Peace and Possibilities: Recent Episodes
Julie Bruns
Discover how to be happy, peaceful and content, no matter where you are in your life or career. Learn from successful people who share life lessons and stories about their journeys. Each conversation will leave you feeling inspired and looking forward to what’s possible. And you’ll be more peaceful because of it!
As a young girl writing love letters, my 150th podcast guest always had an inkling she'd be a writer.
It's funny though, that although Linda Sivertsen was always obsessed with books, she didn't think she was smart enough to write her own.
As she grew her dog walking business, she contemplated something more. Then she had a series of dreams and felt like she'd been tapped on the shoulder to write books.
But how? She didn't know anything about it! (I can totally relate. But anything is possible.)
She didn't stop there. She learned the rules. (Sounds like curiosity to me.)
Hmm, she thought, "It can't be that hard - I'll figure it out."
Turns out that she became really good at writing for others, and at book proposals because she kept getting rejected. (Resilience.)
And then she kept being asked to help others write their proposals (through connections).
She learned, and researched, then she shared with those inquiring, and eventually found herself with a thriving book writing business.
How'd she do it? Through dogged effort. And with these thoughts in mind.
- Each little successful moment builds momentum, which creates excitement.
- If you stick with it long enough, you'll have more wins.
- Because it's not always a clear path, you need to know what you love and follow what you love (joy). Without that fuel you won't continue.
- You can't escape it, if you're meant to do it.
Thankfully Linda learned all she did. Because now there are many more people being shown the beauty of writing a book, and on their way to changing the world with their hearts and their art.
As Linda told me during our conversation, "I don't do it half ass."
Thank goodness for that!
And so many of the themes in our conversation are related to my book chapters. Imagine that?
More about Linda:
Linda Sivertsen, “Book Mama,” is in LOVE with books—reading, writing, and selling them. Her titles have won awards and hit all the lists as an author, co-author, and former magazine editor and ghostwriter. But her driving force has been to publish sustainably. Naïve and optimistic enough to believe in magic, she’s on a mission to save forests via her role as a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Ambassador. When she’s not fostering literary love matches on her Beautiful Writers Podcast (a favorite stop for writers on tour), writing, and promoting Beautiful Writers, or midwifing books at her Carmel or virtual writing retreats, Linda can be found on the back of a horse or running with her dogs. She and her husband live on their ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona.
www.bookmama.com.
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective: 8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
As a young girl, her parent's separation was a life-changing event.
But attending camp at age 7 ignited a new found curiosity and fascination with nature.
Toni Anderson knew she'd found her happy place.
Through her life and career, she marched on and struggled, becoming scrappy along the way.
Over the course of her career she began:
- Helping teams understand human relations
- Escaping to nature
- Healing, nurturing, and offering love
And when she'd struggle, she didn't know those moments were gifts. Who ever really does?
She explains that challenges are entry points to possibilities.
You are not being derailed. You are getting clarity.
She learned to be radically honest with herself.
What are you scared of, she'd ask herself.
What do you desire and WHY?
For crying out loud, ask yourself WHY.
It's the ultimate question.
More about Toni:
tonianderson.life
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective: 8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
From thinking she’d be a pediatric cardiologist to becoming a cyberspace engineer, my guest this week reminds me that life sometimes takes you in different directions.
We all know that right?
Marilyn Barrios was searching for more than a job. She wanted to help people, have an impact and help others be their best in the moments that matter.
Turns out she was great in an early sales role. Soon technical methods, engineering solutions and solving problems were her wheelhouse. She was enthralled with those concepts.
Now she's a senior leader at Motorola, but not by accident. She arrived there through many winding roads. Each time she made a change and was thinking about a new role, she asked herself how she could find something she was drawn to in that new place.
She told herself: I can define that role and develop what I want it to be. Bring your strengths to the role, she reminded herself.
- Be open, who knows what doors will open for you?
- Be prepared, but you don't have to know it all.
Do you feel fear?
That means it's a stretching opportunity for growth. Your development will always feel that way. It will be a little stretch and a little fear.
If you think about your life as being mission driven, it's easier to line up with the opportunities and not let fear get in your way.
Marilyn had so many missed opportunities and wished she would have learned that sooner.
In general, she wishes she had discovered sooner that you're not always going to be happy. You might feel crappy for a while. That's OK.
Think about how long it will take you to process and give yourself that time, and then ask yourself: what can I control?
You don't need to know it all.
Just sit with the things that are uncomfortable and ask yourself:
- What can I learn from this?
- What's the plan moving forward?
- Where will I be empowered?
Much of the time, you have a lot of control over the outcomes. Look for those opportunities.
You don't need to know it all.
More about Marilyn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilyn22/
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest this week, Lisa Anderson, did not want to be tied down.
She wanted peace and freedom.
Who can relate to that? I'm guessing all of us.
Along her career journey, she was told by many people "I love the way you talk".
And she began to wonder what other work she would be able to do, working for herself. She knew this would mean she could control her income and depend on herself.
Like her, you CAN concentrate on what you WANT to create!
She urges us to remember:
- Don't let fear hold you back
- Follow your gut instincts
- You have more options than you realize
At the end of the day Lisa's positive attitude always has her focusing on the solution.
There is always at least one. Read that again.
If you're having trouble in any aspect of your life, she'd say to you "Let's go - there is a solution!"
I couldn't agree more.
More about Lisa:
Highly compassionate, creative, and intuitive, Lisa Anderson is a compelling Intuitive Life & Business Coach whose sole mission is to leverage her powerful gift to support others with their individual personal, spiritual & professional growth journeys. As the Founder and Owner of Krisallis, Lisa enjoys being able to help others move past their barriers in order to move forward on their life's paths. Lisa's Clarity Readings, Coaching Programs, Signature Events, and Weekly Content are truly cultivating, meaningful, and strikes transformations that surface authenticity and soul awakening.
https://www.krisallis.com/business-coaching
https://www.krisallis.com/growwithoutboundaries/categories/business
https://www.krisallis.com/faq
Twitter: krisallis1
Instagram: krisallisintuitivecoach
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest this week had a successful, albeit stressful, marketing and advertising career. For years she did whatever it took to meet the needs of her clients. And she was really good at it. But she was overspent.
Imagine that!
Eventually she began to ponder about doing more for a different impact.
Victoria knew she loved leading people and getting the best out of them. So she sought more insight. Then she became a coach, helping even more people.
After discussing success and options, we both agreed education can make all the difference.
That's why she started Trace of Hope, an organization that helps students pay for college.
She's learned many things over the years, in corporate America and while having her own business.
Some advice from Victoria:
- Always try to look at your situation differently
- Assure people when listening: I heard you, I understand you
- Be open to different experiences
- Seek out a mentor
When you're overspent, seeking a new way to make an impact and use your gifts to help others, is definitely possible. Just ask Victoria!
More about Victoria:
Victoria Repka-Geller is an executive coach specializing in career and business transformation, as well as as a marketing strategist, with 19+ years experience in Branding, Marketing & Advertising for Fortune 500 companies. She was featured in the WSJ’s The High Cost of Avoiding Conflict at Work and Barbara Stanny’s Sacred Success. Victoria’s customizable 5-step programs — Power over Your Career and Power over Your Business — provide roadmaps for executive and business positive ROI and success.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Victoria founded the non-profit Trace of Hope Inc., which strives to help break the cycle of poverty by alleviating student debt through their Direct-to-Recipient (DTR) grant giving rounds. Trace of Hope aggregates donations of any size, and makes grants directly to students in such a way that donors see firsthand who benefits from their generosity. (Want to help a student? No donation is too small or, dare we hope, too big! Contact us at donations@traceofhope.org)
victoria@loamlife.com
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Syda Segovia Taylor is a champion for social justice, wellness and healing.
From a student at UIC, to a dance teacher and health advocate. She's been fighting for what's right since she was a young girl.
Her parents and her family came to America because they thought "you can do anything here". But she learned very quickly: wait, no you can't!
She realized early on that it wasn't as simple as her parents had thought or planned. And that began her journey to social justice.
She began to ask questions and look around - trying to see who needed help to fit in, and become more.
Then she beat cancer, and wanted to see how she could use that experience to help others and be of service.
She became much more aware of wellness and appreciating life.
Now, she wants to build a fortress of wellness, joy and strength.
Her best advice during our chat:
We're all gems in a mine; keep chipping away until you discover the gem.
Figure out the tools you need to help you shine, but keep the rest of humanity in mind.
More about Syda:
Syda Segovia Taylor has 25 years of experience connecting opportunities with Black and Latino youth and families in Chicago. She prides herself of being a social justice advocate by promoting the oneness of humankind, environmental justice and physical/spiritual health.
Syda is the founder and executive director of a nonprofit called Organic Oneness established in 2019. Together with her 9 board members, countless volunteers and multitude of community partners, they promote the interconnectedness of all people and the Earth through community trainings, programs, and events. Through Organic Oneness, Syda is also promoting a “Fortress of Wellness” to help social activist prevent illness, burn-out, and compassion fatigue.
“We are a part of one world and every race, age and gender are needed to advance society. Emotions and logic are both valid just as arts and sciences are equally important.” -Syda
@OrganicOneness on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and Youtube
Syda's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syda-segovia-taylor-m-a-414a4629/
Syda’s talk on BahaiTeachings.com can be watched here: Healing the Trauma of Racism and Violence
Most recent article on how it Organic Oneness started: A Community Organizer, Inspired by Her Baha’i Faith, Works to Bring Healing
Rainn Wilson Podcast: Episode 26 - Syda and Kelsey
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Elizabeth Cohen once thought she wanted to be a math teacher. Then she discovered psychology. And boy did she adore psychology.
Like many of us at certain points in our lives, she was very clear that she was going to do this.
But when she finished her psychology degree and decided to pursue an advanced degree, she was not accepted.
So she gave up and completely changed directions.
No, no, just kidding. She tried again. And in her case, the 2nd time was the charm.
She reminds us:
- We can't blame outside issues for our inside problems
- Turn inward, and ask "what do I need?"
- Ask the other person: do you want me to listen or suggest?
- You HAVE to find something that lights you up
- Self care is monumentally important
Every day you spend hating what you're doing, you're taking years off your life.
Because we're practicing the same thing over and over, we're essentially training our brain to be UNHAPPY!
In summary, you're not ever really stuck.
The brick wall you're seeing isn't a room. It's just a wall - maybe in the middle of a beautiful field.
Look around, over, under, and beside you.
There's always something else to see.
More about Elizabeth:
drelizabethcohen.com
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-divorce-doctor/id1439183765
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedivorcedoctor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethCohenPhD Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-cohen-715333135/
Link to Newsletter: https://broken-shape-112.ck.page/1cd4e82d8e
http://drelizabethcohen.com/about/
https://amzn.to/3bdWgY3
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Cynthia James is a risk taker at heart. When she was younger she was preoccupied with surviving.
But little by little, she moved from welfare to possibilities in part, because of her grandma's wisdom. She kept planting seeds, encouraging Cynthia to think bigger. And she went from being a flight attendant to Miss Minnesota, then becoming an actor and a singer!
There are a lot of good nuggets in our conversation.
Mainly, Cynthia thinks it's important to know: what lights you up?
And to ask yourself: what would you do for free?
My favorite thing she said was: fear is nothing but energy and info.
We're always evolving and growing. There will be fear, but it's normal and it's just energy. Use it to your advantage.
And stay away from the people telling you that you can't.
Keep your mind on the CAN.
More about Cynthia:
It took Cynthia James many decades to find her authentic voice; today, she supports clients around the world to do the same. In this accessible, inspiring guide, she examines why uncovering your own voice is so important and shares tools and guidance for how to get there.
Acclaimed Author - https://www.amazon.com/Does-Voice-Matter-Self-Discovery-Authenticity-ebook/dp/B09NNF8VLJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3F0FEWZ1AI1VV&keywords=does+my+voice+matter&qid=1658353064&sprefix=does+my+voice%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1
Singer/songwriter - https://cynthiajames.net/chosen-cd-release/
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
When Amanda Parker and I chatted, she said, "It may feel like an accident, but it almost never is."
I couldn't agree more! I seem to be saying that a lot lately.
It's because I trust my gut when I select guests for my podcast. We tend to be like minded. I don't believe we need to be this way for everything, but I want to talk to people that believe what I believe about possibilities, so I can amass more proof.
Proof of what? Proof that anything is possible!
From Latin American studies to communication, Amanda fell in love with certain topics. Then she began working with animals, and she eventually even volunteered with jaguars.
Until she discovered organizational development. Weird turn huh?
She's made many twists and turns in her life and career. Though she believes she stayed in some places way too long, she's glad she finally made the changes she needed to.
What she's learned:
- Keep your eyes open (awareness)
- Trust your inner voice (then it's SO clear)
- All the info you need is inside
- What you think you want WILL look different
- Even though it may feel like an accident, it almost never is
- Pay attention to what you're asking for
Finally, what's your highest value and are you aligned to it?
If you're not, you likely will not stay happy for long.
More about Amanda:
Amanda Parker is an Intuitive Leadership Coach and creator of the T7M Group Coaching Program. She helps visionary leaders and entrepreneurs show up in their businesses and lives with their whole hearts. Amanda empowers leaders to do the deep inner work necessary to master their self-awareness and play on the edge of their comfort zones to grow. For 15+ years, Amanda has served as a transformation catalyst for other heart-centered entrepreneurs, hyper-growth tech startups, conventional businesses, and organizations - including WWF, World Bank Group, World Economic Forum, UNICEF, and Zalando. Along with an EMBA from IE Business School, Amanda holds a BA in Latin American Studies and Spanish from Tulane University and professional certifications from the Co-Active Training Institute, the International Coaching Federation, and Cornell University.
Instagram - @amandaparker.co
Facebook - www.facebook.com/theamandaparker
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/amandamparker/
YouTube www.youtube.com/channel/UCwBxLaoR4ywxPiIu5jN2cZA
T7M: https://www.purposefulmastermind.com/
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
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| Helping, solving problems, and being with people. Since high school my guest this week, Michelle Chalfant, has wanted to help others resolve their issues. Good news for her because she's very good at it. Through her coaching, podcast and business, she's healing the planet. I don't say that lightly. It's because she's training an army of light warriors so that we can all feel and be better. She's really passionate about it too! What has she learned along her journey? * Delegate what you're not good at.
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Stick to the things you're naturally great at.
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Do the self work (you know… all that fun stuff that makes you so smart, that nobody else can do for you).
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Self-discovery is a never ending task.
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Persevere. Without it you will never get where you want to go.
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Go forward regardless of your failures.
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Use your intuition, always.
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Ask yourself what feels right. Your body doesn't lie. Ever!
I love what she says about taking the next step. When we're on our journey, all we can ever really do is keep going, by taking one step at a time. She calls this “walking down an illuminated path.” Each step is lit up. It might not be the one you want to take, but it's lit up because it's the one you're supposed to take. This is one of the most beautiful concepts I have heard in my almost 150 episodes. And if you're unsure about what you're good at, ask others. They'll help you notice your gifts. Oh, and mistakes are normal. They are the greatest learning opportunities for your future. I’m so glad I met Michelle. You will be too. |
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More about Michelle:
Michelle Chalfant is a licensed therapist, master life coach, author, podcaster and motivational speaker. Her work has helped people all over the globe get unstuck, find their true self, grow their self-worth and improve their relationships, creating a life of true freedom and empowerment! With more than 25 years of experience as a therapist and coach and extensive training in diverse self-healing methods, Michelle's mission is to bring healing to this world. To learn more about Michelle and her incredible work, visit theadultchair.com.
Website: theadultchair.com
The Adult Chair Podcast: theadultchair.com/podcast
Facebook: facebook.com/themichellechalfant
Instagram: instagram.com/themichellechalfant
YouTube: youtube.com/c/michellechalfant
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
At 17, she was a police cadet. And she remained on the force for 30 + years!
Kristen Ziman is a force to be reckoned with. Why? Because she was told she'd never be a leader on the police force.
And she simply didn't believe it.
Though early on she didn't have aspirations to be a leader in that regard, simply because there was no example of that possibility.
But then she started telling herself:
- Maybe it is possible
- Why not me?
- What will get me closer?
And reminding herself:
- Act as if
- Begin with the end in mind
- Go find people who care
It's your story and your path and if you're always trying to better yourself, you will get there.
I couldn't agree more!
Something else we both agree with:
People on the sidebar are critics who aren't doing anything. So don't listen to them! Go find what works for you and make the difference in any way you can.
Finally, for any important decision, she always asks herself three things. Listen in to hear what they are.
More about Kristen:
Former Police Chief of the Aurora IL Police Department (Ret.) Speaker | Author | Leader | Change Agent Kristen is the former Police Chief of the Aurora IL Police Department (Ret.).
In Kristen’s 30-year career in law enforcement, she blazed trails: she became the first woman Lieutenant in 2008, first woman Commander in 2010, and eventually the first woman Chief in her department’s history in January of 2016. Kristen was also the Chief on watch during a mass shooting in her hometown Aurora, IL. Since retiring from the department, Kristen has now stepped into her new career as a professional speaker and consultant for organizations and police departments focused on the areas of leadership, women empowerment, positive psychology, and mass shooting prevention.
Kristen is also the author of Reimagining Blue: Thoughts on Life, Leadership, and a New Way Forward in Policing, a passionate and personal memoir of a misunderstood profession through the vantage point of a female police chief. https://kristenziman.com/press-kit/
And check out my bestselling book: Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective: 8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Jason Harvin doesn't see himself as an artist.
But he is. You'll see when you check out his website.
He was raised in a blue collar, military home in Germany. And was taught to take the safe route.
As he grew older, he learned that being safe didn't always result in purposeful, passionate work. And he slowly wondered if this was really all there was to life. I'm sure some of us can relate.
So he became curious, then began to explore new things.
Painting slowly took over. Until it was his business and full time work.
And it was the best decision ever!
A few other things he's learned:
- Trust your instincts
- Focus on what and who is important
- Don't just ride the wave, be intentional
What might you possibly be if you didn't take the safe route?
More about Jason:
Jason Harvin is a self taught artist and painter specializing in geometric style interior art for homes and businesses. His work has been featured on HGTV’s 100 Day Dream Home and can be found across Florida, primarily in the Tampa Bay Area. After picking up a paint brush for the first time in 2018, his work spread quickly throughout homes and businesses. By 2022 his company Wayward Walls, which had initially been a “side hustle”, grew into his full time focus and career and he quit his longtime corporate career to focus fully on the business.
www.waywardwalls.com
https://linktr.ee/waywardwalls
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Did you read that subject line?
If not, here it is again: stop doing what you're not being valued for!
From boarding school to scientist and researcher, and finally a mom, Jacqueline Kerr was often in a competitive environment and always did well. With grit and hard work, she exceled.
But not expressing her needs and emotions cost her. She was burnt out and felt ashamed. I'm guessing there are a lot of women reading this who can relate.
We women, I know because I am one, struggle more with this than men. We think we need to do it all with a smile on our faces, and say yes to everything that is asked of us.
Here are many great insights she's discovered:
- Track each YES and NO; notice the imbalance
- The activities you do, are you doing them out of love?
- What are you resenting?
- We can always learn more, but let's celebrate how we're growing
- And make sure we DON’T go back to who we were.
Think about it. What would be the point?
Going back to who we were would only negate the valuable lessons. And then the growth, pain, and stress would all be for naught.
Why would we do that?
More about Jacqueline:
Dr Jacqueline Kerr is a behavior scientist and burnout survivor. She is in the top 1% of most cited scientists worldwide and received over $56 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health to research health behavior change solutions for individuals and communities. Dr Kerr left her position as a public health professor in 2018 and now hosts the podcast 'Overcoming Working Mom Burnout' where she interviews researchers, diversity experts, and leadership coaches. She is on a mission to dismantle the causes of burnout, to prevent burnout through comprehensive strategic planning for employee well being aligned with DEIB, and to create sustainable and impactful organizational change informed by her two decades as a behavior change and implementation scientist and practitioner. Her TEDx talk (How to stop burnout before it starts) explains how burnout is a multi-level problem and provides actionable solutions that we can all use to change the social norms around burnout based on behavior change science.
www.DrJacquelineKerr.com
https://youtu.be/9YY0gVnVPoQ TEDx talk How to stop burnout before it starts
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jacqueline-kerr-a62581173/
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Marshan Allen was locked up at age 15. I know that's not typically how I start my introductions. But this one is unique.
I came across his story when it was featured at Illinois Tech, because he is pursuing his law degree. That's not unique, but his journey there is very unconventional.
And while reading it, I was incredibly inspired.
After years of being incarcerated, he is now a law student and ready to change the world for the better. Marshan is determined to make sure others don't have to endure what he so bravely did.
Here are a few of the biggest lessons he's learned:
- Education is the answer
- Keep an open mind, always
- You really just never know what will happen
- Learn new skills
- You can always make improvements
Keep asking yourself: what speaks to you?
Oh, and dream bigger. There really is so much that's possible.
Listen to Marshan, you'll see.
More about Marshan:
Before joining Represent Justice, Marshan has been employed as a Research and Policy Fellow with Fair and Just Prosecution (FJP), the Policy Director for the Restore Justice Foundation (RJ), and a Starbucks Barista and Supervisor. He received a sentence of life-without-parole for his minor role in an offense that occurred when he was 15 years of age but was released after almost 25 years because of the US Supreme Court’s decision in Miller vs Alabama. Since his release in 2016, Marshan has become staunch advocate for criminal justice reform and has received numerous awards and recognitions for his advocacy work.
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest this week, Sam Collins, tells me and us: don’t compare yourself to others, nothing good ever comes of it. I couldn’t agree more!
Compare yourself to yourself. Have you grown since last week, last month, last year? That’s what matters! Are you growing and learning a little everyday?
And while you are not comparing yourself to others, you'll have more time to do things like tune in to people and discover what you can offer them.
Give them sincere encouragement.
And finally, you (and I and all of us) need to chill.
And when you are Dr. Sam Collins, you can aspire, inspire, and go M.A.D. That’s where I met her, several years ago, doing all that great work.
Now go out there and see how you can make a difference.
Reinvent yourself. Move forward. And stop CYTO (comparing yourself to others). For crying out loud!
More about Sam:
Radio Heaven - https://www.amazon.com/Radio-Heaven-Womans-Journey-Grace/dp/B08C98YXQQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20Y7IIIJ9GAHO&keywords=radio+heaven+sam+collins&qid=1659353117&sprefix=%2Caps%2C339&sr=8-1
Rebellious - https://www.amazon.com/Rebellious-Women-Broke-Rules-Changed/dp/B0B3S8BQCN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36SFGC52L12I3&keywords=rebellious+sam+collins&qid=1659353139&sprefix=rebellious+sam+collins%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-1
Podcast on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-sam-collins-podcast-stripped-back/id1533811424
Podcast on Aspire Website - https://aspireforequality.com/podcast/
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest this week (and my 135th guest), is the energetic, sweet, and funny Oscar Garcia. Oh, and he’s very inspirational as well. You’ll see what I mean right away.
I love his energy. He comes from a big family and had to work his way up, every step of the way. Sound familiar?
He assures us that crap can be, and is, fertilizer. You'll have to listen in to see what he means.
Oscar recommends, if we want to shake it up, achieve more, get more satisfaction, that we may need to change our sphere of influence. What is that? The people who are influencing you regularly.
Surround yourself with better people who are making you think and grow. People who challenge you to do better will help you become better.
And he encourages us to taste opportunity now. Right now.
Just try.
Like Oscar explained, and if you're a really good parent or mentor, you've said it a thousand times, you don't know until you try,
Try something different. Try something new, try a new question or conversation. You could be pleasantly surprised. You will more than likely, be pleasantly surprised.
So get out there and try. As the famous quote from the movie Shawshank Redemption goes: "Get busy living, or get busy dying".
I wish I said that!
More about Oscar:
He is the Founder & Chief Empowerment Officer of Aspira Consulting, a Silicon Valley training and consulting firm providing culturally relevant career and leadership programs. Oscar's career journey includes business development roles at five startups, co-founding a nonprofit, Chamber President & CEO, and Community Partnerships Manager at LinkedIn.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiefempowermentofficer
https://twitter.com/leadandconnect
Aspira Consulting YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxXD101Azi9FBemWyTXJlzg
Aspira Consulting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspiraconsultinginc/
Career Talk with OG Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/career-talk-with-og/id1530311004
Oscar's email: oscar@aspiraconsulting.com
Aspira Consulting website: https://www.aspiraconsulting.com
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Tarzan Kay is quite the entrepreneur. Even if you don't own a business or desire to be your own boss, she has a lot of wisdom to share that just may help you on your journey.
Like me, she's always learning and loves to figure out what works and what doesn't. If you think about it, how else are you going to figure out what kind of life you want to create and LIVE?
Before she was a successful business owner, she was a successful copywriter. And it's no surprise. As a small child, she wrote that she would be a writer someday.
She believes that part luck/part talent/part going for it helped make her successful.
She also thinks it has to do with these skills:
- Giving yourself time
- Simplify your life and surroundings
- Know when they are NOT your people
- Try things
- Fail, yes fail. (She hates failing, but those failures are the most important lessons)
- The harder things are, the more growth you have
- Have compassion for yourself and others
You will love her energy and spirit, and you will learn a few important things.
More about Tarzan:
Tarzan Kay is an email marketing expert who teaches how to sell big with truth-infused, story-based emails.
- Insta Feed
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- https://www.instagram.com/tarzan_kay/
- Instagram: @tarzan_kay
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- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarzankay
- LinkedIn: @tarzankay
- FB
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- https://www.facebook.com/tarzankayspage/
Facebook: @tarzankayspage
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
From poverty, homelessness, and child abuse to $100,000.
My guest this week, Michael Anthony, is a speaker, author, and podcaster who knows what he wants.
But as a young adult, after years of enduring incredible hardships, he was chasing money. And though he was successful, it seemed, he couldn't maintain the façade for long. He had a goal and he reached it, but with that accomplishment came more weight, more smoking, and more stress. And finally at almost 26 years old, he hit rock bottom.
Now he is finally aligned with his values, and he encourages us to be.
Michael also welcomes us to use the resources at hand. There are usually more resources than you realize. I would beg to differ there are ALWAYS more resources than you realize.
And remember, in general, your issue is likely not life or death. If you're that miserable in any job, quit already!
It will teach you who you are. It will teach you who you need to be. It will definitely help you grow.
Finally, once you've made a choice and then realize it's wrong, good! It's info; stop wasting your time! Acknowledge it and move on to the next thing.
One thing is for sure, after you listen to our conversation, you will have a new perspective. And you just might be moved to make that change. The one that's going to make the difference.
That's all I can ask.
More about Michael:
Since 2016, Michael has empowered over 100,000 trauma survivors to get out of The Vortex, learn to love themselves, and become the hero of their own story. Michael has written multiple books including the best seller Think Unbroken: Understanding and Overcoming Childhood Trauma, spoken in over 80 countries, won investments from Undercover Billionaire Grant Cardone, and is on a mission to end Generational Trauma in his lifetime.
About Think Unbroken:
Our mission is to empower trauma survivors with the tools and curriculum of Think
Unbroken to get unstuck, learn to love themselves, get "Out of The Vortex" and reclaim their power. We believe that by creating palatable and practical tools that Trauma Warriors around the world can overcome their past, heal from trauma, and BECOME THE HERO OF THEIR OWN STORY!
https://www.thinkunbroken.com/speak
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
When she was younger, my guest this week was mostly concerned with getting a job, on the books.
What do I mean by that? You'll have to listen in to see.
As Daniela Pierre-Bravo worked, and worked, and built resilience, she made no excuses. And she learned, over the course of time, that her work speaks for itself. Indeed!
She also learned these things:
- To stop chasing
- To cultivate ease, authority, and confidence
- To think this more often: “How cool is that?”
- To create “mentor” moments
And her DON'Ts:
- Don't need a pat on the back
- Don't need permission
- Don't wait for your mentor
And finally, community is what really matters...she ought to know. She built one from scratch. Oh, and come to think of it, so did I.
And actually, so do all of us. Now get going and build!
More about Daniela:
https://www.danielapierrebravo.com/
https://www.legacylitbooks.com/titles/daniela-pierre-bravo/the-other/9780306925443/
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
You do not want to miss this podcast!
Chris Block is nothing short of inspiring. His attitude is a delight and his story is so…how do I explain it? Maybe you can come up with a word. (Email me after you listen and tell me what word you would use to describe his story.)
He tells us to get comfortable. And to grow, achieve, and try, so you can thrive.
When describing a certain, very special experience, he uses the words calm, tranquil, and surreal. It's a natural high, where you feel no pain, and are free to float in utter bliss.
Oh, and once you listen, you'll understand why he says Diveheart people are JUST SO SELFLESS. (I agree - look them up!)
Chris is utterly amazed at all of their sacrifices, just so he can have this once (or twice) in-a-lifetime experience.
More about Chris:
https://youtu.be/z65XIuxkl-M
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest this week quit acting to travel to 60 countries. And since then Lisa Haisha has had many conversations with master teachers from all over the world.
From actor, to writer, to developing a screen play in 21 days, she's definitely someone who likes to think outside the box. And go for what she wants. A leadership quality, if there ever was one.
When thinking about an approach to finding your purpose, satisfying a boss, or even while navigating personal relationships, Lisa recommends:
○ Think about this: what do THEY want or need?
○ Change your mindset - give them a gift
○ You can reinvent and change your story
Finally, a great questions to ask yourself:
What does it take to be the person I imagine??
And remember, you are ready. You can figure it out. She figured it out, and so did I. We're always figuring it out.
What other choice do we have?
Let your life create your stories.
More about Lisa:
www.SoulBlazing.com
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Beginning with a request from President Biden, then a request from the Prime Minister of Japan, my guest this week was always inventing things.
There are so many good nuggets in this episode. For starters, Morty Bachar wants us to be proud of our scars.
And he asks us: why not modify things and make them better?
Art (and life) is an evolution, always; there's room for both versions of whatever you’re working on.
But Morty also likes a blank page, along with new beginnings (me too). They keep life interesting.
When considering what's holding you back (and you usually know what that is), why not try to remove the shackles and see what's possible?
He gained a lot of early wisdom because as a boy, he was on his own a lot and ultimately left to discover all kinds of things. From living in Africa, then the US, on to college and corporate America as an engineer, and now an artist, he’s quite the jack of all trades.
Listen in to learn how he was almost involved in developing facial recognition technology after 9/11, but because he heard a hum, he didn't proceed. He'd heard it before. And he knew - this is a sound to follow, so he did. On to a new road.
When you hear something similar, listen closely and discover, where does that hum want to take you?
Finally, he urges us to listen. What you think before you started (a project, a job) just might be different - and there's very possibly, a story there.
More about Morty: https://lakesidepottery.com/HTML%20Text/MortyBacharBio.htm
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
From the age of 6, she was writing about her day. And my guess is, she was probably making people laugh back then. My guest this week is Beth Thomas Cohen.
She went from fashion editor to PR to marketing to running her own company, and then writing a book! She's smart and funny, and not afraid to laugh at herself. (An endearing quality if there ever was one.)
Having lived a very full life, her perspective is quite broad. And after experiencing a lot inside many different roles, she and I agree, that usually what you're passionate about, you're good at. But of course, there's no easy road. (PS. There never is.)
As your journey twists and turns, and as you think about your next goal, ask yourself this question: what's the next level of yourself? What's next for a better version of yourself? I love this because you're not competing with anyone else.
And as you explore, it's important to know that when you're not settled, there's something more waiting. It's your job to find out what it is.
Oh, and my favorite tips from Beth:
- Don't ever require validation
- Don't be a shi**y person!
More about Beth:
Instagram @ beththomascohen
Here is a link to grab the book
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest this week on The Peace and Possibilities Podcast is Mindy Stone.
She's gone from Psychology to Teaching to Learning and Development.
And considers herself a Positive Realist, always trying to make good of it, whatever "it" she experiences.
She tells us:
- Don't ignore the bad stuff- face it head on
- Don't take yourself so seriously
- Be okay with flaws and mistakes - everyone has them and makes them
And she'd rather be naïve and positive then negative and …you'll have to listen.
Finally, she asks:
In your life, do you want to be a jackhammer or a hummingbird?
Hint, it's not the jackhammer. That's much harder and not as much fun, nor as gratifying.
More about Mindy:
Mandala Coloring Book: 45 original hand-drawn illustrations by Mindy Stone-Szabo
https://www.amazon.com/Mandala-Coloring-Book-illustrations-Stone-Szabo/dp/B0977G77CP/ref=sr_1_1?crid=KKKLRBN7TYF1&keywords=mandala+mindy&qid=1656555359&s=books&sprefix=mandala+mindy%2Cstripbooks%2C550&sr=1-1
CLO Speaker Profile https://www.2022breakfastclub.com/event_speakers/mindy-stone-szabo/
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest this week, film maker David Marsh, is healing from the inside out. From what? You'll need to listen to this episode to find out.
As he continues to heal, he's tried many things and realized through life experiences, the universe is even bigger than he originally perceived.
He's a story teller, made with love. Along the way, he believes that so many things weave together to make up our perspective.
And as we go along, we should get comfortable trusting.
Because there really is no certainty. Ever.
So, when you're wondering what's next, try to let it unfold. This has been one of my big lessons this year.
Letting it unfold, like everything on the planet, is easier said than done. (When people say "easier said than done", remind them that, of course it's easier said than done.) What isn't?
But if we are to really supposed to figure out what this thing called life means, we must. It's the only thing that we can really do.
Control is an illusion.
A few more tips from David:
- There's no way to mess up this life!
- Let go of control
- Connecting with your joy space is very important
And some questions to ask along your journey:
- What can't you imagine stopping?
- How will you get there?
He's overcome so much, and now he's simply adapting to life. We could learn a lot from him.
More about David:
David Marsh is a Filmmaker and his latest film, Adapting To Dive, is available now on Amazon. Seven days before leaving to make a documentary with Diveheart, his son dies of a drug overdose. He decides to go anyway but doesn’t tell anyone about his loss. He learns about healing and adapting from these adaptive divers. David loves to create documentaries and tell stories that connect to the heart. He loves to explore the human journey and document it through video. His latest film is the Winner of Feature Documentary in the 2022 Orlando International Film Festival. He has found that satisfaction in your career comes best when you are following your enthusiasm and creating things you're passionate about.
Current Documentaries online:
ADAPTING TO DIVE (Amazon, TubiTV, LookhuTV)
HEALING FROM THE INSIDE OUT (Amazon, TubiTV, XUMO)
SOULBLAZE YOUR LIFE (TubiTV)
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Not flourishing is what drove her to study positive psychology.
Positive psychology - what an amazing concept, huh? It's more about figuring out how things can go right.
From depression to positive psychology, my guest this week, Louisa Jewell, has been teaching people about well-being since she discovered it, and is even running organizations to empower people with this knowledge so they can be and feel better.
She simply wanted to figure out how to help herself and others, and then discovered a way.
I say "simply". But of course, it's more like deciding, then figuring it out. It could take weeks or months. But once you decide to figure it out, you're usually pretty clear on what to do next.
She stays peaceful, happy and content along the way with exercise, meditation, and many other well-being practices.
And she never stops growing. Louisa even became a better speaker by learning stand up comedy.
As she likes to describe herself, she's the drop in the pond; someone who shares information and spreads ideas to help people change their lives for the better.
A few other tips from this episode:
- Define your own success
- Run your own race
- Learn your craft, then craft your job
- If you are shining, you're going to help more people
Finally, a great tip Louisa offers when interacting with any person, at any time, is to ask yourself: how can I love this person?
How beautiful is that question, huh?
More about Louisa:
Jewell is the Founder and President of the Canadian Positive Psychology Association and holds a master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania. Louisa is the host of The Awesome Project, a new Audible Originals Podcast series, appears regularly on CBC radio as a well-being expert and has been featured extensively in other media including Forbes, Fast Company and Oprah Magazine. She is a featured expert in several documentaries including The Science of Happiness and Mental Health in the City and her best-selling book Wire Your Brain for Confidence: The Science of Conquering Self-Doubt was named in the top 100 Best Psychology Books of All Time by Book Authority.
https://louisajewell.com/
To get her free e-book: The Rumination Cure https://louisajewell.com/rumination-cure/
To get a free chapter of her book: https://louisajewell.com/author/
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest this week is an amazing woman. Her name is Carol Look.
Within minutes of talking to you, Carol can get to the issue that's holding you back. I've seen it many times with my own eyes, and it's nothing short of inspiring.
Right away there is a connection, an aha moment, or a new revelation. Witnessing these "Oh, now I see" moments is so encouraging.
And all because of the work Carol has done to figure out what she's really passionate about.
Here are some of the things I've learned directly from Carol's workshops and her books:
- Ridiculers are ridiculing themselves
- If we don't feel safe with abundance, we'll cut it off
- The need to protect ourselves always wins
If you want relief like this, check out her work, or attend one of her workshops. You will be amazed at what can happen.
Don't think this is for you? She assures us, if you're human, you are bothered by something. Duh, right?
So why not try to figure out what that is and where it's coming from so you can feel better?
One of the methods she's most passionate about is called EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). It takes only minutes, all you need is yourself, and it costs nothing.
She continues to do this work for the unbelievable results she sees in people all over the world.
Carol has so much wisdom, but I especially love these insights:
- Nothing is a mistake
- If you're not fulfilled, you're not satisfied
- You can't afford NOT to be satisfied
We can take care of all our conflicts when we ask ourselves, what's the upside; and by asking ourselves, why am I staying stuck?
And, by the way, it is you staying stuck, not someone else keeping you there.
I know because I've been using this technique myself for 6 months and it's truly changed so many things for the better.
She wishes she had learned these tools earlier. Me too! Me too!
But at least we have them now. Now go use them!
More about Carol:
EFT Master, Carol Look is an author, speaker, coach, and has been a pioneer in the Energy Psychology field for over 24 years. Creator of her signature coaching method, The Yes Code, Carol is known internationally as a dynamic workshop leader, and is passionate about combining her intuition with Tapping innovations to help her clients enjoy outstanding success in their lives. Carol has taught workshops in England, Canada, Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Australia, and all over the United States. Carol’s books include “Attracting Abundance with EFT” and ”Tapping for Stress Relief.” For more on Carol’s coaching programs, please visit www.CarolLook.com.
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest this week is Fabiola Fiore.
Growing up, she was consistently creating. She couldn't get art out of her blood.
She was even selling t-shirts on her way to her banking job.
She always designed on the side, but worked 25 years in banking. Mainly because she was told (and believed), she couldn't be a starving artist.
And now she's making a living as an artist, as has been for a while.
No more banking for her!
Her advice as you navigate those fears and naysayers:
- Learn as much as you can from your family and friends
- Pursue your passion
- Start and see; each step you learn to perfect yourself
- Don't get discouraged
- Stay away from negative people
- Loyalty is good, but it can restrain you
- Sails can be adjusted
- Share your knowledge
And finally, keep on going and see what unfolds.
You just never know what can happen if you listen closely.
More about Fabiola:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabiolafiore
https://fabiola-fiore.pixels.com/
https://www.facebook.com/fabiola.nadjar/
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest this week is delivering happiness every day. Jenn Lim is an inspiration to me and soon, will be to you too.
When Jenn was in college and decided to change her major, against some advice, she wandered into other studies and changed gears, telling herself, "I'm gonna do this for myself".
Because she was curious and industrious, she eventually created an opening in the business world and was off to the races…until.
After some early experiences in the DOT com boom and a series of unpredictable events, she saw a demand for happiness in the world, and decided to do something about it.
A company around happiness. How cool is that?
She asked herself:
- Why am I chasing these things that really don't mean that much?
- Aren't freedom, authenticity, and relationships more important?
She wanted to live and work with a heartful mind and a mindful heart.
What advice does she have for those looking for a great life/career:
- Is this how I want to spend the minutes in my day?
- What are your values?
- What's your purpose?
Ask yourself these questions; you know.
When applying for any role, remember: it's a social contract; one that benefits you and the company equally to save time, money, and energy.
Finally, use curiosity more! Ask questions of yourself and others; questions can be more powerful than answers.
More about Jenn:
Jenn Lim is the bestselling author of Beyond Happiness, and the CEO of Delivering Happiness [DH], a company she and Tony Hsieh [the late CEO of Zappos.com] cofounded to create happier company cultures for a more profitable and sustainable approach to business. DH has worked with or spoken at more than 400 companies and organizations worldwide, including Starbucks, Sallie Mae, Lockheed Martin, Zoom, Northwell Health, and more.
In her new bestselling book, Beyond Happiness: How Authentic Leaders Prioritize Purpose and People for Growth and Impact, Jenn draws on her decades of experience in culture and strategy to translate it into a practical “how-to” framework so workplaces can adapt quicker, couple purpose and profits, and modernize org design to the Great Resignation and Great Awakening. As a result, she guides all of us—no matter our title or role—on how to live more meaningful lives through the work we do every day. Jenn has been featured in Inc., Forbes, Fortune, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Thrive Global, MSN, Fox Business, CNBC Make It, Success Magazine, etc. and has been coined by many industry experts, thought leaders, and members of the media, as the “happiness expert.”
Follow her @byjennlim
https://jennlim.com/
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective: 8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
How many places have you lived? In how many different cities?
My guest this week has lived in Ghana, London, and Los Angeles, to name a few. Talk about variety!
But as a young child, he also lived and felt others' pain.
At 8, he was speaking in church, along side his father.
At 14, he'd often speak to an empty church, practicing for some day.
But after many years of trying to figure out what he wanted, he finally realized: he's not entitled to anything.
As an adult he wanted to be free and have freedom, as well as inspire people.
Since then, his mission has been to un-coach and un-train us from our bad habits.
So many good nuggets in our conversation.
- Kute knew, deep down: everything is possible!
- Lies = stuck = fear
- Pain is a signal; pain is feedback
Listen in to get a deeper understanding of these valuable lessons.
More on Kute:
KUTE BLACKSON is a beloved inspirational speaker and transformational teacher. He speaks at countless events he organizes around the world as well as at outside events including A-Fest, YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization), and EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization). He is a member of the Transformational Leadership Council, a select group of one hundred of the world’s foremost authorities in the personal development industry. Winner of the 2019 Unity New Thought Walden Award, Blackson is widely considered a next generation leader in the field of personal development. His mission is simple: To awaken and inspire people across the planet to access inner freedom, live authentically and fulfill their true life’s purpose.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kuteblacksonlovenow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kuteblackson/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kuteblackson
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kuteblackson09
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kute-blackson-35755519/
Website: www.kuteblackson.com
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
What can I say… I'm in awe of my guest this week, Gretchen Carlson.
You may recognize her name from the news over the past few years. She's also had a few movies made about her journey.
Why is she a guest on my podcast?
Because after a very successful career and some exciting accomplishments, her life took an unexpected detour.
And instead of crawling under a rock, she fought back.
Because of her bravery and persistence, she has turned her trials into a purposeful career making sure the rest of us do not have to endure what she had to endure.
In my opinion, this is the definition of a hero. And a true example of what's possible.
She's been an integral part of getting some very important legislation passed, so that we don't have to turn a blind eye when we're being mistreated in the work place. We have been empowered to speak up.
And it's all because Gretchen did what we all say we'll do. She said she'd make a change, and then didn't stop until she was finished.
So, when you wake up tomorrow and see all that's going wrong in our world, then talk about all the injustices as if we have no power, please remember this story.
We have the power to evoke change. We just have to commit to it. Use your time for that instead.
Then, anything will be possible.
More about Gretchen:
Gretchen Carlson is a fierce, fearless and internationally recognized advocate for women’s rights, whose bold actions against Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes helped pave the way for the global #MeToo movement. A former CBS News and Fox News journalist, author, TED talk alum, and champion for workplace equality, Carlson was named one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World”. She’s the co-founder of the non-profit Lift Our Voices which works to end silencing mechanisms in the workplace that keep toxic issues secret and the author of the New York Times bestseller “Be Fierce” and “Getting Real”. Carlson’s story of harassment and retaliation at Fox News has garnered international attention, including the Showtime mini-series “The Loudest Voice” and movie “Bombshell.”
Her signature achievement since igniting an international movement is the passage of the “Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act” in March of this year. Working with a bi-partisan coalition of legislators in Congress over the last five years, the bill passed both the House and the Senate in February 2022 making it the biggest labor law change in the last 100 years.
GretchenCarlson.com
LIftOurVoices.org
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest this week is from Vienna, Austria. I'm interested in talking to people who love what they do in any part of the world, so others can see what's possible for them! (So if you have any recommendations for guests, send them my way.)
Ronny Leber is entertaining people at stadiums and events all around the world. And you'll be amazed at his story.
What's moving me? What is it? What do I want to learn?
These are just some of the questions he's asked himself along the way.
He worked with Tony Robbins half of his life, putting on cool events all over the world. Events always excited him; he wanted to be a part of them. And because of this passion to be in front of people, he wanted to be better at everything: entertaining, singing, acting, dancing, and speaking.
So he just sat back and dreamt of it - no just kidding. He learned to do all of those things better, so that he could reach his goals. It's called taking action. No matter how small, action is key.
Then, on November 4, 2018, he ran a marathon in NY, after being unable to train due to an injury, and told himself: forget everything you think you know; your desire will stand the test of time. Period.
Then he told himself: I'm going to finish today!
Just like the marathon he finally finished that day, he encourages us to keep moving forward. Everyone has setbacks. You will eventually get there! It's inevitable (but only if you keep moving).
More about Ronny:
https://www.ronnyleber.com/en/
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Karen Sherman is my guest this week on my 118th podcast. The Peace and Possibilities Podcast is making things possible.
She's been involved in international development for years, helping advance women around the world, and even working with women survivors of war. As a young college graduate, she found herself in a foreign country at a summit, realizing this was going to be her path. Once you hear her journey, you'll see she's quite the inspiration.
As she built her career, along the way, she kept asking herself, how can I develop and advance women?
So she said yes to everything. Though saying yes to everything has its advantages, it's also a struggle to continue; then we think "no" will be taken as a sign of weakness.
As I've talked to almost 120 people on my podcast, I've concluded that it's actually the opposite. There is strength in the "no".
Saying no proves you're strong!
And a few other helpful words from Karen:
- Every woman has a story.
- Your story is your superpower.
- No is a complete sentence.
- Be open to what's possible, while embracing a growth mindset.
- Making and having choices is a gift!
Finally, Karen encourages us to consider, as you're waiting for the next door to open, look for a window.
More about Karen:
Karen L Sherman is the Founder and CEO of Virunga Mountain Spirits, a new world- class craft distillery based in Rwanda, where she has worked for close to two decades. The business will employ and upskill Rwandans at every level of operations, with an emphasis on creating opportunities for women.
Throughout her 30-plus year career, Karen Sherman served in executive and leadership roles working to advance women around the world, in partnership with women on the frontlines, in offices and boardrooms. She has sat with leaders of all levels – heads of state, ambassadors, business and civic leaders – and speaks and writes passionately about the challenges and opportunities for women globally.
Links:
Website: https://www.karensherman.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/karsherman
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenShermanAuthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenshermanauthor/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-sherman-76115016/
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Lyndosha Jamison is my guest this week on The Peace and Possibilities Podcast.
Like almost everyone I've talked to in the last 2 1/2 years and almost 120 episodes, her career path didn't follow a straight line. Go figure! (News flash: it rarely does.)
From her winding journey to attorney (she knew at the age of 3 after watching a TV show), she kept asking herself, what do I have to do now?
One of the special things she mentioned was that she was always protected by her mom and aunt, and she learned what her gifts were very early. They never discouraged her from trying new things either. Ever! This is especially important to budding young brains. Who knows what kids will discover if we let them try!
She learned her gifts early! Wow, what a concept, huh?
And then she picked work that aligned with her gifts. Hmmm, another brilliant concept…
Her advice: welcome the awareness of discovering, and recognize when you need to let something go. Be intentional and nurture those gifts you find.
And like many of my guests have recommended regarding their leadership advice; keep asking yourself, what's the reason you're doing what you are doing? What is your intention? This always helps clarify the next step along your path.
More about Lyndosha:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndosha/
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
I'm thrilled to talk with the fabulous author, Gay Hendricks (of the incredible book, The Big Leap), on this week's episode of The Peace and Possibilities Podcast. He's amazingly positive and full of light and great wisdom.
I can't wait for you to listen to his very interesting journey to self improvement and a lifetime of helping others.
As he struggled to find his path and incorporate all of his interests, at one point, one of his mentors said to him, "Hey, why don't you combine your interests?"
Aha! What an idea, thought Gay. And the rest is history.
He assures us, as you discover things along your journey, the universe is delighted to tickle you with a feather or a mallet? Either way, listen.
Find something that lights you up in two dimensions:
- Love it, with your heart.
- Does your work make a genuine contribution to others' lives?
Then, integrate something you love into the role, even if it's not what you want to be doing long term.
Talk to those people who have great confidence in you and listen to them! Believe them!
When you do find that thing that lights you up, ask yourself:
How can I make more of my life like this?
And he recommends focusing on this genius aspect of your gifts and learning how to express more of them in the world. And this will make it so you can have a delicious life.
What makes you get out of bed every morning with a "wow, I get to do this another day"? Find your sweet spot of creativity and be electrified!
Finally, says Gay, "Peace of mind comes from total participation in your life."
Yes, yes, yes, I say!
Peace, it's one of the most important things in life to strive for…
More about Gay:
Gay Hendricks has been a leader in the fields of relationship transformation and bodymind transformation for more than 45 years. After earning his Ph.D. from Stanford in 1974, Gay served as Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of Colorado for 21 years. He has written more than 40 books, including bestsellers such as Five Wishes, The Big Leap, Conscious Loving and Conscious Loving Ever After, (the last two co-authored with his co-author and mate for more than 35 years, Dr. Kathlyn Hendricks). He is also a mystery novelist, with a series of five books featuring the Tibetan-Buddhist private detective, Tenzing Norbu, as well as a new mystery series featuring a Victorian-era London detective, Sir Errol Hyde. His book Conscious Luck reveals eight ways to change your fortunes through the power of intention. Gay has appeared on more than 500 radio and television shows, including Oprah, CNN, CNBC, 48 HOURS and others. His new book, The Genius Zone, was published in June, 2021.
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
"I kind of want to do it my way", said Kassy. And be true to that.
My guest this week is Kassy LaBorie and boy does she love what she does!
We shared so many great insights during our conversation.
Some of the many questions we both agree are so important.
Ask yourself: what intrinsically motivates you?
If you're feeling unmotivated, what can you do to reinvigorate your passion/inspiration?
Because, if you're not motivated, the struggle won't get you out of it.
Also:
- What do you value and what makes you happy?
- What can't you stop talking about and learning about?
- Who can you reach out to that can help?
- Who are you jealous of?
- What keeps getting your attention?
And while you're figuring all of this out, can you contribute to someone else's success? Who knows, they might just inspire you too.
No matter what questions you ask, you don't have to know it all, but you do need to know what you need.
It's okay to NOT know. It's allowed. Today, do something; evolve by asking questions.
More about Kassy:
Kassy LaBorie is the principal consultant at Kassy LaBorie Consulting, LLC. She is a speaker, instructional designer, classroom facilitator, and author who specializes in virtual learning, teams, and live online technology. Kassy is passionate about helping organizations, learning teams, and training professionals successfully move to the virtual environment.
Connect with her on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/
Find Kassy sharing tips on Twitter @KassyConsulting
For more information about Kassy, visit her website: www.KassyConsulting.com
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
For my guest this week on The Peace and Possibilities Podcast, exercise is not a chore, it's a passion.
As we talked about Sara McSpedon’s career journey to becoming an entrepreneur with Mayweather Fitness, one of the keys to her success is that her team keeps her going; they are her support system.
Doing any job well and digging in and asking questions are a few recommendations for anyone trying to make it in their career. I'd say this applies to life too. Doing any and every job well is something you'll never regret.
One of her best tips for success and leadership is this: if you have a passion, than you'll be successful. Though each one of us has a different vision of success.
We also talked about leading by example, always. Show others how to be/act/lead, by being, acting, and leading that way yourself.
And whether you are officially leading a team or not, surround yourself with people that elevate you. This is possible no matter what your role, in your career and in your personal life.
Finally, Sara asks: do you have a healthy practice? Find a regular practice that makes you healthier each day. It could be exercise, meditation, or eating better. Even daily gratitude (especially daily gratitude), will make you healthier.
Whether you already know your passion or not, are living your dream or not, or simply can't figure your life out yet, don't give up on the daily happiness that's truly possible, every step of the way.
More about Sara:
Sara V. McSpedon, Franchise Owner, Chicago
-
B.S. Television, Radio, Film Management Minor: Business Administration
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MBA, Finance: Fordham University
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MTV Networks, Sales & Marketing (1998- 2007)
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Pops for Champagne, Managing Partner (2007-2018)
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Orangetheory Fitness Coach, Chicago & Suburbs (2014-2018)
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Mayweather B+F River North & North Shore, Owner (2019- present)
-
A.C.E. Certified Fitness Instructor
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest this week on The Peace and Possibilities Podcast started out as a consultant, because, as she said when she learned what it meant, "I like that".
Stephanie Hart loved sales and saw what she could be, but she wanted to do her own thing and have no constraints.
So after working hard for years, she eventually created Pineapple Coconut cake and people responded with fervor.
Well, the path wasn't actually that simple, as you can imagine. It never usually is, but it's still our path. And we must endure to get to the other side.
From the many challenges Stephanie faced to finally opening her bakery, she has definitely endured a lot to get where she is.
Her advice to you? Ask yourself "do you REALLY want to do this?"
And something she and I believe with all of our hearts:
How you think impacts EVERYTHING!
Understanding this is paramount to your success!
Finally, from Stephanie's many words of wisdom: "All of my glasses are rose colored - what's the alternative?"
More about Stephanie:
In 2022 She is celebrating 20 years in business, now with a location in Navy Pier, and preparing to renovate the newly acquired Cupid candies factory, that now house Brown Sugar Bakeries new candy line “Life is Sweet” and being nominated in the 2019 James Beard award for “Outstanding Pastry Chef”
Stephanie feels strongly about building community and sharing our culture with the world, which created the mission statement: We make delicious products. Celebrating our culture by serving our community to further cultivate and define the best of our experience, one amazing bite at a time.
Brown Sugar Bakery, Chicago
www.brownsugarbakerychicago.com
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Is this weekly newsletter typically about fitness? Not really. Not physical fitness anyway.
But when fitness and health impact your peace and happiness, then of course it relates to peace and possibilities. Which, incidentally, is almost all of the time.
My guest this week, Erin Stutland, is full of great ideas to get your life and body moving in the right direction.
The first is to consider which core values you were born with.
Then strive to align those values with your passions. Sounds simple, I know. It actually is, if you get quiet for a few minutes and just ask yourself a few questions.
Then - and this is the most important part - go for it!
Take those risks to get what you want. How else will you get there?
And when you are rejected, and you will be, ask yourself "what's the learning or growing I need to do?"
And, as Erin so beautifully put it, obsession does not equal a solution.
Obsessing about a problem, worrying about it, stressing about it, is not the same as figuring out the solution. If it was, stress and worry would always lead to peace and clarity. But it doesn't. It leads to more stress.
And as many wise people have told us: failure is a part of success, not the opposite of success.
Remember, when taking risks and trying to figure it all out:
As Brad Yates says: whenever we make a choice, two outcomes are possible; neither is final or permanent.
Decide, take the risk, maybe get rejected. And then choose something else. Get used to this; this is life!
More about Erin:
Erin Stutland is a renowned author, a mind-body wellness expert, CEO and mom. She was the host and life-style coach of Z Living’s cable series, Altar’d which was nominated for a Real Screen award alongside Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday.
Stutland’s best-selling book, Mantras in Motion: Manifesting What You Want through Mindful Movement, (Hay House) explores her proprietary approach to creating meaningful change by harnessing all the body’s mental, physical, and spiritual energy through a series of stories, journaling exercises, meditations and movement.
Her on-demand app, The Movement helps users all over the world incorporate simple self-care practices that include mindful workouts, meditations and her signature Soul Strolls. She has appeared on The Rachael Ray Show, People.com, Fox News, Glamour Magazine and more.
IG: https://www.instagram.com/erin.stutland/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/EStutland https://erinstutland.com/book/
https://erinstutland.com/the-movement/
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective: 8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest this week is Drew Dudley (cool name, huh?).
Because he specializes in leadership topics, and I think he's really smart, I'm excited to share what he knows/what he's learned.
I believe we really can lead from any seat, as I learned from the illuminating Benjamin Zander years ago when I saw him speak at a conference. His presence was electric. And it inspired me to read his books about possibilities, sparking a fire I've had kindling ever since.
Drew urges us to accept that anyone who acts engaging and is doing or demonstrating something, is indeed a leader. I completely agree!
No matter what your role or place in life, when you have a story, it's important to share your story. You simply never know who is in the audience. Right then, or later, people will often respond with, "I thought I was the only one".
It's almost never true.
And more importantly, the stories we're most embarrassed to share, are the ones we need to tell.
When we chatted about success and failure, and thinking that if we try something, or take a risk, we might not survive, Drew urges us to tell him or someone about a time you didn't survive.
Spoiler alert: you can't!
You can't because you have survived. You're alive and that's proof that you can survive anything. So there's zero evidence that you won't survive. So stop being afraid of that, at least.
As far as risks go, we can almost never be certain of something so instead, be decisive.
Get comfortable being uncertain.
Finally, from the hard won wisdom of Drew, momentum is more important than plans. Yes indeed. Because we all know the best laid plans…
So, go build your momentum, decide something, be uncertain, and see what's possible! You will survive - you have your proof now!
Listen in to see what else he's survived and lived to tell about.
More about Drew:
www.drewdudley.com and the book is The Book - Drew Dudley.
https://www.drewdudley.com/the-book/
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
From my guest this week's lips (when I asked her how she found the work she loves), "my gifts match".
I love this phrase so much, because it's a very simple way to align what you love with what you do. When your gifts match how you live and the work you do, you shine.
There are so many more great tips and insights from my lovely guest, Dana Anderson.
When you're self aware and you focus on growing your emotional intelligence, matching your gifts to what you do becomes so much easier. No wonder why we're better at this when we're older - we have more experience!
For my younger audience, Dana says college is like a dress rehearsal for your work life. Advocate for yourself early and often. Get used to this. It's a lifelong skill you will need.
When something good happens, say thank you and I deserve this! It tells the universe you're ready for more.
And her advice for anyone searching for meaningful work and experiences? Resist less, chase less, attract more.
As far as truth and transparency when communicating with others - is it worth it? The short answer is yes. Every time. Because no matter what the outcome, it expands you and the other person!
For those of you thinking this is all easier said than done, of course it is. Literally anything you can think of takes more effort to do than to say.
So get going! You only have this one life!
Oh, and remember, there's more where that came from (the good stuff, I mean).
More about Dana:
All socials = @theycallmedna
TEDx on Equity + Inclusion is HERE.
DanaNAnderson.com
ConcreteRunwayInc.com
CriesFromQuarantine.com
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
As far as I'm concerned, true freedom is the choice to do work that we love, that makes an impact, and affords us the experiences we want to have in our lives.
For my guest this week, Sam Varner, it's very similar. Her work was born out of necessity and the need to have freedom and flexibility.
When we chatted about finding our niche, she emphasized the importance of these questions:
- What nourishes you?
- How can you nourish others?
- How can you make connections?
Then once you've answered some of these questions, keep tweaking and dismiss what's not working.
She assures us, like many of my guests, we usually already know the answers. What she does is empower people to get there sooner. Brilliant!
And lastly, expose yourself to many things early. Dabble in your interests. This will guide you in figuring things out sooner.
You'll soon discover you have the ability to transform and impact those around you. We all do- really!
More about Sam:
Website: www.shecollective.biz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shecollectivebiz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthanvarner/
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
You're smarter than you know.
I hope this isn't the first time you're hearing this. But just in case it is, you're in good hands.
She's a coach/creator/connector and all around beautiful human being. You will be able to see her light shining through from the moment we begin chatting.
I'm talking about Emily Bossert, my guest this week on The Peace and Possibilities Podcast. (Incidentally, I'm just realizing how many lit up people I get to talk to every week! How cool is that?)
Hopefully you're noticing a theme: you do what you love, and you light up. And others can see it, and you attract more of the same.
Instead of taking my word for it, check out my conversation with Emily. She reflects on many important concepts:
- Take ownership
- Trust your intuition and knowledge
- Community is huge
- Stop comparing yourself and get quiet
- You inner truth is waiting to be asked
- Simplify everything - your mind, your space, etc.
And check in with your 75 year old future self; what would this wise person have to say to you now?
Finally, I've mentioned this a few times lately. Try the Super Thinking exercise. Allow yourself 60 uninterrupted minutes and ask and answer all the questions you have about your work and life. You'll be shocked at how much you already know (when you're used to asking questions to everyone else). Ask yourself and discover the answers within.
Email me and tell me what you think.
More about Emily:
https://www.compass.com/agents/emily-bossert/
https://www.instagram.com/iamemilybossert/
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My inspiring guest this week is a relationship expert and an entrepreneur. Oh, and a problem solver too (I can totally relate).
During our conversation, Abi Singh and I talked about many great ideas to help you thrive and live more peacefully, ultimately having more happiness.
One of my favorite things Abi said was "don't let fear block you from your blessings". As you appreciate your blessings, be aware of yourself, always (this is a lifelong journey). Self-awareness is necessary for growth.
I especially loved when she recommended not to hold back on your joy. Get more joy for yourself and expand your partner's joy (and anyone else's for that matter).
When trying to come to a decision, ask yourself "Regarding this decision, in 5 years, what do I see happening because of this decision? Will it hinder or spoil anything?" Then make your decision based on this answer.
Finally, she believes, as do I, everyone has something to teach and the ability to transform. Find what your "thing" is. And then go share it with the world!
More about Abi:
Abi Singh is a wife, rom-com fanatic, life coach and relationship expert. She is passionate about helping couples push past fears and frustrations in their relationship so that they can thrive. Abi coaches couples using the strategies she used to heal her own frustrations in what is now her CPR 'revival' framework. Abi lives on the beautiful tr-island state of Grenada with her husband and business partner and delivers powerful coaching experiences for couples locally and internationally. www.instagram.com/coachabisingh
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective: 8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
It's been a year since I launched my bestselling book, Peace, Possibilities and Perspective!
My deepest gratitude to every single person who has supported me along the way.
Listen in as my publisher, Everett O'Keefe from Ignite Press, interviews me and learn more about why and how I wrote my book.
There's a version for everyone: the e-book, the paperback, the hard cover, or the audio book, available at Target.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Amazon, and many libraries around town. Get or give a copy today!
Spreading peace and possibilities to everyone is my life's mission!
https://youtu.be/x_5sc0WmSzE
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest this week is Joe Siciliano. We've known each for almost 26 years, when my husband and I met him and his wife, during our honeymoon in St. Lucia.
A lifelong friendship ensued and we have been enjoying great dinners and conversations with them ever since.
He's been a constant stream of positive energy and drive ever since we met and I wanted to share his great attitude and insights with you.
I think you'll discover fairly quickly that he excels at building relationships, which is one of the reasons he's had a successful career in real estate.
When we discussed what he wished he learned sooner, he wishes he'd knew to enjoy the process more, to acknowledge all his blessings, and been more grateful and appreciative of all of it along the way.
And we both agreed, being more intentional with our lives is something we could have benefited from earlier.
We have a lot of power. We have to stop and reflect more.
We create what we focus on. It's easy to see as we get older. But we can't go back. Learn more earlier. Seek. Find.
Then acknowledge that all of it is your responsibility to master.
More about Joe:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-siciliano-08ba53b/
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Trust that your intuition is there for a reason. Your emotions are there to guide you. Pay attention to them.
These are concepts we've all likely heard.
So why do we keep hearing them? Why do they stand the test of time?
It's because they're true. And more importantly, very useful for life.
My guest this week, Clara Capano and I, discuss these concepts and how important it is to be honest and ask yourself, what is your why? Why are you pursuing that job, that move, that person…etc.?
Why is that promotion so important?
Why is that topic so significant to you?
And no matter what your conclusion is - is it (that job, that person, that place) serving you?
What a great question to ask yourself!
Are the ideas and goals you are pursuing yielding the results and serving the life that is most important to you?
And while you contemplate these short but noteworthy questions, and ask yourself, "what will others think?", I urge you to remember, who really cares?!
Really! Even if they do care, you shouldn't care what they think. They don't have to live your life. You do!
Furthermore, Clara and I both agree, mindset should be taught in schools very early on. Because when we're in the right mindset, asking the right questions, and not caring what others think, we can be present. AND, your presence is a present. It's a present to whomever you have the pleasure of being with at every moment of your life.
Lastly, think of your successes throughout your life. Success leaves clues. It helps you get the clarity you need to make those very important, albeit seemingly small, decisions. And then you get to serve with more purpose and passion. Oh, and with more peace and possibilities too!
More about Clara:
www.claracapano.com
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest this week is a "Ray" of sunshine.
Rachel Gitlevich is her name, and even though she's considerably younger than me, I've learned so much already from knowing her just a brief time.
As a coach, an entrepreneur, and an endless learner, she's had quite a journey (these last few years especially), and she's not slowing down anytime soon.
She's determined to enjoy her life, peacefully and purposefully, each and every day, while she encourages her clients and us to do the same. Because along the way, sometimes you get what you want right away, sometimes life has other plans (almost always). Either way, if we're intentionally setting out to be and give our best, we can be grateful for our insights.
We talk about this simple exercise she's incorporated into her life: Imagine your life six months from now and you DON'T go for your dreams. Then imagine your life six months from now after going for your dreams. After considering both, ask yourself: what's the worst that can happen if you pursue your dreams? What would you regret more?
I've done this several times in my life. And I will say that I've never regretted going for it.
Full of great insights and reflection, I'm sure you're going to walk away from this conversation with more grace and light, and even consider your life with just a little more wonderment.
And a few great lessons from this bright ray.
Rachel is a mindfulness expert and spiritual entrepreneur who helps executives and big-hearted leaders rediscover their unique magic and share it with the world. She believes that it all starts from within and taking an inside-out approach to support individuals on leading fulfilling, purposeful lives.
Rachel is trained in mindfulness, meditation, yoga, energy healing and is a certified life coach. She has implemented mindfulness programs at top companies in the Chicagoland area.
It's all about education through every single experience. Learning about who you REALLY are, what you really want, where you want to go and why it all matters. The deeper purpose of it all. And when things don’t go as planned, it’s trusting that something even more beautiful is on its way.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rachel.gitlevich
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelgitlevich
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelgitlevich
Free Meditation download:
https://mailchi.mp/d0b820539cff/freemeditationvideo
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Have you ever heard of the Reticular Activating System? Me neither, until recently when I was talking with Kathryn Ford. I actually knew the impact of this system, through other research I've done on how powerful our thoughts are, but didn't know what it was called. (FYI, it's a network of neurons located in the brain stem, that ultimately determines how we see the world. There's a lot more to it, of course.)
And how we see the world ultimately determines what happens to us and for us.
And because what we think about is so powerful, when I talked with Kathryn we discussed how important it is to scan for more of what's right. This way, you're telling your brain that you want more of that (good stuff, what's right, what inspires you, etc.) And then you get more of that! Sound simple? Well, actually, it is.
Listen in and learn more about this and how Kathryn's journey led to her inspirational work. And now she's beaming with light to help you get there too.
She encourages us to find the support we need. And remember far back to when you were a kid, and ask yourself: what did you love?
This is a huge clue to your happiness and success.
We all want to live abundant, successful lives, filled with love.
It is possible. You must ask certain questions.
Then you have to listen.
To work with Kathryn is an experience of a lifetime! Visit excellenceinstitute.com. to learn more about this incredible experience and her powerfully transformative programs.
www.excellenceinstitute.com/application/
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest on this week's podcast, entrepreneur Vikrant Shaurya, has such a calming, beautiful presence, you're sure to be mesmerized by his style and charm.
We had such an incredible conversation. Below are just a few takeaways.
When going for your dreams, he encourages us - don't necessarily look for meaning right away. If you're looking for meaning too early in your role, and trying to get settled with your finances, it's usually too chaotic.
Initially, it's not about purpose necessarily. He reminds us that we can give meaning to anything (negative or positive). Concentrate on finding the positive aspect of whatever situation you find yourself in. (And incidentally, the universe always wants us to find the most positive interpretation of any situation.) We always have this capacity.
Instead, freedom is what you should be going for.
We also talked about 3 key parts of your life to concentrate on when you're getting started and throughout your life and career. Money, health, and relationships - when these are good, the other things are easier to figure out. I tend to concur with my new friend, Vik.
I'm sure you'll agree, he's quite an inspiration!
You can learn more about Vikrant at https://bestsellingbook.com/
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
It's 2022, and I'm kicking off this year's episodes with a special guest who loves talking about energy (the kind that is everywhere).
My guest this week, Pam Grout, had a few important things to be grateful for when she embarked on her career. She believed. She was naïve. She was open to the possibilities.
That's how she became a writer AND a best-selling author and has made her living that way since she began dreaming she could.
Sound familiar (like maybe from my book)?
Listen in and learn more about how she encourages us to do something that feeds our soul, along with these very important reminders:
- Look for (and remember) words of encouragement.
- Find proof that what you want to do is possible.
- Explore what you love.
- Limit your living expenses, and you'll stay freer to do what you want to do/love to do forever.
Finally, she and I urge you to remember: there is a force out there helping you.
Be open; let it happen for you!
Check out Pam's books and websites:
www.pamgrout.com
www.georgeclooneyslepthere.com
And check out my book:
http://peacepossibilitiesandperspective.com/
I am so thrilled to be sharing (and celebrating) my 100th podcast episode with all of you! I am interviewing one of my lifelong inspirational mentors, Marci Shimoff. As little girls, she and I had something in common. We both wanted to be dancers. She used to dance around and dream of becoming a dancer. I did the same thing in my living room, in front of a wall, covered in mirrors. I would coax my sisters to perform with me with the stereo blasting. I just loved moving to the music. I still do!
Marci Shimoff and I were also both always personal growth junkies. I didn't know that's what it was called when I couldn't get enough of psychology class in high school.
She shares how, at age 13, she went to see an inspirational speaker named Zig Ziglar and knew that was what she wanted to do. It impresses me that it had that impact on her at such a young age. But when you know, you know.
So she followed the breadcrumbs, little by little, obtained a Masters in Training and Development and eventually built a business speaking and inspiring thousands of people every year. She's doing what that young lady at 13 just knew she was born to do!
And she kept keeping the juice flowing. Those creative juices that contribute to your purpose and keep you in the flow of life.
To find a purposeful career she urges us to be SUPER honest and ask yourself these questions:
- What is your heart telling you?
- What makes you feel alive? (Write down 10 things)
- What makes you feel on purpose?
- Not how do I get there, but what can I do right now?
Ultimately though, believing and persistence is the most important part. Jack Canfield eventually went to 143 publishers who rejected his Chicken Soup for the Soul books before he got a yes from one lone publisher. If he and Mark Victor Hansen had given up, that popular series of books would not exist, nor would Marci have co-authored several books in this series (and it's the best selling non-fiction series of all time)! How's that for persistence?
When contemplating the past, Marci wished she had learned younger to relax, and that it would all work out. And to believe in herself.
She urges us to honor our wins and successes, instead of judging ourselves. We grow much, much faster from celebrating our wins!
Finally, Marci reminds us that although maybe you can't create the miracle, you can create the conditions for miracles to flow into your life. She spends every day making sure people know this. I am so glad she does!
We are all here to use our strengths and live a miraculous life. We are meant to thrive! Never give up!
Marci Shimoff is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, a world-renowned transformational teacher and an expert on happiness, success, and unconditional love.
Her books include the international bestsellers Happy for No Reason and Love for No Reason. Marci is also the woman's face of the biggest self-help book phenomenon in history, as co-author of six books in the Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul series.
With total book sales of more than 16 million copies worldwide in 33 languages, Marci is one of the bestselling female nonfiction authors of all time.
Marci is also a featured teacher in the international film and book sensation, The Secret and the host of the PBS TV show called Happy for No Reason. She narrated the award-winning movie called Happy.
Marci delivers keynote addresses and seminars on happiness, success, empowerment, and unconditional love to Fortune 500 companies, professional and non-profit organizations, women's associations and audiences around the world.
Marci is currently leading a one-year mentoring program called Your Year of Miracles. Her opening seminar has been heard my more than 200,000 people.
Marci earned her MBA from UCLA and holds an advanced certificate as a stress management consultant. She is a founding member and on the board of directors of the Transformational Leadership Council, a group of 100 top transformational leaders.
Through her books and her presentations, Marci's message has touched the hearts and rekindled the spirits of millions of people throughout the world. She is dedicated to helping people live more empowered and joy-filled lives.
www.HappyForNoReason.com
www.YourYearOfMiracles.com
My Book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Not sure if you've heard (wink wink) - I wrote a book this past year. I set out to write this book. It didn't happen accidentally. I thought about it, I envisioned it, and I wrote it. Little by little. Week by week.
I researched the best way to do it, and I set a schedule that worked well for me, and would allow me to do my best writing.
Then I set a deadline for myself. I told myself (and a few others), that come hell or high water, this book will be done by my next birthday.
Although I had the idea in dreams every so often over the years, I had the suggestion from my sister, Sarah, just a few years ago. And after this lightbulb moment with her (on a walk along a beautiful path one day), I just knew it was going to happen. So, if it was going to happen, why not make it so, celebrating it at my next birthday. Turns out it would be completely written just a little over a year later.
My guest this week, Emily Williams of the I Heart My Life movement, and I talk about writing our books and what they mean to us, along with what we hope they achieve.
We talk about what other books inspire us. We talk about what other people inspire us.
Emily's book is packed full of great tips and stories about loving your life as you go along on your journey. We are very aligned about the power of possibilities and mindset. As Emily reminds us, very importantly, our minds can only focus on one thought at a time, so if you're focusing on the problem, your mind is not available to figure out the solution.
Whether you want to write a book, start a company, find a new job, find the right person, or simply make your life better each day, if you're wondering about what you can achieve, look no further.
Listen in as we discuss all of the good stuff that can come to you when you're believing in yourself, and going after your dreams!
After all, anything really is possible! We (me and Emily), are living proof!
More about Emily:
www.emilywilliams.com
My Book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
She was a mother, raising her child, never even thinking about owning her own business, and as her daughter got older, she was threatening to go back to work, when the right thing came along.
Little by little, one introduction lead to another and she began working for someone who was willing to work around her schedule and requests. She told him what she wanted, and then they began a trial period of 30 days to see if it would work. It would work…
Along the way she's had several incredible breaks. Especially one day when Jack Canfield's VP was in her audience and then she got the call. Jack Canfield called her and that began a new phase.
She learned very quickly that it's all about communications skills: tell people what you want. And even more importantly, a sense of humor rules! (I couldn't agree more.)
My guest this week, Lois Creamer, very wisely reminds us: we're all selling and marketing ourselves, every day!
If you want to have a great life and love your work. Be sure to:
- Make changes, take chances, and follow your dreams
- Remember: there will always be ups and downs in your work or any area of your life
And from her famous, often shared words: "You risk a "yes" every time you ask for something. Are you willing to take the risk?"
As all of my interviews have been proving, it is possible to love your work and your life.
Ultimately, Lois has the life she has because she wanted to have no regrets. What a great lesson. This is exactly why I do the work I do!
More about Lois here:
Industry expert Lois Creamer works with speakers who want to book more business, make more money and fully monetize their intellectual property. Clients include industry superstars as well as superstars of tomorrow! She presents at NSA, CAPS, PSA-UK, India, Ireland and Scotland. She is the author of “Book More Business: MAKE MONEY SPEAKING” as well as co-author of “The Speaker Author: Sell More Books and Book More Speeches” with Cathy Fyock. In addition she has appeared in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg Business and Speaker Magazine
https://www.BookMoreBusiness.com
My Book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
What were you thinking about in eighth grade? Probably not being a CEO.
From intern to CEO, my guest this week finally realized she really needed to pay attention. Because she had big dreams. It didn't matter that she was a girl.
Laurette Rondenet came from a big family, listening to "Free to be, you and me". (Big blast from the past.) And she knew that she could do whatever she set her mind to (thanks to parents who encouraged her).
And then one day her dad asked her a defining question. Check out what she said.
We talk about her journey, this past year as a parent with kids learning at home, and everything it's taught us.
- Reflect on what you were told VS what you want
- Ask for help; then delegate the non-value added things
- Delegate to elevate
- Figuring out what you hate gets you closer to what you love
- Own your calling and be who you are
I think you'll agree, as a leader of a corporation, and in her family, she lets people shine.
And finally, she reminds us: the only way your family and team can grow is if you can continue to grow.
More about Laurette:
Laurette Rondenet is President and CEO of Edlong, a global flavor ingredient developer headquartered in Elk Grove Village, IL. Recognized internationally as a trailblazer in dairy and dairy-free flavors, Edlong’s focus on bringing Everything Dairy Can Be™ to life has helped leading food and beverage manufacturers innovate authentic-tasting, healthier, consumer-pleasing products for over a century.
www.edlong.com
linkedin.com/in/laurette-rondenet-82064911
My Book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
I'm sure you'll agree my guest this week brings hope and humor to each and every day. Jeff Mauro is a very grounded family man. And he's living his dream, combining his gift for entertaining with his love of food, on The Food Network!
But let me ask you: if you tried for something 4 times, something really big, and it didn't happen, would you keep trying? Or would you say, "this is it! I'm not trying anymore."
As Jeff likes to say, he wanted to use both sides of his brain. He really wanted to combine comedy and laughter with creativity and food.
So after graduating college, he opened a deli with his cousin and kept working at his craft. For years! He wasn't afraid to be in weird situations. He kept developing those muscles (cooking, comedy, etc.).
And then it finally happened. On the last try, he won a major cooking competition on The Food Network (Food Network Star), and the rest is history.
We talk about him having great parents who encouraged him, and how to be great parents to our kids.
We talk about becoming authors and encouraging creativity every day.
He encourages us to remember a few important ideas:
- You really NEVER know. You just don't. So try!
- If you have a glimmer of a gift, build on that. It's there for a reason.
- Create something every single day.
- Find the right person, it's quite possibly the most important decision of your life.
- Don't be afraid to put yourself in weird situations.
And believe. In the wise words of Jeff "Make sure you're doing while you're believing!"
They are both extremely important. (Listen to find out which is a little more important.)
More information about Jeff Mauro:
His book and Podcast comeonover.com
For products: mauroprovisions.com
My Book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest this week was a college swimmer. Playing college sports for four years and graduating on time is quite an accomplishment in itself. Then comes the job. Most people will tell you that to get a good job soon after graduating, is the ultimate goal. And there's nothing wrong with that. It's a great goal.
But what if that job isn't right for you? You try it, you know it, and you stay anyway. Eventually the life gets sucked out of you, you start feeling purpose-less, and before you know it, 10 years have passed.
An even better idea (in my humble opinion), once you know it isn't right, you would then do something about it. I'm sure you know by now that this blog is all about doing something about it!
That's what Kara Millaci did. After graduating and getting a really good job in New York, she quit her really good job and volunteered in Belize for months doing something she was passionate about. Along the way there was an internship, several concurrent, part-time jobs working her tail off, and finally she reached her goal. She became a Dolphin Trainer at SeaWorld!
How many young kids dream of that? And then actually get the chance?
Chance is another one of those words. It's up there with luck, as far as I'm concerned. It's not by chance that she obtained that job. She worked for it and did all the little things she needed to do to land the job, slowly but surely.
However, I'm sure we all know, dreaming is one thing - actually living in the dream is another.
Sometimes we get there (to the dream job, the dream person, the dream place) and it's not what we dreamt it would be. Or maybe it's our wants and needs that have changed.
Sometimes we're just flat out wrong.
It doesn't really matter why it's wrong. It just matters that it's wrong. And really, it's okay to be wrong. What's not okay is to make it worse and continue on the wrong path.
So when she realized her dream job was wrong, and she was asked to come back several times, she bravely said again: "this isn't for me". She knew what was right, and she stood her ground. Then she proceeded along on a new path.
She urges us to remember a few very important things:
- If something else is calling, listen.
- Make each thing you do your new passion (as you figure it out).
- Don't follow another person's path; incorporate new untraditional paths.
More about Kara Millaci Freiberg:
Email: kmillaci77@gmail.com
Instagram: @karalynnfitness
Facebook: @KaraLynn
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-freiberg-92040498/
My Book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
From stunt car driver to working for a senator, then the CIA, then teaching with dolphins, my guest this week will blow you away. Oh, and she's also an author.
I bet you never thought any of those things would go together - me neither!
How'd Belinda Farrell do all of that? No biggy, just throughout her entire life and career.
Like anything worthwhile, it takes determination, fearlessness, and persistence to accomplish your dreams. Belinda is no exception, except that she's accomplished way more than the average person.
During our conversation, she had many things to share. One of the most important concepts is that she felt the fear and then did it anyway. I'm sure you've heard of that notion before. But how many of us actually can or will do that?
Here's some of what she's told herself along the way (and just may help you to feel the fear and do it anyway):
- If I can be a race car driver, what else can I do?
- I have a fear of water; I will conquer this.
- I will search for healing.
- I can take risks.
- What keeps pulling at you?
- A rainbow is waiting for you.
- Love is all around and inside of us.
She's been inspired, like many of us, by Tony Robbins and his theory: If you can't, you must; if you must, you will.
Listen in and find out just how…from one incredible lady.
More about Belinda:
Belinda Farrell, author of the book Find Your Friggin’ Joy, graduated with a BA in Spanish and English from the University of California at Berkeley and is trained in hypnotherapy, past life regression, NLP, Hawaiian chanting, and ancient Hawaiian healing (Huna). Belinda trained with Anthony Robbins (author of Unlimited Power) and has effectively used these skills in her own life. She has completed 18 firewalks. When Belinda was forty-eight, she collapsed with herniated discs and spinal nerve damage. Threatened with paralysis by her medical doctors if she didn’t have surgery, Belinda instead chose to apply the ancient Hawaiian healing practices she had been learning the previous three years, which are covered in this book. Her back completely healed, including childhood scoliosis. For fifteen years she has been sharing these healing practices with others, offering Reconnective Healing and Huna classes and taking clients to Hawaii to teach Huna and swim with wild spinner dolphins.
www.Hunahealing.com
More about my book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Create what you're missing. Doesn't sound so simple, does it?
Well, that depends. It depends on what you're missing.
I have done this, so I can add perspective. So has my guest on this week's podcast. She always had to work hard to do well. At one point, she even wondered how she'd make it through college.
In first grade, Teela remembers being asked: what do you want to be?
And she thought, an artist, or maybe a teacher.
And so, she was encouraged to start one thing.
As she moved along in her life, trying to figure out what her true passion was, she began, playing podcasts in her car, on her head phones, during her lunch break - anything to learn.
And to finally figure it out and create what you're missing, she recommends this:
- Set aside time and dedicate that time.
- When something's not working, try something else.
- Use your "off" hours to explore your passions with no pressure.
- Consistency is SO important.
- Keep promises to yourself.
- Be kind, always.
I couldn’t agree more. Creating what you’re missing is one of the secrets to a happy, peaceful life. Just try it!
More about Teela:
Teela is the designer and content creator behind Every Tuesday, which she runs alongside her web developer/designer husband, Spencer. Every Tuesday for the past 7 years, she has published a new free design, illustration or lettering tutorial on her YouTube channel which has amassed over 19 million views. In 2015, she and her husband quit their full time jobs to pursue Every Tuesday together and they are proud to have now shared their knowledge with over 200,000 students through their online courses.
Website: https://every-tuesday.com
YouTube: https://youtube.com/everytues
Instagram: https://instagram.com/everytuesday
Check out my book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest this week, Dan Kazmierczak, went from attending school at IIT (in Chicago) to working with chocolate - what an unexpected journey!
But then again, aren't they all?
Along the way he learned life lessons from an expert caramel guy (yes, there is such a thing) and finally found what he was meant to be doing.
He made an impact. He learned mutuality - (where everyone wins). And much, much more.
Below are a few things he's sure of now (and what he practices):
- Don't sell yourself short
- We make our own chances
- Put yourself out there
- Be kind to others (there aren't enough kind people)
- Hard work is key
- Don't sweat the small stuff (and it's all small stuff - hmm, this sounds like a book…)
- Let things go more quickly
- Reset after you move on
Join me in this fun conversation. And learn a little something about chocolate I'm guessing you didn't know.
More about Dan here:
Dan Kazmierczak has over 20 years of experience in the food industry with 16 of them being in cocoa and chocolate. He currently works at JB Cocoa previously worked for Blommer Chocolate, Barry Callebaut, Nestle and Barchemy and has worked with many customers in the areas of technical applications, product development and process improvement. Dan lives in the Chicago area and holds a Bachelor’s in Manufacturing Technology and Management and a Master’s Degree in Manufacturing Technology and Operations from Illinois Institute and Technology.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-kazmierczak-25729b6/
Dan Kazmierczak is at kazmdan@gmail.com
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Are you on the right ladder?
When talking with my guest this week, Keri Kelly, we mentioned climbing the corporate ladder and figuring out where we wanted to be, and how we've learned that we need to pay attention to what makes us feel alive and what feels expanding.
As we talked about climbing the "corporate ladder" we realized this:
Shouldn't we first ask if we're on the right ladder?
This "ladder" we're on can apply to relationships, work, life, family, etc.
What if you're trying to move on, up, or through something and you're not in the right place?
What if you aren't on the right ladder after all?
What if you've been climbing the wrong ladder and that's why "it" isn't working?
Wow! We both agreed this was such an important concept. I hope it helps you.
This recently happened to me when I realized that I wanted to be back on a team because I missed the daily collaboration and connections SO much. I want to share all I've discovered and learned, and working alone doesn't fulfill that need. So I got off one ladder and jumped onto another one. The right one.
So I ask you, are you on the right ladder?
The clearer you are about where you are and what you want, the sooner it (anything you wish for) can come into your life.
More about Keri here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerikelly/
My Book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
We should have some help along the way.
Yes, help. What a novel idea!
Michael Smith has learned many lessons as a professional athlete. After our conversation it was difficult to summarize all of his insights.
He's learned, among other things along the way, patience. Lots of patience. And that he needed help and wished he knew more sooner.
He's now helping first responders and former athletes by building a rehab facility to support them.
Another great leadership lesson for anyone: surround yourself with people who are better and smarter. This is maybe the greatest leadership lesson of all time!
In case you're wondering, distractions are a way to cover up/mask your problem.
You have to put the work in. Talent isn't enough, ever. Your environment and passion is key.
Once something is over, find out what else you're good at, then go do that thing. Try out different things.
Seek the right people and follow what you feel drawn to follow.
Be prepared to change - you can't live without experiencing change.
If he could go back in time, and do something earlier, he would learn about money and business because it applies to everything in life.
Tune in to hear more about his many experiences.
You can find Michael Smith here:
IG: Michaelsmith11
LI: linkedin.com/in/michael-smith-022b764b
My Book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Book Trailer - Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective
When my guest this week heard a disturbing story on the news, she couldn't forget it. So she lamented about it to everyone she knew and did nothing.
No, just kidding. She, unlike lots of us, did something about it.
This is where the magic is. You can complain and stress, or put your money where you mouth is and actually make progress toward a solution. Yes, even you!
So, Amy Wolff did just that. And she eventually found hope and love, accidentally, via yard signs.
Here are a few things she learned about herself and the world:
- We can't do nothing! (PS. She's a doer)
- Turns out just cheering people on was simple, yet profound.
- If we all did something, who knows what could happen!
- We don't believe perfect; we're human and that's more relatable; we're not bothered by it if you're not.
- Imperfect makes you more influential and relatable.
- The evolution will come; you can't rush it.
- Your wins and losses don't reflect your worth.
Patience, trusting, thriving relationships…she made this all happen. And it started with doing something. Tune in and see just how…
More about Amy here:
https://distinctioncommunication.com/company/
https://www.dontgiveupsigns.com/our-story
And check out my book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
In high school, my guest this week, Havilah Malone, wanted to debate, so she thought about studying law. And then she wanted to be in TV.
So she made her way there.
Eventually, when she was getting to the point where she felt numb to the impact of her news career, she realized she needed to make a change.
Because she had an experimental mindset, she had many different careers along the way. And eventually, she put together acting and debating and ultimately created a career for herself. How clever!
She shares these lessons and many more during our conversation:
-Do the thing, and you will gain the power.
-Keep trying things to figure out what's not right because clarity comes through experience.
-Surround yourself with people who are doing it (whatever "it" you want to be doing).
-Once you're immersed in it, insight is gained from community and people.
-We get what we need when we need it.
-You can always make a new agreement.
-You determine what success is, for you.
-Understand who and what you are because you are creating all of it.
-Every event is neutral, you give it the meaning.
So many good nuggets of wisdom in our conversation.
More about Havilah:
Havilah Malone is an inspirational thought leader on a mission to be a
catalyst for positive change in over 2 billion people’s lives. The
multi-talented millennial powerhouse has been featured on FOX, NBC,
ABC, CBS and more. The Actress, Motivational Speaker & former Ms.
Louisiana Universal currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. Havilah is
also the #1 Best Selling Author of, “How to Become a Publicity Magnet:
In Any Market via TV, Radio & Print”, and co-Author of the Think &
Grow Rich children’s classic, “The Amazing Adventures of Oliver Hill”
based on Napoleon Hill’s Success Principles. Her newest #1 Best Seller
“Rewriting A New History: A Spiritual Path to Audacious Authenticity
and Healing“ is available now.
Havilah shares her pillars of success with audiences around the world.
She has also been featured in numerous films, national TV commercials,
HBO’S Insecure, and guest starred on NCIS: New Orleans.
Ms. Malone is a recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award
Gold Medal, the Women’s Prosperity Network “She Rocks Award”, and
selected as the SBA InnovateHER Challenge Winner. Havilah also holds
several professional accreditations including being a Certified
Instructor for the Napoleon Hill Foundation and Master Certified
Practitioner of NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming). Havilah’s
nurturing spirit, inspirational voice and magnetizing personality
inspire people to #BeProofOfWhatsPossible.
For more information please visit www.HavilahMalone.com
Get Your Copy Today! Rewriting A New History: A Spiritual Path to
Audacious Authenticity and Healing
https://www.amazon.com/Rewriting-New-History-Spiritual-Authenticity/dp
/0997984902
My Book Here:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Does this sound familiar? "I did what I was supposed to do, until I became a _____ and struggled to do it all…"
Whether you're a parent, an entrepreneur, or someone who has multiple interests, trying to do it all eventually brings us to a tipping point. This might happen sooner rather than later, or it could take decades.
It is my sincere hope for you that it doesn't take decades!
My guest, Susan Russo, learned this early on as a college student. And eventually, she accidentally started her own business.
Here are a few lessons she learned along the way:
- Although she had no realistic plan in place, as she imagined, she figured out how to help fill a need.
- Finding your purpose is overwhelming. Instead she encourages us to find our purpose now.
- There is always something there to motivate you, no matter what your role/situation/lot in life.
- Just like Mr. Miyagi showed us, we can develop transferable skills, so build them, then transfer them to something better.
- Don't get stuck with your foot in the door; just because you started something, doesn't mean you can't make a change.
- Ask questions, so you can learn more, sooner.
- Pay attention to how you feel; those feelings are meant to teach you, always.
Figuring it all out is impossible, but you can figure it out as you go, if you just consider your purpose now - today, right this minute.
More about Susan:
Susan Russo is a certified Human Resources professional who spent over 15 years in corporate Human Resources before becoming an independent training consultant. She specializes in creating and delivering training sessions that engage and motivate her audience. She also serves as a test prep instructor for the Society for Human Resource Management certification exam. Join us as we discuss how she overcame early academic disappointments and built a foundation for a successful career.
https://blog.shrm.org/executive/blogpost/Linking-Maslow%E2%80%99s-Hierarchy-to-Employee-Engagement
My Book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest on this week's podcast is Jen Thornton. She enthusiastically proclaims, (as well as me): it's all about the people!
People, connections, ideas, insights…ah, if only it's all we needed.
Frankly, if we're going to thrive, those things are just as important as those other needs we humans have (like food, water, air, etc.)
In our lives, each day, whether we work or not, these concepts are especially important.
- What we do has an impact on our environment, always.
- Take risks, because you can't innovate without failure.
- Assume it will be okay; because it will work out.
- Use your energy for good, to create what you want.
Let's use community to get what we want and to give what we want.
We're all in this together!
More about Jen here:
- Website: 304coaching.com
- Email: Jen@304coaching.com
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jenniferrthornton/
- Bonus Downloads for Your Listeners:
- How to trade fear for innovation
-
- https://304coaching.com/crazymeetings/
- Seven deadly sins of leadership
-
- https://304coaching.com/7-deadly-sins/
Check out my book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Or my quick video on 5 ways to leverage the power of gratitude:
5 ways to leverage the power of gratitude
My guest on this episode of the Peace & Possibilities Podcast is an entrepreneur by accident.
Evan Rabin loves chess, and he's showing people from 3 years old to 100+ to love it too.
Here are some things he knows for sure:
- He's teaching life lessons to make an impact.
- He knew after sales, "This is not for me".
- If it's meant to be, it will be.
- Your time is as valuable as their time.
- It doesn't need to be perfect (almost ever).
Listen in as he compares chess to life. So many similarities, indeed!
More about Evan below:
National Master Evan Rabin was born and raised in New York. After working in Corporate America, doing enterprise sales at Oracle and Rapid 7, he formed Premier Chess in September 2017. Premier Chess currently runs programs in 80+ schools and companies including Google and Kramer Levin.
www.premierchess.com
Check out my book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
A little bit of strength goes a long way.
I'm sure you'd agree, of course it's important to be strong. Strength can be built and acquired through experiences. Some of us are born with a lot of it. Others have to build up what's already there, because we can't feel it all right away.
But, as my guest this week reminds us, a little bit of strength goes a long way. Ashley Freeman believes we should be concentrating on our strengths as we figure out what we're meant to do. I completely agree. It's building these strengths that will bring us the furthest, have the most impact, and make us most purposeful.
Along the way, Ashley, like me, had many bosses who inspired her. And as she was building her strengths and career, she relied on time outside of work to nurture her joy.
Why is this so important? Because even if we can't find joy in our immediate circumstances/job/life, etc., there are always ways to go get it somewhere else (and I would argue that there is always a little bit of joy to find, wherever you are). And experiencing this joy is what will inspire you to find your purpose.
She also encourages us to:
- Gather data about yourself and your gifts and what excites you vs. what repulses you.
- Discover what fulfills you.
- Ask: What are you drawn to relentlessly?
- Ask: What's the risk vs. the cost of pursuing something?
And remember, as you're climbing and seeking, it's okay to take breaks; it's not a badge of honor to be busy. (I talk about this a little in my book.)
Ashley expresses that this is nothing to aspire to; it actually hinders performance.
Amen! Finally, we all have permission to stop striving to be so busy!
Turns out, it's not going to get you there any sooner.
More about Ashley here:
Ashley Freeman is the founder of Flourishing Work LLC, where she serves as lead facilitator and coach helping individuals and organizations reveal their strengths and unlock what holds them back. Ashley serves in this capacity by teaching leadership and interpersonal skills, providing Myers-Briggs® assessments and workshops, and coaching individuals and teams on their journey. She has been invited to work with many corporate and non-profit organizations including Delta Air Lines, CARE USA, Truist, and Mars Inc., among others, and has been featured in several videos, podcasts, articles, and webinars. Prior to founding Flourishing Work, she managed a team of 6 direct and 2 indirect reports.
Ashley holds an MBA with a concentration in organization and management (leadership) from Emory’s Goizueta Business School, a BA in French and music from Emory’s College of Arts and Sciences, and a Digital Marketing Certificate from Emory Continuing Education. An Atlanta native, she enjoys spending her free time with her husband and pet bird.
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/flourishingworkllc
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/flourishworkllc
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/flourishingworkllc
- LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/flourishing-work-llc
- Sign up to receive book updates and notification when it's published: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-I8O2G-PiLdlUO7ZvDS7kryDjfVXO2NlKYf8cfgE0HfVKoQ/viewform Check out my book: Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest on the Peace & Possibilities Podcast this week is more interested in building your health and wellness as opposed to putting a band aid on it.
We all know that there are quick fixes to our problems. When we take this approach, we may solve the problem, albeit temporarily. But it doesn't have to be that way.
We can think about a different phase or season of our life as not just a new normal, but a better normal. Doesn't that sound more appealing?
What if 2020 happened so that we could all have a BETTER normal?
Wouldn't it be nice to build your health instead of fix your health? Wouldn't it feel better to concentrate on all the good things happening as opposed to what's not working? Wouldn’t it feel better to ask for guidance on what to do and where to go, and what your pain/problem is trying to teach you? Then after asking about it, you can begin to solve it from a curiosity mind-set as opposed to a problem that is making your life difficult.
Moyra Gorski wants us to consider that there's magic in our mess. There's always a lesson. We don't have to have it all figured out. And luckily, she reminds us "as we grow, we find more gifts."
I couldn't agree more.
More about Moyra:
Moyra Gorski is a podcaster, wellness expert and business mentor. As a retired RN and wellness advocate, She supports women in mind, body and spirit help them find their voice, take care of themselves and know that their circumstances do not dictate who they are or can be.
During 21 years time, she built a wellness business that generates over $1.5 million per year, and among the products she represents, many are used by Olympic athletes, on Jacque Cousteau missions, the White House.
Moyra continues sharing a message of hope and health today through her podcast “Juggling The Chaos of Recovery.” Both mother and daughter have fought an eating disorders and while daughter is still on her recovery journey, mom is standing on the other side with victory. Her message is that you can overcome any challenges life throws your way with a smile, and a little juggling!”
When she’s not speaking, podcasting, writing, or coaching, she loves practicing yoga, volunteering at local animal shelters, baking and cooking and ballroom dancing. She resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband , 2 dogs and 2 of her 4 children.
https://www.facebook.com/moyragorski.shaklee
https://www.instagram.com/greengorski/
https://gorskiwellness.com/
My Book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
There are many ways to bring your gifts to the world.
Who hasn't needed to make a shift this last year?
Evolving, being willing to change, is important no matter what is happening in the world or our lives. But never more so since the beginning of 2020.
We're all learning now how important adjusting and changing is, no matter how long it takes to get there.
When you're considering what you want to have in your life, it's important to think about what you want to bring to the world.
My guest this week, Sharyn Galindo, had to do just that. She had to shift her business and her purpose, to encompass the new world she (and we) faced.
How did she do it?
- Discipline! She practiced these things:
- Resilience, mind/body breathing, gratitude
- She got back up!
- She asked herself (like a swiss army knife of tools and skills), which tool will I need today?
- She was open to the possibilities (hmm, that's a good topic for a book, don't you think?)
- She took her time
- Never-ending self-awareness
- She remembered, there are a lot of ways to bring your gifts to the world
- She had, and so should you, compassionate presence
Finally, she remembered, mistakes are part of the journey!
More about Sharyn here:
Sharyn Galindo is the owner and founder of True North Wellness. She has been in the wellness industry since the early 1990s and to this day continues to expand her knowledge through trips across Asia and by studying modern and traditional wellness approaches. Sharyn created True North Wellness under the vision of a wellness service that empowers people based on their individual needs. She created True North Wellness to be accessible and empowering for all.
www.truenorthwell.com
www.nsyoga.com
Check out my book:
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Not sure if you've heard (wink wink) - I wrote a book this past year.
I set out to write this book. It didn't happen accidentally. I thought about it, I envisioned it, and I wrote it. Little by little. Week by week.
I researched the best way to do it, and I set a schedule that worked well for me, and would allow me to do my best writing.
Then I set a deadline for myself. I told myself (and a few others), that come hell or high water, this book will be done by my next birthday.
Although I had the idea in dreams every so often over the years, I had the suggestion from my sister, Sarah, just a few years ago. And after this lightbulb moment with her (on a walk along a beautiful path one day), I just knew it was going to happen. So, if it was going to happen, why not make it so, celebrating it at my next birthday. Turns out it would be completely written just a little over a year later.
My guest this week, Emily Williams of the I Heart My Life movement, and I talk about writing our books and what they mean to us, along with what we hope they achieve.
We talk about what other books inspire us. We talk about what other people inspire us.
Emily's book is packed full of great tips and stories about loving your life as you go along on your journey. We are very aligned about the power of possibilities and mindset. As Emily reminds us, very importantly, our minds can only focus on one thought at a time, so if you're focusing on the problem, your mind is not available to figure out the solution.
Whether you want to write a book, start a company, find a new job, find the right person, or make your life better each day, if you're wondering about what you can achieve, look no further.
Listen in as we discuss all of the good stuff that can come to you when you're believing in yourself, and going after your dreams!
After all, anything really is possible! We (me and Emily), are living proof!
More about Emily:
www.emilywilliams.com
My Book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Do we have to have the same experiences to relate to people?
I think not!
Can you imagine being homeless as a young boy?
My guest this week, Joe Rojas, didn't have to imagine it. At 10 he was essentially homeless. So what did he do?
- At 11 he went to work
- And eventually worked in the military and at the DOD
- And now has is own successful business
You're probably thinking, that can't be! I know I was.
How did he do this?
It was his resilience, his relentlessness and his "I'm gonna do this" attitude.
Among other things, he did the following:
- Told himself, "I am not willing to give up!"
- Counted his wins!
- He was engaged in the journey.
- He was gutsy; he learned to push back.
- He learned how to say no, which avoided many headaches.
- He stopped missing out on happiness and joy.
- He learned not to be too scattered; instead he focused.
You're going to be so moved and inspired after this conversation. You won't forget it.
More about Joe here:
Thrivers360 groups. We currently have 4 groups meeting on a weekly basis and would love to encourage people to attend two complimentary sessions. (thrivers360.com)
His book: How Entrepreneurs Thrive
You can find it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L37DN55/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
https://redsapiens.com/
Even if you give up a dream, if it's your destiny, it won't leave you.
This is how you know. Your dream won't leave you. It remains. Always.
My guest this week is the amazing author Barbara Huson, who has written several books about wealth and personal development. She's on a mission to help each of us feel confident and have consistent well being about wealth. They are not exclusive.
She reminds us of the following:
- Even if you give up a dream, if it's your destiny, it won't leave.
- Look for signs and ask for signs.
- The only thing that stands between you and success, is fear.
- If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.
- Anything you want to achieve always lies just outside your comfort zone.
- She's determined to help you take the charge out of the word "wealth".
Let's all be well-thy, now! It will serve you and more importantly, the world!
More about Barbara:
Barbara Huson (previously known as Barbara Stanny), is the leading authority on women, wealth and power. As a bestselling author, financial therapist, teacher & wealth coach, Barbara has helped millions take charge of their finances and their lives.
Barbara's background in business, her years as a journalist, her Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology, her extensive research, and her personal experience with money give her a unique perspective and makes her the foremost expert on empowering women to live up to their financial and personal potential.
Barbara Huson has been featured on Good Morning America, The View, Extra, The O'Reilly Report, and many times on CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, Fox News, PBS and NPR, as well as the New York Times, and USA Today.
Barbara is the author of 7 books:
- Prince Charming Isn’t Coming: How Women Get Smart About Money
- Secrets of Six-Figure Women: Surprising Strategies to up Your Earnings and Change Your Life
- Overcoming Underearning: A Five-Step Plan to a Richer Life
- Finding a Financial Advisor You Can Trust: A Guide for Investors and Those Who Want To Be
- Breaking Through: Getting Past the Stuck Points in Your Life
- Sacred Success: A Course in Financial Miracles
- Rewire for Wealth
You can learn more about Barbara and her work at www.Barbara-Huson.com
Join her online community, The Wealth Connection https://www.barbara-huson.com/the-wealth-connection/
Are you willing to do anything? My guest this week was, and that's how he became the Philly's mascot for years. Talk about fun!
Dave Raymond has had some amazing experiences, all because he was willing to do anything.
What was he willing to do?
- He just showed up!
- Connect the dots (combined his passion with expertise)
- Develop as a person
- He asked: where can he add value
- Express joy everyday (you can't have joy later)
- Remember: no one can create joy for you
- Hold on to times of joy in his memory banks
- Invest in experiences
Check out this inspirational conversation and see the power of Dave's positive attitude.
More about Dave below:
http://daveraymondspeaks.com
You'll love listening to my guest this week. Heidi Dawson, of The Wildly Successful Lifestyle Podcast, has always told her herself: if something's not working for me, I'm not staying in it. I love this!
Who is she? Just an awesome person who is making the world a better place a little bit more everyday, by sharing stories from health and wellness experts along with the mindset shifts she uses to live a healthy, happy lifestyle.
Just a few tips from Heidi (listen in for more):
- Ask yourself: What do I really want to feel? (This is key)
- Make joy and fun a priority
- Make yourself more qualified for the next thing
- Make yourself better, always
- Take action, move forward
- Enjoy the journey (otherwise you'll miss the vacation)
- Remind yourself: maybe that interaction was for them
Finally, I'm sure Heidi would agree with this quote from Marianne Williamson: "We are brought together by an intentional universe for one reason only: the enlightenment of all concerned. Whether our connection is through work or family, a casual encounter or a lifelong involvement, the purpose of every relationship is the healing of the world."
You'll be so glad you encountered Heidi!
More about Heidi Dawson:
https://www.wildlysuccessfullifestyle.com/home
Wildly Successful Lifestyle Podcast
https://anchor.fm/heidi21
https://www.instagram.com/theheididawson/
It wasn't an easy road for my guest this week. He thought he wanted one thing, worked really hard, then realized he wanted something else.
He took the long way. Don't we all at some point?
As Dan Kelleher says, his strong work ethic is what got him through. Though his determination is what really changed his mindset and helped him realize what was possible for him.
He understood that taking time for himself was a necessity. He also had an eagerness to do more and achieve greater things. He didn't want to be missing out on life.
Those hard times helped him build his confidence. And he reminds us that even though transition can be uncomfortable, it's not fatal.
Indeed, only certain things are. However, trying, failing, living, are not!
You can connect with Dan here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-kelleher-945a5149/
And check out my new book here:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest this week wasn't planning on being a teacher.
Some people dream of being a teacher, some people dream of owning a business. They don't seem to go together, but they certainly could. Anything is possible, really!
And as Kimberly Maska's path unfolded, she realized that she was destined to be a teacher with her own company.
Of course, like most stories of success, it wasn't a straight line to owning her own company. She shares many of her lessons during our conversation. The biggest one: trust your instincts!
She also urges us to:
- Get a mentor (and always have one)
- Resist scarcity - "you can't" isn't helpful, ever!
- When you get an inkling, follow that and let things open up
- Do the inner work (this is usually the hardest part)
- What brings you joy? (simple question, profound impact)
Taking chances gets you to that next thing, and you just never know what's going to come. When you get the momentum going, so much fun and joy awaits.
Finally, when something feels amiss - it is!
More info about Kimberly Maska:
CEO, Maska Media
CEO, Spiritual Biz Publishing
Creator of Spiritual Biz Bootcamp
Publisher, Spiritual Biz Magazine
International Best Selling Author
kimberly@kimberlymaska.com
www.kimberlymaska.com
www.spiritualbizpublishing.com
For more inspiration, check out my book.
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest on this week's episode is Mike Roberts. As he became a husband and father, knowing he needed to get out of his current lifestyle, his wise mom said to him one day, "I think this might be a good job for you".
And so he tried it. And worked at it. And made the commitment.
Now he's a successful entrepreneur, who's so happy he made the choice he did, because he was able to have so many hours of "windshield time" with his kids over the years.
He used to tell them, "If you're not the lead dog, your view never changes", so get the heck out there and lead.
A few other great tips he had for his kids:
- Your internal voice is there for a reason (so incredibly true!)
- A void = unhappy and unhealthy (we must find purpose)
- Productive = happy and healthy (make things happen)
In the end, "his heart is filled with joy", because of the time he had with his kids. All because he made the decision to evolve, become successful and make his family a priority.
More about Mike below:
Selfcertified.com
https://www.cptwealthstrategies.com/
cptwealth@gmail.com
Check out my book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Wait until you hear this unbelievable story!
Shannon Carroll, and her husband Dave, have written a book detailing their incredible journey with a crazy, very uncommon event.
You won't want to miss this inspiring conversation and some of Shannon's wise questions and conclusions.
Before you listen, here's a few key points she wants us to consider:
- Take your vacations!
- What is good isn't always what's best.
- Pursue what you're called to do (what you're made of).
- What will it cost me to have/pursue this?
- Is this the season for (fill in the blank)?
Finally, after coming through this life altering experience, she recalls thinking: he's here, he's alive, he's enough.
Life is a healing process, no matter what you're going through.
Grab those lessons and let them sink in as they come.
Who knows, maybe your experience will be a movie someday?
More about Shannon below:
Shannon Carroll lives in Southern Indiana with her pastor-husband, three boys and a dog. She has a strong background as a Registered Nurse for many years, but had a major career change in June 2016, when she came home full time to run her own home-based essential oils and wellness business. This huge shift allowed her to homeschool her two younger sons. In addition to being a pastor's wife, serving in the church, raising her boys and loving life, Shannon became a best-selling author in October 2020. She and David, her husband, co-authored a book detailing their raw and bizarre struggle with traumatic amnesia. In it, they share how amnesia totally changed their life and set them on a new course. Shannon loves to speak to groups, sharing her stories and teaching with a vulnerable yet inspirational tone. When she's not being a homeschool mom or entrepreneur, you'll find her curled up with a historical fiction novel, going on walks or tending to her raised bed gardens.
Grab the Book: getbook.at/OneThingRemains
Website: www.davidandshannoncarroll.com
Essential Oils & Natural Living: https://shannon.lifestepseo.com
FaceBook: Shannon McKain Carroll
InstaGram: @DavidAndShannonCarroll
ClubHouse: shannon.carroll
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidandShannonCarroll/
Grab my book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest on this week's episode is Derek Doepker, who shares that when we're trying new things, we may just get resistance.
But if we use that energy and accept that resistance as a challenge, and consider that if someone else can do it, maybe so can we, then we're definitely on our way to success.
He encourages us to take risks as we go, but to continue being grateful. It's our mindset, along with our belief in possibilities, that will sustain us and contribute to our success.
If you're struggling with trying something new, Derek encourages us to ask ourselves "What have I already done?" Remembering those accomplishments will boost your self-confidence and remind you of everything you already know. This builds momentum and you'll want to do more.
And if the goal seems too big, than ask yourself, "Can I just?" Can you just do this one thing today? Can you just send that one email? Can you just call that one person?
And the answer, of course, is almost always a resounding YES!
More about Derek below:
Derek Doepker is the author of 7 bestselling books on topics like fitness, personal development, business, and authorship - who's been featured on Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Success.com. After going from broke valet parker to selling over 75,000 books, he now empowers his students to become bestselling authors through his proven processes.
BestsellerSecrets.com
Check out my book...
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Wow! You felt scared and did it any way?
…Says every successful person regarding a risk they took, a person they approached, etc.
Of course you feel this way, you're scared; it's new and it's normal to feel this way. (And this is practicing resilience.)
Join me in a fascinating conversation with Jacinta Jimenez (Dr. J) about the significance of belonging, the commitment to thrive, and seeing the possibilities.
She believes, like me, that the power of connections is simply amazing. If you're a good "people picker", the sky is the limit.
And she shares, from a Harvard study, that healthy relationships are the key to a long life.
Now go make those connections!
And check out my new book: Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective!
Learn more about Jacinta here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacinta-m-jim%C3%A9nez-psyd-bcc-71881545/
https://www.drjacintajimenez.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Burnout-Fix-Overcome-Overwhelm-Sustain/dp/1260464571
Yes, everyone fails, but we should still try new things all the time.
How else are we going to figure out what we want AND what we don't want? We can and should keep trying, then ADJUST to the results.
Join me on this week's episode of The Peace and Possibilities Podcast to hear more about how, with Lou Diamond, who is doing this everyday on the THRIVE LOUD podcast.
From Wall Street, to sales, to consulting, happiness was always a factor for Lou, along with finding his purpose.
He thinks, as do I, that Generation Z is so lucky to have EQ (emotional intelligence), and the mindset info that we didn't have in the earlier years of our careers. They are so much further ahead in the trying and failing arena. Simply put, they're not afraid to do just that.
What's most important in our everyday lives, in his opinion? Experiencing the reach of connecting. Always be searching, building, learning, studying, and teaching.
Oh, then get some coaching; which will help you when you're seeking answers, and when you need to check in.
Learn more about Lou and THRIVE LOUD below:
https://www.instagram.com/thriveloud/
Thrive LOUD with Lou Diamond
https://twitter.com/ThriveLouD
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thriveloud/
And check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
You're in for lots of great insight from this duo who are out to make a difference in the way you live.
They had an idea, and they’re going for it with a new business!
Below is some wisdom from Pam and Larisa, of Settled Home.
Listen in to this week's episode to get more details.
Here's a sneak peek:
- Make your current role work for you
- Skills need building and tweaking
- Satisfy a hunger, always, no matter where you're at
- Absorb the good and the not good - they're both there to teach you
- Have conversations and share passions (others will advocate for you)
- Follow up and connect consistently
- Learn from every experience
- Don't take anything for granted
Their Story:
It was finally time to reinvent the home organizing industry.
Following successful careers in merchandising and advertising, Larisa’s and Pam’s paths crossed in launching the New York City market of The Home Edit, one of the most recognized home organization brands in the world. Servicing clients nationwide, they mastered the ins-and-outs of designing spaces and developing aesthetically pleasing organizing techniques.
Larisa and Pam identified a problem they wanted to solve in home organizing. Instead of providing “drop-in” and siloed organization, where a singular space was transformed yet no longstanding system was implemented, Larisa and Pam wanted to dig deeper. They wanted to really know their clients — not just their spaces — so they could create bespoke systems and lasting lifestyle transformations.
Larisa, a seasoned merchandising consultant with an unparalleled eye for detail, and Pam, a former Agency Client Partner who connects at the deepest levels with her clients, set off to found Settled.
Instagram: @settled.home https://www.instagram.com/settled.home/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Settled-102420238283937
LinkedIn: Larisa - www.linkedin.com/in/larisa-bright
Pam - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelameluskey/
Website: https://settledhome.com/
Check out my bestselling book, available now.
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
I totally agree with my guest on this week's podcast, Layne Frank. "Experiences will keep you going and they're FREE."
Layne has had an interesting journey. Earlier in his life, when he had a young family, he woke up one day and said to himself, "let me start my life over".
He wanted more and getting fired ended up being a gift. He thought to himself "I can't let this happen" then he went about figuring out how to make his life better.
And then he did it! He took action.
Taking risks was definitely part of it. Connecting with people everyday and enjoying his experiences were also a huge part of his success.
He encourages us to do the following (with my insights in parentheses):
- Ask for support (always; people want to help)
- Go with your gut (no one every regrets this)
- Ask questions about what you like (curiosity is key)
- Overcome fear in order to succeed or move ahead (fear is normal)
- Time is a precious resource; don't lose it (we can't make more time)
- Start, evolve, build (take action; do something)
Tune in to see the greatest gift he offers each day.
More about Layne below:
https://virtual5oclock.com/
Layne has been designing and building optimized voice, video and data solutions for his customers around the globe for over 2 decades. With roots going back to the early telecom industry, Layne’s entrepreneurial skills have helped lead BBH Solutions ‘sales professionals’ to the most advanced Cloud and Premise Based technology solutions in the communications ecosystem.
Layne was the Founder and President of Michael Anders & Co., Inc., a New York City based company which was acquired by BBH Solutions, Inc. in 2010. Layne is considered an expert in commercial real estate technology and has been instrumental in the planning and executing of hundreds of corporate relocations comprising over 20 million square feet.
Layne has been a driving force behind BBH Solutions Cloud and Data Center Practice and expansion of our customer base. Layne has achieved a milestone by logging over 50,000 hours of time spent toward his profession in technology through continued education and practical field application.
Layne is considered by most as a Connector, Thought Leader, Trusted Advisor and an expert in Human Capital.
Layne is a graduate of the University of Hartford with a Bachelor of Arts.
https://virtual5oclock.com/
Check out my bestselling book, now available in hard cover.
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
https://amzn.to/3jCGQPl
Do you have a skill set? Of course you do!
For example, do you love to learn? Does that make you excited? Than that is a skill.
Why does this matter? Because your skills help you build the life you want. And of course, that keeps you peaceful and content each day.
My guests on this week's podcast have lots of wisdom to share and they're doing amazing work helping others, every day.
They make loving your work look easy.
For Jim Elliot, the Founder and President of Diveheart, he believes (and so do I), that 90% of success is showing up. And that there's always an opportunity. Just keep looking, it's there.
And Tinamarie Hernandez would tell anyone seeking a meaningful career, "don't chase the money - it's harder to lose later."
Each day, focus on one thing and finish it, like building bricks in a building.
Finally, no matter what your role, find mentors and you'll end up learning some lessons quicker.
Tune in to find out what each one of them offers the world each day.
I promise, you'll be inspired to do a little more every day to help people on our planet.
Donate to Diveheart
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Diveheart Website
http://www.diveheart.org/
Diveheart news & video library
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Volunteer with Diveheart
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http://greatnonprofits.org/organizations/browse/search:diveheart
Current & Retired Federal Employees can give to Diveheart Foundation through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC #32225)
info@diveheart.org
Check out my bestselling book below.
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
What's the best gift you can give yourself?
Maybe you'll be surprised to hear, it's writing a book. For your business, yes, as it turns out. But what if it was for you and your life? Ever thought about it?
Always a reader, writer and communicator, Everett O'Keefe went from wanting to be an English teacher, to creating a publishing company helping authors get their message into the world, with kindness and grace.
What's the key to living peacefully and happily while you're building your dream?
Everett says developing relationships is key. All of your success will come from this one practice. Your relationships will keep you fulfilled everyday and give you perspective.
He also finds that curiosity is key. He loves asking "what if" and finding opportunities to explore and create. What makes you distracted? Go explore that, then focus on it and see what comes next.
Oh, and write a book! You may be thinking: "Yeah right. It's not that easy." But I'll bet you'll find it's easier than you think. And it's the biggest gift you can give yourself, your business, and the world. It will change everything!
(I sure am excited to see just how much will change after writing my bestselling book.)
Lifting people up to share their message every day is something he takes great honor in. And what an honor it was to work with him and his team at Ignite Press to get my book out into the world. I knew the day I met him that he was the right person for this milestone.
Do you have a book in you? If so, he just may be the perfect fit to share your message. What are you waiting for?
Check out my bestselling book
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
More about Everett:
Website
https://Ignitepress.us
Author Summit
http://authormind.net
The Power of the Published
https://amzn.to/3jYWXXB
Whether you're in an elevator, in a meeting, or talking to a stranger, you just never know where a conversation will lead you.
That conversation may lead you to a new role, and then another job later down the road.
Who knows, maybe like my guest on this week's podcast, John Russo, you can create a YouTube channel, or work with people you've admired for years. He has many other tips:
-
Small goals matter - and working towards them is very important if you want to get where you're going.
-
Maybe Invent a way to make something more fun. Or teach people what you're passionate about.
-
Always value others' opinions of you; take their feedback as fact, and see it as worth exploring.
-
Stay open to everything because an open mind may just lead you where you want to go.
-
Oh, and tell people no! It's actually okay. Try it today.
And for more inspiration, check out my bestselling book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective on sale now
Subscribe to John's YouTube channel https://youtube.com/c/MyBlocksStrongestMan
Connect with John here: russobusinessconsulting@gmail.com\
Stay in your comfort zone or face your fear.
It's your choice, but you can't have both. Ever!
And if you're going to face your fear, Taryn Abrahams reminds us that done is better than perfect.
And if you make a mistake because you faced your fear, you're meant to learn something, here and now, so get the most from it. Like a sponge, we should soak up all of the lessons in each experience, every time.
We can stay comfortable and get more of the same, or we can be bold and courageous and maybe, just maybe get more! We certainly won't if we don't face our fears.
With each risk, we get new insight, build resilience, and gain wisdom. Sometimes lots of wisdom. But we always learn something.
My favorite line from this conversation is "There's a reason there's not a 21 year old CEO." Hmm, I've never thought of it that way. You can't rush the process but…
You can hurry up and keeping facing those fears so you can have more, sooner. And then, we, on this special planet, get to benefit from that!
Finally, remember, there's always something bigger at play. Listen closely and honor that. Then remain laser focused as you face your fears. It’s scary, but as Glennon Doyle reminds us “we can do hard things.” We can. We do it everyday.
For more inspiration, check out my book:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
http://peacepossibilitiesandperspective.com/
More about Taryn:
Taryn Abrahams, MFT, SHRM-CP
Professional Coaching, Training, Consulting
Founder/CEO
Empower Behavioral Services, LLC.
973.803.8276
Info@empowerbehavioralservices.com
www.EmpowerBehavioralServices.com
Just because you choose to be a doctor or a pilot one day, doesn't mean you just choose it, declare it, then walk in to a cockpit or a doctor's office, and become one that day!
This gets a big "duh", I'm sure you'll agree.
Why do I tell you this?
Because my guest on this week's episode of The Peace and Possibilities Podcast, Ed DuCoin, and I were chuckling about it when I interviewed him.
He has been in business for years and has a lot of insight to share about being a business owner and an entrepreneur, including the fact that both are NOT created equal.
Being a business owner doesn’t equal being an entrepreneur but an entrepreneur is indeed, a business owner.
How does this apply to your life if you're not a business owner?
Well, it means that you can call yourself anything, but if it's not in your heart, and you don't really believe it, work at it, and practice it, every single day, YOU ARE NOT IT.
You have to believe it in your bones - in your body, in your dreams. And then learn how to do it and be it. This is where the power comes from. This is what helps you endure each day and each challenge.
And even if and though it is your dream, you will have challenges. That's guaranteed.
He has a theory about quotes too; tune in to hear it.
Oh, and put a reminder on your calendar for February 10, 2021 when you can purchase my book for a limited time for just $.99 on Amazon.
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
More about Ed below:
Edward DuCoin, 856 304 2800, ed@orpical.com
Twitter - https://twitter.com/edward
Website - https://orpical.com/
When this week's guest, Christy Whitman, was a young professional, she was successful and climbing the corporate ladder. She excelled and prospered year after year.
But eventually that wasn't enough, and she knew she needed to make a shift. She slowly began learning new skills outside of her work (embracing new possibilities).
Even though she wasn't where she wanted to be, she started to see all the positive things about her current role and imagined what she'd do to move forward and create what she wanted. She made a conscious effort to search for things she could feel happy and satisfied with, now (practicing gratitude).
No matter what, she didn't go into lack, and consistently thought about what she did have. She used what she didn't want as fuel telling herself:
When I have my new business I will have this. Or when I create what I want I will be so free (beliefs).
Consistency is absolutely key. Keep thinking about how you’ll feel when you have what you want. If you have holes in your hose (thinking about what you don't have), you won't have that perfect flow of energy to create the life you desire.
Christy recommends, as you go about your day imagining what's possible, don't say "I miss…"; instead, say "I look forward to…" Try it right now and feel the difference in your energy. Your body feels different. It's more open when you're excitedly thinking about the possibilities.
We always have the choice to switch our words. We open up our energy fields (and possibilities) when we do. And we bring ourselves more of the good stuff. Every time.
Check out my book, available on February 10:
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
More about Christy:
Christy Whitman is a Transformational Leader, Celebrity Coach and Law of Attraction expert, as well as the two time New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Having It All and Taming Your Alpha Bitch. She is also the author of the international bestseller Quantum Success. Her forthcoming book The Desire Factor will be released April 21, 2021.
Christy has appeared on the news, The Today Show, The Morning Show, Ted X, and The Hallmark Channel and her work has been featured in the media in various publications. She’s been featured in Goalcast, People Magazine, Seventeen, Woman’s Day, Hollywood Life, and Teen Vogue, to name a few.
Christy is the CEO and founder of the Quantum Success Learning Academy & Quantum Success Coaching Academy, a 10-month Law of Attraction coaching certification program. Christy has helped certify over 3,000 life coaches and has helped countless others to unlock their power to manifest. She lives in Scottsdale with her husband Frederic and her two boys Alex and Maxim.
Free Gift Offer:
www.watchyourwords.com or go to http://christywhitman.com/partners/ to sign up or access an affiliate link
Watch Your Words, a 30 day complimentary 2-3 min. daily video training, which helps you change your language to shift your life. (This free program then sends the participant the pdf of all of the Watch Your Words and leads to the Abundance Principles program at a special price of $97.)
Just because it was done this way before, doesn't mean it needs to be done that way going forward or even worse…forever.
For my guest this week, Erin Hatzikostas, normal is her kryptonite. Her mission is to radically change the workforce by reminding us that just because no one has done it that way before, doesn't mean you can't do it that way now.
She wants you to ask yourself:
What pisses you off?
What breaks your heart?
Who says this is the top?
As far as getting what you want, maybe you don't know what it is. That might be okay.
But if you can get really clear and ask yourself: will I regret it more if I don't? Then you're on to something.
That's how I feel about quitting my job last year and starting my own business, staring my podcast, and writing a book. I would have regretted it SO much more if I didn't do it.
And so, I'm doing it!
What will you regret more if you DON'T do it? (Hit reply and tell me, please! I will encourage you.)
And while you're asking yourself these questions, listen way more to the answers - the power of questions is truly amazing.
And check out my book, available on February 10.
More about Erin below:
Book: https://www.bauthenticinc.com/youdoyouish
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-hatzikostas/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinhatzikostas
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bAuthenticInc
Or her talk “Why you don’t have to compromise for your career”
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective:
8 Secrets to Serenity and Satisfaction in Your Life and Career
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
My guest on this week's podcast was on her way to Northwestern University, when she had a lightbulb moment, and just had to follow her gut instinct to turn the car around.
Did she know what was next? Nope.
But she kept searching for what she was called to be…
Which led her eventually to London, then to start her own company.
Was she successful right away? Nope.
When she started her business, she heard "no" 54 times before she booked a client. Then went on to earn 7 figures just 18 months later!
Could you do that?
It's the reason most of us don't find success. We give up too soon. But she didn't.
Rest assured, Emily Williams reminds us, that all the seemingly random stuff ties together.
Not sure what's going on? Ask yourself, what could you do better, what could you tweak?
Make your success non - negotiable and keep telling yourself yes.
Trust the process and trust life; it's guiding you, always.
So many good insights in this episode! Get ready to be inspired.
More about Emily:
Emily Williams is a success coach, entrepreneur, and author with a seven-figure business who, at one point, couldn’t get a job at Starbucks.
After experiencing a quarter life crisis, she moved from Ohio to London (where she knew no one!) and in 2014 launched her business, I Heart My Life. She made $442 in her first month—and then went on to hit six figures in six months, before her 30th birthday. She grew it to seven figures in under 18 months.
Today, she works with female entrepreneurs all over the world, helping them bust through the obstacles that hold their dreams and goals hostage so they can free themselves to live the lives they want, build their own online business and hit their money goals. She’s been featured in Money, Entrepreneur, Business Insider, Forbes and Success Magazine.
Get ready for my book!
https://2possibilityandbeyond.com/my-book
Signup for my newsletter here:
https://mailchi.mp/039f1c2cf32d/5-tips-for-creating-more-joy-at-work
It depends on what you're doing, of course. If you are getting surgery, you want it to be perfect. If you are creating a presentation, perfect isn't necessary.
My guest on this week's episode is Catherine Brown. And she explains that everyone has self doubt.
But if you are concentrating on those things that keep you excited and that you really care about, self doubt doesn't matter. Neither does perfection.
Ultimately you must ask yourself: Do you want to do the work to make that "thing" happen?
If the answer is no, then move on.
Catherine Brown understands what it means to start and build a business during challenging times, launching her first sales consulting firm in 2003, and now running her sales training firm www.extraboldsales.com.
A veteran of 20+ years of business-to-business selling, she now trains and coaches others to sell with confidence. Her sales system includes psychology research that gets at the heart of why salespeople don’t sell effectively. She trains on the reasons your customers buy (it’s not what you think!). She has a process to help sales representatives take the frustration and worry out of business development, so they can close new business without wasting money on one-size-fits-all training. Catherine has a BA from Rice University and is a StoryBrand Certified Guide.
Social media handles and Website:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherineleebrown/
https://www.facebook.com/ExtraBoldSalesBiz
https://www.instagram.com/extraboldsales/
http://www.extraboldsales.com
We can be wise at all ages. Typically it's when we've lived a longer life.
To my delight, you'll see that sometimes it comes earlier too.
My guest on this week's podcast suggests that we don't wait for opportunities to come to us.
Go seek them. Ask around and see what's out there. You never know.
Emily Perelman should know. She's already a successful artist even as a college student.
How did that happen?
Well, she used her talents daily, nurtured her hobby, and created art even as a means to get away from school work. How smart!
Lesson: Wanting to do it, and then PUTTING IT OUT THERE is how she made it happen! (Listen to hear how.)
She's learned that If you want to thrive, you need to align yourself with people who are passionate, ambitious and inspiring.
Hmm, I completely agree!
It's important to stay grounded in all you do. Your worth can be in many different places, so don't just look in one place.
Is it within your family? Is it in school? Is it in your work? Is it in your talents? Is it in your relationships?
Figure it out - then ask yourself, what could make you more fulfilled....
Take it step by step…you just never know who will see it and you as really worthy!
More about Emily Perelman here:
Emily Lynn Perelman is an illustrator and visual artist currently pursuing her passion for art alongside her degree in Psychology at Boston University. Taking inspiration from everyday shapes and sights, she uses her work to make sense of the world.
https://www.instagram.com/emilylynndesign/?hl=en
https://www.emilylynnperelman.com/
Do you really need a roadmap?
Maybe, maybe not.
What if you have a road map, and it's the wrong one? How will you know to pivot and go down a different path if you're following the wrong road map?
My guest on this week's podcast is Justine Fedak, and she cautions us, "maybe you're not getting what you want because it's part of your journey."
Maybe you have exactly what you need, albeit not what you thought you wanted, and that new road will be even better?
Ugh. I know, life is hard. It never goes exactly according to our plan.
That's why, although you work hard at it, it's exhausting at times, and exhilarating at times.
Maybe if your road map changes, you will become an "accidental expert", like Justine.
Who knows! Either way, you must choose, each day.
Right or left? Forward or back? Side to side?
Keep moving; it's the only way you'll figure it out!
More info on Justine Fedak:
IG JustineFedak
LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/in/justine-fedak
Facebook Justine Fedak
Justine Fedak is a self-declared Corporate Hippie. She is a transformational socially-conscious marketing executive with deep experience in brand management and marketing operations. She is Chief Brand Strategist with PollaraStrategic Insights and Co-Founder (Star Jones) of Instant Impact Group, a diversity and marketing consulting firm. She was most recently Global Head of Social Media and Sponsorships Marketing for BMO Financial Group.
After joining BMO in 1992 as a media relations assistant, Justine held many senior roles at the company in Canada and the US, within Retail Banking, Wealth Management, Investment Banking, Communications and Corporate Marketing. In 1999, Justine transferred to Chicago to lead M&A due diligence for US wealth management and create a US brand strategy. She re-patriated to Canada to create a North American Corporate Sponsorships and Event steam and build a client-focused partnership portfolio, negotiating some of the largest sports sponsorship deals with the NBA, NHL, MLS and MLB (North America) that attracted younger and more diverse customers. In 2007, she was named US CMO and led the re-vitalization of the Harris Bank brand, uniting all the community banking under a central marketing focus. She also led the strategy and execution of the historical re-branding of Harris Bank to BMO. As a member of the executive management team, she was also accountable for the client experience and marketing communications integration of the bank’s largest M&A deal, the purchase of Marshall & Isley. She remained in the US leading Brand, Advertising and Marketing for North America and developed an aligned north-south creative marketing strategy that remains strong today.
Justine is a very active member of her community and industry. She is a member of the Board of Directors of The Magnificent Mile Association, the Chicago Police Foundation and is on the Executive Committee of the Chicago Sports Commission. She is an SSA City of Chicago Commissioner (Greektown), a board member of Chicago-Toronto Sisters Cities International, and past Chair of the City of Chicago Municipal Marketing Advisory Counsel, as well as past member of many other prominent boards.
Usually when we hear people talk about bucket lists it's when they are retiring and finally want to start doing all those things they've been dreaming about doing for the past several decades.
But here's the thing: none of us knows when we'll get to the end.
So what if we wait until we're 60 or 65 to start experiencing everything we've been dreaming about, then we don't make it there?
We just wasted all that time planning, telling people all about it, and assuming we would live that long, and we never get the chances we thought we had. Or we make it to the ripe old age of 65 or 70, and we're not healthy enough to live those experiences.
Maybe we should start now.
WE SHOULD START NOW!
My guest on this week's episode of the Peace and Possibilities Podcast is Kristin Cripps, a successful entrepreneur and author who works hard and makes things happen.
She encourages us to stop listening to the wrong people and to tell ourselves "maybe I can't do this BUT I can help with this" and figure out how you can make each experience work for you.
And she helps remind us that it's not an accident that we're here.
Figure out what would you do for hours, and then figure out how to do it better by getting educated about it.
Finally, don't live in your past and lament about what went wrong and didn't get done right, etc. because those exact things won't happen again.
She's achieved a lot and it's not an accident that she's here.
She just needed to believe that first! So do you!
Get a FREE review copy of Investpreneur: Real Estate Lessons for the Determined Investor Kristin Cripps (Book 2)
https://leaderspress.com/investpreneur/
Buy Investpreneur: Real Estate Lessons for the Determined Investor Kristin Cripps on Amazon (Book 2)
https://www.amazon.com/InvestPreneur-Estate-Lessons-Determined-Investor/dp/1943386854
Buy Shepreneur: Life Lessons for the Determined Female Entrepreneur on Amazon (Book 1)
https://www.amazon.com/Shepreneur-Lessons-Determined-Female-Entrepreneur-ebook/dp/B084X5PP46
https://www.amazon.ca/Shepreneur-Business-Lessons-Determined-Entrepreneur/dp/194338679X
Connect with Kristin Cripps!
WEBSITE https://www.kristincripps.com/
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/kristina.cripps/
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/kristin.cripps/?hl=en
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristincripps/
TWITTER https://twitter.com/kcripps
Update your dream and trust the process.
Hmmm...can you think of an easier way to get what you want?
As far as "ease" goes, I think "update your dream and trust the process" is right up there with, "say what you want and see what happens".
Which is good news for you!
Why?
Because asking the right questions and watching the answers come is something only you can do to figure out what you should do.
So start asking, "What’s my next right step?"
Then stop and listen. Really listen. It's amazing how clear the answer will usually be.
Then trust your intuition for crying out loud!
Oh, and of course, then listen to this week's Peace & Possibilities Podcast when my brilliant and beautiful guest, Manvir Dhaliwal, tells you how to do just that.
More about Manvir here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/manvir-dhaliwal-6a17199/
"I always knew I wanted to write…"
But my guest on this week's podcast was thinking either/or.
How many times do you think this way?
It's one way or the other. It's black or white. This is wrong and this is right.
What if instead you opened yourself up to other possibilities and you came to work to make a difference?
It's amazing what can happen when you consider another perspective. (And for perspective, be sure to check out my new book, Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective coming soon.)
Open your view to a different way.
When I asked Elzet Blaauw what she has done to stay happy and peaceful along the way, she told me: "I opened myself up to the possibilities".
And then she concentrated on the next best thing and another worthy goal, while she worked to make a difference and add value in every role.
You'll never regret going above and beyond. When you do, the possibilities are endless!
More info about Elzet here:
Elzet Blaauw's purpose is to help people turn their ideas and dreams into a practical reality. She helps people and organisations find the right words to share the message that is central to their purpose.
Elzet believes we can do important work and lead full, meaningful lives. She is on a mission to make more people see #worklifefreedom as a viable option, and she's a champion and cheerleader of #parentpreneurs. She loves working with anyone who is doing their part in making the world a better place.
You can connect with her on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/elzet-kirsten-blaauw/.
That's it, that's all you need!
Wouldn't that be nice?
For Alan Kaye, my guest on this week's episode of The Peace & Possibilities Podcast, he tried something he thought he wanted to do and found out it wasn't for him.
He's had quite the interesting journey to his own business that's included art, education, hobbies, and incredible experiences with his childhood heroes.
He realized he didn't want to have the life sucked out of him, saw too many boxes, and didn't want to end up in one.
He has a plan, he knows how to get there, and every time he felt he was put into a box, he knew he had to get out.
Alan reminds us, if you have the wrong people around you, you cannot find where you're meant to be.
We're lucky in many ways. Everyone is in the same situation right now.
What are you going to do to balance your life and your work?
Listen in and see what opportunities Alan has been creating…
And if you want 8 secrets to serenity and satisfaction in your life and career, my book will be out in early 2021!
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective will be making its way into the world. I can't wait to share it with you!
More info on Alan Kaye:
www.virtual5oclock.com
www.Linkedin.com/in/alanmkaye
www.linkedin.com/company/fidens-insurance-brokers
www.linkedin.com/company/virtual-5-o-clock
www.facebook.com/FidensInsurance/
www.facebook.com/Virtual5oclock/
"It sparked something new in me", says my guest on this week's episode of The Peace & Possibilities Podcast.
And then, quite simply, it was her life….
I'm talking about Shellie Thompson, stylist and founder of Closet Wardrobe You, and she wants you to be excited about getting dressed in the morning.
What does this have to do with Peace & Possibilities? Only everything.
Listen in to this week's episode and you'll see what I mean.
We both agree, if you're loving work more than you're not loving it, then you're on the right path.
As you'll hear from Shellie, if you can work for or with someone who sees you, you're very blessed, then the sky is the limit!
But she encourages us not to rush the process.
Focus, be still, and listen to that voice - "it's the best medicine to find where you're supposed to land."
I couldn't agree more!
More info about Shellie here:
www.closetwardrobeyou.com
Want a salve for Coronavirus?
Our final guest in this four part series on lessons learned from the Corona Virus, is Dr. Wayne Pernell. He's many things: a coach, a TEDX speaker, a leader, a podcaster, and a best selling author.
And he's an awesome person!
This episode is full of great insights and positive messages to focus on during this persisting, stressful time.
Wayne reminds us that this pandemic is not personal.
Our perspective around all of this uncertainty counts, more than you know. Really, we can control so many things.
We still have choices.
More about Wayne:
www.WaynePernell.com
www.StuckAtTheTop.com
www.RelationshipRecharge.com
http://bit.ly/OneSharpSword
Our third guest in this four part series on lessons learned from the Corona Virus, is me.
As we close in on the end of the year, I wanted to offer my insights on the lessons I've learned in 2020.
It's hard to believe we are still going through all of the same stuff that started in March.
What is it with this never-ending saga?
On one hand, I wish I had a magic wand to put everything back to normal, but on the other hand, I'm glad some things are not normal anymore.
- I'm relieved I don't have to worry about catching a cold in an elevator because everyone is wearing a mask.
- I'm glad hand sanitizer is at every store and restaurant so we can all get the germs off our hands before we interact with each other.
- I'm happy the streets are lined with people who still want to experience fun but want to keep their health in tact.
So, no. Normal will probably never be what it was in February of 2020.
But I'm embracing what's been good about 2020. And looking forward to staying grateful about any little progress we're making. And any extra experiences I get to have (with or without a mask).
Stay strong and positive, people! The world needs you to conquer this!
And if you want a few more ways to feel better about your life and career, my book will be out in early 2021!
Peace, Possibilities, and Perspective will be making its way into the world.
I can't wait to share it with you!
Peace.
I'm launching a four part series on lessons learned from the Corona virus in 2020.
Our second guest in this series, on this episode, is Food Network designer, Taniya Nayak, and as usual, she has many uplifting messages to share.
More light and love than you're used to is a good thing. Especially in 2020 when there is still a lot of uncertainty and the new normal is setting in.
Want to hear some positive things that have come out of this crazy pandemic?
Well, you're in luck. Listen in and you'll be smiling all the way through.
She has this effect on people, and it's something we should never get tired of!
Taniya Nayak has been regularly featured as host and interior designer on HGTV and as well as Food Network's Restaurant Impossible and ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight. A native of India, this Boston-based designer is known for creating hot new restaurants and high end residential projects all over the US. Her latest design projects include Yellow Door Taqueria, Lion’s Tail, and several new Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants across the country. She has designed for celebrities Ayesha Curry, Robert Irvine, Cam Neely and more.
You may also recognize Taniya for her appearances on Today, Good Morning America, The Ellen Degeneres Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Talk, and The Rachael Ray Show, as well as featured in Architectural Digest India, Design New England, People magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, Entertainment Weekly, Redbook, and Cosmopolitan. Taniya supports the Room to Dream Foundation, Smile Train, No Kid Hungry, and Aksaya Patra Organization. Taniya was selected personally by Ellen Degeneres as a brand spokesperson for her home product line, “E.D. On Air,” featured on QVC.
Taniya successfully owns her design firm Taniya Nayak Design, Inc based in Boston and is co-owner to several restaurants in the Boston area with her husband Brian O’Donnell.
www.taniyanayak.com
www.instagram.com/taniyanayak
www.facebook.com/taniyanayak
I'm launching a four part series on lessons learned from the Corona virus in 2020. We will have a college student, a famous designer, a winery founder, and a TEDx speaker.
Our first guest is Sam Bruns, and he urges us not to let one little thing ruin our day.
He gives a great example: If you had $10,000 and you dropped a dollar, you wouldn't let the loss of that $1 ruin your day. You'd still have $9,999 to enjoy!
What If someone ruins 10 seconds or 10 minutes of your day? Why would you let that ruin your entire day, considering you have almost 1000 more minutes or 60,000 more seconds to be grateful for?
Why give someone or anything that power?
Happier people have love, good friendships, a good family life, and they make the most of what they have. Corona virus has taught him to appreciate all of this more.
And finally, Sam would like to underscore: if you're looking for a sign, consider 2020 your sign to try something. You never know what's around the corner. Just go do it!
Lately, maybe you've been wishing for something new…
Maybe you've been asking for it or writing about it…
Maybe you've been telling other people what you want…
Either way, you were putting it out there. You were deciding you wanted it. You were believing it could happen.
And then guess what? If you're like my guest on this week's Peace and Possibilities Podcast, Daisy, you "coincidentally" were offered it, or it was delivered to you from the most surprising occurrence.
Voila! Daisy was asked to be a guest on a podcast, from a perfect stranger (me).
Coincidence, NO WAY! Happenstance, nope.
Manifestation, you bet!
Daisy started an awesome business because she was miserable in her day job and wanted to make a change. It turns out making money wasn't fulfilling her and she began having health issues.
After attending one creative class, she figured it out. And eventually, she made the leap from full time finance to business owner.
And now she's making an impact every day, in a positive way. (And she's not getting sick anymore. What a relief!)
This is the power of following your passion. This is the power of taking the leap and figuring it out.
What will you try before 2020 is over?
The time will pass either way. What will you do with it?
Little Buddha Bio:
Little Buddha was created & founded in 2018 by Daisy Betance. It is a holistic based woman owned company that based its mission on feeding the mind, body & soul. After researching all the horrible & toxic chemicals found in our day to day products, our founder Daisy decided to start making her own clean products. They are all infused with reiki energy and made with a lot of love & care. Daisy uses her intuitive energy work while creating & making all the handcrafted natural & organic products. Each product is handmade in her home studio in Berwyn, IL.
Daisy is a Reiki Master & Intuitive healer, as well as 200 RYT Hatha yoga certified teacher. She uses a combination of reiki, crystal, sound healing, healing yoga & aromatherapy with her energy work sessions as well. In person or long distance Reiki sessions are now available.
https://www.littlebuddhabydaisy.com/
littlebuddhabydaisy@gmail.com
I just love when I interview someone and we share experiences that are very similar, but we didn't even know each other at all!
When I talked about meditation and mindfulness this week on the Peace and Possibilities Podcast with Dr. Asha Pai Bohannon, she shared her own daily practice and how she figured out what she needed to change to begin her own healing.
We don't always see new problems as opportunities to teach us, but when we can ask ourselves this question, we're so much more open to figuring it out.
Asha knew she needed to make a change so she could be healthier and then she turned her pain into purpose by helping others do the same! What a way to turn your problem into an opportunity.
Imagine if we could all do that!
Next time something doesn't go your way, ask yourself: What is this here to teach me? It's a simple question that will yield amazing results. (No, really, "amazing" is needed here.)
Dr. Asha Pai Bohannon is a Holistic Pharmacist (aka the "Rebel Pharmacist") with a holistic wellness practice, Patient Advocacy Initiative (PAI) Wellness Group, in Raleigh, NC where she lives with her husband and two sons. She is an entrepreneur, author, and speaker. She believes that your personal journey can bring you Health, Hope and Harmony in everyday life with the right tools and guide!
Links:
www.ashapaibohannon.com
instagram.com/dr.ashapaibohannon.com
facebook.com/drashapaibohannon
https://bit.ly/ToMedicateOrNotBook
Have you ever met someone who is just sparkly when they talk?
I hope so.
If not, then you're in luck this week!
Beatrice Adenodi is a shiny bowl of energy and has a unique perspective on business and integrating mindless behaviors into our everyday lives.
On this week's podcast, we talk about reflecting on our own behaviors, questioning our biases, and how awareness is just the beginning.
Trying to find where you fit in is difficult at any age, but when you can create your own schedule, have flexibility, and as a result have more choices, fitting in becomes something we can all attain more easily.
Listen in and you'll see what I mean…
More on Beatrice below:
Beatrice Adenodi is a marketing guru, awareness advocate, and founder/CEO of Mirror Ink, a full-service business consulting firm based in Minneapolis. As a first-generation Nigerian-American immigrant, Beatrice had to figure everything out on her own. Over the years she built her own set of tools to overcome the challenges of life. Through her unique perspective, she has been able to help many people get out of unfortunate situations by guiding them from being reactive to reflective in their setting. A sought-after speaker, she was invited to speak on stage at Unveiled Beauty 2019 and has also been a featured guest on podcasts such as Humanship, The Eulogy, and Wild Ones.
She was driven to create her social experiential platform Mindless Behaviors in 2014 after a tough transitional phase led her to reflect on her relationships, faith, and career. Feeling powerless and invisible, she discovered she had been ignoring her own voice and reacting without thinking in difficult situations. Beatrice set out to reclaim her power. As she grew into her voice, she realized she wasn’t alone. She recognized the impact her newly reflective mindset could make on society, and developed an innovative new approach to guide others to find their own voices.
With the completion of her book about these experiences, Mindless Behaviors: Breaking Through Unseen Barriers, her platform is now poised to help create generations of hopeful people.
Links
Mindless Behaviors- www.mindless-behaviors.com/the-book
Mirror Ink- www.mirrorink360.com
Join me in this touching podcast as Cliff Jones shares about the unconditional love and unity of a family, with a partnership soaked in mutual respect and friendship.
In life, mastering the inner game is so important as we figure out our purpose and what will make our time on this planet meaningful.
As he was rolling through trauma earlier in his life, he found acceptance, courage, and wisdom on the other side.
We talk about neuroscience, what's it's like when your energy is in all the right places, and the books that have been so helpful in solving some of life's biggest challenges.
There are so many good tips in this podcast, but mostly you're going to be inspired about a life well lived, and be reminded what it takes to finally live peacefully and contently.
https://cliffordjones.com/
Books we referenced:
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
Book by Susan Cain
Think and Grow Rich
Book by Napoleon Hill
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One
Book by Joe Dispenza
The Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter & Miracles
Book by Bruce Lipton
Whether you're looking for the right job, the right person, the right city, the right (fill in the blank), finding something that sticks is paramount.
Something that sticks to what?
Well, that depends. If you're searching for a meaningful life, one with purpose, with value, with lasting impact, then that something is the "thing" that gets you up in the morning. That "thing" is the reason you're excited to work or live each day. That "thing" becomes the basis for all you do as you take up space on our planet.
My guest on this week's episode of The Peace & Possibilities Podcast is Brian Gomez, a recent college graduate who's passionate about working to do something about our climate crisis. He encourages people to try a bunch of different things that interest them. Don't be afraid to mix it up. The more you try, the more likely you are to find that thing that sticks.
And if that thing that sticks is the most basic thing or something that may just change the planet, if it gets you up in the morning and excited to live life, than good for you.
Better yet, good for all of us!
More about Brian's work here:
https://www.sunrisemovement.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/briangomez2/
My guest on this week's episode of the Peace & Possibilities podcast has so much wisdom to share.
Cliff Jones is quite the inspiration, if you ask me. And he married a very special lady, if you ask me (as he mentions). And now he's leveraging a lifetime of experience to bring business owners tons of value so they can live their purpose.
Listen in to discover the many life lessons Cliff is willing to share, and the impactful moments that shaped his life then, and now.
Our conversation turned to family and struggling to raise children and keep going for your dreams, for which I will be having a second conversation with him.
Tune in today - you're bound to learn something whether you're just starting off in your career, are a parent raising our youth, or just want to learn a little something from someone who's been there and is willing to share his helpful perspective.
Cliff Jones is the founder and managing partner of Clarity Strategic Advisors, LLC, a strategic business advisory company providing freelance creative and managerial talent for content marketing, demand generation, sales enablement, brand building, list growth, and SMB success.
As a third-generation entrepreneur with more than 35 years of leadership, sales, marketing, and small business ownership experience, Cliff is passionate about serving others.
Cliff and his team of elite freelance talent deliver unrivaled strategic insight, planning, creative sales copy, storytelling & automated sales campaigns that attract, engage, convert, and retain more customers and cash flow.
Cliff has co-authored four books with world-famous leaders like Deepak Chopra, Ken Blanchard, among others. You can find his work on Amazon, The Business Journals, Huff Post, Medium, and LinkedIn.
More about Cliff here: www.CliffordJones.com
Where are you in your life - personally or professionally?
Do you ever stop and wonder, like my guest on this week's Peace and Possibilities Podcast, Taylar Barrington-Booker, "I'm still here; what kept me here? Why did I do this in the first place?"
We can't always make a move as soon as we want to. Planning and preparing is important. Sometimes making the move anyway is what you need to do. Like taking that risk to get that reward.
Letting go of good, for better to come through…
So if you are un-inspired where you are, that's okay. Just keep asking yourself, what gems, skills, or lessons can you learn right now. What can you take with you to the next role, person, or place?
There's always something to learn. ALWAYS!
Don't let any of the lessons go to waste. Like Taylar suggests, embrace where you are now; it will come in handy later.
It always does...
More about Taylar:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13jBuiL3wknYaS1XS8wtQiWviNIirltmV?usp=sharing
And the link to Creators for Equality: https://www.cliquish.co/creatorsforequality
A happy, peaceful life is possible! You know that! At least I hope you do.
Please say you do!
At least start thinking it, until it becomes a belief!
My guest on this week's episode of The Peace & Possibilities Podcast is Dr. Wayne Pernell. In the 7th grade, he remembers listening to a speaker on career day, and thinking, "I love everything he says".
What a unique and important moment to capture something that makes you happy and lights you up. (For you teachers, parents, and bosses out there, you just never know which words are going to impact someone.)
So he began his journey and winding road into psychology and helping people live better lives. Thank goodness for people like him!
A great question Wayne likes to ask his clients often:
Who do you need to become to have what you want?
Asking yourself this question along with knowing that your values will change over time, will get you to a peaceful resolve earlier.
It’s also important to trust yourself, and pay attention to what your body and mind are telling you.
What about diversions? Take those as learning opportunities and figure out the lesson they’re meant to teach you.
Then go have that peaceful life you finally created, because you are indeed the creator of your life, not the manager of your circumstances (says Tony Robbins).
More about Wayne:
Known as the Powerful Presence™ mentor and “Outfluencer™,” Dr. Wayne Pernell is a highly sought speaker, Amazon #1 International Best-Selling Author, blogger, podcast host, and High-Performance Breakthrough Coach for leaders at all levels.
Even while earning his doctorate in clinical psychology, Wayne began working in the realm of leadership development, and over the past 35 years, he has held a variety of executive-level positions himself. Now he brings his vast experience in lifting leaders to set new strategic targets and attain exceptional success. Dr Pernell is the president of DynamicLeader®, Inc., has founded the #StartsWithOne™ movement, is a member of the Forbes Business Council and has regularly been on Fox, NBC, ABC, and CBS television, various radio programs, and podcasts around the country, also having contributed to Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and the NY Times, among others.
“Dr P,” as his clients and friends call him, is known for being insightful and engaging. His clients enjoy his unique perspective and genuine approach when speaking, training, consulting, or coaching. The most common quote from his clients is that “his work is life changing,” and they emphasize that he creates lasting positive change for everyone he works with.
Link to his website for a free gift of his #1 Best Selling Book: The Significance Factor
www.WaynePernell.com or www.DynamicLeader.com (both go to the same place)
Podcast: http://bit.ly/OneSharpSword
You're lucky if you have a parent that was instrumental in your life.
I hope you know that. Not everyone does (have a parent like this).
If you don’t, you can look toward others to support you. Find those great friends, mentors, or colleagues who want to see you grow and thrive. Find people who’ve had success in their lives and ask them for advice. Share your thoughts with them and ask for their feedback. Tell them you admire their accomplishments and you’re interested in learning more about how they achieved them.
If you haven’t noticed, most people are eager to share, if you’ll only ask.
My guest on this week’s episode of The Peace & Possibilities Podcast is Bill Smith, someone whose positive attitude and thirst for new opportunities has served him up one interesting life! He urges us to understand what can take us to the next level, then go for it! Plan, prepare, then be persistent!
Always remember, no matter what your situation, you're in the driver’s seat. Don’t allow anyone to determine the person you will be. Only you can do that. Only you should be that.
More info about Bill:
Bill Smith is married with 5 children and 10 grandchildren; a Chicago native who loves his city; a retired US naval officer who has travelled the world and a UIC grad. You can find him here:
linkedin.com/in/bill-smith-csm®-cssgb™-0390573
Making other people happy makes you happy.
And thank goodness for that!
Can you imagine where we'd be if we didn't care about taking care of each other in any capacity?
I'm guessing that taking care of people isn't something we all long for. For some of us, this is the driving force in our lives. We want to find love, we want to be parents, or we want to make a difference with our work. All of these roads involve taking care of others, in one way or another.
My guest on this week's episode of the Peace & Possibilities Podcast is Dominick Purnomo, an entrepreneur who isn't afraid of hard work and sacrifice, because making other people happy is what it's all about.
It doesn't matter what service you are providing. Making other people happy is addictive and gratifying and illuminating. You get to be the reason someone smiles, or feels welcome. You get to be the reason they go home and treat their family a little better that day.
You just never know how one little word or gesture is going to positively impact someone.
And you have all the power to be that person for someone else.
And what an easy way to make the world a better place!
You can find more info here:
DominickPurnomo.com
https://www.instagram.com/dominickpurnomo/
https://www.facebook.com/dominick.purnomo
https://twitter.com/dominickpurnomo
When you know, you know.
About a job, about a person, about a house. When you know, you know.
You may experience it as a nagging. You may experience it as a nudge. You may experience it as a tree falling on your house. Or you may experience it as you asking a million people what they think about so and so, or this place, or your role, or your problem.
But deep inside, when you really get quiet, and you finally ask yourself the question, without distractions…you know.
So, why do we fumble so much?
Ah, one of those all-consuming questions.
My guest on this week's Peace & Possibilities podcast, Rachael Baker is sharing how she figured it out. And of course, it's never a straight line there.
And because yourself really does know, you can figure it out by following your intuition, believing you can do it, and NOT listening to people telling you you're not cut out for something! If, of course, you BELIEVE you are!
What do they know, anyway?
They may think they know about you, but only you know when you know. How could they possibly know about you?
The good news is that you get to decide. Because you have to LIVE your life. Not the person who told you that you couldn't.
We're all in charge of designing the life we want. So stop managing it and create exactly what you want.
And for crying out loud, STOP second guessing yourself!
More info on Rachael Baker:
Rachael is a Senior Wellness Account Consultant that joined Aetna in 2015. She previously worked for BayCare Health System as a Corporate Wellness Program Manager consulting with local employers on wellness program strategy and implementation, as well as helped lead their internal wellness committee of 25,000 employees. Alongside her role at Aetna, she leads their local, internal wellness committee and volunteer council. She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Florida State University and spent several years in mental health counseling with women and children. Rachael also brings Marketing and Business Development experience from her nine year tenure at Tech Data.
She is a Certified Worksite Wellness Program Manager with The Chapman Institute and a Certified Wellness Practitioner with The National Wellness Institute. She is certified as a Mental Health Champion with MindShare Partners Institute, certified in Mental Health First Aid, MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), Reiki and is a Mindfulness Advocate for Aetna. She is a Well-Being Works Ambassador for HR Florida and is an active member of WELCOA and various wellness councils in Florida. She also sits on various healthy school committees.
She has presented on Mindfulness and Mental Health to various conferences and events including the National Wellness Conference, Health Benefits Conference, Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, Tampa Wellness Conference, Jacksonville Wellness Conference, North Central Florida Wellness Council, Tampa Wellness Council and Frameworks organization.
Her passion for well-being, mental health and mindfulness drives her motivation and desire to help organizations achieve success around well-being and productivity.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachaelbaker/
We are all connected.
In one way or another, we humans are all connected.
We have choices in how we live are daily lives, whether we're helping the planet, our country, or our family.
Marc and Kim Ramirez know this very well. They've been living a very different life than the one they started decades ago.
Marc was a successful high school and college athlete, but living a very unhealthy lifestyle. Until he wasn't. He saw the pain and suffering in his own family growing up around unhealthy eating habits and was going down a bad path.
Join me for this week's episode of the Peace & Possibilities podcast, where Marc explains his complete transformation and how he and Kim eventually helped others to do the same.
They both share and believe that keeping your mind and your heart open, exploring, being curious, and letting your heart guide you, are important traits that can help you get through anything. And feel better doing it!
Now they have their own business liberating and empowering people, teaching about living a healthy lifestyle while connecting and inspiring others.
Marc and Kim believe that it's not about perfection, it's about progress.
I couldn't agree more!
Find out more:
Kim and Marc Ramirez
Chickpea and Bean Inc.
chickpeaandbean1@gmail.com
chickpeaandbean.com
I've definitely been learning some interesting things on my podcasts lately.
Smart people are everywhere (that's not the interesting part - I was already sure of this!) and I learn something new every day, especially when I talk to my guests.
Angel Marie is no exception.
On this week's episode of the Peace & Possibilities podcast, we talk about the gifts we all have, the feelings we need to pay attention to, and learning how to appreciate the journey.
Ah, if life was always so simple.
There are constantly twists and turns, unexpected things, fun surprises, and always some stress. But as Angel suggests, if we can remember to ask, "what role can this play for my future", the lesson is a little easier to master.
I've been doing a lot of this lately. Asking myself what meaning this or that has, or "what the heck am I supposed to learn from this?"
Maybe instead of asking, "why me", why not try asking, "what is this here to teach me?"
Then see if you can't feel a little bit of comfort, and maybe even welcome it.
I promise, seeing the possibilities is always a little less stressful than thinking about the problem.
More about Angel Marie:
Title: Content Creator and Founder of Beauty In The Making
Bio: Angel is a content creator, business coach, and spiritual lifestyle enthusiast focused on helping individuals find their voice, share their passions with the world, and gain the confidence to do so.
Website: https://www.yourbeautyinthemaking.com
Prosperous Mind Course Waitlist: https://pages.yourbeautyinthemaking.com/prosperousmind
Get ready to be blown away by a young lady who decided she wanted to become a pilot when she was 14, and then made it happen by the time she was 18!
Yes, you read that right!
“Do what you love, love what you, and have faith in your dreams,” urges my guest, Jessica Vargas, on this week's episode of the Peace & Possibilities podcast.
Growing up, she had a fascination with flying, and her parents supported her, showing her what was possible.
She knew it would be a long road and it would take determination and hard work. Just like the sacrifices her grandparents made to be sure she had opportunities. She remembers how her grandmother felt seeing her celebrating her accomplishments, and "to see her pride in me was amazing!" Staying focused and grounded was Jessica's way of making sure it would happen.
Reactions like this, made her realize that all of those sacrifices lifted her up and empowered her to keep going after her dreams.
And she's not stopping anytime soon. She'll be attending flying school in the fall, and she wants to be a commercial pilot someday. I don't doubt for one second, that she will.
With very special, young people like Jessica, our future is bright. (And thank goodness for parents like hers, that are showing our kids just what's possible, no matter how old you are). THANK YOU!
Jessica Vargas is a recent high school graduate attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the fall; she’s a graduate of Tuskegee Next class of 2019, and works as a ground instructor at Illinois Aviation Academy. She currently has her Private Pilot Certificate as well as her Advanced Ground Instructor Certificate.
http://linkedin.com/in/jessica-vargas-pilot
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100044037975420
Have you ever had that lucid moment when you realized you just couldn't continue with what you were doing for one more day? In relationships, in life, at work?
What do you think about this statement?
Just because you're good at something doesn't mean that's what you should be doing for the rest of your life.
What if we defined what success looked like for us in the end result, like how we'll feel, the environment we'll be in, the people we'll surround ourselves with, then defined our lives? Do you think the outcome would be different?
If we only think about it as a destination, we'll never actually get there.
My guest on this week's podcast, Manuela Pauer, says reaching a goal will bring you happiness - a milestone with a burst of happiness, but if you concentrate on each step working towards your journey, that's the part that brings you happiness. You'll have more lasting happiness. As you live your life, along the way, give yourself credit for what you've achieved, then enjoy the progress.
I think a lot of us forget to do this. We forget to celebrate, to reflect, and to embrace what we've achieved. We're so focused on the next thing that we only give success a quick thought, then move on to the next goal. Hence the burst.
The bursts are good, but why not go after the steady stream?
Listen in to our conversation to found out how you can get closer to the steady stream of happiness, every day. Experiencing it more often is the goal!
For more info:
Website: PauerCoaching.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/PauerCoaching
Instagram: Instagram.com/Pauer.Coaching
Have you ever had someone trying to dictate where you should go? In the car, in school, in life?
Or worse, did you let them tell you what to do even if you knew it wasn't the right move?
My guest on this week's podcast is Neha O'Rourke. She was in that place, searching for a way to have a career she loved.
She shared with me that we work 90,000 hours over our lifetime. No wonder so many of us want to be happy at our job. That's a lot of time spent away from our families, with other people, sharing our gifts and using our precious energy.
Some will say "a job isn't supposed to be fun", that's why they call it work.
But I say we spend WAY TOO MUCH time at work (or even at home), to not be happy doing that work, with people who lift us up.
I don't care if you're a stay at home mom (which is the HARDEST job in the world), or if you are the CEO of your company, working takes up the biggest part of our day. We'd be crazy not to want it to be joyful, at least part of the time.
We'd be crazy not to use our strengths, engaging others, creating and making the world a better place.
Somewhere in between no longer and not yet, was where the magic happened for Neha…listen in to found out how.
Find out more info about Neha below:
Neha O’Rourke is an award-winning Career Coach and Founder of Somewhere In Between Coaching, a company dedicated to empowering unfulfilled women to design a career and life they love. Since founding Somewhere In Between, Neha has served hundreds of women through her coaching programs that have been embraced by brands such as Expedia, WeWork, NEMA, and more. Her thought leadership has been featured in publications such as The Washington Post, Yoga Digest and Lux and Concord. Neha has also been a featured expert commentator on Fox 32. Among her accolades, Neha was named “20 on the Rise” in 2019 in the coaching category by Honeybook and Rising Tide Society.
Prior to Somewhere In Between Coaching, Neha worked in advertising where she architected strategies and campaigns for nationally recognized brands. As a result of physical, mental and emotional burnout, Neha shifted her career to launch Somewhere In Between Coaching. She fundamentally believes that life is too short to be “surviving” your career and that every woman deserves to thrive, both professionally and personally.
Links
Website: https://sibcareercoaching.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somewhereinbetweencoach/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/42734410
"The universe has lots of amazing opportunities lined up for you", says my guest on this week's podcast, Kelley Kosow. She's the author of the book The Integrity Advantage, and she knows a thing or two about being successful.
Life is never a straight line to our goals. We plan for it to be. We expect it to be. And then...we go for it, and something unexpected happens. We realize it's not what we thought it would be, or we find something else that lights us up.
Sometimes it happens when we're trying to solve our own problem!
Either way, if we learn to work hard, show up and do what it takes to get it done, we will be successful.
Kelly recommends to just stay curious, and not to be afraid to switch it up. The universe is guiding you as you go along. Pay attention!
And if something isn't working, don't be afraid to let go. You just might find out that the other path is even better!
Kelley's book:
The Integrity Advantage - Now available!
http://www.kelleykosow.com/the-book
You have a dream. You want to be something. You want to achieve something. You're attracted to this role of teacher, nurse, healer, or business owner.
What about this role/job/person truly inspires you?
Who is this person being that is telling you that you want to be that thing too?
What is drawing you to that? What's inspiring about it?
What is the why?
What if we all just took the time to go inside and ask ourselves these questions?
Trying to figure out the patterns, discovering what brings about life in you, and what makes you feel fulfilled and want to evolve, are all such important concepts along our journey.
Sometimes instead we just pick a career or a role, study how to do it, then we go get that job, only to find out that it's not what we thought it was going to be, and aren't quite sure why. Then panic sets in because we just spent 4 years, or sometimes more, educating ourselves on the very thing that we no longer want to pursue or be!
That's scary! And unnecessary.
My guests on this week's podcast, Tay & Val, owners of M Meditation, share their journey on figuring all of this out, describe what it was like to see that spark in someone else, and finally learn to explore that outstanding person we're all being called to be.
You'll be inspired, I promise, as they have lots of guidance to offer.
Find out more about Tay & Val below:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13maOf_VVGWljg1wTNortpceo9Yb8Xar6jo4UjP8jlh0/edit#heading=h.a9xmjt61vfcn
Have you ever been told by a parent, a teacher, a coach, a boss "I don't think you'd be successful at that" or something similar? I hope not. But I'm guessing at least one time in your life, someone along the way told you that you weren't cut out for something. It's almost guaranteed in this ever changing world.
Did it spark an instinct to prove them wrong? Or did you believe them?
I sincerely hope it made you determined to prove them wrong.
Because ultimately we get to decide what we will pursue, sacrifice, and endure to be successful and to have the life we choose. We decide. We sacrifice, we stay the course, and we earn it, no matter what it takes.
That's what my guest on this week's episode of the Peace and Possibilities podcast did. Dr. Alysondra Duke decided to find work that fueled her, that felt true and authentic. She was very curious and she persevered.
She gives great advice about how to find that for yourself, teaching us how to ask the right questions, and ultimately expand our thinking.
And don't forget to stay away from the naysayers. They won’t help you get there.
You can learn more about Alysondra here:
Dr. Alysondra Duke earned a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology, along with a Masters + Bachelors in Women’s and Gender Studies. Her work has been featured on MTV, KOMONews, and the Microsoft Women in Business Podcast. Dr. Duke hosts a weekly podcast, Brave + Well, sharing strategies for emotional well-being for high-achieving women, and is a monthly radio co-host on KKNW 1150’s Sunny in Seattle. She currently serves as a mentor, coach, and group facilitator for women who seek to elevate their personal life + business.
www.alysondraduke.com
www.facebook.com/groups/clubchangemaker/
Live, love and appreciate all you have. Is this a quote from Instagram? Maybe, possibly.
I do know for sure that it's a quote from Ron Onesti, my guest on this week's podcast, and the owner of many businesses that help us do just that - enjoy experiences.
Have you ever met someone who loved life and then made everyone around them feel the same way?
Knowing just how to do this isn't as much about learning a process, as it is about dwelling on what makes you happy. Spending time with people like this makes you feel inspired to do more of what you love, because they're so good at living their lives this way! It's no accident. They concentrate on the good things in their lives. And then they have more of them.
Not dwelling on the negative and finding what you're passionate about are two simple (maybe not so simple for some) methods to achieving more of this good stuff we all crave.
While you're figuring all of this out, he recommends focusing on the fundamentals. No matter what you end up pursuing, no matter how good you are, getting good at the fundamentals is paramount to your success.
Just ask Michael Jordan (or Ron).
You can find more info about Ron below:
RON ONESTI, President/CEO
The Onesti Entertainment Corporation
www.oshows.com
The Arcada Theatre
Club Arcada 1920s Speakeasy and Restaurant
105 East Main Street
St. Charles, Illinois 60174
630.962.7000
www.arcadalive.com
Evanston Rocks Music Hall
Bourbon 'N Brass Speakeasy
Rock 'N Ravioli Italian Restaurant
1012 Church Street
Evanston, Illinois 60201
www.evanstonrocks.com
Onesti's Wild West Town
Be Bop A Lula's Rockabilly Cafe
8512 South Union Rd.
Union, Illinois 60180
www.wildwesttown.com
Ron Onesti's Club 210 of Highwood!
Highwood, Illinois
The Des Plaines Theatre
The Chicago Music Hall of Fame
Festa Pasta Vino, Oakley Avenue
Little Italy Fest-West, Addison
Little Italy Fest-Taylor Street
Those are the words of Alle Pierce, my guest on this week’s podcast.
She’s the epitome of resourcefulness and learning not to settle. If you were to ask her in college what her dream was, it was to be a reporter. She’d been working hard to make that happen but when she was finally in it, she realized it wasn’t what she was meant to do.
So she started asking questions, meeting new people, researching, and asking herself what she was going to do about it. And she was determined to do something more rewarding and fulfilling.
Listen in to discover what she found most valuable earlier in her career and what advice she has for someone just starting out.
In the end, we’re all exploring the possibilities of what we can experience, who we can relate to and what we can offer the world. Alle is on her way!
You can find more info about Alle below:
Her bio, her website, and Instagram
How often have you thought about sports or hobbies, and the impact they have on our lives? I hadn't given it much thought until I started looking back at all the lessons that sports can teach us (now that my kids have gone through so many phases of sports, from 5 years old and now approaching adulthood). When I think back about all the talks we had with them, I would say 80% focused on an issue they had to face on their teams, with players, coaches, etc.
There are a myriad of life lessons sewn into all types of sports (individual and team). And these lessons can and will impact our education, our careers, and our relationships.
My guest on this week's Peace & Possibilities podcast, Vikki Leach, shares how her love for sports turned into a desire to empower people and watch them flourish and thrive.
Being exposed to sports and teamwork at an early age was a major influence on her ultimate passion for equality and inclusion. And she's spent her career making sure people felt included and teaching folks about how their behavior impacts others.
She refers to one beautiful question to ask the other person, in a meeting, in a conversation, in work or life, to find out exactly how you may be affecting them.
Her insight and advice will benefit anyone regardless of their journey and beyond.
Take this extra time we've all been given to reflect on the impact you want to have and the ways you can make it happen.
In the words of Maria Carey…
“If you believe in yourself enough
And know what you want
You're gonna make it happen
(Make it happen)”
About Vikki:
Vikki Leach, Global Head, Inclusion and Diversity, Kantar
Based in the UK, responsible for Kantar’s Global Inclusion and Diversity approach.
Senior professional with extensive experience in engaging business leaders and delivering cross country change programmes in inclusion and diversity, culture and engagement and behavioural change. Widespread experience in operating in fast changing, dynamic and results focused businesses.
Over 15 years of experience in the technology industry driving change programmes with diverse and complex challenges, taking into consideration the local business needs, and the company’s global vision. What drives this is a diverse mix of people, with different backgrounds and experiences.
My passion in life is fairness and equality. This is representative in my professional career and my personal career in sport.
Everyone has a talent, it's about unleashing it, and the talent is more likely to be unleashed in a supportive, inclusive and fair environment. Teams that work together outperform those that don’t. Success feels better when it’s shared with others.
Equality = Inclusion = Innovation = Success.
Recommended books:
- The Loudest Duck, Laura Liswood
- Mindset, Carol Dweck
- Time to Think, Nancy Kline
We have busy lives. Whether we have a family and a career, a career and no family, or we're concentrating on raising decent human beings, we're always striving for something. It's different for each of us.
When we look at where we are in our lives or careers, it's not often that we contemplate on how we ended up there. Sometimes it's never at all…until someone asks.
My guest on this week's podcast has thought about it. When Rob was 14, his mother passed away from cancer. He already had a passion for science but was still working on his purpose. His dad gave him a microscope and his love for science grew. With supportive family members, a mentor, and laser focus, he continued to pursue an education in science, eventually realizing his goal.
Tune in to learn what he really sees value in now, and what he wish he had learned just a little sooner.
Oh, and learn about how he's helping to solve this crazy problem we're all faced with in 2020!
Rob Stahelin is the Retter Professor of Pharmacy in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease (PI4D) at Purdue University. In August of 2017, he was recruited to Purdue University from the Indiana University School of Medicine-South Bend (IUSM-SB) and the University of Notre Dame. There he had served as the Navari Family Scholar and Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (from 2006-17).
Rob grew up in Lombard, IL attending Willowbrook High School. His scientific studies started as an undergraduate biochemistry major at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) followed by a PhD in chemistry from UIC where he studied lipid-protein interactions in health and disease. He then stayed at UIC for a postdoc in biophysics and cell biology and, in 2006, started his own laboratory as an assistant professor at IUSM-SB and Notre Dame. He has contributed to over 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts; is an expert in lipid-protein interactions, viral assembly, and drug re-purposing against viruses. His lab now does research on SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. In his free time he enjoys coaching girls softball and serving as a children’s bible study leader.
Email: rstaheli@purdue.edu
Website: https://thestahelinlab.weebly.com/
Help more people find us! Scroll down on this episode, see Ratings & Reviews, tap 5 stars, and click "Write a Review". Choose a title, write a few words and click send. Thank you!
Have you ever made a decision, at any age, simply determined to see it through, and then when you finally arrived at your goal, you didn't want it anymore?
This has happened to me several times. I'm not sure if it's because I finally achieved it and then needed to seek something else, another goal needed to be looming. Or if it's because I finally could see all that it would entail and I was mistaken. Or worse. I was wrong all along and just wanted to stick to what I committed to, even if I knew it was going to be wrong.
My guest on this week's podcast, Jami Hearn, made a decision at the age of 5 to become a lawyer, and did everything in her power to make it happen. Then one day in the middle of law school, she wanted to quit. What do you think her mother told her?
Listen in to learn about Jami's determination to seek harmony, and go after her dreams, even when it meant getting out of the dream to discover a new one.
Whether it's a goal or a dream, we all could benefit from regular reminders that the universe is here to support us. And who doesn't love a good, inspirational quote? Who couldn't use a daily reminder that we all are in this together?
This new book, Wonderful You! by Carin Rockind, is chock full of fabulous quotes and anecdotes about how we can find support and wisdom when we need it. Every quote will remind you that life is truly a gift, if we only choose to see it that way. Get your copy here. Share it so that others can be inspired!
You can learn more about Jami's work below.
https://jamihearn.com
Jami@LiveYourDivinity.com
Short answer: Yes.
Why? Because it means being in the state of calmness and tranquility.
And what better state to be in these days, don't you think?
When I asked myself what might be needed this week, this is what came to me because it's what I've been needing.
Even though we're all less frazzled not running around "out there", we still may be lacking the sense of calm and peace we'd like to feel inside our homes and inside our heads, given the anxiety that might be coming from all of this crazy pandemic business.
And let's not kid ourselves. No matter how well we're adjusting to our new normal, we're stressed. We don't have a choice in the matter (if we want to keep ourselves and others healthy). We don't know what the future holds. And we want our old routines back. We need our old routines back.
Of course there are many positive outcomes materializing from this situation (when is the last time we saw gas prices this low?). But there are also tremendous stressors that are keeping us feeling anxious and annoyed.
There a few tools that can help curtail these feelings, one of which is meditation. The most common complaint I hear about this is "I have too much in my head to clear it." You'll be happy to know, this is not the purpose of meditation.
The purpose of meditation is to practice seeing your thoughts as something you observe, instead of being in them all day, not able to focus on more important things. The more you practice this (and it's definitely more impactful as a daily practice), the more centered you feel. The more you practice it, the easier it is to put stressful thoughts out of your head and the less annoyed and anxious you feel.
For those of you who want the facts, there is so much neuroscience about the positive effects of meditation on your brain, so I will just give you one fact to start.
You can read the full explanation in Psychology Today, but anxiety decreases the more you meditate because the neural paths that link upsetting sensations are decreasing. You can't dispute the studies. It works people!
Go see for yourself - everyone will benefit, especially you! And when all of this is over, you will have a new tool to help you STAY calm and peaceful, and maybe one day you can thank the COVID19 for coming around so that you could finally learn how to meditate!
There's a lot we can do to stay motivated and positive, while continuing to grow and learn during this unprecedented time.
Join me on this episode as I review what adults can do, and we hear from a special (almost 18 year old) teen, who shares his thoughts on making the best of the remote learning and working environment we all find ourselves in these days.
Our mindset is a powerful tool that we all have control over. Listen in and then maybe share with your kids (or coworkers) to inspire them even just a little…
The possibilities are endless, if you can just think about your situation in a different way.
If you're feeling overwhelmed and wondering how you're going to get through this unprecedented time, consider how much less stress you'll have:
- Less money spent on gas
- Less traffic
- Less time spent driving
- Less time spent commuting
- Less laundry
- Less drama at school
- Less drama at work
- Less worrying about what to wear to work
- Less arguing
- Less checking up on your family when they aren't with you
- Less stress about not having enough time
- Less worrying about where to go for dinner
- Less money spent on eating out
Which means we can concentrate more on something that will help us grow and help us get to the next level, by listening to this week's Peace & Possibilities podcast.
My guest is Tricia Cook, who is reminding us that being curious and interested in other people is a great way to helping you figure out what you want to do, regardless of what that is. And because we all have a little more time, we can think more about other people, learn about what they need, what they do, and what we want to create when we get back to our normal routines.
You can find these resources we mention below:
www.patriciacookassoc.com
Strength Finders
Marcus Buckingham
VIA Strengths Survey
Forget a Mentor, Find a Sponsor
We can have more JOY in this crazy time.
We just need to think about it a little differently as we adjust to a new normal.
Below are a few ideas...
- Sleep more
- Read more
- Love more
- Clean more
- Relax more
- Eat together more
- Talk more
- Laugh more
- FaceTime more
- Get inspired more
- Simplify more
- Create more
- Be grateful more
- Meditate more
Listen to this week's episode of the Peace & Possibilities podcast on how to bring a little more joy into your daily work or home life.
And you can too…
Restaurant Impossible has a bright light, and her name is Taniya Nayak! She's inspiring for a lot of reasons, but wait until you hear her describe her journey to becoming a famous designer on a popular TV show. You'll never guess what her first job was!
Happiness exudes from Taniya, and it's because she's moved toward opportunities and situations that were a natural fit, slowly and determinedly.
Her aha moment was when she realized on a trip with her sister, that "I'm too young to be doing a job I hate". She knew there was still time to figure it out, and she did just that.
We all have the opportunity to design the life we want. We just have to be brave and do it.
How? Listen to people who have done it. Then learn lots of ways to go after your dreams. And pick the ways that work for you. Slowly but surely, you will be living the life you want, because you designed it!
Taniya Nayak has been regularly featured as host and interior designer on HGTV and as well as Food Network's Restaurant Impossible and ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight. A native of India, this Boston-based designer is known for creating hot new restaurants and high end residential projects all over the US. Her latest design projects include Yellow Door Taqueria, Lion’s Tail, and several new Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurants across the country. She has designed for celebrities Ayesha Curry, Robert Irvine, Cam Neely and more.
You may also recognize Taniya for her appearances on Today, Good Morning America, The Ellen Degeneres Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Talk, and The Rachael Ray Show, as well as featured in Architectural Digest India, Design New England, People magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, Entertainment Weekly, Redbook, and Cosmopolitan. Taniya supports the Room to Dream Foundation, Smile Train, No Kid Hungry, and Aksaya Patra Organization. Taniya was selected personally by Ellen Degeneres as a brand spokesperson for her home product line, “E.D. On Air,” featured on QVC.
Taniya successfully owns her design firm Taniya Nayak Design, Inc based in Boston and is co-owner to several restaurants in the Boston area with her husband Brian O’Donnell.
www.taniyanayak.com
www.instagram.com/taniyanayak
www.facebook.com/taniyanayak
This is what Lori Lefcourt recommends if you want to continue to make things happen. She should know, as the co-founder of Unicreamer, a healthy alternative to coffee creamer, and a truly passionate person who knew she wanted to be an entrepreneur as soon as she began her accidental career on Wall Street.
Lori is my guest this week on the Peace & Possibilities podcast. She shares some stories about just knowing where she was meant to be, then committing to do whatever she needed to do. Never giving up is one way you can be sure you'll eventually achieve your dreams. Just listen in, if you're doubting that.
Lori is generously offering a 25% discount to our listeners with the code JULIE25. Try it!
https://unicreamer.com/
Have you ever dreamt of going somewhere, or doing something, or seeing something, and then having it surpass all of your expectations?
Well, I can tell you from experience it is an amazing feeling.
Just when you think you’ve seen a lot of beautiful things, you get to see more beautiful things, and then you realize, beautiful things are all you ever really want to see....beautiful things, beautiful people, beautiful scenes.
And you get to make it so.
YOU get to make it so, because you have everything you need to figure out how to make it happen.
As you go along in your life, planning, dreaming, and working hard, everything you get to experience is because you have chosen to experience it a certain way. Think about that for a minute.
You are choosing how to feel about what you are experiencing! For some of you that may be a relief, for some of you that may be a shock. Either way, as Dr. Seuss would say, "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right."
So go make that beautiful experience happen! You won't regret it!
And listen to this week's episode to hear how I figured out how to make something really special, happen pretty quickly.
Wouldn't it be great if we could walk around knowing exactly the right path and all of the steps to get exactly where we want to go, and then get there exactly when we want to get there?
Who wouldn't want that? A better question: Who actually ever gets that?
You may have guessed it…very few people. Not because we don't work hard, not because we aren't creative, not because we didn't have a dream…but because we get stuck thinking about the end game, instead of being present along the way and noticing when our path is changing.
My guest this week on the Peace & Possibilities podcast, Jenny Heinrich, teaches us that there's a time and a place for everything, if we can just look at what's coming, what trends are shaping up, and start paying close attention to what we're enthusiastic about, then we won't be afraid to change our path (which, by the way, is always changing anyways, whether we like it or not).
Over the past 18 years, Jenny has brought dozens of brands to life through digital and social content, including McDonalds, Nike, Coca-Cola, Kellogg's brands, P&G brands, Comcast, Motorola, General Mills, and more. Her specialty is developing meaningful and sustainable relationships, and strategic, marketing programs that engage, excite and inspire consumers.
Most recently at Edelman, Jenny led Influencer Marketing Practice for the Chicago office working across all practice areas, where she developed influencer marketing strategies, frameworks and program activation, acted as lead for the execution team, and trained internal and client teams on how to best execute their content strategy in the digital space.
She also teaches Influencer Marketing at DePaul University and guest lectures at The University of Chicago and Northwestern University, and has been featured on numerous panels, podcasts and global webinars on the topic.
In all her spare time (!), Jenny enjoys spending time with her three kids, puppy and husband in the suburbs of Chicago.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyheinrich/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyheinrich/
If we could only get past this idea of fear wanting to stop us. It's not that we shouldn't or won't feel fear, it's that we will feel it and should move forward anyway.
My guest this week on the Peace & Possibilities Podcast, was careful not to let fear stop her from getting what she wanted. She was in high school when she realized that she could possibly combine two of her passions and then set out to do just that. And she hasn't looked back.
Ali simply wanted to see what was possible for her and did everything in her power to make it happen. And she has had her own business since she graduated college!
You can listen on Apple Podcasts too. If you like it, rate us 5 stars and subscribe.
Ali Stone is photographer, blogger, content creator, jewelry designer and dog mom! She lives in Chicago with her French Bulldog, Obi Wan! For the last 8 years, Ali has worked to cultivate a community of supportive women with common interests. Through her blog and Instagram channel she shares everything from fashion, travel, beauty, lifestyle and fitness to her daily life! She has worked with brands from Old Navy & Macys to Fujifilm, Stubhub, Classpass and more! She is a firm believer that we are here to lift each other up and support each other! You can follow along on Ali's journey daily @alialistone on Instagram and weekly on her blog, www.thosewhitewalls.com!
Instagram @alialistone: https://www.instagram.com/alialistone/
Blog: http://www.thosewhitewalls.com/
Yes, you can figure this out! I promise!
What message is your day giving you? This probably isn't something you ask yourself each day, but maybe you should. Why? Because it will help guide you to what brings you (and the world because of you), just a little more joy.
Asking questions, staying curious, really wanting to know how you can use your strengths to serve the world, this is what will help us get to a place where we can thrive and be content.
This week on the Peace & Possibilities podcast, you'll learn how Marilyn Feldstein has done just that for over two decades. She kept asking herself (and her employees, then clients), really simple, but important questions. And it turned into her life's work. Join us and get some great insight into how you can figure out what lights you up.
And while you're at it, if you want some help really figuring it out, check out Marie Forleo's new book "Everything is Figureoutable", because after all, it is!
Marilyn Feldstein, the founder and President of Career Choices Unlimited, Inc., is a certified Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC), a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), a Professional in Human Resources (PHR), and a Certified Practitioner of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). She has more than 20 years’ experience in all aspects of career management and has held management and leadership positions at AT&T American Transtech, Inc., AccuStaff PeopleSystems, and Merrill Lynch & Company. She is also Adjunct Full Professor of Career Management at Webster University Graduate School. She earned her master’s degree at Penn State University and her bachelor’s degree at The University of South Florida.
Marilyn is the author of the ATD Infoline: Defining and Leveraging Your Professional Value, contributing author of Find Your Fit: A Practical Guide to Landing a Job You’ll Love, has been published in three résumé books and has published many articles in TD Magazine. Marilyn is a frequent speaker at numerous professional associations discussing career-related topics, including making successful transitions, building and maintaining relationships and negotiating salaries and benefits. She inspires clients to find the purpose and passion in their careers and lives.
www.careerchoicesunlimited.com
www.linkedin.com/in/marilynfeldstein
If you really want to feel inspired to be more grateful, listen to this week's podcast. Kevin Schmiegel, CEO of Operation Gratitude, shares stories about his military career, lessons he's learned, and the words that stuck with him throughout his lifelong journey. He gets to see gratitude every day, inside Operation Gratitude.
Retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Schmiegel is the CEO of Operation Gratitude, whose mission is to forge strong bonds between Americans and their Military and First Responder Heroes through volunteer service projects, acts of gratitude, and meaningful engagements in communities nationwide. Since 2003, Operation Gratitude has mobilized millions of volunteers nationwide and delivered more than 2.4 million Care Packages to deployed Service Members, to their children left behind, and to First Responders, New Recruit Graduates, Veterans, Wounded Heroes, and their Caregivers. Schmiegel’s role is to oversee strategic planning and build national partnerships to further Operation Gratitude’s reach as a preeminent military support organization while expanding hands-on volunteerism to help bridge the civilian-service divide in communities across America. Prior to Operation Gratitude, Lieutenant Colonel Schmiegel founded Hiring Our Heroes – a nationwide grassroots campaign run through the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation to help veterans and military spouses find meaningful employment in hundreds of cities across America. Since its inception, Hiring Our Heroes has held more than 1,000 job fairs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and on military installations overseas. To date, more than 500,000 of our nation’s heroes have been hired as a result of the program. He went on to serve as the first-ever President of Thanks USA, expanding the scope of its mission from providing post-secondary, need-based scholarships to military spouses and children to include Pathways for Patriots, an innovative program to provide meaningful employment for the scholars upon graduation. LtCol Schmiegel is a Class of 1989 graduate of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and retired at the rank of lieutenant colonel after 20 years on active duty. In addition to an early combat tour to Kuwait for Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Schmiegel served as the principal adviser to the NATO commander from 2003-2006, deploying to over 50 countries in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Schmiegel also wrote the strategic plans for NATO’s training mission in Iraq, its increased presence in Afghanistan, and disaster relief operations for Hurricane Katrina and the earthquake in Pakistan. In 2008, Schmiegel served as the military assistant to the special envoy for Middle East Regional Security and deployed to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where he worked with Israeli and Palestinian authorities on the peace process.
Kevin lives in Arlington Virginia with his wife Laura. When he is not working, he focuses all of his time and energy on their five children and two dogs.
www.operationgratitude.com
https://www.facebook.com/OperationGratitude
https://twitter.com/OpGratitude
https://www.instagram.com/opgratitude/#
Everyday, we walk around this world, bumping into people, smiling at strangers (hopefully) and never really thinking about what one person may have to say, that you need hear or feel or know.
One day a few years ago, I walked into a Starbucks in San Diego, and was drawn to this beautiful woman, writing at the counter. I sat next to her and we began talking. I love connecting with people, but I just felt like I HAD TO connect with her. So I did. And as it turns out, we both had aha moments that day.
You have certain talents and gifts to offer the world. Unique gifts, not that only one person has, but that only one human being, YOU, possesses in the exact way that you do. And you have everything you need to take those talents and strengths, and make the world a better place!
On this episode I chat with Suzka, a successful writer and artist about how attitude is everything, you have to take chances, and you're always exactly where you're supposed to be.
Suzka's creative boundaries appear to be endless. She is a picaresque artist, a painter, writer and author. Every stroke, every word she creates is irreverent, imaginative, funny, delightfully manic and brimming with color. Suzka studied at the Chicago Academy of Art and received a degree from Northern Illinois University. In Chicago, she was active in theater, directing and producing, a performer of Mime and a student of ‘improv’ from Chicago's Second City Company. But while working in California, she fell in love with paint and never returned to Chicago. Suzka has exhibited paintings in numerous one-woman shows and installations throughout California as well as Chicago‘s Navy Pier. She is best known in the jazz world as the designer/creator of Monterey Jazz Festival’s stages for over 25 years. In 2013, fate changed Suzka's course. After caring for her mother who had dementia, Suzka began to write and authored, 'Wonders in Dementialand', the other side of dementia no one is talking about. Suzka is presently the writer/producer for the Dementialand Podcast and part of the scriptwriting team for the movie to be filmed in Berlin/Hanover and the US. Suzka’s works brilliantly uncovers the other side of everything that one dares to imagine.
My guest this week survived a traumatic brain injury, and went on to graduate college early, get his MBA, and thrive in a strenuous career. Chuck Chung had inner hope, and a few other key traits that contributed to his miraculous recovery. You'll be amazed at what he survived after the doctors told his family he likely wouldn't walk or talk ever again!
Join me as I interview Maria Panno, who figured out how to do just that. She'll inspire you as she talks about what your true product really is and her advice on taking advantage of the momentum so that you can experience excitement and freedom to keep going after your dreams.
Maria Panno is the founder of Infinite Warrior, where healing meets fashion.
Check out all of her lovely designs and feel the energy that emanates from these beautiful pieces! You can find her details below.
BeAnInfiniteWarrior.com
Instagram: beaninfinitewarrior
Twitter: mariapannoyoga
Facebook: Infinite Warrior by Maria Panno
"What do you think about when you wake up in the morning?"
Hap Klopp thinks that's what you should be going for….when you wake up in the morning and when you go to sleep at night, what can you not stop thinking about? Then the rest is just hard work! Learn about where he didn't fit in, the variety of jobs he had, and why he thinks failing is so important.
Jena Viviano realized that having the job that everybody else wanted wasn't her definition of success after all. Instead, it was about how much time and flexibility she had. And she paid a difficult price figuring that out. Learn how she turned all of that stress into a thriving career helping people.
Jena is an ex-Wall Streeter turned career coach and entrepreneur who helps go-getter professionals articulate their personal branded career story to land their dream jobs.
http://www.jenaviviano.com