Goal Camp

With over a decade of experience in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry, Eslyn started her journey at the tender age of 17 as a trainee in the Entertainment Department at one of the World's Leading Hotel Chains in the Caribbean, Sandals Resorts. Eslyn's dynamic personality, whit and charm was quickly noticed by many including the management, staff and returning customers to the resort hence earning her the youngest to win the coveted title of Ultimate Prestige Team Member. She migrated to the United States at 27 years old and started her entrepreneurial career. This change thrust her into the world of Personal Development. Eslyn is a member of Toastmasters International and has served on the board for her local chapter as Vice President of Membership and Club President. She led the Brandon Toastmasters Club in accomplishing the President's Distinguished Club award/ She  currently serves as Area 33 Director for District 48. This fiery Caribbean Native believes that servant leadership is the catalyst to impact anyone to lead  an organization. She continues to be a student first always learning, sharpening her skills to continue being of service and making a positive  impact where ever she can and goes.

Welcome! This episode we reflect on the best lessons learned in 2024. These lessons came directly from the GOAL CAMP podcast and my Instagram Feed @derekclott. From improving communication skills to embracing rest and reflection, I've gathered a wide range of valuable insights from this past year to help you navigate the upcoming year more effectively.

In this podcast episode "When It's Hard," the I'll encourage us all to deal with the struggles and challenges that come with facing difficult circumstances. A real example being the experiences of those in Florida who have recently dealt with the aftermath of two major hurricanes and numerous tornadoes. Although tragic, they emphasize the importance of not giving up when times get tough, but instead taking the time to reevaluate our goals and dreams in the context of the situation we are facing. I'll also highlight the need to prioritize mental health during times of hardship, reminding listeners that it is more important to check in on ourselves and others emotionally than to focus solely on restoring physical belongings such as furniture, Wi-Fi, and power. They urge listeners to ask the question "Are you ok?" with genuine concern for emotional well being too.

The Olympics have ended some weeks ago, however, the many lessons we can glean from the Olympics live on. I took 3 massive lessons among many that I will delve into in this episode: 1) Noah Lyles teaches us to "Lean In" 2) Sydney Mclaughlin-Levrone pushes herself to a "Personal Best" 3) Sha'Carri Richardson after disappointment shows us how to be "Resilient" Learn how we can take these lessons displayed on the field and apply them to our lives.

In this episode of GOAL CAMP, the focus is on the importance of understanding and cultivating your personal brand. I will explore the concept that we are all brands, shaped by both our actions and factors beyond our control. Listeners are encouraged to examine what defines their personal brand, how it can work for them, and ways to influence and enhance it based on their own key performance indicators. By delving into these questions, individuals can better understand the image they project to the world and how it impacts their personal and professional success.

If you're struggling to find your purpose, don't worry – you're not alone. In fact, sometimes the best way to find your purpose is by helping others and allowing your purpose to find you. In this episode we'll discuss how to focus on finding your way and positioning yourself to have more of what you want and less of what you don't want. Learn to focus on your passions, set boundaries, and pay attention to how you feel and your energy when you are around others.

In this episode we explore the ultimate overcomer story and how you can overcome incredible odds to achieve your goals. We dive into one of the most famous biblical tales of all time - the story of David and Goliath. David, a young shepherd boy, faced off against the mighty giant Goliath, armed with nothing but a slingshot and five smooth stones. Against all odds, David was able to defeat Goliath with a single, well-aimed shot, proving that belief in oneself and faith can move mountains. We will discuss how this story can inspire us to face our own giants - whether they be doubt, fear, or personal struggles. Through the power of belief in ourselves and faith in a higher power, we too can overcome the seemingly insurmountable challenges that stand in our way. Tune in to this episode of Goal Camp to learn how you can harness the power of belief and faith to achieve your own goals and conquer your own Goliaths.

While Nelson Mandela's quote “I never lose. I either win or learn.” is inspiring and encourages a positive mindset, it's essential to recognize that losses are an inevitable part of our journey, and they can teach us valuable lessons. In the intricate tapestry of life, victories and defeats weave together to shape our existence. While Mandela's perspective emphasizes resilience and learning, let's not sidestep the process required to rebound from losses. This podcast will help you navigate the losses you encounter: Acknowledging Reality: Losses are real. They sting, leaving scars on our hearts and minds. Denying their impact would be disingenuous. Accepting defeat doesn't diminish our strength; it highlights our humanity. It's okay to feel the weight of loss. Lessons in Reflection: True growth emerges when we pause to reflect on our losses. Why did we stumble? What patterns led to defeat? Evaluating our missteps allows us to recalibrate our compass, steering toward better choices. Wisdom from Adversity: Losses aren't mere setbacks; they're classrooms where life imparts its most profound lessons. Through failure, we gain empathy, resilience, and humility. These qualities enrich our character. The Art of Resilience: Resilience isn't about denying loss; it's about bouncing back stronger. We learn to adapt, to find new paths, and to rise from the ashes. The phoenix knows loss intimately. Investing in Growth: Mandela's quote hints at investing in learning. But let's expand that investment. We invest not only in knowledge but also in emotional intelligence, compassion, and self-awareness. Crafting Better Outcomes: The alchemy of transformation lies in our response to loss. We refine our behaviors, discard what no longer serves us, and forge new habits. Each setback becomes a stepping stone toward better outcomes. The Beauty of Imperfection: Perfection isn't the goal; progress is. Our scars tell stories of resilience, courage, and evolution. Imperfections make us relatable, connect us to others, and remind us that growth is a messy, beautiful process. Victory and loss coexist, shaping our narratives. So, while we learn from defeat, let's also embrace the raw beauty of our imperfect, resilient selves.

Kat Sterling is an entrepreneur, writer, coach and motivational speaker from Shelby, North Carolina. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Bennett College in Greensboro, NC as well as a Master's Degree in Public Health from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. In addition, she has a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority Incorporated. Kat is an accomplished healthcare professional who is passionate about empowering individuals to pursue their dreams. Her passion for writing began as a hobby where she would write short blogs on social media to encourage those struggling with motivation and self-doubt. From there, it became a passion which eventually led to her authoring and publishing her first book. Kat's mission is to help people across the globe. She currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and two children. You can get a hold of her best-selling book "Why They Are Winning and Why You Are Not" on amazon and audible: Why They Are Winning, and You Are Not: The Steps to Finding Success in Life: Sterling, Kat: 9798395680549: Amazon.com: Books Also, visit Kat's website: Sterling Life – Homeownership has a silver lining (katsterling.net)

2024 is here and another opportunity presents itself for you to achieve the goal of writing your book, or starting your podcast. This episode will help you do just that. Dominique “Dom” Brightmon, DTM is a certified trainer with the Maxwell Leadership Team, bestselling author, and host of the Going North Podcast, a podcast committed to featuring authors from around the world to promote the power of the written word and inspire listeners to publish books of their own. His mantra is Advance others to advance yourself.

Happy New Year Everyone! First thank you for your support during 2023. I hope you will manifest your best in 2024. In this episode, I give a couple keys to getting a strong start to 2024. Avoid the tendency to allow doubt, self sabotage and negative thoughts undo all the work you do with your hands. Also, make sure the people in your life truly are there to support you and not quietly pulling the rug from under your feet and setting you up for failure. Make 2024 your best year yet!

Hired as a 16-year-old part-time teller, Joan Posivy rose to become branch manager by age 22.While having an aptitude for number-crunching made it enjoyable, she soon realized it wasn't the dream job she thought it'd be. Turning down yet another promotion, Joan embarked on her entrepreneurial journey beginning with the purchase of a delicatessen as a turnaround project and never looked back.Joan had discovered a set of principles which also showed her how to buy her first house at age 19, travel the world, and so much more. Many of her adventures, businesses, and life lessons are outlined in her bestselling book, The Way Success Works: How To Decide, Believe & Begin To Live Your Best Life.Today Joan is thrilled to be the host and producer of the Side Hustle Hero™ podcast where guests from around the world share the story of their journeys and their insights on what's worked and what hasn't so listeners can execute smarter and for more profit, making her a trusted resource in the world of entrepreneurship and achievement.

Jevon Wooden is a dynamic coach and growth strategist, speaker, author, and Army Veteran who is passionate about leadership, growth strategy, and helping motivated leaders and businesses achieve their goals. He earned his master's degree in cybersecurity from Fordham University and his MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, drawing on his 12 years of experience in the military to hone his expertise in all aspects of leadership and peak performance under the highest possible stakes. Wooden's remarkable business growth and personal development ideas have been featured in top publications such as Entrepreneur, Inc., Fast Company, Foundr, Forbes, and Verizon.   For further information visit brightmindconsultinggroup.com.

Vernon Jackson: Curator of Elegance and Founder of The Gifted Event Vernon Jackson is an entrepreneur hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio. With over two decades of experience as a licensed barber/cosmetologist, Vernon has not only mastered the art of grooming but has also woven a rich tapestry of connections within the community. Vernon's journey into entrepreneurship reached new heights in 2019 when he assumed ownership of Noble Barber & Beauty, a thriving establishment known for its exceptional grooming services and community-centric approach. In 2021, Vernon took a bold and created "The Gifted Event." Vernon experienced challenges when clients with special needs sat in the barber chair. Vernon couldn't keep his schedule on track but wanted to provide a major need for clients that have disabilities. As a result "The Gifted Event" is a place where parents and caregivers of children on the spectrum, Down syndrome or other disabilities can come into an environment where they don't have to explain their child's behavior or apologize for something they may do or say. Listen in on this amazing conversation, but more importantly get involved. Find out more here: Fundraiser by Vernon Jackson : Community Haircuts - The Gifted Event (gofundme.com) The Gifted Event

Meet Adam Gallagher, who is originally from Narragansett, RI. Now living in Florida, he is a proud graduate of the University of South Carolina. As a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity he has learned the impact of getting personally involved in acts of service. His personal philosophy is "treat people the way you want to be treated". Learn more about setting Acts of Service goals and the benefits of giving back.

Many of us have fallen prey to the belief that we must wait for the perfect timing or the perfect person before we can start pursuing our dreams or taking action towards our goals. The truth is, this mindset can be incredibly detrimental to our personal growth and ultimately hinder us from living life to the fullest. One of the biggest fallacies we often encounter is the concept of "perfect timing." We wait for the right moment when all the stars align and everything feels just right. But here's the thing – life is unpredictable, and there will never be a perfect time. By eagerly awaiting the ideal circumstances, we miss out on valuable opportunities and precious time that could have been spent achieving our dreams. Catch this episode and hear about other fallacies, but more importantly ways to motivate yourself to take action.

Knowing yourself is critical to accomplishing your goals and dreams. Understanding ourselves can be the key to living a fulfilled life. When we take the time to explore our values, needs, beliefs, and passions, we are better equipped to handle the challenges that come our way. It's essential to know what drives us, what we stand for, and what we believe in. In this episode learn a few actions you can take to get to know yourself better. There's no quick solves on this one. You'll have to make time to get to know yourself. An introduction that may be long overdue.

Tammy McKinney is an Executive Coach, Consultant, Speaker, and founder of Unlocking Your Best Life. For over 30 years, she has helped Leaders in business, education, churches & nonprofits unlock greater success in work & life. She loves to help leaders break free from circumstances, excuses, setbacks, and procrastination to achieve their desired impact, with more life satisfaction. Tammy went from Corporate Executive to Entrepreneur, while raising her 4 favorite humans. The last several years, she expanded her business while enduring a difficult divorce and navigating serious mental health struggles with her children during the global pandemic. Tammy is on mission, helping purpose-driven leaders increase success with more joy, fulfillment, and freedom, despite life's challenges. Combining best practices in leadership, personal growth, business, and well-being, she developed the proven UYES Method. Tammy specifically considers the purpose-driven leader's heart, the hats we wear, serving our families and communities, navigating challenges, performing our best and adding value to the world. For more, find her blogs and LIVE coaching at www.UnlockingYourBestLife.com UNLOCKING.LIFE www.ChatWithCoachTammy.com www.UYESmindsets.com

As you pursue your goals, you will need people to keep you accountable, help you navigate, and check your mental health. It's important you know the difference between a Therapist, Coach, and Mentor. Our guest will help answer this question and ensure you are positioned to reach your personal goals. Dr. Sh'nai Simmons is the Co-founder and owner of The Collective Wellness Institute, a private mental health practice committed to providing superior services virtually and in person. Dr. Sh'nai has a Masters in Community Counseling and Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from Regent University and is currently a licensed mental health professional in Florida and Virginia.  Mother of many, two biological, two adopted and countless spiritual children, Dr. Sh'nai works closely in ministry with her husband Pastor Taiwan Simmons. Many future counselors who have found themselves under the mentorship and direction of Dr. Sh'nai have benefited from her rich and diverse background. She has authored several collaborative projects and has detailed her breast cancer journey in her book entitled “Fight with Faith”. As a change agent committed to growth and change, Dr. Sh'nai was inspired to create “Health Management Journal”, a life-giving wellness planner to aid individuals who are navigating a health crisis. This incredible resource is designed to maintain a balanced and reflective focus yearlong. Dr. Sh'nai is about solutions and has demonstrated that through her life and diverse endeavors.  www.DrShnai.com

Dr. Pat Baxter uses her extensive experience to lead high-impact culture change while retaining valuable talent. Her work has focused on developing leadership at all levels. Her industry expertise includes financial services, technology, customer service, retail and pharmaceuticals. She has served around the globe as a senior-level Leadership Development leader in UNISYS, CITI, Sykes Enterprises, Deloitte & Touche Consulting, Right Management. As an executive consultant and coach, she has worked with industry leaders such as American Express, Dollar General, Comcast, Toyota, and Quintiles Pharmaceuticals to name a few. Pat holds a doctorate in Organizational Leadership, and an BS and MS from the City University of New York. She is certified in several well-known, validated assessments including EQ 2.0®; Crucial Conversations®; Conflict Dynamics Profile® and the Birkman®. Pat has served on numerous boards around the country and with several universities including the Center of Ethics at the University of Tampa and the Society of Emotional Intelligence. She is a founding member of the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA) in Florida. Pat is a recipient of the Society of Emotional Intelligence Ambassador Award and is the author of two books ‘Cool Change: Turning Emotions into Leadership Strengths' (2015) and ‘101 Ways to Grow an Awesome Team Using Emotional Intelligence” (2019). A native New Yorker, Pat is bilingual (Spanish), and currently resides in Jacksonville, Florida drpatbaxter.com

Rosemary Ravinal is a public speaker and executive speaker coach who works with high-profile leaders in Spanish and English to fulfill their fullest potential when they speak. She is recognized as America's Premier Bilingual Public Speaking Coach after decades as a corporate spokesperson and media personality in the U.S., Hispanic and Latin American markets. Rosemary is a former international media executive and broadcaster who has transitioned to her first love, public speaking and transforming lives. In 2019, she left her role as vice president of public relations for the entertainment division at TelevisaUnivision Network, the world's largest Spanish-language media company, to establish her consulting practice. In 2020, she adapted her coaching model for the virtual stage and created the ZoomScore™ based on 10 essential elements of professional video meetings. Her first book, titled The Joy of Thinking Out Loud, which chronicles her struggles with stuttering, will be published in 2023. Earlier, Rosemary was a senior corporate communications leader and spokesperson for Fortune 100 companies, non-profit organizations and agencies in New York and South Florida. These include Avon, AT&T, A+E Television Networks, History Channel, Lifetime, Discovery Channel, Sony Ericsson, and Toyota. She was the first Hispanic contributing news analyst for MSNBC and hosted numerous award-winning radio and TV shows in the New York area. A member of the National Speakers Association, Rosemary is co-director of the Florida Speakers Association Academy and president of Miami-Wynwood Toastmasters. She is also director of PechaKucha Night Miami, the Japanese style of concise storytelling popular in more than 1,300 cities and presented before a live audience. Rosemary was born in Cuba and raised in suburban New York. She made South Florida her home in 2000 and currently lives in Doral with her beloved silky terrier named Chucho. Her hobbies include Spanish cinema, collage art, gallery hopping, and tours of historic places. Website: https://rosemaryravinal.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosemaryravinal https://www.facebook.com/rravinal https://www.facebook.com/rosemaryRspeaks Instagram: @rosemaryspeaks Twitter: @rosemaryRspeaks YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/rosemaryravinal

Matt Kroll is principal and founder of Chalmers St. Consulting. Chalmers St. helps companies achieve their growth potential by aligning their operations with their aspiration and engaging their employees to achieve their full potential. Chalmers St. has return hundreds of thousand to millions of dollars back to client's margins. Matt's formal background is in Industrial Engineering. He earned his bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from Northern Illinois University in 1999. He joined Motorola directly after completing college where he earned both his Black Belt and Master Black Certification. In 2009, he earned a Master's in Business Administration from the Chicago Booth School of Business. Continuous improvement has been his passion for over 20 years. As a Master Black Belt, Matt has been responsible for developing improvement programs that deliver millions of dollars in operation efficiencies and revenue enhancement. He has worked in a variety of settings from manufacturing to police departments, to call centers, to healthcare. He has seen firsthand that every environment can benefit from the application of continuous improvement. Matt resides in the far west suburbs of Chicago, USA with his wife and two children. He produces and distributes free content on continuous improvement and looks for opportunities to help other people develop. He believes it is important to be active in the local community. He is President of the Fox Valley Children's Choir and Committee Chair for Boy Scout Troop 60 in Geneva. He spends most of his free time with his family. Website: http://www.chalmersst.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrkroll/

Some goals are stubborn, they elude us for years. We keep after them because the alternative is unthinkable. What is keeping us from breaking through? To start off this new year, let's focus on the mindset that we have as we pursue our goals. I'm not big on making the new year the catalyst for setting goals, but I've learned that there is a tremendous wave of energy at the start of a new year that you can build momentum from. We all can identify the spoils of war, but can we effectively communicate the strategy and tactical effort to win the war. A big part of it is mindset. Let's get the new year started off right and win the battle of the mind.

It's hard to believe that there are 18,000 registered homeless teens in Chicago. Ms. Jones has formed StayTrue to assist this forgotten population. Her educational background in in Psychology with a specialty in children's mental health and family counseling. She has worked in the social services field for nearly 20 years, with 12 of those years being spent as the director of the Domestic Violence Children's program. Her non-profit organization StayTrue provides resources for these displaced teens who don't know where they will live from one day to the next. Make this episode a priority for awareness of a critical problem that effects not only Chicago but the entire country.

If you have ever endeavored to write a book? This episode is for you. If you want to know how to start and the tips that will help you move quickly? This episode is for you. And it doesn't have to take years to write your book. It can literally take 30 days. Make it a goal to listen to this episode and then make it a goal to become an author. You can do it. Listen to the end to hear our guest's amazing story and our discussion on mental health. It will help you power through and obliterate any excuses. Chrissy Das is a nonfiction ghostwriter, book coach, and editor who founded (i)nvisible writer to serve service-based business owners and creative professionals who want to use the best words to communicate life-changing ideas. They rely on Chrissy to help them better communicate their thought leadership and grow their business. Since 2015, Chrissy has ghostwritten more than a dozen business books and edited more than 100. In 2021, she started book coaching her clients when she realized that they needed more support to meet their goal of writing a book. You can find her on Instagram @nvisiblewriter and visit her website at www.nvisiblewriter.com.

Laura Terrell is an executive coach with over twenty-five years of experience as a legal and business leader. She offers an insider's perspective for business, legal and corporate professionals, working to help her clients to improve and achieve success in their work lives. Prior to coaching, she was a Special Assistant to the President at the White House, a senior level appointee at the U.S. Department of Justice, an equity partner in two large, global law firms, and in-house counsel at a publicly traded company. Laura has also led and managed teams of people across multiple countries, serving as a top advisor to many Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 companies. Partnering with her clients, she enjoys helping them reach their goals and build confidence in their careers. Learn more about Laura and follow her blog at www.lauraterrell.com. Connect with Laura at LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/

As an African-American little girl born in Alabama in the 60's, there weren't any expectations for her future. However, a supportive family taught her that she could accomplish anything she set her mind to. And she did! As Group Director, Business Development Retail at Catalina, Phyllis Johnson is responsible for leading a team that manages the needs of retail clients by demonstrating Catalina's value in the marketplace. She also participates in advancing Catalina's Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives. Phyllis measures her success as a leader in terms of how she is helping others. Helping others is her primary purpose in her workplace and personal life. Phyllis has over 25+ years of retail expertise and experience. During her career, she has worked with numerous US retailers such as Ahold, Southeastern Grocers, Giant Eagle and Price Chopper assisting them with private brand strategy development which included: Private Brand Portfolio Optimization, New Brand(s) Creation, and Private Brand Sales and Penetration Growth. Phyllis also spent time in London, England working with Sainsbury and their private brand supplier community. She led a team of 45 associates who covered Sainsbury's total footprint to enhance private brands on-shelf positioning/merchandising and to drive expert bakery training for in-store associates. Phyllis is known throughout the industry as a true professional who strives for results without compromising her integrity. She is a proven leader who leads by example and puts service to her team first and foremost. In 2021, Phyllis was awarded the Store Brand 2021 Game Changers Award by StoreBrands Magazine. The award recognizes people, private brands and company innovations that are taking store brands to the next level. In addition, she was named one of WISE's 2020 Top Women in Store Brands. She now sits on the WISE Board of Directors and mentors the WISE Junior Board. She is also sought after as a speaker/panelist for various industry conferences, such as the Velocity Diversity Conference on August 4, 2020. Her topic was “A Seat at the Table: Why Diversity Matters”. It explored issues relating to both black industry professionals and consumers and how retailers and their brands can create more diverse and inclusive organizations, experiences, brands, and products. Prior to joining Catalina, Phyllis worked with various celebrity chefs, TV personalities and their agencies assisting them in bringing their brands and products to the retail marketplace. Phyllis loves giving back to the community and supports various nonprofit organizations by volunteering her time to teach and mentor young and upcoming business professionals. She is also a fitness and health enthusiast. Contact @: LinkedIn: Phyllis Johnson (She/Her), Instagram: phyllisjohn77, TikTok: phyllisj1963

Kenny Harper works with businesses to save time and increase profits by optimizing and elevating the experience they provide their customers. Kenny is an author, speaker and passionate thought-leader on success habits and behavior transformation. He is the co-founder of Growth Amplifiers, a podcast and community of entrepreneurs with the attitude, expertise and drive to thrive. You can find Growth Amplifiers on YouTube, many top podcast channels, LinkedIn and at https://growthamplifiers.com. Join our conversation as we talk about how you can build winning habits, identify behaviors that are sabotaging your success, and develop the mindset to accomplish your goals.

Allyson Hernandez defines the word multi-passionate as a published Author, Executive Coach, Entrepreneur, Composer, Singer, and Mom. As President and Founder of AH Coaching Group, LLC she empowers clients to embrace their "extra" and boldly follow their dreams. After a 20+ year career in Corporate Human Resources, in the past year, she launched a business, wrote and published her novel Ballad of Dreams, a novel with Music, was interviewed and performed her original song "It's Never Too Late" on national TV on the Tamron Hall show. Allyson has performed at the acclaimed Apollo Theater and her EP, Soul Stories can be found wherever you stream music. She has a BFA in Musical Theater from Syracuse University, is a member of the Actors Equity Association, and holds her ACC credentials through the International Coaching Federation.

During Covid, and as the lead for a corporate culture transformation initiative in a $20B project in Africa and Europe, Luis brought his passion for fitness to life and developed a global Fit & Fun at Home program to help with the physical and mental wellbeing of the corporate project teams worldwide that was incredibly well received. After an overwhelming success in impacting not only the personal wellbeing of participants but also helping to improve cross-functional work within the company, he decided to pursue his passion for fitness and healthy living full time and developed an innovative online wellness and fitness app that he named World Record Fitness, inspired by his extraordinary achievements as a multiple Guinness World Records holder. Luis has established a staggering 20 official fitness Guinness World Records, all of them after his 50th birthday! Listen in as we discuss how to do what others think is impossible.

As a child, our guest said she would attend the University of Nairobi. She forgot that goal but years later she attended the University of Nairobi and her mother reminded her of the goal she set many years before. Hear this story and more about Ashley Allen's destiny with entrepreneurship. Acacia trees thrive in adverse conditions and thrive in healthy climes. They are remarkably strong and resilient. Ashley Allen fosters that same strength and resilience in her clients. As president of Acacia Insights LLC, Ashley helps individuals, teams and organizations transform from good to great: enhancing awareness, increasing productivity, managing change and accelerating growth. With a focus on interactive workshop development and facilitation, leadership coaching, personal brand and strategic planning, her client list is diverse: entrepreneurs, multi-unit nationals and global organizations. She has extensive domestic and international experience, in recent years having facilitated programs in 13 countries. Prior to launching her own company, Ashley was an executive with Tribune Company's Orlando Sentinel for more than two decades – with vice president roles in new business development, planning and corporate communications, among other business management and marketing positions. She has been engaged in the community for many years, serving on the regional boards of directors of organizations including Junior Achievement and United Arts, and has mentored managers throughout the U.S. for WOMEN Unlimited. Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ashley both advocates and exemplifies lifelong learning. She was graduated from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts and attended the University of Nairobi, Kenya, Amherst College, the University of Tulsa and the Advanced Executive Program at Northwestern University.

Kate Weaver has been a Supplier Diversity practitioner for the past 20 years. Kate's advocacy stretches beyond her 20-year supplier diversity career path, as she shops and advocates for diverse-owned brands in her personal life, as well. Listen to Kate discuss her Woman-Owned business experiment where she spent an entire year purchasing from only Women-Owned businesses. We discuss the importance of supporting the diverse owned business community and how that helps us all. Catch a special clip at the very end (after my credits) where Kate and I discuss some of our favorite Small, Minority, Women, LGBTQ Owned brands.

Mike Schnitzka was born and raised in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin and has been a resident of the Lake Country area for over 20 years. After serving in the U.S. Army, he joined his father's consulting firm working with large financial institutions. His love for adventure racing began in college, led him to become a disciplined triathlete and earned him three world records in ultra marathon canoe racing earning him a spot in the Guinness Book of Records. In later years Mike fell in love with competitive sailing and has pursued that passion, working on multiple teams racing on Lake Michigan. When changes in the financial world affected his industry, he reinvented himself, called upon his decades of training and experience and began a new career in motivational speaking. Mike enjoys golfing, sailing and studying for his next big adventure, taking to the seas and traveling the world on a sailing Catamaran. http://www.thevelvetrut.com/

William Hayes was born and raised on the inner city streets of Philadelphia during a time where gang warfare was running rampant. He is the youngest of 3 and grew up in a single parent home. His mother eventually relocated to Augusta, GA where he finished high school and joined the United States Navy where he served for 27 years. William has been involved with mentoring youth since he was 19 and is a strong believer in personal development. He used sports as a mentoring tool and coached basketball for over 20 years resulting in numerous Division 1 scholarships and a National ranking for his team. He has touched the lives of many through his passion for speaking. He has spoken in front of the State Attorney's Office Diversion Program, the City Rescue Mission, the Reed Education Center Girls' Summer Camp, Achievers for Life Program within Duval County Schools, the Evening Reporting Center and Difference Makers Diversion Programs to name a few. He also served as a mentor in the Take Stock in Jax Kids program and the Yearup Program at Florida State College of Jacksonville. He is an award winning speaker in Toastmasters and has placed at District level competition against some of the best speakers in the state of Florida. William is very passionate about speaking and believes our words are our power.

Note: This episode discusses mental health and mental illness with references to suicide. Julie McLean has dealt with mental health and mental illness issues most of her life. With that said she has still accomplished things she never thought possible. She is a certified John Maxwell speaker and the CEO of the McLean Leadership Institute. Julie provides unique insight on topics that are not usually shared. Topics like "Bullying in the Workplace", "Starting Conversations to End the Stigma of Mental Illness", and other topics to help people become better leaders. I heard her recent TedX Ocala speech and had to invite her to share with us.

As principal of Thrive Development Partners, LLC, Peggy works with high performing organizations to cultivate authentic, sustainable leaders and teams. She has worked with hundreds of leaders from Fortune 100 global organizations to non-profit agencies to privately held small businesses in developing their personal brand and presence, leadership and influence, organizational savvy, and networking and presentation skills. Peggy is affiliated with Rollins College as a leadership and career coach serving the Crummer Graduate School of Business, and with WOMEN Unlimited, Inc. serving as a subject matter expert and leading programs for high potential women in business. She has served as an adjunct faculty member at Rollins College and the University of Central Florida. Peggy earned her Master's degree in Human Resources from Rollins College and her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration specializing in Organizational Behavior & Management from the University of Houston.

Generating leads and driving sales can be a challenge, but our discussion with CEO David Ubeda demonstrates that with the right approach and goals you can build your business and exceed your targets. My discussion with David not only focuses on how to improve your sales performance but how to pursue business objectives aligned with your strengths. Hear how he turned a desire to help small businesses into a multi-million dollar small business loan program. David (DavidUbeda.com) has been featured on news outlets such as NBC, CBS, FOX, USA Today, WGN, and more. Along with several national and international business focused podcasts. A national level communicator working with organizations like the Chicago Bears, NFL Alumni Association, Boys & Girls Clubs, Pro Sports Experience. His book, “Don't Give Up! 5 Keys To Help You Through Life's Holding Patterns” has helped thousands find direction when feeling stuck in their lives. David is the Host of the popular Life Hacks for Entrepreneurs podcast.

Chaos creates confusion, but also opportunity. When Paul, the avid boater, was forced to work from home due to the pandemic he had an idea. Instead of just working REMOTELY, I'll buy a boat sight unseen and work REBOATLY! I always say doing something spontaneous and different can open your eyes to new possibilities. This takes the cake. Listen to a story of courage, passion and the pursuit of a dream. The 1.5 year journey via the Panama Canal while working will truly inspire you. Follow this amazing journey on Instagram @workingreboatly. Also, catch the recently released story in Soundings Magazine. Real Life. Real Boaters! https://www.soundingsonline.com/voices/a-love-story

For years I've been communicating the importance of planning your goals for the coming year. I've built sophisticated methodologies, tools, and mechanisms with a lot of complexity requiring a decent amount of effort to implement. This year I took a different approach. With everything that's going on in the world, we need approaches that are SIMPLE to implement, have the ability to help us FOCUS and easy to EXECUTE. I put up a quick video on LinkedIn and IG and the response has been great, here's the skinny on making 2022 your best year yet!

When you live a life to serve others and pursue a positive mindset, you can't help but have a great outlook on life. He is a positive motivator and an inspiration to everyone he comes into contact with! The Great King Shane Miller stops by the campgrounds to inspire us to be positive and pursue our best outcomes in life. Focus on your goals, what you want in life and don't let others steal your joy. A fitting message for this holiday season. Pick up a copy of his latest book Crying in the Shortcut, available on Amazon.

If you don't have a destination in mind, how do you know you're not already there. Without vision we meander about in life. Without a why, a purpose some point in mind we will struggle to find meaning in our everyday existence. We do what's in front of us each and everyday, but we need to validate that there is a point. Setting a vision gives you control of the direction you want to take in life. Effective goals point to that vision. By looking at what we are doing in our daily lives we can evaluate if we are headed in the right direction.

CEO of The Fire Inside visits the campgrounds to help us get ready for 2022. To succeed you will need to improve your time management skills. As a Time Management Coach Jones has found a niche helping people transcend procrastination and overcome decision fatigue. Her coaching is designed to take you from overwhelmed and all over the place to organized, more profitable and achieving your goals.

Season 3 is in motion! How fitting is it that our first guest of the season is releasing his album "Infrared", reaching a major milestone. Harris talks about his journey to become an artist and what it takes to reach this accomplishment. Gain valuable insights about focus, balance and sacrifice. Harris also talks about the importance of family and having the right people in your life. His latest release captures some of his recent challenges and experiences. Through it all, he says the light still shines.

As we move into the part of the year that can be emotionally difficult for many, I want us all to be aware that this year is different. The holidays will be accompanied by another year of the pandemic, major disasters e.g. flooding and fires, Afghanistan, political unrest spawned by Texas legislation and more. We have to drop the facade that we are fine and dandy. Instead let's be vulnerable and share how we are feeling so we can get help during these uncertain times.

We spend a lot of time setting goals to expand our network and meet new friends. A song I remember as a kid says, "Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver but the other gold". As I mature I recognize the need and value of long and meaningful friendships. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck or Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King come to mind. Learn some of the keys to long term friendships and how you can cultivate them.

Wait a minute, we may not be out of the woods yet! Whether we are coming out of the pandemic or not we need to pivot for the future ahead. We face some uncertainties for sure. Check out these goals that you can set for yourself, your family and the work place to ensure you're not left behind in the Post Pandemic World.

46 pints of blood, an induced coma and a 5% chance of surviving. Bilal only had prayer and community. It was more than enough, 6 days later his son opened his eyes. Now he leads blood drives worldwide as part of his organization MCB, the Miracle Come Back. Listen to the heartfelt story that proves that miracles are real and they happen to everyday people. If you haven't been a blood donor or you are considering let this story push you to consider making it a goal this year.

How often do we make things bigger in our minds without knowing whether its true or not? I did just that on a DIY project and the more I put it off the more anguish I had about doing it. Listen to hear how such a little thing tormented not only my future as I kicked the can down the road, but hampered my present efficiency.

Let's get down to business. In this Season 2 bonus episode, Brand and Communication Coach Mark Gai keeps it simple, unfiltered and direct. He delivers a powerful conversation on habits you need to accelerate your goals and maximize your outcomes. Mark describes the key behaviors personally and in your relationships to win big this year! "What if doesn't work?", needs to be transformed into "What if it does work?". We are so prepared to fail but inadequately equipped to face success.

It's late March 2020 and the electrifying, entertaining, and inspiring Keynote Speaker Melanie Spring came home after speaking around the country only to find all of her bookings for the year canceled. Another business impacted by the COVID pandemic. However, Melanie is jovial and smiles during our conversation. She doesn't shy away from the vulnerability of the moment. She says it's the vulnerability that gives us our voice. I discuss with Melanie how she transformed her business model. She took her skills and message to the virtual communication world and found opportunity to add value. Listen in to hear how Melanie Spring uses the tenets of goal setting and collaboration to help her focus even in the toughest circumstances.

2021 Started a lot like 2020! Don't let the date on a calendar or tradition determine your fate. Set your direction, be intentional and become the person you've been created to be. Last year I focused on Legacy and Power. As I start the new year I'm focused on my direction and using my Compass is critical. Also, continuing my transformation into who I'm meant to be will be a major focus. Tune into this short but powerful Spontaneous Gems session to get 2021 started on the right foot.