is it that keeps her so firmly committed to her mission?

Susan is a purpose, passion-driven person who awakens every morning with a burning desire to make this world a better place. Here's how she describes her unique value proposition: "Casting vision. Breathing life into vision. Galvanizing the leadership and talent to manifest vision."

Listen to our conversation as Susan elaborates on the importance of Lifestyle Medicine and shares her insights on purpose, passion, and persistence.

Contact info:

Email:

sbenigas@charter.net
sbenigas@lifestylemedicine.org
Phone: 971-983-5383 ext. 116

Websites:

www.lifestylemedicine.org
www.lmconference.org
www.lmsymposium.org
www.lifestylemedicineglobal.org
www.lmeconomicresearch.org
www.plantricianproject.org
www.pbnhc.com

Social Media info

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-benigas-96335b2

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY:

Get to know Susan!
What brings real joy to life
The only thing that changes the world
Why Susan is passionate about health care reform
The current seismic shift in healthcare
The need for informed consent
Susan six pillars of a healthy lifestyle
Susan’s book working title
Susan’s answer to - What’s The Point?

View Details

Do you keep a list of your ideas - ALL of your ideas? Well, Rob Poleki does. Why? Because he knows that there's no crappy idea. Not everyone is brilliant, but some need time to simmer, just below the surface.

One of Rob's ideas came from an experience at an airport when his then four-year-old son, Tai, began to do the "potty dance". While cleaning the seat with soap and water, Rob thought "there has to be a better way - these things should clean themselves". He made a note of his thought.

Does a self-cleaning toilet seat sound like a crappy idea? Today, Poleki is the inventor of the Washie Toilet seat, a product certain to make public restrooms around the world more hygienic.

Rob's future is not exclusively in the toilet seat business, He continues to make note of his ideas - ALL of them. Be sure to listen to this conversation as Rob shares his expanded vision and elaborates on his keys to success.

LINKS:

Contact info:

Email: rob@washietoiletseat.com
Phone: 208-705-1540
Website(s) : www.washieproducts.com

Social Media info

Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/poleki
Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/washie

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY:

Get to know Rob
From Hawaii to Idaho
The potty dance that turned into a patent
The commitment to entrepreneurship
How Rob’s invention works
Rob’s experience on NBC’s Shark Tank
It’s all about timing
What’s on the horizon for Rob
Rob’s answer to - What’s the point?

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What does an 18-year-old newly married girl do when her Navy husband gets stationed in Guam? Well, for Lisa Wilber, the answer was simple. Create a life built on self-reliance, assuring herself that no matter what the future held, she'd be fine.

Curious, Lisa looked around to see what others were doing and decided that sales suited her very well. Not hardline, in-your-face sales...and not knocking on doors sales...but sales based on delivering value and creating relationships.

Today, she (and her team) is the 5th largest earner in Avon. Widely known in Avon circles as Captain Platinum, she's also earned the nickname Big Money is a small group of her peers.

If you want to create a life of self-reliance, this episode is a MUST LISTEN.

Contact info:

Email: LWilber@aol.com
Phone: 603-345-9466
Website" www.NHLipstickLady.com

Social Media info:

LinkedIn: lindedin.com/in/lisawilber
Facebook: Personal - www.facebook.com/lisa.wilber
Group www.facebook.com/groups/MondayMorningMadness
Instagram: platinumpowerlisawilber
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lisamwilber
YouTube: www.YouTube.com/LisaWilber

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY:

Get to know Lisa
How Lisa got her start
The misconceptions about Network Marketing
How Lisa leads a 3K+ person team
The definition of a “downline”
Lisa’s principles for success
Selling vs serving
Your confidence shines through

View Details

From the time he was a child in Jamaica, Alvin Brown became determined to make the most out of life. He's created his own journey to personal greatness and now is determined to help everyone who's interested to do the same.

Alvin helps high-performing entrepreneurs and leaders to show up more powerfully by optimizing their health, improving their sleep, helping them to develop laser mental focus, and balance their business and family life, with the goal of reigniting their passion for life.

His purpose, and the passion it ignites, was created, in part, by the example, his mother showed him. The youngest of five children, he and his single mother moved to Toronto in search of a better life for their family. Working 2 and 3 jobs at a time, his mother was finally able to have his four older siblings join them in Canada.

The lessons that Alvin shares are priceless - you'll definitely want to listen!

LINKS:

Contact info:

Email: drmbiggerdrms@gmail.com
Phone: 647-588-5440

Websites:

https://journeytopersonalgreatness.com
https://designyourexceptionallife.com

Social media:

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvin-brown-b771617

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/mediocrity2greatness
https://www.facebook.com/alvin.brown.982

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/journeytopersonalgreatness
https://www.instagram.com/alvin.b.brown

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Quick Episode Summary:

Introducing Alvin Brown
Alvin talks about his life journey. From Kingston to Canada
The power of hope and curiosity
How sports played an integral role in his life
Focusing on the positive “You done good” list
Introvert vs. extrovert
Alvin defines personal greatness
Raise your standards and uncross your fingers
Alvin talks mind, body, and soul
Alvin talks about the 6 essences of life
Alvin’s center healing a peak performance
Neuro linguistic programming
Information on Alvin’s content
The 4 pillars of greatness
What’s the point?

View Details

Cancer sucks. It impacts the individual, as well as family and friends. Tom Wiley learned this first-hand as his wife, Laura, battled breast cancer. As her cancer - and the treatments - progressed, her activities became further compromised. As her primary care-giver, Tom and their two young children felt the strain.

But one day, December 5th, Laura woke up feeling as well as she had in months. The family had breakfast, went out for the day, enjoyed time together, and things felt normal. Six weeks later, Laura died.

Tragedy for the entire family. What resonated in Tom's mind, was the joy the memory of their fabulous day on December 5th.

Tom realized how impactful a 'normal' day could be for a family battling cancer...but what could he do? Well, he has made it his mission to create the same type of memories for those families. He created the December 5th Fund, which now touches hundreds of lives, bringing a bit of relief and happiness in the midst of tragedy.

CONTACT INFO:

Email tom@december5th.org
Phone 314-283-3384
Website www.december5th.org

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/15178629
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/december5thfund
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thedecember5thfund

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY:

Welcome, Tom!
The vision behind the December 5th project
How Tom’s community
How Tom’s children are involved
When Tom and his late wife met
Jeremy Camp’s impact on Tom’s healing journey
Tom’s answer to - What’s the point?
It’s about doing the small things

View Details

Ever curious and always looking at the positives, Claudia Curici has accomplished great things. Her travels have taken her from her home country of Romania, to Dubai, to Dallas, to Denmark, and back to Romania - at least for now. She's become a brilliant communications expert, a highly talented photographer, a two-time published author - all before finding her true calling.

She is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and the founder of “Creative in my Kitchen”, a food and lifestyle blog which shares her health journey and posts recipes that are lectin-light, gluten-free, sugar-free, and nasties-free, in general. Her book, The Living Well Without Lectins Cookbook, has developed a global following.

In this episode she shares how remaining open to new adventures and 'going with the flow' has presented opportunities which have left a significant impact on her and thousands of others.

LINKS:

CONTACT INFO:
Email: claudia.curici@gmail.com

Phone: +45 53 50 88 21
Website: www.creativeinmykitchen.com

Book: The Living Well Without Lectins Cookbook http://bit.ly/livingwellwithoutlectin

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-curici-55432a7/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativeinmykitchen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativeinmykitchen/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClaudiaCurici

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY:

Get to know Claudia
How Claudia got to Dubai
Claudia’s love for photography
How Claudia’s health journey started
How diet affects more than just weight
How Creative In My Kitchen started
Blending culture and traveling
Stay curious and humble
What Claudia is the proudest of
The importance of a mentor

View Details

This episode, featuring Frank McKinney, is one of the most powerful conversations to date on What's the Point? podcast! Frank has been creating his own reality for his entire life. Leaving Indiana after high school with $50,00 in his pocket, he headed to Florida where he became one of the top designers and builders of multi-million dollar spec homes.

But the story doesn't end there! More than just a real estate artist, Frank is a bestselling author, philanthro-capitalist, and modern-day Renaissance man.

Frank’s pushed the limits professionally (creating then selling 44 multimillion-dollar mansions on spec), philanthropically (building 29 self-sufficient villages in the poorest country on earth), creatively (writing 7 books in 6 genres), and physically (running the Badwater 135-mile Ultramarathon 12 times).

In this episode Frank McKinney shares insights and experience for the purpose of helping YOU to learn to ASPIRE! to create YOUR own reality. This is a must listen!

LINKS:

Contact info:

Email: pamela@frank-mckinney.com
Phone: 561.662.4503
Website: frank-mckinney.com

Buy the book!

ASPIRE! How To Create Your Own Reality & Alter Your DNA
https://m143.infusionsoft.app/app/manageCart/showManageOrder

Social Media info:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-mckinney-b4a14332/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/frank.mckinney.10/
Instagram @thefrankmckinney
Twitter @frankmckinney

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

Get to know Frank
Taking the eraser out on life
When Frank ended up in Florida
Frank’s biggest risk
Otherworldly passion
What branding is at it’s core
The importance of aspirations
Becoming what you want to be
A look into Frank’s favorite book
When God taps you on the shoulder
Philanthropy Capitalist
Generational impact
Living a life of no regrets

View Details

It's truly magical when the excitement and passion sparked by the decision to chase your dream overcomes the doubt and fear. That's what happened with today's guest, Dean Wegner.

A graduate of West Point, a helicopter pilot and Army Ranger, and a veteran of the corporate business world, Dean had come to a crossroad in his life. He had three options to consider - two were executive roles with great responsibility and financial guarantees. The third was to start a company committed to exclusively selling American made apparel.

Dean, after consulting his wife and family, along with several successful business mentors, he made his decision. With that, Authentically American was born.

In this episode, Dean shares how knowing his core values, discovering his purpose, and igniting his passion has led to one of the toughest roles in his life - and one of the most rewarding.

Want to be an entrepreneur? Great! But first, listen to Dean's story.

LINKS:

Email:
dwegner@authenticallyamerican.us

Phone:
615-499-1510

Website:
https://authenticallyamerican.us/
Discount Code: FOUNDER = 25% off total purchase one-time only purchase

Social Media info

LinkedIn
Business: www.linkedin.com/company/authentically-american/
Personal: www.linkedin.com/in/dean-wegner-9874065/

Facebook:
Business: www.facebook.com/AuthenticallyAmericanCo
Personal: www.facebook.com/dean.wegner.31

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/authentically_american/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6jMed1mFeNLWaMXS5H6NBw?

FOLDED FLAG FOUNDATION:

https://www.foldedflagfoundation.org/

REBOOT RECOVERY: https://rebootrecovery.com/

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

Welcome, Dean!
How to know you’re on to something
What are your core values?
How Dean keeps charity a part of his business
God winks and perseverance
Dean’s college journey
What drove Dean to set his goals
How Dean picked his path
How start ups get features
A look into Dean’s inventory
Fueling your kid's dreams
Dean’s answer to - What’s The Point?

View Details

True Wealth involves more than monetary growth. In reality, when it comes to true wealth, the money aspect is secondary. What are your objectives? What is your vision? How do you define freedom? What about your legacy?

Those are key considerations for today's guest, Mindy McCubbin. Yes, she's a wealth advisor and financial consultant committed to creating financial wealth for her clients. Yet she realizes that financial wealth is merely a piece of the puzzle.

Mindy's tailored guidance combines her extensive financial experience with her keen interest in helping individuals live the life they desire. When live goals and financial goals are in synch the result is True Wealth.

LINKS:

Connect with Mindy:

Contact info:

email: mindy@trumanwealthadvisors.com
phone: 573-227-2077
website: www.trumanwealthadvisors.com

Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-mccubbin
Instagram: @trumanwealthadvisors
Twitter: @melindamccubbin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrumanWealth

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

Get to know Mindy McCubbin
Mindy’s career path and journey
The dangers of misguided professional loyalty
Supporting women in the workplace and Mindy’s experience
Why Mindy started a female run financial planning firm
Who is in the driver's seat?
How Mindy uniquely approaches her clients
What true wealth looks like
Vision, freedom and legacy.
Mindy’s money mindset Monday
3 key traits to the investor mindset
Mindy’s love for surfing
Why we need a more diverse perspective
Mindy’s answer to - What’s The Point?

View Details

So, you want to change the world! Where and how do you begin? The best start is understanding what it is you want to change and why you want to create change. Simply put, 'What's the Point?' You must first understand your purpose - and that's where you must place your efforts if that's not clear.

Barry Engelhardt is a father, husband, reformed art miscreant, believer that Three Eye Blind was the best band of his youth - and a person driven by curiosity and a sincere desire to make a positive impact on the world.

His approach? Simple. Focus on the small things - it's small things, done consistently, that can change the world. Barry's focus is on family, continual learning through reading and living, and constant improvement. His insights and practices will be beneficial to all of us seeking to make a difference.

LINKS:

Connect with Barry:

Email:

Business: bengelhardt@storesupply.com
Personal: bengelh@gmail.com

Phone:
314-477-4581

LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/barryengelhardt

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

Get to know Barry!
The power of being a generalist
Is a college degree necessary?
The importance of finding common ground
Barry’s career journey to HR
Know your nonnegotiables
Barries love for reading
How to consume more books in a year
Barry’s first time on stage
Reformed art miscreant
How Barry stays involved in the military
The result of passion without purpose
Barry’s answer to What’s The Point?

View Details

There is no perfect time to launch a new idea. Go too early and there's a good chance you've not done enough planning. Launch too late and the opportunity may have fizzled. So, how do you find the bullseye?

This week's guest, Tara Rogers-Ellis, has been successfully launching new companies, new strategies, and new concepts since the age of 19. In this episode, she shares her keys to creating business ideas which flourish.

Her philosophy of "Ready, Fire, Aim" has served her, and her clients, well. "Ready" is comprised of a deep dive into strategy and purpose. "Fire" only after creating a sound plan - but before it's considered perfect (because nothing ever is). "Aim" speaks to adjusting as necessary after launch when real time impact and opportunities can be assessed.

Tara's driven by curiosity and the commitment to always deliver more in value than expected in any situation - be it professional or personal. Her company name "Mojo", meaning “lucky charm or spirit”, has its roots in her African heritage, and the team’s role is to help find their clients’ Mojo, to make their customers fall in love with them.

Connect with Tara:

Website: www.mojohq.com
Email: tara@mojo-me.com

Social Media

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tararogerspr/
Twitter: @dubaitara
Instagram: @dubaitara

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

Welcome the best-looking guest of all time!
The backstory of the name ‘MOJO’
What life was like for Tara growing up
What brought Tara to Dubai
Why Tara started MOJO
The story of Tara’s first client
Once you are ready, go for it!
How Tara’s dad help prepare her for success
The courage to try something
How The Go Giver plays a role in MOJO
The mission of MOJO
PR does not stand for press release
That gift that the pandemic gave Tara
Communicating through zoom
Leave a job well
What Tara would tell her younger self

View Details

Our path to our dreams isn't always clear, and rarely goes as expected. That's certainly the case with Samer Fidy, today's guest on the What's the Point? podcast. Samer is a Palestinian-American, born in Brooklyn, spending about a decade in Palestine, and then returning to the U.S.

His hasn't been an easy journey, but it has been one that has provided him with life lessons and a perspective that we can all benefit from. A few of the lessons he's learned along his journey include; don't be a victim, instead, accept & learn; create great habits: never get too comfortable.

Spread Love, Help Others, and Always Hustle is at the heart of the company that Samer & his daughter, Bella, co-founded. Palestinian Hustle is an American-Palestinian company which promotes acceptance and understanding. They welcome any color, culture, or creed and they have no political affiliations.

Samer's commitment is "I will always help you; I will always motivate you: I will always love you - let's be GREAT TOGETHER!

LINKS:

Contact info
Email: spreadlove@palestinianhustle.com
Website: palestinianhustle.com

Social Media
Facebook: @palestinianhustle
Instagram: @palestinianhustle

ANERA - American Near East Refugee Aid: https://www.anera.org/

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

Meet Samer Fidy
Providing Peace and Acceptance through Samer’s side hustle
Moving to Palestine
Moving back to the states
Living off of free samples
The “Numb hustle”
Playing the victim never works in your favor
19:23 The importance of having good habits
Just get to know people
Proceeds from Samer’s merchandise go to charity
How Samer started his business
The hard startup of the company
Never give up on your dream
What would you tell your younger self?
Samer's answer to - What's the point?

View Details

Shifting your focus from getting to giving, is not just a nice way to live, it is also a financially profitable way to do business. This is the basic premise of The Go-Giver philosophy. Of course, here, we're speaking about giving value.

In this week's episode Bob Burg, the co-author of the Go-Giver series of books, has an insightful conversation with host Bill Ellis about value - defining it, creating it, delivering it, and benefitting from it.

Bob and Bill share their insights as to how the Go-Giver principles integrate with the 5 branding pillars to explode your value and the benefits of doing so. What's truly powerful, is the fact that these principles will integrate into any business and help to achieve stratospheric success.

LINKS:

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Connect with Bob:

Bob Burg's contact info:

Email: bob@burg.com

Website(s):

www.burg.com
www.thegogiver.com

Social media information:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bobburg
Facebook: facebook.com/bobburg
facebook.com/burgbob (business page)
Twitter: @bobburg
Instagram @realbobburg

Resources:

Go-Giver Success Alliance: thegogiveracademy.com/~access/a6c17f/
Books: burg.com/books/

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

What to expect today
Branding the Go-Giver way
What brings value to another person
Why Bill loves the Go-Giver as it regards to branding
Why a leader must be sold out to their message
What great leadership is really all about
What a persons or companies behavior tells you
Why Bob responds to every social media comment
Where miss-communication happens
How the Go-Giver Influencer came to be
Expanding your comfort zone
Lessons from President John F Kennedy
How the Go-Giver applies to every entrepreneur
Join the community and get direct access to Bob

View Details

What if you had more confidence, felt more powerful, and finally felt like who you are on the inside, was in perfect alignment with how you show up on the outside? That's exactly what happens when your personal brand and brand messaging are in synch. How do you do that you ask?

Meet Elsa Isaac, a New York City based fashion and image stylist. A self-dubbed anti-fashion stylist. Elsa doesn’t believe there’s one standard of beauty and strives to empower all her clients to celebrate their own individuality.

Her journey from war-torn Eritria in Eastern Africa to Manhattan is one of challenge, persistence, purpose, and success.

While she's been a stylist for celebrities such as Marie Forleo, Lenny Kravitz, Katie Couric, and Kris Carr - nowadays, she helps successful career women and entrepreneurs revamp their wardrobes and create show-stopping ensembles that flatter their unique body shapes and lifestyles.

LINKS:

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Connect with Elsa:

Email: info@elsaisaac.com
Phone: 917.686.8906

Website(s):https://elsaisaac.com

Social Media info

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elsaisaac
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blog.elsaisaac
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elsaisaac/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/elsaisaac?lang=en

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

Welcome Fashion Sytest Elsa Issac
Elsa’s first shoot
Leaving home due to an active war
How Elsa found herself in NYC
Elsa’s impressive portfolio
What drives Elsa in fashion
Knowing how to cloth a client
Getting people to know their authentic self
Style is personal
How the pandemic has affected business
Elsa's answer to - What’s the point?

View Details

Cathy Davis believes we all have a story to tell, and it is through our stories that we are able to find our voice, share our wisdom, and make a difference in the lives of others. "Wisdom not shared is wisdom lost forever".

Cathy and her husband, Jack, own Creative Publishing Partners, a highly acclaimed boutique publishing firm that helps clients plan, publish, and promote the book their book idea that's waiting to become a reality.

With expertise in self-publishing, traditional publishing, book coaches, editors, and professional layouts, Creative Publishing Partners has helped countless people become published authors - many of them achieving best-seller status.

LINKS:

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Connect with Cathy:

Email: cathy@daviscreative.com
Phone: +1 (314) 374-7481
Website: daviscreative.com

Social Media info

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cathyldavis
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DavisCreativeLLC
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cathyl.davis
Twitter: twitter.com/CathyLDavis
YouTube (Lunch & Learns): www.youtube.com/channel/UC5L1yOYzT0gPP-tXY02ltVA

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY:

From boutique creative to publishing giant
Offering the right relief to the client
The 3 C’s of publishing
Cathy on writing coaches
Promoting the sale of your book
The rise of self-publishing
Cathy discusses working with a spouse
When not to use a writing coach
The greatest compliment you can give Cathy
Collaborative book projects
Understanding the anthology
Cathy’s future projects.
Cathy's answer to 'What’s the point?'
Closing thoughts and final advice

View Details

Why in the world would someone wear a nametag 24/7? Scott Ginsberg - that's who. A nametag? Every day? Absolutely! What started as an experiment in approachability in college, has evolved into a lifestyle, a career, and a new world record each day.

Now known as 'Nametag' Scott Ginsberg, he is a prolific content creator - books, songs, music, speeches, inventions, and more. He's understood from an early age that developing and expressing all of his creativity was essential to his purpose in life.

Many of us find reasons not to pursue our creative ideas, much less express them. Listen to Scott as we discuss the power of being approachable, creative, expressive, and uninhibited by the fears that we all face.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Connect with Scott:

Email: scott@hellomynameisscott.com

Phone: +1 (314) 374-3397

Website(s):

Getprolific.io
hellomynameisscott.com

Social Media info:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nametagscott/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nametagscott
Instagram http://instagram.com/nametagscott
Twitter https://twitter.com/nametagscott

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY:

Meet Scott
The story behind Get Prolific
Creating content you are proud of
Advice for practical problem solving
When Scott moved across the country
Why Scott wears a nametag everywhere he goes
Finding new ways to be approachable
The irony of Steal Scott's Ideas
How Prospect Park jump-started Scott's music
Pursuing your purpose even in the midst of chaos
Live performance: Just happy to be here
Scott's answer to - What’s the point?

View Details

Not every child has a clear vision of what they want to be when they grow up - and actually make it a reality. Robert "Cujo" Teschner is one who did. At age 7, Influenced by his father's military career and by Luke Skywalker, he was certain he wanted to become a fighter pilot.

That dream was hampered when he did not gain acceptance to the U.S. Air Force Academy. However, through purpose, passion, and persistence. he fulfilled his childhood ambition. Not only did he become a fighter pilot, he was an F-15 “Eagle” instructor at the prestigious U.S. Air Force Weapons school—the Air Force “Top Gun” program. He’s also a former F-22 “Raptor” fighter squadron commander.

Today, he shares his experience and wisdom regarding the power of the debrief (essential to fighter squadrons) with companies and organizations in the private sector. As an author, speaker, and consultant, 'Cujo' is committed to creating accountable leadership in individuals and companies alike.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Contact info For Rob

Email: rob@vmaxgroupllc.com
Website: www.vmaxgroupllc.com

Book: Debrief to Win: How America's Top Guns Practice Accountable Leadership...and How You Can, Too!

Social media
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robertteschner

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

Meet Robert Cujo
Cujo’s military background and how it affected civilian life
Where the nickname ‘Cujo’ came from
Cujo’s life long desire to fly
When Cujo was rejected from the academy
What it was like joining ROTC
When Cujo was accepted into the Air Force
Leaving the military and what comes next
Evolving back into civilian life
Becoming a powerful speaker from the debrief
Inspiring hope in the future generations
The core ideals in leadership
Cujo’s answer to - What’s The Point?

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Does inspiration provide the spark you need to take action - or does getting active ignite your inspiration? For most of us, it's likely a combination of both.

Today's guest provides inspiration in his words and his actions. Robert Washington is first and foremost a father and a husband. He's a Navy veteran, a retired professional athlete, a high-performing businessman and an award-winning international inspirational speaker.

Robert shares with us his keys to success and what's at the core of his inspiration. Grab something to write on because this episode is filled with countless nuggets which will both enlighten and inspire you!

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Connect with Robert Washington:

Contact info:
Email: Reywash@gmail.com
Phone: 618-910-9669
Website: www.globalinspirationalspeakers.com/robert-washington

Social Media info:
LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/robertwashington83
Facebook: Facebook.com/RobertTheSpeaker

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY:

Get to know Robert Washington
Faith family and focus
Overcoming adversity from a young age
Learning discipline through the military
MMA fighting career
How Roberts purpose blossomed into motivational speaking
The world's problems divide us if we let it
Pushing through obstacles into success
Thought-provoking questions and quotes
Final thoughts and how to connect with Robert

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John David Mann's journey through life has been varied and diverse - but his purpose has been consistent. In this conversation, you'll discover how John has followed his core purpose to achieve success in seemingly unrelated initiatives. You'll also learn something about becoming a better writer yourself as we discuss John's free gift to everyone, a book titled How to Write Good (Or at Least, Gooder!) - link in show notes.

He's evolved from concert cellist at age 9, to award winning composer at age 15, and working with other 17-year-olds to create the high school they wished for - to international best-selling author of over 35 books with more than 3,000,000 books sold. In between, he's been a highly successful entrepreneur and businessman.

So, what's the common thread through all of that? His purpose, which is to bring his ideas and passions to life to entertain and educate others.

Perhaps his best-known work is the Go-Giver series of books which he's co-authored with Bob Burg. This summer (July 2021) he introduces his first thriller titled Steel Fear which he's co-authored with former Navy Seal Brandon Webb.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Connect with John:

Contact info:
Email: johndavidmann@me.com
Website: www.johndavidmann.com

Social Media
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johndavidmann
Facebook: facebook.com/johndavidmann

FREE book How to Write Good (Or at Least, Gooder!) https://johndavidmann.com/free-ebook/

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY:

Meet John!
How Johns career began
Why Bill loves the Go-Giver series
The meta law to success
How the armed forces inspired John’s writing
We are all writers and story telling
John’s love letter to writing
The two mental processes to writing
The power of stepping away from your ideas
The two things that stumble new writers
Are you writing honestly?
The post that floored Bill

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Improving performance and further developing leadership skills are essential for success at all levels, but is especially critical for emerging leaders. Jason Fry is the Director of the Emerging Leaders Organization. In this episode, Jason shares his experience as a performance coach, nutrition coach, and all-around guide focused on maximizing the performance of individuals, teams, and leaders.

Whether you've just begun your leadership journey or have been in leadership for a significant time, you will learn from, and be inspired by this conversation with Jason Fry!

He is the author of The Coach's Season (link below), a former collegiate basketball coach as well as a relationship manager of one of the world's top basketball training companies. He is a loving husband and father of two "crazy kids".

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Connect with Jason:

Contact Info
Email jason@coachjfry.com
Phone 512-699-0098

Social Media
Twitter @CoachJFry
Instagram @CoachJFry
LinkedIn- www.linkedin.com/in/coachjfry

Book - The Coach's Season

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

Introducing Jason Fry
Being a light to the world around you
Jason’s on coaching leaders
Jason’s current purpose
The “test adopt” method
Seeing failure from a healthy perspective
The emerging leader's organization
What is Round table 5?
The coach’s season book
Jason’s philosophy on leadership and communication
What’s the point?

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What drives success? The answer lies in knowing and living your purpose - and your purpose is created from your core values.

Lisa Nichols has understood and embraced her values from her earliest years. Her journey has gone down a variety of roads, yet her purpose has remained constant - live in faith, help others, practice servant leadership. The result is that Lisa has achieved success in every aspect of her life, and is committed to leaving every person she comes in contact with a little better from their connection.

Lisa is the CEO and co-founder of Technology Partners, a provider of premier IT staffing, solutions, software and IT leadership development. Lisa and her husband Greg founded Technology Partners in 1994 driven by their passion to revolutionize the staffing industry with their transparent business model. She devotes much of her time to various professional and philanthropic organizations. Her most recent project is her podcast, “Something Extra” where she interviews leaders from around the world.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Social Media Info:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/technology-partners
Facebook: www.facebook.com/technologypartners
Instagram: www.instagram.com/technologypartners
Twitter: twitter.com/ClearChoiceInIT
PODCAST: technologypartners.net/blog/category/something-extra

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

All you need to know about Lisa Nichols
Where the love of business started for Lisa
Lisa’s uncommon business partnership
A tip to making all your experiences work for you
The foundation of any company
What should at the core of everything people do
What's more important than a good business plan
The most important thing in any scenario
A few tips on how to put together a life plan
A list that will simplify your life
The unique source of inspiration for Lisa’s podcast
Tips for women who feel like they need to do it all
The valuable things Lisa’s daughter has taught her
What Lisa’s podcast “Something Extra” is all about
The common thread in Lisa’s podcast
Lisa’s answer to “What’s the point”

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Do you have a dream? Of course you do - we ALL do. Well Mitch Matthews is committed to helping YOU, and a million others to make their dreams become a reality. Mitch is an entrepreneur, success coach and podcaster the host of the DREAM, THINK, DO podcast.

Whether it’s through his coaching, his podcasts or his speaking & training, Mitch helps fun, successful people to push through their fear to DREAM bigger, THINK better and DO more of what they were put on the planet to do!

Mitch proudly lives a “highly-caffeinated” lifestyle in Des Moines, Iowa with his wife and their two sons. The Matthews have a wildly creative household and are very active in their church and community!

So, grab a cup of coffee, strap on your seatbelt, and give a listen as Mitch answers the question What's the Point?

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY

Every great thing you need to know about Mitch Matthews (almost)
When everything fell apart for Mitch
How the Big Dream Gathering was birthed
Give yourself permission to dream again
How some dreams work together
The number one tip achieving dreams
The uncommon source for some of the best ideas
The one thing everyone’s dream needs to be successful
An important thing everyone with dreams should give themselves
The one thing every person with a dream should ask for
How childhood prepared Mitch for entrepreneurship
The secret to sales that Mitch’s first boss taught him
The number one killer of your dreams
How Mitch’s purpose has evolved through time
A few of Bills favorite episodes from Dream Think Do
A trip down memory lane

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How do you deal with life's difficulties? Sometimes life deals a tough situation. What's important is how we respond. This week's guest, Brandon Dempsey, was born into an incredibly difficult childhood. However, he decided at a young age that he would not allow his situation to define his life.

Today, Brandon is a committed and loving husband and father, a highly successful entrepreneur, and adventurer, a teacher, and a non-profit leader. You'll absolutely want to listen to this conversation - you'll be inspired, you'll learn, you'll laugh, and you'll grow!

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Connect with Brandon:

Follow Brandon: LinkedIn
Twitter: @BrandonDempsey
gobrandgo.com
bdempsey@gobrandgo.com
brandondempsey.com
+1 314 754-8712
The Book: Shut up and go!

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY:

Everything you need to know about Brandon Dempsey
Brandon’s path to entrepreneurship
What every entrepreneur should focus on
You can practice for your success
Apply this one tip to start achieving your goals
What every entrepreneur should focus on
How Brandon has applied the ‘go-giver’ principles
Sometimes your purpose helps fuel your passion
Finding the right network of people is everything
The three principles that guide Brandon
How to make every day successful
The unique thing Brandon does when he’s a speaker
You get to choose the life you want
Brandon’s tips on how to change your life

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Currently becoming well known for his daily Dashcam Wisdom videos and t-shirt collection, Dr. Charlie Cartwright is the founder of People Success Labs, a consulting firm based in the Kansas City area whose sole purpose is to bring out the best in leaders & their teams. He is also the creator of the “People Success Formula”. It is the result of a three decades long meta-analysis into what drives human behavior. His research clearly illuminated the path to unlocking human potential.

“If you want to move mountains, first you must move people. Then those people will move the mountains.” – Dr. Charlie

Before devoting his work full-time to People Success Labs, Dr. Charlie spent over 20 years of his career working in leadership within Fortune 500 companies. The practical lessons, insights & operational excellence that he gained during this time are priceless. His insights help business leaders achieve great results by tapping into the inherent greatness of people.

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

Connect with Dr. Charlie:

People Success Labs
Connect with Dr. Charlie: LinkedIn

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY:

Meet Dr. Charlie Cartwright
How to sum up Dr. Charlie in a quote
What drives human behavior?
The common denominator in every challenge
Everyone has a superpower
People can make or break your brand
Why leadership is such a huge responsibility
How to show your people that you care
The marker of a true leader
How 2020 has affected Dr. Charlie and his business
Tips to pivot in an all-digital world
The speaker who has impacted Dr. Charlie the most
The power of kindness
Dr. Charlie's answer to ‘What's the point?’

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Mark LeBlanc, CSP runs a speaking business in Minneapolis. He conducts presentations and creates experiences for professionals who want to create an extreme sliver of focus and put more money in their pocket as a business owner. As a business coach, he has clocked over twenty thousand (one to one) coaching hours with professionals who want to grow their business or practice. In fact, he wrote the book, Growing Your Business! As a result of his work, people often share they are more focused each day, attract more prospects, stimulate more referrals, and create a path for generating more business. On a personal note, next Summer, he will go on a short, five-hundred-mile walk across Spain – for the fourth time!

LINKS:

Connect with Mark:

Email: mark@growingyourbusiness.com
website: www.growingyourbusiness.com

Per Mark's in show offer, email him at this address to request your free electronic copy of Defining YOU: How Smart Professionals Craft the Answers to: Who Are You? What do you Do? How Can You Help Me?

Book: Growing Your Business!

Connect with Bill:

bill@brandingpillars.com
www.brandingpillars.com
www.brandingforresults.com
IG - @wcellis
Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
Book: Women Who Won

QUICK EPISODE SUMMARY:

Meet Mark
What happened in the Summer of 1982
Purpose is a journey
The slide story
How Mark and Bill met
The Achievers Circle and how it came to be
Overcoming the monsters and problems in your business
Why Mark made his book such a unique size
One of the quotes that impacted Mark the most
The essence of Marks new book
When Mark found the right one
Mark’s response to - what’s the point?

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Amanda Thompson is an American female recurve archer from the United States.

She was coached by Terry Laney. She qualified for a position on the Junior US World Team and competed in the Junior World Archery Championships in Lilleshall, England. She was selected for USA Archery's Junior Dream Team. She won a position on the Junior US World Team and competed in the Junior World Archery Championships in Merida, Mexico. She was selected to be a Resident Athlete at the United States Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California. Amanda is currently the Chief of Student Maid.

What has Amanda’s experience been with Student Maid? (2:19)

Amanda instantly fell in love with the Student Maid culture. It is a cleaning company but they provide so much more for their students. They are building the next generation of leaders.
Amanda started off answering phone calls and kept growing the company before becoming head of operations. She was living in Florida at the time and she was running day to day operations. They are all about each person being their own wheelhouse. They believe in not just doing what you love, but also doing what you are great at.
One of Amanda’s wheelhouse categories is teaching or coaching and developing skills. At Student Maid, they have a lot of workshops and different things you can learn. Amanda states that she needs to be teaching to feel happy and fulfilled.
Amanda is not from Florida but leaving the company was not an option when they moved. Amanda’s boss did not want to lose Amanda just as much as Amanda did not want to leave the company and so they figured out how to make it work and that was how they came up with their ambassador program.
They have students running an entire company. That was how their program bloomed. Amanda manages students who learn how to run a company, they run in terms and graduate with a great resumé. Students can say that they worked in a business and that they have experience.

How has the Pandemic affected Amanda and Student Maid? (11:43)

Amanda believes a lot of business owners, leaders and companies are going through the same thing during the pandemic. It’s been an unsure time as to what is going to happen next.
Student Maid has two parts to the business. They have the cleaning company and then they have Kristin Hadid LLC. Kristin wrote a book and she travels the world telling people how to treat their people.
At Student Maid, they practise what Kristin teaches. Student Maid would not have remained open had it not been for Kristin. Kristin decided to use the pandemic as an opportunity to talk to people and other businesses about how to care for their employees during this difficult time.
They closed Student Maid at the beginning of the pandemic for their employees. They did not want to risk their employee’s health and lives by making them go into other people’s homes.
So even though they shut down for a short period of time, their people felt loved and supported during this trying year. They were meeting with their employees weekly despite being closed just to check in and make sure everyone was doing well.

How did Amanda transition from being a competitive archer to head of operations at Student Maid? (20:54)

Amanda started archery when she was 10 and she excelled at it. She started to compete nationally and internationally. She made it onto some world teams and have the opportunity to live at the Olympic Training Center in San Diego under her head coach at the time.
Amanda, however, did not love archery, she was just good at it and once you get to a certain level with a sport, you have to love it. Amanda was passionate about teaching and so she stepped away from archery and became a preschool teacher. She was trying to find her passion and teaching was always behind it.
She ended up in Florida coaching Archery at an Eastern Sports Facility outside Gainesville. Still not quite satisfied, Amanda was still looking for jobs at the time. She accidentally ran into Student Maid and it sounded too good to be true.
She thought it was a fake scam on craigslist. She still applied, having never heard of Student Maid before. The interview was the first Interview Amanda has had where the company asked her to interview them to see if they were a good fit for her.
She thought that was really great and she saw the stuff they were doing for the students and the opportunities she would be able to have, coach and make her own. She dropped Archery and everything else and started to work for Student Maid full time.

Student Maid

Student Maid is a cleaning and concierge service based in Gainesville, Florida dedicated to empowering the rising generation of leaders. Their goal is to empower them to approach their futures with confidence in themselves and in their leadership abilities.

Resources

Connect with Amanda: LinkedIn

Student Maid: Website

Bill Ellis

bill@brandingpillars.com

bill@brandingforresults.com

+1 314-807-0923

www.brandingpillars.com

www.brandingforresults.com

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

Connect with Bill on Facebook

Bill’s Instagram: @wcellis

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Dafna Michaelson Jenet is a Democratic member of the Colorado House of Representatives. She represents House District 30, which covers a portion of Adams County, including parts of Commerce City, Aurora, Brighton, Henderson, Bennett, Keensburg, Strasburg, and Thornton. She was elected to her seat in 2016, unseating Republican incumbent JoAnn Windholz. She published her first book, It Took a Little Crazy to Make a Difference, in 2015. She published her second book, Peanut's Legacy, in 2017.

What is Dafna’s goal in life? (3:08)

Dafna believes that no matter what you look like, sound like, or how much money or education you have, you have the power to solve problems within your community and that ultimately the best problem solvers are your fellow community members.
Dafna struggled with writing her book called It Takes A Little Crazy To Make A Difference. She had many health concerns during that time, so it took her about four years to finish the book. The title came to her suddenly when she was driving to a speaking engagement.
It takes a little crazy to make a difference was something she had said in a Sunday morning CBS interview, and she thinks the book had to happen as naturally as the title had, and that is why it took so long.
The book covers Dafna’s journey through all 50 states over 52 weeks of a year. This journey happened because Dafna felt she needed to interview every governor and ask them what they are doing to engage their citizens in solving community problems.
Dafna states that she writes because it is how she copes, and she shares because other people suffer too. Soon after finishing her trip through all the states, Dafna’s doctor found a lump in her breast, and she underwent bilateral mastectomies at 37 years old; and was engaged and stressed about how her soon to be husband would react to her not having breasts.
She decided to write a book about that journey as well, and people would make contact with Dafna and tell their own stories to her, and together, they formed an informal healing community just by sharing. After facing more and more hardship, Dafna decided to keep writing and sharing her experiences with others who might also need the advice or feeling of not being alone in their situation.

What made Dafna decide to move into the public space in the form of running for State Representative? (10:45)

When Dafna was 14, she had promised herself that she would never complain about a problem unless she were willing to work on the solution. For most of her life, that has meant that she worked in the non-profit area, and she enjoyed it immensely.
She has spent more than 20 years in the non-profit arena, and she has three beautiful children. Her one child Aaton struggled a lot throughout his life. He struggled because he did not fit in school, and Dafna had fought for a long time to get him an appropriate individualized education plan.
She had failed. No matter how many meetings she had and had the privilege and access, she could not get the right appointment with the right people even though she knew the right people. Dafna considered suing the school district because he could not go to public school, so legally, she could have a lawsuit that would have them pay for his school.
She could not stomach it because she knew how many schools were already struggling, especially in Colorado. They have trouble funding their schools because they have old tax laws, and so she realized the way to solve this problem was by being on the other side of the table and being the decision-maker.
She figured as the decision-maker, she could save others from going through what her son went through and create laws that put into place the necessary frameworks so that people would not get lost in the cracks like her son did.

What trend does Dafna see in their future cast of politics? (17:05)

Dafna says that Washington state style politics did not trickle down to the Colorado state legislature. Dafna has a lot of bills that she co-sponsored with the republican parties. Dafna is primarily a democrat but cosponsors with republicans.
She has a lot of legislature, and she works explicitly towards figuring out how they can create shared values. Dafna’s values come from her Jewish upbringing, where they have a saying that says these things are essential; their work, their service to the community, and their acts of kindness.
Dafna’s whole law-making platform revolves around these three things from her religious upbringing; she figured if she learned with people who practice differently from herself, maybe she could learn some of the values from other sides.
During her first day of the legislature, Jim Wilson invited everyone to Tuesday bible study, and Dafna figured since it was open to her that they would be studying the old testament. They were examining Timothy at the bible study, and it was something Dafna had not learned before.
She thought it was a good exercise as theft was debating values, and they would talk about different values from different segments. So Dafna believes that political views are becoming more open-minded as people become more willing to experience everyone’s culture and religions.

The Journey Institute

The mission of the Journey Institute is to lift the voices of those who might otherwise not be heard. To tell the stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things to help their community.

Dafna’s Books

It Takes a Little Crazy to Make a Difference

Peanut's Legacy: A Story of Joy, Heartbreak and Healing

Resources

Connect with Dafna: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

Website: dafnaforcolorado.com

The Journey Institute: Website

Bill Ellis

bill@brandingpillars.com

bill@brandingforresults.com

+1 314-807-0923

www.brandingpillars.com

www.brandingforresults.com

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

Connect with Bill on Facebook

Bill’s Instagram: @wcellis

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Anthony Meyers is Pastor for Community Development at The Crossing Church in Chesterfield, Missouri. In that role, he oversees strategic partnerships and leadership development in the greater St. Louis region. Prior to arriving in St. Louis, he served as executive pastor at Element Church in Wentzville, Missouri, and Vice President of Texas College in Tyler, Texas. Pastor Meyers holds a B.S. from Saint Augustine’s College and a master’s degree in education from Jacksonville State University.

What is Anthony's point? (0:48)

Anthony thinks we go through life always trying to figure that out. We are always asking what’s the point, what's the point of life, what are we supposed to be doing or what is an accomplishment etc.
He states that if we are not careful we fall into the trap of following other people’s dreams, visions or ideas. We start believing that that is what we are supposed to be doing and that that is the next natural progression for us.
Once you get to the end of someone else’s dream, most often people find they did not do it. Anthony calls this ‘chasing the bass’ and he says that this bass has a voracious appetite and you keep feeding the beast by chasing it.
Whether you are chasing money, stature or a career path, and you get there and you realize that it is not as great as it seemed. Eventually, you ask yourself again, what’s the point? Why am I doing this?
Anthony believes it is important to try and figure it out. Once you know what the point is, you figure out what your purpose in life is and you realize that you have certain gifts and habits that fold into that. And that is when you start to live your best life.

What does Anthony see when people are led down a path by someone else and they are resistant to that path, but they feel compelled by parents or role models? (3:50)

We live in a society where people are put in boxes and you have to fit in those boxes. Most people are forced into the box and after a while, they start to question if they actually fit and why they need to be in the box.
A lot of people get stuck on the idea that the box is where they have to fit because it is the box that they have been put in. They think because they’re good at maths, you have to be a doctor or an engineer or even an accountant.
Anthony believes people are forced onto life paths too early and they get stuck in them because it is what society expects. Anthony speaks on his own daughters and how when you have kids, you constantly worry if you are leading them in the right direction.
You wonder what traits you are giving them. Anthony tells parents that the job they have is to train their children in such a way that when they leave the house they are a whole human being, able to sustain themselves and so Anthony realized he had to think differently.
He asked himself, is he empowering them? Is he providing a way for them to think critically about life and make decisions? Anthony spends a lot of his time trying to guide parents into healthy ways to raise their children.

How did Anthony go from being a police officer to a pastor? (12:17)

Anthony was an unintentional officer. Both of his parents were accountants and they had wanted him to be an accountant too. He used to watch his parents do accounting and he thought to himself that he really did not want to do that.
He went to school and made the dean’s list in freshman and sophomore year in accounting and business and he hated it. He almost dropped out of school before his parents told him to choose a different major.
He ended up picking criminal justice. He loved it but he was not sure about what was next. Anthony’s aunt was the campaign manager for the sheriff of North Caroline and so the sheriff would be at Anthony’s house every once in a while.
One morning during Anthony’s senior year, the sheriff had asked him what he was going to do after graduation. When Anthony did not give him an answer he had said he will go work for him.
While Anthony enjoyed his career as an officer, he found that within himself that this was not the path he is supposed to follow. But even now, as a pastor and speaker, Anthony mentors a lot of officers because he understands what it means to be an officer.

The Crossing Church

The Crossing is not so much about a place but more about the people God has set on dynamic pilgrimage, reaching out and crossing paths, borders, divides and gaps everywhere. They trust that it is the Cross of Jesus Christ that inspires and impacts lives everywhere…until that day when they will see Jesus return in all His Glory!

Resources

Connect with Anthony: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

The Crossing Church: Website

Book Release - January 2021 Minutes Matter When Living An Intentional Life

Bill Ellis

bill@brandingpillars.com

bill@brandingforresults.com

+1 314-807-0923

www.brandingpillars.com

www.brandingforresults.com

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

Connect with Bill on Facebook

Bill’s Instagram: @wcellis

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Jamie Vann is a creative, energetic personality paying it forward by building the 2nd, fully accessible amusement park, in the World, in St. Louis, MO. Complete with rides and attractions, a splash park, ice rink, and a year-round greenhouse for national and international visitors and employment opportunities for ALL abilities and our transitioning Veterans.

She is also a mom of 2 teenage hockey players, boy and a girl- not 2 boys

What is Jamie’s goal in life? What is the Spirit of Discovery park? (3:08)

Jamie says the park is a concept they are bringing to life in St. Louis that will be the second fully accessible amusement park in the world. This means that all abilities can come and enjoy.
She feels that although life-changing things happen to people all the time, it should not end the joy you can experience with your family.
She came up with the idea when her son was in kindergarten. A friend mentioned another fully accessible park and the fact that her friend’s family couldn’t go to Disney because of a disability. She was upset that people couldn’t enjoy going to a place like Disneyland.
Her friend told her about their experience at the existing fully accessible amusement, and she immediately decided she wanted to make something like that come to life in St. Louis.
She decided to call Morgan’s Wonderland and asked them what she had to do to open a park in St. Louis. She was immediately transferred to people who could help her make it happen, and five years later, the park is a reality.

What is the current status of the development of the spirit of Discovery Park? (8:18)

Jamie says they are still searching for a home for the amusement park and that finding 35 acres of flat land in Missouri is challenging.
They are in conversations right now with what she hopes and foresees as being a potential home. At this time, she cannot disclose where but they’ve made it further through the process with this potential home than with any previous possibility.
Everything is in motion, but their greatest obstacle is procuring land for the park.

The contribution of the Vann family is touching so many lives now and in the future. What did Jeff do with his hockey that is pretty special?

Jamie starts by saying Jeff is the Ying to her Yang. He is the level headed person in the family.
She says, when she told him that she wants to start the park, he told her to go ahead and supported her. He could see that she is persistent.
Jeff told her to make sure the park has an ice rink. At the time, she put the board together for the park, and they decided to print their business cards with Braille on them.
When she received her business card, she couldn’t wait to give it to someone who was blind, she thought she’d give it to her high school history teacher, but when she went to the shopping center, she saw a blind person, gave her the card and drove off.
A few hours later, she received a phone call from the lady who then enquired about the ice rink. The whole thing led to a person sponsoring a tri blind hockey event with equipment if they advertised the event. After the event, the person left all the equipment with them as a donation.
They weren’t sure what to do with all the equipment and took it to the amusement park board, who voted on them putting a team together with Jeff. He’s been coaching the blind hockey team ever since.

What can we do to help the Spirit of Discovery Park? (30:18)

Jamie says the best we people can help is by spreading awareness because they are coming and they are going to need funds.
The Spirit of Discovery Parks is a non-profit organization that will need to raise money.
People can go to the website at spiritofdiscoverypark.com or reach out to Jamie personally and determine what they could do to help.
She is open to speaking to anyone and everyone who may have ideas that could help.

Spirit Of Discovery Park

The Spirit of Discovery Park’s vision is to build a fully accessible theme park where EVERY body can belong. Children and adults of all ages and abilities will enjoy every aspect of an amusement park, from the instant they enter because every aspect of the park is designed just for them.

Resources:

Jamie’s email: jamie@spiritofdiscoverypark.com

Jamie’s phone number: +1 314 283 5266

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Bill Ellis

bill@brandingpillars.com

bill@brandingforresults.com

+1 314-807-0923

www.brandingpillars.com

www.brandingforresults.com

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

Connect with Bill on Facebook

Bill’s Instagram: @wcellis

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Not too long ago, I mentioned to a colleague that I was going to start a podcast. She looked at me and said another podcast. What's the point? To which I said, exactly.

Hi, I'm brand architect, Bill Ellis, and the host of the What's The Point podcast? So what is the point? What's the point of this podcast? What's the point for you, the listener?

I'm committed to making good brands better. To me, a brand very simply is value promised, and value delivered. Every brand needs to have a clear answer to the question. What's the point? What's the meaning? I've been working with brands for over 30 years and brands include products, services, companies, and importantly, personal brands. My favorite, because that has me working with people. In my experience, the greatest challenge most personal brands most people face is knowing their purpose. Do they find what they're doing to be fulfilling? Does it add value to others? What's the point of what they do? Does it have meaning?

What we're going to do is help people discover, clarify, and live their purpose. But how? I'm going to have conversations with people who are doing just that: Living their purpose. My guest will be people that you're familiar with while others will be people that you likely haven't heard of, but you should. There's going to be stories of people overcoming obstacles you may not be able to imagine, and others that will resonate with you immediately. With each episode, you'll learn something that will help you in aligning your own purpose and your own passion.

I believe in and apply the purpose principle, which consists of three parts: purpose, passion, and persistence. This principle is built on the premise that it's our purpose that is at the heart of our ability to live a fulfilled and successful lives. Our purpose can also be thought of as our meaning Do we know the meaning behind what we do? Can we answer that, even if we do, our purpose is going to fall short? If it's not fueled by passion, what excites us what drives us towards that purpose, but passion alone, his energy wasted? Purpose and passion combined, aren't enough, there needs to be persistence, not just to sustain, but to grow and evolve and create greater value. Those three together create the purpose principle

The question, what's the point, starts to reveal our true purpose. On the one hand, it can be asked with a real negative spin. And on the other a positive view. It can be challenging, it's inquiring, and it can be clarifying. Is what you're doing, saying or planning, furthering your goals? What's the point? What can I learn? What can I improve upon? How do I proceed?

What's the point? is a more specific question than why it takes us deeper. And the more we ask it, the more we'll discover, because what's the points of questions that can't be asked too often?

It will take us deeper and provide more insight as we continue to challenge ourselves. Once we discover our purpose. Once we know the meaning of our brand, then we have to know what to do with it. And for that, we'll also talk about branding pillars. The five branding pillars, leadership, behavior, communication, influence, and team are the five attributes that support and strengthen every successful brand. And you can find out more about that at branding pillars.com.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I can say with complete confidence that the range of guests you'll meet here are going to add insight and interest. But most importantly, they're going to add ideas and experiences that you can relate to. Ideas that you can incorporate into your own efforts into your own purpose and journey. Each one of the guests will answer the question, what's the point in their own way? And that's fine because there's no wrong answer to what's the point. And because there are so many different answers in so many different perspectives. I'm sure that every episode is going to be entertaining, educational, and inspirational.

I invite you to listen to several episodes if you will if they add value. I ask that you subscribe, rate, and review what's the point wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you're so inclined, I'd ask that you please recommend and share with your colleagues and friends. Finally, if you have questions, suggestions, critiques, or simply an interest in discussing any episode or any topic, just contact me. Send an email to bill@brandingpillars.com. I look forward to hearing from you

Bill Ellis

bill@brandingpillars.com

bill@brandingforresults.com

+1 314-807-0923

www.brandingpillars.com

www.brandingforresults.com

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

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Bill’s Instagram: @wcellis

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's The Point? - Discover Your Purpose: Recent Episodes

Bill Ellis; Brand Architect