Cut Through the Noise with Dave Turano

First solo episode in 11 months Why the 11 month layoff? What to expect going forward over the next year Walking & Intermittant Fasting Listen to Smartless - #JasonBateman #WillArnet #SeanHayes #ApplePodcasts _________________________________________________________________________________ Today's Topic is built around this LinkedIn post...Hope you enjoy _________________________________________________________________________________ There are many jobs that would NOT get done without onsite employees Examples include, but are not limited to… #FirstResponders, #Military, #Hospitality, #Retail Services, #Construction, #Machine Operators and the vast majority of #teachers  If you happen to fall into any of the categories, the balance of this post does NOT apply to you Enjoy the rest of your day! ———————————————— Now let's get down to business… Who else, besides me, is done with the ‘Back to the office' vs. ‘Remote' debate????? It's a joke!!!  Prior to the pandemic, the typcial office was anything but a ‘tight ship' It was the opposite! Conpanies had been transformed in country clubs, game rooms and meditation retreats; with stocked kitchens, beer carts and dogs & cats running amuck All in the name of employee engagement, retention and happiness!!!  The result: People LOVED their ‘jobs', BUT they weren't working!!! Then the Pandemic hit!!!  The world was coming to end! Wait…No it wasn't! PPP loans saved the day They were handed out like Candy to companies that didn't even need the money!!! And? They spent it foolishly!!!  ———————————————— Now the chickens have come home to roost!!!  And although employers enabled this mess — employees are just as complicit in it This is my take on the ‘back to the office' vs. ‘remote' saga. Listen now. @JCE Consulting #management #sales #hybrid #remote #ai #zoom #msteams #employeeengagement

Dina Gray's daughter, Emilia, was diagnosed with Autism at 18 months old and heavily reliant on behavioral therapy.  When schools went fully remote in March of 2020, Emilia's development immediately started regressing.  As time passed, Dina's concerns began to grow about the lack of support available to her daughter and other families with Autistic children. It wasn't until Emilia aged-out the therapy program she'd been in that Dina met her now Clinical Partner, Kerri Brown. Dina was drawn to Kerri from the get-go, but when she learned that Kerri had experience working with older children with Autism, the idea for ABA Helps was born - ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. Today, Dina and Kerri provide in-home therapy services to children and young adults on the autism spectrum. They work closely with clients and their families in their natural environment to develop and reinforce functional communication and behavior skills that enhance independence. This episode will drop December 20th on Apple Podcasts. #autism #behavioraltherapy #independence #abahelps     

Now that the holiday season is in full swing, many of us will have ample opportunity to gather with friends, family and colleagues to eat, drink and celebrate...and then drink some more!   Who hasn't pre-gamed before an office party or polished off a few bottles of wine with friends after shopping?1?!  Much like coffee, Alcohol has become a staple in the daily lives of many successful people.  The marketing dollars spent to promote alcohol consumption is only rivaled by the money spent by automodbile industry.  Alcohol has been normalized, glamourized and accessorized to a population that also shames the people that drink more than they would like. Caroline Holke helps successful women get rid of the shitty parts of drinking so they can create a life they wouldn't dream of numbing out of. Most people focus on what to DO to cut back on their drinking, while Caroline helps her clients tease out what is "driving them to drink" in the first place. Addressing these underlying, root causes helps her clients create sustainable change in their relationship with drinking.    Caroline's work centers on teaching her clients how to apply critical thinking skills to their own thinking because we believe what we think!  When you learn how to think on purpose, you can go from wanting to numb out to escape your life to creating a life that you don't want to miss any of. In this past year alone, research shows that women are drinking 41% more than they were before the pandemic.  The vast majoirty of Caroline's clients do not 'look' like they have a problem.  Many of them are highly accomplished personally and professionally, but inside they are hurting.  This episode might provide options to the gray area drinker that is looking for an option besides AA.  Hope you enjoy!  Happy Holidays! @caroline holke; @JCE Consulting @Dave Turano

In 2020, COVID-19 threw the world into turmoil. For many of us, this was the first time that we had to take immediate – and drastic – action to protect our health and the health of others. We had to follow a new set of emergency policies and protocols, put in place at a time when many experts and authorities were only making the best decisions they could with the limited information they had.  In a political climate that was already tense, having to separate from one another only made us more divided. Some masked, some didn't. Some believed that the best protection for children was to keep them away from school; others feared the long-term consequences of closing schools. Some isolated; others continued to gather.  Then came the vaccines. So did the social pressure, the misinformation, the lack of trust – and the mandates. If the pandemic was already political, COVID shots and the messaging around them escalated the tension. And even with the CDC changing their guidelines and many cities doing away with mandates, people are still at odds with one another over vaccines, boosters, and the policies around COVID.  In this episode, we hear from Dr. Adjoa Smalls Mantey. As a viral immunology researcher and trained psychiatrist, Adjoa understands why educating people about vaccines is just as important as making them. We discuss vaccine hesitancy, COVID policies, and how we can be more intentional about how we share information about illness and immunizations.  In addition to her work as a psychiatrist, Adjoa is also the co-author of Anjali the Brave, a book that teaches children about vaccines. Find her book at or at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers where eBooks are sold. You can also find Adjoa on Instagram @doctoradjoa and @anjalithebrave.  Like this episode? Share it around and be sure to write us a review. 

Like many Americans, Josie Warren touts a troubling backlog of health issues. Throughout her life, she suffered from thyroid issues, eating disorders, alcoholism, and a host of other challenges that kept her and her body on a perpetual see-saw of symptoms. Being chronically ill became a way of life for Josie. She relied on pharmaceuticals to get through the day, and she was sure that her body was meant to live in a state of constant sickness.  But when Josie became so ill that she had to leave her job as a therapist at the age of twenty-eight, she realized that treating her symptoms wasn't enough anymore – she had to find a way to rid herself of the illness altogether. She ended up at a health center that specializes in chronic illness in Colorado. That was when a professional finally asked her the pivotal question: “Why are you doing this to yourself?”  By looking inward, Josie had to confront all of the stressors that were activating her sympathetic nervous system and making her ill. But as she continued to learn from herself and others, she also came to understand that external stress isn't the culprit. We're not getting sick because of our environment, or the food we're eating, or the job we're working. We're getting sick because we've lost the ability to respond to stress in the way that we're meant to.  Now, Josie is an educator who shares her knowledge and expertise with those who are looking to heal themselves from illness. According to Josie, when we take ownership over our stressors, we rebuild our resilience; when we learn how to do life, our bodies enter homeostasis – and finally, we begin to heal.  Josie is a consultant at The Hashimoto's Fix. Find her at hashimotosfix.com Like this episode? Share it around and write us a review. 

Loss is catastrophic. Nothing will fill the void left by a loved one, and there's no quick fix for a broken heart.  Loss can also be the catalyst for uncertainty. What will life look like, without that person that was so vital to our existence? Now that they're gone, what will happen to the life we built with them? How will we manage, and who will we become?  Kim Hamer found herself asking these questions thirteen years ago, when her husband passed away from cancer. Left to grieve, Kim had to support their three kids. She became a widow in a community full of wives. She had to reimagine her future – now without the man who was supposed to be her forever.  Kim also had to field a catapult of condolences from everyone around her – all of which came from sympathy and kindness, but some of which left her feeling worse.  When someone in our life – friend, family member, colleague, or client – is grieving their own tragedy, many of us find ourselves at a loss for how to help. What do we say to them, when we know that our words won't fix anything? How can we offer support, and what should that support look like?  In this episode, Kim shares how she helps people, communities, and companies process turbulence and loss. Kim acknowledges that when it comes to soothing someone in grief, we really are inadequate – even if we do all their grocery shopping for the month. But we can also be thoughtful. We can pay close attention and step in at the right moments. We can understand that we matter, and that there are authentic, memorable ways that we can support someone when their world is falling apart.  Kim Hamer is the author of Find her on and visit 100actsoflove/whatnottosay for a free download: Five Phrases Never to Say to Anyone with Cancer (and What to Say Instead).  Like this episode? Share it around and write us a review.

Society is made up of systems. We sanction governments, companies, and schools, so that we can operate in a shared space. We create milestones – like having children, getting promoted, or owning a home – that become the maps by which we organize and live our lives.  Most systems come with good intentions. Many of our systems allow us to find purpose and contribute to the world. But there are a lot of people who don't fit within a system. They can't be at an office from 9 to 5. They don't thrive within the hierarchy of a company. They can't stay curious and engaged in school. Michaell Magrutsche argues that the problem isn't us; we know that in each person there are gifts, curiosities, intuitions, and desires, all of which can achieve infinite potential. The problem is that we are organic beings, stuck in – and limited by – a system that is static.  If we aren't careful, systems dictate how we live and who we become. But we don't have to do away with systems. We don't necessarily have to reinvent them either. Instead, Michaell suggests that we recognize ourselves not as stewards of systems, but as conscious beings. Only then can we unburden ourselves from the limitations of these systems. Only then can we reach a higher truth, one that honors our humanity and allows us to share ourselves authentically. Michaell Magrutsche is a multimedia artist, mentor, and writer. Find Michaell, his art, and his writing at .

Attitudes toward law enforcement vary in this country. Some communities generally trust their police. Others clearly need reform. But officers all wear the same uniform–even one controversy affects us all.  In 2006, Ed Cronin took over as the Chief of Police in what was then called “crime city.” At the time, Fitchburg, MA had a higher murder rate per capita than Boston, and a dropout rate of minority students of over 40%.  But after learning about Boston's method for reducing crime, Ed decided to take a more grassroots approach. He began holding neighborhood meetings, where he provided a platform for community members to voice their perspective–and for officers to listen. He realized that when it came to reducing crime, he already had the most valuable asset right in Fitchburg: the mothers, members of the clergy, business owners, school administrators, and community members who were equally concerned.  Over time, Ed forged collaborative, trusting relationships between Fitchburg community members and police. Over time, the dropout rate decreased to under 8% of minority students, and last year, Fitchburg had just one murder.  In this episode, Ed doesn't just talk about Fitchburg. Through his research, decades of experience, and advising communities at home and abroad, Ed has learned that there are proactive–and more peaceful–approaches that we can take to police reform. They start with putting communities and officers at the center of the conversation. They start with accountability and leadership, both within communities and within law enforcement agencies. They start by acknowledging that we have to take the long road–but that doing so could transform the reputation of police for generations to come.  Ed is a co-author of Just Policing: My Journey to Police Reform. Find him and his book at .

Chances are, you're hiring. And it's not hard to find candidates. LinkedIn is a worldwide network of professionals, many of whom are #opentowork. You can post your job on Indeed or Zip Recruiter and have a dozen applicants in minutes. But are they the right candidates?  We talk a lot about relationships on this podcast. While the digital age should make connecting easier, our online platforms are so clogged with candidates that when it comes to staffing, we really haven't made much progress. Many companies are still advertising the job to the largest possible audience, desperate to find that “rockstar” candidate who jives with their team and sparkles them with potential.  But candidates are more than their online profiles. And finding more candidates doesn't necessarily mean that you're finding the right ones. In this episode, we hear from Mike Thomson of Spark Recruiting. Mike knows that when we treat hiring like a dig for hidden treasure, we miss out on diverse, teachable, adaptable candidates who may really turn out to be our rockstar team members. That's why Spark Recruiting developed a new method. They amplify your company's story, market the job you're hiring for, and put the hiring manager at the center of the job search – so that you can find the candidate that truly fits.  Find Mike on and at   Like this episode? Share it and write us a review! 

Curiosity is innate in children. Kids want to understand why things are the way that they are, and they want to contribute in meaningful ways to the world around them.  But society hasn't set up a system that celebrates curiosity. Many schools–both public and private–aren't set up to nurture a child's talent. Many children are coddled out of developing their own resilience and problem-solving skills – which are the skills that they'll need to become independent adults.  But children want to contribute to solving problems, both big and small. And parents want their children to take an active role in becoming producers, not consumers. So how do you teach innovation? And how do you habituate resilience? Today, we hear from Jonathan and Renee Harris, who understand that all children have potential–and that as parents, we can teach them how to use that potential. As entrepreneurs themselves, Jonathan and Renee bring over twenty years of experience parenting and homeschooling their children, several of whom have turned their passions into money-making ventures. From drawing for businesses to knife-making to drone videography, the Harris children have become self-reliant adults, who genuinely enjoy what they do. Even better: they have the confidence and the courage to try new skills and learn from constructive feedback.  Now, Jonathan and Renee run Parent Their Passion, where they help families create an environment where their children can chase their passions, take initiative, and gain marketable, valuable skills that we know they'll need to thrive in a dynamic world.  Interested? Find them at and follow them on Instagram @parenttheirpassion.  Like this episode? Share it around and write us a review.

You write all the time. Texts, memos, presentation headers, tweets, posts on LinkedIn. And emails. So many emails. But experience doesn't beget effectiveness; even the best writers make mistakes. And writing is high stakes–how we convey our ideas, concerns, questions, and feedback will determine how others see us as professionals and as people.  In this episode, we hear from Erin Lebacqz, the founder of High Value Writing, where she helps workplace writers achieve their professional and personal potential. With over 25 years of experience teaching writing, Erin understands that writing is difficult because writing is complicated. How do you connect with your reader? What information do you include, and what do you exclude? How do you communicate clearly, without compromising relationships?  Writing is grueling work. But when we write well, we're more likely to apply for (and get) that internship or dream job. We feel more confident about asking questions or sharing a concern. We build trust with our colleagues, and we earn respect from others. When we write well, we optimize our ability to be effective, both professionally and personally.  Erin is the author of High Value Writing: Real Strategies for Real-world Writing, available on . Check out her website, , and follow her at the links below.  YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdx6ZE7SgVCTG1t1KMDjeQ  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinlebacqz/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highvaluewriting/  Like this episode? Share it around and write us a review!

In the US, the college search is its own era in young adulthood. High schoolers and their parents travel the country in search of the right fit. Students are encouraged to find a campus that gives them “that feeling” – that affirming jitter that says, “this is where you belong.” And for many of us, helping a child navigate the college process is its own emotional, mental, and financial obstacle.  While every college website features plenty of photos, testimonials, a list of majors, and a menu of enticing campus offerings, you won't know how you feel about it until you visit. In this episode, we hear from Alex Boylan, who knows that not everyone has the time–not to mention the funds–to tour schools. That's why Alex started , where he provides hour-long tours from dozens of partner colleges and universities, told through the lens of the students that actually go there. They also provide a free course about how to select the school that's right for you.  Choosing a school means choosing your opportunities; where you go determines what you learn, who you meet, and the experiences that drive your professional and personal development. At The College Tour, they treat college for what it really is: a forty-year investment.  Follow @boylanalex and @thecollegetourtv on Instagram and encourage your child to take their You can also connect with Alex on . Like this episode? Write us a review and share it around.

The loneliness epidemic isn't a secret. Even before COVID, Americans were feeling more isolated from friends, from family, from their colleagues, and from themselves. We know that the problem is pervasive, and we know that it applies to all types of organizations. How do you attract and retain the right people, if they don't feel loyal to their colleagues or to the company?  Author, speaker, and adviser Charles Vogl argues that there are evidence-based practices for creating community. And he's not talking about retreats or grandiose gatherings. He's talking about changing a company's culture so that it fosters real connection, like the comfortable, discoursal, inspiring comradery we feel when we're sitting around the campfire. That's the kind of connection that generates ideas and an environment of support.  Life-altering circumstances like a global lockdown can put some companies at risk. But when everyone feels loyal to the brand, they feel loyal to one another. Then, the company can develop the resilience to pivot and persevere when necessary.  Charles Vogl is the  best-selling author of three books, including The Art of Community, Building Brand Communities, and Storytelling for Leadership. He's built programs and advised leaders at companies like Amazon, Twitter, and Airbnb; he also serves as a thought leader for the Google School of Leaders and has taught workshops and trainings for The Yale Leadership Institute, The Harvard Law School, and the U.S. Army.  Find Charles on LinkedIn: and at

Rachel Chaikof was one week old when her mother, Melissa, suspected that something was wrong: she didn't startle at the sound of a slamming car door. Rachel was diagnosed with Usher Syndrome, a genetic condition which causes either inherent or progressive deafness.  But being deaf was not an absolute: as a child, Rachel became one of the first children to receive a Cochlear Implant by way of an FDA trial. Because of medical innovation, Rachel could now experience the world for how it was meant to be experienced.  But later, Rachel also began to lose her sight. At the age of 19, Rachel was diagnosed with Usher Type 1, more specifically categorized by progressive blindness in addition to loss of hearing. This time, there was no medical innovation currently available, and Melissa, an experienced advocate in the network of nonprofits dedicated to hearing loss, devoted herself to a new goal: finding a cure for Usher's Type 1.  The Chaikof's have seen all that medical innovation is capable of. That's why Melissa and her husband started the Usher 1F Collaborative, a nonprofit devoted to funding such research. And while their daughter remains optimistic about all that she is capable of, her loss of sight has compromised what she loves most about the world: seeing its beauty in color and having the freedom to navigate on her own.  While Rachel is thankful for all of the modern innovations that have allowed people with disabilities to navigate society, she also believes that sometimes, that can distract from the commitment to finding a cure for genetic conditions like Usher Syndrome. Instead of pushing for our environments to adapt to us, how can we push for new research that will instead allow us to access the world for all that it is–beautiful, colorful, and full of possibilities?  Melissa Chaikof is the Board Chair for Usher 1F Collaborative, Inc. Interested in contributing? Find them here: https://www.usher1f.org/

Some people are completely comfortable at work. They know what they bring to the table, and they're comfortable asking questions and challenging the status quo. But many also feel out of place, and they pick up on small actions that only make them feel less comfortable speaking up.  Limor Bergman, a software engineer, noticed that women in her male-dominated field often struggled to feel included and to speak up at work. So she took her 20 years of experience in the industry and started coaching women in tech, with an angle toward curiosity.  How can we become curious about ourselves, so that we know what our strengths and talents are? How can we become curious about our strengths, so that we can better pinpoint where we want to take our careers? And finally, how can we speak up at work in a way that demonstrates our curiosity–not only so that we can be heard, but so that we can initiate change and show our value to those around us?  Through group-centered and individualized coaching, Limor helps women in tech reflect on their strengths, learn from their mistakes, and take responsibility for making themselves heard in their work environments.  Curious about her coaching? Find out more about her group mentorship program, , or explore her one-on-one offerings here: .  You can also connect with her on Linked In at , or take her LinkedIn course for job-seekers, looking to do less job-seeking: .  Like this episode? Be sure to share it around and write us a review!

What is ability? We all have distinct abilities, challenges, and gifts. And focusing on what you can do is far more important than focusing on what you can't do.   John Cronin was in his last year in high school, and he needed to figure out what to do next. He thought about what he loved and what he was good at. He landed on socks. Crazy socks.  With the help of his dad, Mark, John started to design and sell socks online. They started posting about their business on social media, and before they knew it, orders were soaring. So they started their own company: John's Crazy Socks, now the world's largest sock company.  But it's not really about the socks. In this episode, John and Mark teach us about finding our gifts and making the most of our abilities.  John and Mark envision a world where people use their varying abilities to achieve – and where it's no longer remarkable to see people with disabilities achieving great things.  As a father-son team, John and Mark have taught one another how to stay inspired, and how to find the unique abilities and gifts in other people. Today, they continue to expand, to hire people of all abilities, and to help others of varying ability set up their own businesses. Mark put it this way: “Hiring people of different abilities is not altruism – it's good business.”  Find them at and on social:  TikTok: @johnscrazysocks Instagram: @johnscrazysocks  Facebook:

So many people just want to be happy; there's so much talk about finding happiness, you'd think it was a scarce resource. But perhaps what makes happiness so elusive is that it's so plentiful. We all have the capacity to find it, grow it, and live it. So why aren't we happier?  Tamara Zoner believes that happiness is a choice. There are more circumstances in your control than you think, and evaluating your own behavior is essential to making the small, habitual changes that will compound to a happier existence over time. When we choose things that make us happier, we are taking responsibility over ourselves – and when we take responsibility for ourselves, we impact everyone else around us.  Tamara is the founder of A Life You Love Now, LLC, where she offers everything from one-on-one happiness coaching to organization-wide workshops. Feeling scattered? You can also take her Passion Test, which helps you find five things that you want in life, so that you can make daily decisions that bring you closer to satisfaction.  Find Tamara at alifeyoulovenow.com and at the links below.  Facebook: Twitter: LinkedIn: YouTube:

We all know takers. They're the people who show up when it's convenient and contribute only when they gain something in return. But even so, there are just as many people eager to give more than they receive.  EA Csolkovits started out as a janitor in the home of June Martino–she's the lady that believed in Ray Kroc's McDonald's before it was McDonald's. After realizing how approachable she was, he asked her how she found success–and was even more surprised at how much she was willing to share with him.  In this episode, EA tells us how mentorships helped him become a millionaire, from those early days with June to a business partner who insisted on giving more than receiving. Then, he walks us through the benefits of giving.  The biggest take-aways? Look for givers and look for ways to give. Learn from people who've done it before and be someone who gives your expertise to other deserving, ambitious people like you.  EA is the founder of Givers University, a platform that offers courses, mentorships, workshops, and even easy-to-implement checklists that help people find happiness, success, and freedom. Find them at giversuniversity.com and at the links below.  LinkedIn: Facebook: YouTube: Twitter: @GIVERSU Instagram: @GIVERSUniversity

All day, you're looking at things. You look at your email, your Instagram feed, your colleagues, your clients, your own face in a Zoom call, your loved ones. Not being able to see or read well – or not liking how you look with glasses on – is distracting and frustrating.  This week, Dave sits down with Rick Young of Boston Vision, who walks us through the surgical options available to those who want to ditch the glasses and contacts. Between LASIK, PRK, implanted contacts, and cataract surgery, they've got you covered.  But more than that, they know that people can be squeamish, especially when it comes to their eyes. So they take the time to sit down with each patient and explain exactly how the procedures work. Dave can attest to that. Because of the doctors at Boston Vision, he felt comfortable going in for LASIK. And he's more than happy with the results.   Boston Vision has several locations around the Boston area: Brookline, Wellesley, Medford, Milford, and Andover, coming May 1. They offer free consultations in all offices and surgeries in Brookline and Andover.  Find Boston Vision here:  Web: Facebook:   Instagram @boston.vision

On this podcast, we talk a lot about the consequences of inaction. What's worse–saying something and rocking the boat, or suffering in silence?  Growing up, Jerry Fu learned to be silent and avoid conflict. But as he grew older, he learned that yielding to others' expectations can be toxic, for both himself and the person on the other end. In his career as a pharmacist, he learned a similar lesson when dealing with customers. Sometimes, you have to offer concessions and always, you have to learn to listen.  There are those who speak up and those who stay silent. But whether in relationships or in the professional world, both of those choices have consequences. So how do we deal with conflict? By asking for what we want and managing our expectations.  Jerry is the founder of Adapting Leaders, where he offers conflict resolution coaching for Asian-American leaders.  Find Jerry at and on LinkedIn at Like this episode? Share it around, write us a review, and follow us on Instagram @cttnpodcast. 

Everywhere, professionals are looking for the right job, and companies are looking to hire them. But companies can't afford to hire the wrong people. We need people who are competent. We need people who are engaged.  We need people who will not compromise the safety of our workplace.  As a Certified Protection Professional (CPP), David Sawyer recognized that all companies were worried about safety. In 2004, David started Safer Places, Inc., where he offers background screenings, drug testing, and security consulting to a variety of organizations, based on their unique settings and needs. He's also been able to adapt with the rapid changes in digital citizenship and safety standards. Sometimes, a felony charge has more to the story. Other times, the person who charms us the most is a pathological liar.  In this episode, David offers a new lens for looking at safety–and a few reminders for how to keep ourselves, our employees, and our customers safe at work.  Find Dave and his company here:  LinkedIn: Facebook: YouTube: Like this episode? Share it around and write us a review.

Parenting is tough. We want to do it right, and we constantly have to make decisions that we know can impact our children for the rest of their lives.  Today, we hear from Debbie Godfrey, founder of Positive Parenting, where she gives workshops and tools to parents who are looking to feel more competent at life's most important job. Ultimately, our job as parents is to “work ourselves out of a job”: to know that we are raising independent, confident, and responsible members of society. In Debbie's experience, most parents find that first, they have to check in on themselves. Then, they have to contemplate the long-term consequences of their actions as a parent and have the courage and confidence to change.  From building new neural pathways in our kids to navigating the digital age, Debbie reminds us that we are participants in a “perfect design between parent and child.” And every day, our decisions reflect how we step up to such a sacred responsibility.  Find Debbie on and follow her on social media, linked below.  Facebook: LinkedIn: Twitter: YouTube: Instagram: @positiveparentingdebbie Like this episode? Share it around and write us a review.

We know that diversity is good for us. Whether it's diversity of personnel, of activities, or of opinions, hearing new perspectives and sitting with discomfort are some of the best things we can do for ourselves, our organizations, and our communities. But paying lip service isn't enough. How do we actually do it?  Today, we hear from Jeff Le, a public policy adviser for corporate leaders and politicians. Jeff teaches us to find the confidence to say what we think and the courage to deal with the pushback. We know that groupthink damages companies and societies, and we know that a healthy culture comes with debate. Even if we aren't leaders, we are personally obligated to speak up. Find and follow Jeff on social media, linked below. Like this episode? Share it around and write us a review.  Twitter: LinkedIn: Instagram: @jeffrey.d.le Linktree: As mentioned in the episode:  PBS: Asian Americans Advancing Justice Training:

With so many roads and so many routes, both the young and the old are looking for guidance as they create fulfilling lives. Today, we hear from storyteller, author, and educator, Sam Thiara. Through his work as a professor, Sam Thiara learned how to mentor young people in their pursuit of finding what they want to do and who they want to be.  Thiara believes that you find direction when you look inward. So how do you uncover your compass? Find a coach that asks you plenty of questions, and live your life for what it is: an autobiography, worth writing well.  Sam Thiara helps people identify who they are and what they believe so that they can ultimately engage with life. Find him, his books, and his blog posts at

Marketing isn't known for being sexy. Finding customers can feel like chasing, and many companies scare people away when they only talk about themselves. In this episode, marketing consultant Tim Fitzpatrick teaches us how to get back to the basics. Marketing well requires looking at data to see what customers we're attracting and why. It comes down to pinpointing our ideal customers, listening to them, and helping them become their best. And although it isn't sexy, we sometimes have to delay immediate results to build strong, stable relationships with ourselves and with others. Tim Fitzpatrick is the president of Rialto Marketing, where he helps companies build results that last. Like this episode? Share it around and write us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Young people everywhere are looking to share their talent and passions.  In next week's episode, Harry Beard talks about how creatives of Generation Z build momentum around their passions. With platforms like YouTube, we can learn anything we want, so long as we have the dedication and discipline to do so. And in our ever-connected world, we can also find and speak to important people if we want, so long as we are willing to put ourselves out there.  Harry values talent and drive over everything, and he noticed that Gen Z-ers are eager to gain a following. So how could we connect young people directly with their desired audience? By providing a platform for creative competitions, judged by some of the most successful artists in the world.  That's when he started Prospect 100, where he hosts competitions for Gen Z creatives–and changes their lives by connecting them with important people. Find them at prospect100.com and follow Harry Beard @harryckb. Like this episode? Share it around and write us a review on Apple Podcasts. 

Gaining the trust of your audience is one of the greatest challenges of leading. Darrell Williams, former Communications Response and Officer for the White House, teaches us that our credentials, while meaningful and noteworthy, don't necessarily earn us respect from others–but getting to know people and showing them that we care for them will.  In this episode, we learn how to maximize our gifts by being humble. Consider, what are the needs of my community, and how can I meet one of those needs? Start with small steps and become a model for others. Then, find a genuine connection with others, and offer your gifts to them without arrogance or expectation.  Williams helps people find their gifts and share them with others. He is currently the Chief, Military Human Resources for Operations at Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), as well as a keynote speaker and coach.  Like this episode? Write us a review and subscribe for more.

Divisive content is all around us. In our history, in our social media, and in our news, we see stories that highlight our differences and polarize us as humans.  Today, we speak with John Noltner, photographer and storyteller, who has for years been on a mission to find what connects us. Shortly after the election of President Obama, Noltner felt troubled by our nation's racist rhetoric, which uncovered how much work we have left to do in the wake of justice and humanity. So he did what all good journalists do: he set out to find as many stories as he could. Now, he travels the country in search of people and stories—and he challenges himself to keep showing up to difficult discussions.  How does he get others to open up to him? He gains their trust by listening and accepting. Find his stories, his bio, his photos, and his blog at His next book, Portraits of Peace is available . Like this episode? Be sure to share it around and write us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Many of us know how to fill our time. But are we filling it with quality pursuits?  In this episode, we sit down with Chris Bond. Chris was in his forties when he learned that he had a heart condition that required surgery. During a sedentary, humbling recovery, Chris had to re-evaluate where he was devoting his energy. Now, he's thankful that his doctor uncovered a problem that's been in his heart since birth. He's equally thankful to know that he can choose how he spends his time. Chris Bond is the founder of , where he helps small operations—mostly Mom and Pop businesses—value and sell their companies, particularly when they are nearing retirement. Like this episode? Be sure to share with your friends and write us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Sometimes, you have to obstruct the system to achieve justice.  Today, we're joined by Janice S. Lintz, Founder and CEO of Hearing Access & Innovations. When her daughter was diagnosed with hearing loss before the age of three, Janice joined the legal fight to ensure that her daughter had access to learning opportunities. When she sought justice against her abusive husband, she learned the true labyrinth that is the judicial system. Janice was labeled an “obstructionist”—and in the face of corruption, lack of transparency, and lack of accountability, that's exactly what she wants to be. How can we pursue what's right, even in the face of a system so demoralizing?  Janice is a consultant, an advocate, and a candidate in the MPA program at the Harvard Kennedy School. Find her at and . Like this episode? Share with your friends and write us a review on Apple Podcasts.

After decades as a surgeon, Dr. Michelle Gordon realized that her job was making her suffer. She was also going through menopause, and she began redirecting her efforts to helping women use science-backed strategies to understand their bodies and minimize their suffering.  People suffer in all kinds of ways. Ailments, resentments, and traumas can cloud our perspective and determine the stories that we tell ourselves and others. So how can we all minimize our suffering? It starts with something we can all control: our perspective. Dr. Gordon is the founder of The Menopause Movement and host of the podcast by the same name. Find her at . Like this episode? Be sure to share it with others and write us a review on Apply Podcasts. 

The definition of success changes based on who you ask. Today, we hear from Dr. Ruth Gotian, coach, educator, and author, who studied extreme high-achievers, from Nobel Prize-winners to Olympians, for the commonalities that make them thrive. Dr. Gotian found that no matter their field, all high-achievers prioritize growth, and they're more afraid of not trying than they are afraid of failing. So how can we all be higher achievers? It starts with not necessarily finding what you're good at, but finding what you're passionate about.  Find Dr. Gotian's The Success Factor wherever books are sold. Want to try her Passion Audit? Find it for free at Like this episode? Be sure to share with others and write us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Last week, we talked about taking ownership and speaking up. This week, Dave sits down with Catherine Dorian, a high school English teacher, writer, and millennial, to discuss the entity most often associated with preparing the young for the real world: school. How do we prepare students to take ownership over their learning and their actions? And what's the role of the parent, in a school system that is at times failing and at times hyper-involved?  Catherine teaches part-time at a private school in Massachusetts. She spends the other half of her time running Catherine Dorian Studios, where she helps organizations find purpose and attract customers through storytelling. Find her at .  Like this episode? Be sure to share it with others and write us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Ghosting is easy. Ignoring a phone call, not responding to an email, or quitting a company without warning are all ways that we can avoid confrontation. But the right to remain silent—the right to not express frustration, provide a dissenting opinion, or admit to wrongdoing, in the workplace or outside of it—is making us cower and hide when things get hard.  It's easy to not come forward. So how do companies and organizations make it safe to express your mistakes or voice your frustrations?   No guest today: just Dave, his ideas, and the microphone, saying what needs to be said. Have something to share? Write Dave a comment. Like this episode? Be sure to share it with others and write us a review on Apple Podcasts. 

Many companies strive to be more diverse, inclusive, and equitable. Many company leaders struggle to take transformative steps to do so. In this episode, we hear from Omar L Harris, leadership coach, speaker, and author, about how to do Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work thoughtfully. We know that companies and people improve when we embrace the diverse perspectives coming through our door. The first step? Listen and be open to understanding all that you don't know. Then, you can tap into the uncovered possibilities for your company to contribute to your community, uniting your people around a common purpose.  Omar L Harris is the founder of Intent Consulting. He's written five books, including his latest, Be a J.E.D.I. Leader, Not a Boss. Find him at .  Like this episode? Be sure to share it with others and write us a review on Apple Podcasts. 

Too many of us misuse our power. Whether we're gossiping about someone else or becoming the victim, we're using our power to relinquish responsibility—becoming the opposite of empowered. And the real tragedy? Misusing your power means denying the world of your gifts. When we suppress our power, we deprive others of all that we can do.  Today, Christian De La Huerta helps us redefine courage and power. His book, Awakening the Soul of Power, is available wherever books are sold. Find him at , and subscribe to his newsletter for more methods in mindfulness.  Like this episode? Be sure to share with your friends and write us a review on Apple Podcasts.

We all know that reading is good for us. So why don't more of us make time for it? And how do we get others, including our children, to read more?  Dr. Danny Brassell, known as “the world's reading ambassador” doesn't just preach the importance of reading—he models curiosity and seeds this quality in others. According to Brassell, “Your mind is like a parachute. It works better when it's open.” With learning, we gain perspective. With perspective, we gain a better understanding of those around us. How do we unite a society that is becoming more polarized and more hasty? The answers are in books.  Dr. Danny Brassell is an educator, speaker, and author. Go to for a free copy of his book. Want to read more, but need some guidance? Join his book club at .  Like this episode? Be sure to share with your friends and write us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Successful people take risks. They also fail, and fail repeatedly. The people that we admire are the products of failure. So why are we sometimes afraid to fail ourselves?  This week on CTTN, former Division I wrestler Jim Harshaw prompts us to press the button. Surround yourself with situations that teach you how to fail--run the 5k, ask for the raise, start the business, knowing that you may not achieve your desired outcome. Then, take a productive pause and evaluate. Shine a light on failure, so that you are not only accustomed to it, but grateful for it.  Jim Harshaw, Jr. helps people lead lives of significance, success, and balance. Find him, his podcast, his TED Talk, and his programs at

How many times have you been told: “just be yourself”? What if you're still figuring out who you are? And what if you're not even sure that you like yourself? Rob Riopel, coach, entrepreneur, and author, teaches people how to know themselves so that they can be themselves. Today, we talk about how to prioritize the things that matter to you and gain the courage to banish what doesn't.  Think being yourself is selfish? It is. It means that you're living a life of passion. And it's better for everyone around you.  Rob Riopel is a growth and development coach, app designer, and serial entrepreneur. A digital copy of his best-selling book, Success Left a Clue, is available for free for CTTN listeners at .  Like this episode? Be sure to share with your friends and write us a review on Apple Podcasts.

We've long been aware that technology shapes the way we act. From the printing press to the television, major technological breakthroughs also shift the course of history, and they shape the identity of a generation. This week, we discuss such a phenomenon with Dr. Rick Chromey, the author of GenTech: An American Story of Technology, Change and Who We Really Are. Dr. Chromey argues that the people of an era are defined by more than just a moniker like Baby Boomer or Gen X—the major discoveries of their time drive their existence and  impact how they work with others. How can the generations coexist and cooperate in a present that is rapidly changing? And how may we keep communication between the generations fluid, so that we enjoy a future that is inclusive for all? Dr. Rick Chromey is the founder and president of the faith-based nonprofit MANNA! Educational Services International. Find him at , and find GenTech wherever books are sold. Like this episode? Be sure to share with your friends and write us a review on Apple Podcasts.

We're all afraid of something. So why do some of us cower while others dare to rise? This week, we sat down with John Davis, also known as The Corporate Action Hero, to learn how a stuntman hacks the flight or fight response. Davis argues that when we have faith, we latch onto the positive, exhale the negative, and continue to nourish ourselves with the air that feeds our fearlessness. If fear begets fear, then the inverse must also be true.  John Davis is a speaker, fight director, and host of the podcast “Inner Action Hero.” Visit for a copy of his free “5F” Workbook, which will teach you his five-step method for mastering your fears.  Like this episode? Be sure to share with your friends and write us a review on Apple Podcasts.

We all have a message that we want to share with the world. But how do we overcome fear and become comfortable speaking in front of an audience?  According to Mike Acker, to connect with others, we must first identify and own our weaknesses. When we know who we are and who we are not, we shed our perceived shortcomings and become our truest selves. Then, we can hone our strengths, share our message, and impact those around us.  Mike Acker is a speaker, bestselling author, and executive trainer at ADVANCE, Coaching and Consulting. Check out his book, Speak with No Fear, available on . You can find him at    Like this episode? Be sure to share with your friends and write us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Many of us are afraid of public speaking. This week, we hear from Sean Tyler Foley, author, keynote speaker, and speaker trainer about the self-created stories that sabotage us into fear. How can we gain the trust of our audience, and ultimately, ourselves? Perhaps we aren't afraid of public speaking; we're afraid of public judgment.  Like this episode? Be sure to share it with your friends, and write us a review on Apple Podcasts.  Sean Tyler Foley's The Power to Speak Naked is available for pre-order at . You can find him at .

Hema Vyas is an Omnipreneurial Psychologist, author and speaker that specializes in Corporate Wellness & Life Leadership.  She joined me this week to discuss how our stories can determine our habits and how we can leverage trust to overcome our fears.  If your imagination is getting the best of you set aside the time to listen.  Leave us a rating and review on you Apple Podcast app while you're at it!  Enjoy! Write to CTTN Podcast:   Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @cttnpodcast

Dave McNeff is the author of The Work-Life Balance Myth (McGraw-Hill).  He is also a thought leader, executive advisor, jury trial consultant, profiling expert, workshop facilitator and keynote speaker.  In this weeks episode Dave shared his ideas to help people create a plan to achieve harmony in life.  His dry sense of humor had me entertained from the get-go.  Be sure to grab a copy of his book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Work-Life-Balance-Myth-Rethinking-Optimal/dp/1260468895   Write to CTTN Podcast:   For more information on JCE Consulting:  jcegrp.com

Mark Herschberg is the author of a new book called, 'The Career Toolkit.'  He is also an instructor at MIT's Career Accelerator Program and a Fractional CTO for companies in the start-up world.  Mark guested on the show this week to talk about his book, why he wrote it and how it evolved.  It is a worthwhile read filled with practical advice for anyone at any age that might be struggling to start, change or redefine their career.   Write to CTTN Podcast:   Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @cttnpodcast  

Rayz Kidz is an app that enables caregivers to keep children connected with their working parents.  Cofounders, Annie Delaney and her dad, Bob Boudreau, joined me to talk about what inspired them to launch Rayz Kidz, what it's like to start a business during a pandemic and what they hope to accomplish over the next year.  You can download the Rayz Kidz app on the App Store or on Google Play.  Hope you enjoy! Write to CTTN Podcast:   Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @cttnpodcast

Dr. Christian Heim PhD is back for part 2 of our conversation.  He and I explored the importance of belonging, feeling needed, what it means to be human and what we can do to make a difference for someone else.  Be sure to check out his new book on mens mental health:   Write to CTTN Podcast:   For more information on JCE Consulting:  jcegrp.com

Storm Cunningham joined me this week to talk about the importance of restoring our communities and ultimately our planet.  Storm  is Executive Director of RECONOMICS Institute: The Society of Revitalization & Resilience Professionals, which helps ensure that communities worldwide have certified Revitalization & Resilience Facilitators.   He is editor of REVITALIZATION: The Journal of Economic & Environmental Resilience, Storm tracks the latest trends and techniques in urban/rural regeneration, natural resource restoration, and resilience worldwide.   Storm has also written three books.  His most recent is entitled RECONOMICS: The Path to Resilient Prosperity - a guide for policymakers, real estate investors and social entrepreneurs. And if the above is not enough, he is a former Green Beret SCUBA medic with the U.S. Army's 7th Special Forces Group, an avid SCUBA diver, motorcyclist, and amateur herpetologist!!!  Please give this episode a listen! Write to CTTN Podcast:   Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @cttnpodcast

Steve Preda joined me this week to talk about what it takes to build a buyable business whether you plan to sell or not.   Steve is a Leadership Team Guide, dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build valuable businesses that propel them to their ideal lives. He is also the author of 'Buyable:  Your Guide to Building a Self-Managing, Fast-Growing and High Profit Business.     Building a Buyable business means creating an asset that is highly profitable and valuable, opening up options for the entrepreneur to live their Ideal life and to react to unexpected turns of events, such as illness, burnout, family changes or unique opportunities. Hope you enjoy!       Write to CTTN Podcast:   Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @cttnpodcast For more information on JCE Consulting:  jcegrp.com

My guest this week is Kurian Mathew Tharakan, founder of Strategy Peak Sales & Marketing Advisors and a 27-year veteran of the sales and marketing industry. Mr. Tharakan is also the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “The 7 Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell,” which details how anyone can move people and mountains with the power of story. Hope you enjoy! Write to CTTN Podcast:   Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @cttnpodcast For more information on JCE Consulting:  jcegrp.com