Lets Have This Conversation

Americans say it takes more money to feel financiallycomfortable now than it did a year ago, according to a survey by Charles Schwaband The Globe and Mail. Nearly half (48%) of those surveyed reported that theyare either already financially comfortable or are on track to achieve thatstatus. A quarter (25%) believe that achieving financial comfort is possible,but it will require changes in their lifestyle. In terms of wealth, a third (35%) of Americans think theyare either on track to be wealthy or already are, while a quarter (26%) feelthat they can reach wealth but will need to make significant lifestyleadjustments. Overall, achieving financial comfort and wealth issignificantly more attainable for individuals who identify as savers,investors, and planners. Andrew Gold, Vice President of Wealth and Tax Strategyat Prestige Wealth Management in Southlake, TX, specializes in helpingindividuals take control of their finances, grow their wealth, and retain moreof what they earn through strategic tax planning, smart deductions, and realestate insights. One of the main reasons I entered this profession is due toan experience I had at a young age. After receiving an insurance check from ahit-and-run accident, I sought advice on how to manage the money responsiblyfor long-term wealth. To my surprise, no one wanted to work with me because Iwas too young and didn't have enough money. I faced two choices: work hard andblindly save until I had enough to earn someone's attention, or work hard,save, and learn from the ground up on my own. By age 24, as a husband and afather to a one-year-old, I took a leap of faith and left a comfortable job infinance, choosing to cut my pay in half to pursue a career sharingwealth-building strategies, trading techniques, and real estate tips that I hadlearned along the way. Today, with my third child on the way, I have experience ininvestments across businesses and real estate. I dedicate my time to helpingothers grow and diversify their wealth through proven strategies and thoughtfultax planning. Facebook: @PrestigeWealthMgmt - Andrew Gold  For more information: https://www.pwealthmgmt.com/  

When you push all of your chips to the center of the table, in sports it means you believe you are one of the elite teams capable of winning the ultimate prize. Based on the recent trading deadline acquisitions of the Philadelphia Phillies, one could certainly surmise this. Jhoan Duran and Harrison Bader are two high-leverage acquisitions the Phillies hope will help fortify their chances of winning the World Series.Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles are aiming to solidify their status as the best team in football and maintain their championship-caliber identity and mindset as they pursue another Super Bowl title heading into 2025. Can Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley replicate the success they had a year ago as they defend their title? These are all burning questions of great intrigue. For some answers, I turned to Devin Jackson, the Nighttime Sports Editor for the Philadelphia Inquirer. He joined me this week to provide his perspective on everything related to Philadelphia sports.

There are 34,752,434 small businesses in the United States.Small businesses employ 45.9% of American workers, which amounts toapproximately 59 million people. According to the Small BusinessAdministration, small businesses account for 43.5% of U.S. GDP.The Consumer Financial Bureau states that entrepreneursoften use personal and family savings to start their businesses:·        64.4% use personal and family savings·        16.5% use business loans from banks orother financial institutions·        9.1% use personal credit cards·        8.7% use personal family assets (otherthan the owner's savings)Chris Hurn is a business financing professional who hasfounded two companies listed on the Inc. 500. He specializes in U.S. SmallBusiness Administration lending and currently serves as CEO of Phoenix LenderServices and President of Community Bankshares, Inc. He has provided testimonybefore Congress regarding small business lending and has been referenced in 16business publications.Throughout his career, Chris Hurn has established, managed,and advised financial and business enterprises related to small businesses, SBAlending, and economic development. As President of Community Bankshares Inc.(CBI), he oversees business areas such as SBA and USDA lending and financialsoftware solutions. Under his leadership, CBI was named the top USDA B&Ilender in the U.S. for 2024 and achieved Preferred Lender Program (PLP) statusfrom the SBA. Chris also holds the position of Chief Executive Partner atLendesca, a FinTech firm focused on business financing, and is the founder andformer CEO of Fountainhead, one of 17 nonbank lenders authorized to provide SBA7(a) loans. At Fountainhead, he facilitated nearly 300,000 loans totaling $5.15billion.For more information: https://phoenixlenderservices.com/LinkedIn: @ChrisHurnEmail: Churn@Communitybankshares.com

Lead generation is a significant challenge for 61% ofmarketers, many of whom participate in public speaking, according to a study byCleverly and HubSpot. On average, speakers have approximately three seconds tocapture the attention of event planners.Market Size and Growth:The Canadian speakers' market is projected to reachUS$448.52 million by 2025 (Statista). Internationally, the professional speakermarket is expected to grow by USD 608.4 million at a 4.6% CAGR from 2024 to2029.Cam Beaudoin is the founder of The Frequent Speaker, abooking agency that assists mission-driven leaders with securing speakingengagements without the use of cold outreach or agents. Cam's clients includeTEDx speakers, entrepreneurs, coaches, and executives who seek opportunities toshare their messages with larger audiences. The agency focuses on positioning,timing, and understanding the requirements of decision-makers. Cam's teamhandles research, pitching, and logistics related to booking events. Withexperience in storytelling and insights into event planning, Cam supportsclients in developing speaking as a strategy for organizational growth.For more information:https://www.thefrequentspeaker.com/letshavethisconversationDiscover more: https://www.thefrequentspeaker.comLinkedIn: @CamBeaudoin

A strong sense of support or allegiance is often associatedwith significant financial commitments in sports. This is especially relevantwhen trying to retain one of your homegrown heroes, such as one of the mostprominent pitchers in Major League Baseball, Tarik Skubal. In just over a yearand a half, the Detroit Tigers will have to confront a crucial decisionregarding Skubal, as he becomes a free agent at the end of the 2026 season.  With a less aggressive approach to the trading deadline andtheir diminishing lead in the American League Central, all eyes are on theTigers to see if they can establish a clear vision for the present and future.  Meanwhile, the future of Major League Baseball is alsouncertain, as the collective bargaining agreement is set to expire at the endof the 2026 season. Owners are pushing for a salary cap, while players areclearly resisting this effort. The outcome of these negotiations couldsignificantly impact the state of the game, both now and in the future. Finally, it will be interesting to see how the recenttrading deadline affects the race to October and the winner of the FallClassic. To address these pressing questions, I turned to Tom Ruminski, abaseball news editor for theScore, who joined me this week to discuss allthings baseball.  Follow: @TomRuminski

In 2025, it is estimated that 60% of men in the UnitedStates with mental health concerns will not seek professional assistance,despite 77% experiencing symptoms associated with common mental healthconditions. According to The Priory Group, approximately 40% of men have neverdiscussed their mental health with anyone. Jason Prinzo is a mental healthadvocate, public speaker, and example of resilience and personaltransformation.Prinzowas born and raised on the west side of Cincinnati. His engagement with mentalhealth began at age five, when a drawing intended to depict his familyunintentionally highlighted challenges occurring within his home life. Thisartwork prompted the attention of both his teacher and school counselor.Unfortunately, these early experiences were only the beginning of traumas thatwould impact much of his adult life. For many years. Prinzo did not fullyrecognize or accept that he was struggling with mental illness. It was onlyduring a period of outward success—when happiness seemed most attainable—thathe came to realize there was an underlying issue.While considered successful by conventional standards,especially given his early circumstances and limited formal education, Mr.Prinzo built an accomplished career in the music industry. He held executivepositions at Warner Bros. and Capitol Records before founding his own marketingand promotion company. His career took him around the globe and affordedopportunities to attend high-profile events such as the Grammy Awards, SuperBowls, and Masters Tournaments—experiences he once considered unattainable.Despite these achievements, he found little joy, as depression, anxiety, anger,and imposter syndrome persisted throughout his daily life. Each morning broughtuncertainty and concern over potentially losing everything he had worked for.Today,as a public speaker, Prinzo openly shares his journey of recovery, aiming tochallenge misconceptions about mental health, foster empathy, promoteself-care, and inspire others to pursue their paths toward healing and growththrough seeking support.For more information: https://www.jasonprinzo.com/Follow: @jasonprinzomh

The process of sales is complex and requires various skills.According to a Gartner survey, 72% of sellers report feeling overwhelmed by thenumber of skills needed for their roles. Sellers experiencing overwhelm are 45%less likely to reach their quotas, which can negatively impact businessresults. The "Sales Trap Prevention Playbook" by Kelvin Johnsonpresents an approach focused on daily micro-training to help build effectivehabits in sales teams. Drawing on research from over 60 sales organizations, theguide introduces a structured 15-minute-a-day methodology aimed at improvingsales performance, reducing common challenges, and supporting team development.The book includes case studies and strategies intended to provide a frameworkfor navigating today's competitive sales environment.Key topics covered include:·        A 15-minute daily training methoddesigned to build productive habits and improve performance·        Techniques to identify and avoidissues that can impede sales progress·        Methods for effectively schedulingmeetings and advancing prospects through the sales process·        Practice exercises developed with AIto support objection handling, pricing negotiation, and closing deals·        Guidance on goal setting, strategydevelopment, and skill refinementKelvin Johnson, CEO and Co-Founder of Brevity, states, “Ouraim was to condense years of sales experience into a practical playbooksuitable for any sales team. By using these focused, time-efficient methods,sales teams may enhance close rates, shorten cycles, and increase revenue.”For more information: https://www.brevitypitch.com/LinkedIn: @KelvinJohnsonJr.

A limited proportion of the American workforce reports achieving theirfull professional potential. According to Gallup, approximately 70% of U.S.employees do not believe they are performing at their highest capacity.Similarly, a separate study referenced by Lorman Education Services indicatesthat 74% of workers attribute this gap to insufficient developmentopportunities. This data underscores a widespread sentiment among employeesthat their skills and abilities remain underutilized or underdeveloped.In "The Life-Changing Power of Adversity," readers areprovided with guidance on constructing a fulfilling life despite challenges,and on converting adversity into a catalyst for attaining personal andprofessional objectives. This publication serves as a comprehensive resourcefor individuals who aspire to achieve more but find themselves feelingstagnant, uncertain, or undervalued in their current circumstances. Through acombination of real-life examples, practical lessons, and actionable strategies,Jordan Mendoza—renowned podcast host, entrepreneur, and sales coach—details histransformation of obstacles into opportunities and setbacks into achievements.Whether readers face workplace undervaluation, business growth obstacles, orindecision regarding future steps, Mendoza's book presents the necessarymindset and tools to overcome barriers.Key topics explored include:·        Shifting perspectives·        Taking decisive actions·        Creating sustainable success·        Turning past failures into prospects for growthRegardless of an individual's present situation, the book emphasizestheir ability to reshape their narrative. For those prepared to move beyondself-doubt and unlock their true potential, this work offers a valuableroadmap.Jordan Mendoza is a distinguished figure in sales and social mediacoaching, a respected podcast host, and an author devoted to empowering bothindividuals and organizations. His approach to leveraging social mediaengagement for robust, meaningful connections has earned him recognition fordelivering tangible results rooted in resilience, authenticity, and acommitment to elevating others.As the creator and host of the acclaimed podcast "Blaze Your OwnTrail," Mendoza provides listeners with insights from prominent leaders,entrepreneurs, and creatives. The program delves into the foundational storiesbehind notable successes and imparts valuable guidance for forging uniquecareer paths.Mendoza's journey has included significant adversities—encompassing bothpersonal and professional challenges—which have informed his resilient coachingphilosophy. By candidly sharing these experiences, he aims to motivate othersto harness their difficulties as sources of development.With over thirty years of experience in sales and more than a decadespecializing in social media, Mendoza offers methods that are both proven andpractical. His distinctive background merges expertise in personal developmentwith state-of-the-art sales and social media strategies, equipping clients tonavigate today's competitive environment effectively.His methodology centers on the belief that, with the appropriatemindset, strategic direction, and supportive community, individuals can realizeand sustain their full potential.For more information:https://jordanjmendoza.com/Acquire the book:https://www.amazon.com/LIFE-CHANGING-POWER-ADVERSITY-Struggles-Potential-ebook/dp/B0FHYB6JV3?ref=ast_author_mpb

Most executives wish for more hours in a day, with about 80% reportingexhaustion from excessive meetings and feeling unable to focus on their moststrategic work, according to an Atlassian study published by Harvard BusinessReview. Michelle (Melin) Niemeyer, keynote speaker and workshop facilitator,experienced burnout during her demanding legal career but recovered bydeveloping "The Art of Bending Time." After being diagnosed with arare autoimmune disease, she became a certified health coach, studied functionalmedicine, and learned from thought leaders in psychology and leadership. Thisholistic approach helped her reclaim joy and productivity, and now she sharesit to help others gain time, reduce stress, achieve health improvements, anddesign fulfilling lives—without quitting their jobs. Clients often reportgaining at least ten additional productive hours each week and see positivechanges both personally and professionally.Text Clarity To: 33777

Approximately3.5% of women and about 2% of men will experience binge eating disorder intheir lifetime. Half of the risk for developing this disorder is genetic. Intotal, 2.8% of American adults will struggle with binge eating disorder at somepoint in their lives. According to the Eating Disorder Center and McGillUniversity, binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in theUnited States, affecting individuals of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.Approximately 1.25% of adult women and 0.42% of adult men have binge eatingdisorder, and around 1.6% of teens aged 13 to 18 are affected. Amber Abila is aBinge Eating and Overeating Coach who helps women stop binge eating andovereating by rewiring their brains, allowing them to feel normal and incontrol around any food. Through coaching and psychology, she discovered thatthere was nothing wrong with her; she just needed simple brain tools to makesignificant changes in her eating habits and life.  “After many yearsstruggling with numerous eating issues (yes, you name it, and I've probablyexperienced it), I decided enough was enough and embarked on my journey to foodfreedom. I sought therapy and coaching, read every book, and listened to everypodcast I could find. I wouldn't give up until I could finally feel normalaround food again. I didn't take the easy path, but it worked. Now, as yourcoach, I'm here to share everything I've learned and guide you step by step onthe exact path to stop binge eating and overeating, in a way that's muchfaster, simpler, and easier than you ever thought possible.”  She alsoemphasizes that it's important to remember: "You are not broken, andnothing has gone wrong." For moreinformation: https://www.theconfidenteater.org/ Instagram:@@theconfidenteater_  Guided Audio:https://www.theconfidenteater.org/urge

The podcasting industry has experienced tremendous growthover the past decade, and as we progress through 2025, it shows no signs ofslowing down. According to Forbes, there are over 540 million podcast listenersworldwide, and brands are increasingly incorporating podcasts into theirmarketing strategies. However, LinkedIn reports that less than 7% of podcastersmanage to produce more than 100 episodes. Vince Quinn is dedicated to helping business owners scaletheir podcasts. As the Co-Founder and Creative Director of SBX Productions, heassists businesses in launching podcasts and utilizing them to enhance theirmarketing efforts. Vince also empowers podcasters to unlock their hostingpotential, which he believes is a vital life skill. Hosting is about the art ofconversation; if you can host a compelling conversation, you can create bettercontent, build stronger relationships, and express your ideas effectively.“I began my career as a radio intern and worked my way up tobecome a nationally syndicated radio host. Now, I serve as an executive podcastproducer and coach individuals on the crucial skill of hosting—a skill thatoften goes unnoticed. Whether it's a podcast, a work meeting, or a first date,strong hosting skills can help you stand out, lead with confidence, and connectwith others. If you're a business owner, corporate executive, or organizationalleader who wants to improve their communication abilities in all areas of life,let's explore the hosting skills you never realized you needed.” LinkedIn: @VinceQuinn Listen:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-not-just-talking-with-vince-quinn/id1769698285 

Many individuals experience various burdens in their lives.Challenges are common, yet there is a prevailing tendency to manage themprivately, sometimes viewing requests for assistance as a sign of weakness.Evidence suggests that self-awareness can play a valuable role,including the ability to pause, reflect, and seek support when necessary.Surveys such as those conducted by the American PsychologicalAssociation (APA) indicate that 27% of U.S. adults feel so stressed they cannotfunction on most days. The APA's "Stress in America" report alsonotes that 76% of adults believe stress negatively affects aspects of theirlives. Another study reports that 60% of U.S. adults sometimes feel too busy toenjoy life.Certified life coach Brandon Held grew up in challenging circumstances,including the absence of a father and exposure to substance abuse and domesticviolence. He joined the military, pursued higher education, and has had variedprofessional experiences. He also reports having faced significant personalstruggles, including thoughts of suicide. Drawing from these experiences, heseeks to support others who have encountered trauma and adversity, aiming tobuild a community for individuals with similar backgrounds. He is an Ohio StateBuckeye Football fan and incorporates a personalized approach to his work as alife coach, offering support for personal growth and motivation. Thoseinterested in additional information may visit: https://www.brandonheld.com/

A small percentage of small business owners have a formal,written growth strategy. One survey indicates that only 35% of small businessowners have a formal growth plan in place. Many, however, prioritize immediatechallenges over long-term planning, according to RBC. Here's a more detailed breakdown: - **Formal Plans:** While 35% of small businesses have aformal growth plan, another survey suggests that only about 33% have a formalbusiness plan.- **Growth Expectations:** One in five Canadian businessesanticipates negative or no growth in the medium term. Specifically, a GoldmanSachs survey found that 77% of small business owners are concerned about theirability to access the capital needed to run and grow their businesses. I'm Brandon Pflieger, a former marketing agency executivewho transitioned into entrepreneurship after successfully scaling multiplemulti-million dollar operations. Today, I run Capital Growth Partners, aconsulting firm dedicated to helping small business owners identify and fixissues, rebuild effectively, and scale profitably.  What sets me apart is that I'm not just a consultant—I'malso an operator. I own and actively manage businesses in both the fitness ande-commerce sectors, allowing me to bring real-world perspectives to everyconversation. I've experienced firsthand what works and what doesn't, from leadgeneration and team building to margin expansion and strategic turnarounds.  If you're the type of business owner, founder, owners, orleaders who want to grow their business without the corporate nonsense, I'm theperson who provides blunt, actionable insights with no fluff—and I have storiesto back it up. For more information: https://growsmartercgp.com/

According to the Pew Research Center, about 46% of American men considerit important to be seen as masculine, with 9% rating it as very important. Thissuggests that a notable portion of men attribute some significance toperceptions of masculinity, though levels of importance differ.Licensed Psychotherapist Timothy Wienecke focuses on supporting men asthey navigate issues related to masculinity, mental health, and accountability.Over the past two decades, Wienecke has worked in various roles such asadvocate, military service member, mentor, organizer, educator, and counselor,providing support during challenging times. With experience trainingindividuals in technical roles for the NSA and leading bystander interventionprograms in the Air Force, he has instructed over 3,000 Airmen in strategiesfor effectively preventing harassment and sexual assault. His contributionshave been recognized with awards including Airman of the Quarter, EarlyPromotion, and an Air Force Achievement Medal.After leaving the military, Wienecke continued his work as a peereducator at Auraria Campus and facilitated the launch of Colorado University atDenver's Peer Advocates for Veteran Education program. He has developed andtaught curriculum on topics such as time management, communication skills,gender dynamics, bystander intervention, cross-cultural communication, andmilitary culture. His efforts have been acknowledged with recognitions such asFeminist Ally of the Year, a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Phoenix Centerat Auraria, and Outstanding Graduate of the CU Counseling program.For more information: https://empoweredchangece.com/ Discover More: https://www.americanmasculinity.com/

Your mindset is a set of beliefs that shape how you makesense of the world and yourself. It influences how you think, feel, and behavein any given situation. It means that what you believe about yourself impactsyour success or failure. Research suggests a significant and growing number ofathletes utilize these techniques for performance enhancement and mentalwell-being. A study cited by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that96% of athletes surveyed reported knowledge of at least one mental technique,and a significant portion used them before competitions or for regenerationafter injuries. Furthermore, a New York Times article highlights the growingrecognition of deep breathing as a valuable tool for athletes, suggesting itsuse is not niche but rather becoming more mainstream.Jure Koscak was a professional table tennis player for 15years. During his career, he did a lot of research on sports psychology, and inthe last 15 years, after earning a Ph.D. in physical education, he hasspecialized as a mental coach for high performance. He has been working withmore than 50 professional athletes from different sports and more than 1000private clients. He is fluent in Slovenian, English, Spanish, German,Serbo-Croatian, and French. Jure is always inquiring about life and how tocontribute as much as possible so that athletes and others can strive andthrive in their arenas of life and sports. Lately, he has been using the AEQmethod to relax chronic pain and increase emotional maturity.For more information: https://www.thegenuineathlete.com/Follow: @genuine_athlete.jk

A significant majority of executives in the United States recognizethe importance of team building in fostering a strong organizational culture.According to Deloitte, 94% of executives and 88% of employees consider adistinctive workplace culture important for business success. This datasuggests broad agreement on the value of team-building activities in promotinga positive and productive work environment.Kelly Meerbott, PCC, CBTI, is a keynote and TEDx speaker,author, podcast host, and leadership consultant. She is the daughter ofprofessional golfer George Burns III, who had 80 top 10 finishes on the PGATour. Kelly has worked with senior executives, C-suite leaders, and more than400 high-ranking officers in the US military. Her coaching approachincorporates trauma-informed practices and PTSD training, focusing onconfidentiality and psychological safety.  “I help executives drive measurable ROI through strategiccoaching, leadership retreats, and culture transformation. My clients scalefaster, retain top talent longer, and see up to 30% improvements inproductivity, profitability, and trust. With 16+ years across tech, VC, and Fortune 500, I turnhigh-stress growth into focused momentum.”Kelly holds coaching certifications in Human &Organizational Transformation, Unconscious Bias, Leadership, cognitive therapy,improv, communications, and is a certified clinical trauma specialist. She isthe author of "From Burnout To Bliss" and earned her undergraduatedegree from the College of the Holy Cross.https://kellymeerbott.com/Follow: @kellymeerbottEmail: kelly@youloudandclear.comLinkedIn: @Kelly(Burns)Meerbott

Effective leadership is the ability to guide, inspire, andinfluence a group or organization toward achieving common goals. It involvesmore than just managing tasks; it requires setting a clear vision, fostering apositive and productive environment, and empowering individuals to contributetheir best. Effective leaders are not merely bosses; they are also motivators,mentors, and strategic thinkers.  A significant majority of executives—specifically70%—acknowledge that mastering a broader range of effective leadershipbehaviors is important or very important to them. This reflects a strongrecognition among leaders of the need for robust leadership skills to navigatecurrent and future business challenges. According to Harvard PublishingCorporate Learning and their 2024 Global Leadership and Development report,strong leadership is crucial for success. Andre Levingston is an expert in running effective andthriving organizations while leading people with passion and purpose. As theco-founder of Canada's first professional basketball league and team owner, hebrings extensive experience in negotiation, administration, mentoring,leadership, and marketing. He is also the founder and owner of successfulmini-market chains and fried chicken franchises, where he leads strategicexpansion and growth nationwide. Andre is a dedicated business development professionalwith academic credentials from California State University, Chico. Email: levingstonandre@gmail.com  LinkedIn: @AndreLevingstonston

Addressing Screen Addiction: A Path to Regaining ControlIf you are concerned about teenagers spending excessive timeon digital devices, you are not alone. A substantial number of American youth,particularly teenagers, exceed recommended screen time limits. Studies indicatethat a significant percentage of teens spend over four hours per day onscreens, with some reports suggesting nearly half experience more than eighthours of daily screen usage, as documented by the Pew Research Center.Mary Catherine Liscinski is a Certified Life Coach,specializing in the treatment of Digital Addiction.  She's also been a certified mental healthcounselor for the last 14 years. As a professional in this field, she iscurrently authoring a book that delves into the adverse effects of excessivescreen time and provides strategies for reversing these impacts. Her expertisehas been recognized through various interviews and speaking engagements,including regular appearances on The Dave Elswick Radio Show. Dave Elswick haspraised her insight, stating: "This is the first time she's been on ourshow. How have you flown under the radar for so long? Seriously, you'rearticulating what people need to hear in everyday language." He furtherremarked, "Today's show is incredibly compelling; your explanations makeperfect sense," and noted, "I've received overwhelmingly positivefeedback about you."For more information, please visit  https://lifewalkcoaching.com/or contact her (501) 290-7132.

A significant portion of American men are concerned aboutretirement, with some even fearing it more than death. Specifically, 44% of mensurveyed express greater fear of retirement than of death, according to YahooFinance. This apprehension is not limited to financial concerns; many men alsoworry about potential boredom and loss of purpose in retirement, as reported byNasdaq. Additionally, a large percentage of working Americans, including men,are anxious about the possibility of insufficient funds for retirement.Michael Kay, Life Coach and Professional Speaker, emphasizesthat life will be challenging if one allows it to happen passively. Thetransition from professional life to retirement is fraught with obstacles anddifficulties. In his career as a fee-only financial planner, Mr. Kay guidedclients through the complexities of identifying their purpose and values. Now,as a coach and speaker, he continues this work without the financial aspects.Mr. Kay's personal transitions—from musician to CPA, to financial planner, tobusiness creator and owner, to author, and then to life coach—have presentednumerous challenges. He is dedicated to assisting others through similartransitions.To support men transitioning from their careers, Mr. Kayfounded Chapter X, a community aimed at helping them navigate this criticalperiod. As a Certified Life Coach, he assists individuals in recognizing andpursuing their core values. Mr. Kay acknowledges the disorderliness of life andhighlights the importance of having someone to provide support and askpertinent questions. After a five-decade hiatus, he has returned to his initialpassion, music, and finds great enjoyment in it. Additionally, he has shiftedhis focus from writing non-fiction to fiction, relishing the creativity ofcrafting characters and stories for entertainment.Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Kay volunteers toassist elderly individuals with managing their bills, mail, and other tasks,striving to be a reliable companion. He maintains physical activity throughweight training and yoga.For more information: https://michaelfkay.com/Email: mk@michaelfkay.comLinkedIn: @MichaelF.Kay

The security of home ownership provides the stability of reassuranceand comfort.  However, in 2025, Ontariois facing a significant homelessness crisis, with estimates suggesting manypeople are experiencing homelessness. Specifically, there are estimatesof 80,000 to 234,000 Ontarians experiencinghomelessness. Without significant intervention, homelessness could doubleor even triple in the coming years. While specific percentage figures of the total populationexperiencing homelessness are not readily available, the data indicate that theissue is widespread and growing. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)reports that known homelessness has increased by over 25% since 2022.Furthermore, it's important to note that a significant portion of thoseexperiencing homelessness are chronically homeless (defined as being homelessfor at least a year or repeatedly in the past three years. The Back Door Mission operates the Mission United Project, alow-barrier access hub for essential supports, social services, and primaryhealth care. ​ MissionUnited provides wrap-around support services to individuals in Durham Regionwho are dealing with homelessness, housing insecurity, mental health andaddiction concerns, and food access challenges. Through this collaboration andyour continued support, the Back Door Mission continues to provide the bestcare for a community in need. Nathan Gardner is the Executive Director at theBack Door Mission.  He's a communitydevelopment professional with a background in social sciences and education. Ihave been fortunate to work in several sectors, including community health,post-secondary student affairs, and recently in social planning. I have apassion for team building and inspiring others, which has included bothvolunteer coaching roles and professional management. My core values include servingthose who require support, servant leadership, and a big emphasis on teamworkand collaboration. He joined me this week to discuss the important work his organizationdoes, and the steps needed to end homelessness, dependency on addiction, andfood insecurity across the province of Ontario.  For more information: https://www.backdoormission.ca/ LinkedIn: @NathanGardnerEmail: ngardner@backdoormission.ca

The commitment to consistency leads to prosperity in business.  It's an indicator your business has a purposeand direction of importance and clarity. In 2025, 68% of organizations report that brandconsistency has contributed at least 10% to their revenue growth. 82% oforganizations use templates to ensure brand consistency, with 37% using themfor design and creative teams, and 16% across all teams, according to a Capital One Shopping report. Over 70%of small businesses believe branding is critical to their growth, and 90% ofconsumers prefer personalized marketing.  Adam Torres is on a mission to encourage others to sharetheir stories for the benefit of all. He has conducted 6,000+ interviews andfounded Mission Matters, a media outlet designed to give voice to the storiesof entrepreneurs, entertainers, executives, and experts. In the coming years,he will continue this mission by adding to their current 100,000+ contentcatalogue of shows, podcasts, media, and books to tell meaningful stories thatwill inspire current and future generations. Before establishing MissionMatters, in Adam's 14+ years in the financial services industry, he amassed aroster of clientele including 1,000+ business owners, and 3.000+ high net worthfamilies. Before his exit, Adam was responsible for the relationship managementof over 400 families with a cumulative net worth exceeding 500 million dollars.Instagram: @askadamtorres

Has civility and empathy been eroded from American politicstoday? With so many people taking divided and fractured stands when it comes tothe state of the government. Well, if you take a deeper dive into the numbers,they will tell a compelling and interesting story. According to Gallup News, Arecord-high 80% of U.S. adults believe Americans are greatly divided on themost important values, while 18% believe the country is united. The percentageseeing the nation as divided has ticked up from 77% the last time Gallup askedthe question in 2016. It is more than 10 percentage points higher than in the prior2004 and 2012 measures.Public skepticism about national unity isn't new. Surveys byGallup and others dating back to the 1990s show that Americans typically haveseen the country as divided on key values. Only in 2001 and 2002, in theaftermath of 9/11, did Gallup find most Americans perceiving the opposite, withover two-thirds of U.S. adults believing the nation was united. For someinsightful answers regarding the current state of play in American politics today,I enlisted the expertise of Brent Giannotta.  Brent was a CIA counterterrorism analyst from 2010 to 2015,tracking ISIS foreign fighters, external operations, and extremist psychology.After resigning, he became an award-winning journalist and ghostwrote op-edsfor political figures published in the Washington Post and Foreign PolicyMagazine. He then transitioned to mental health, joining a psychiatric crisisresponse team and counseling callers to the 988-suicide crisis hotline. He leftthose jobs in 2024 when he was invited to join the 2024 Harris-Walz campaign inPittsburgh. Born and raised in Los Angeles and educated in internationalrelations, Spanish, and Arabic at the University of Southern California, Brentwon a Rotary scholarship to study Middle East studies at the AmericanUniversity in Cairo, Egypt. He's worked in Congress, edited reports for HumanRights Watch, worked on AOC's first campaign, has published op-eds in the LATimes, and guest lectured at USC, UCLA, and Harvard Extension School. Brent nowlives in Las Vegas, where he authors the Substack newsletter, Sleeping Giant.    Subscribe: https://brentgiannotta.substack.com/Follow: @BrentGiannotta 

According to the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention, more than 1 in 4 adults (28.7percent) in the United States, or 70 million people, have some type ofdisability. 12.2 percent of U.S. adults have a mobility disability, whichincludes serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Devon Wieters is acollege graduate, writer, and podcaster who just happens to have cerebralpalsy. She is passionate about creating a better world for all! Additionally,she is a fierce advocate for the passage of the SSI Restoration Act, whichwould eliminate the Social Security/Medicaid “marriage penalty,” and the SSISavings Penalty Elimination Act, which would raise the salary and asset limitsfor Social Security and Medicaid. These changes would allow people withdisabilities to work and marry without losing vital disability benefits. She isalso advocating for a man named Crosley Green to be released from prison, whomshe believes was wrongfully convicted of murder in Florida in 1990.Furthermore, Devon is a super fan of the TV show Survivor and loves analyzing thestrategy of the game with the fan community. In fact, she learned interviewtechniques from watching host Jeff Probst!  For more information: https://wheelwithit.com/

Mental health is a crucial aspectof cognitive and emotional stability, enabling individuals to navigate theworld with clarity and awareness. National Mental Health AwarenessMonth, observed in May, seeks to increase understanding of mental healthissues, reduce stigma, and promote awareness of mental health conditions. Thismonth presents an opportunity to educate the general populace regarding mentalhealth, dismantle obstacles to seeking assistance, and advocate for enhancedsupport and resources. Mental illness is prevalent; lastyear witnessed a higher incidence of mental disorders compared to illnessessuch as stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy combined. Recent statistics from the DistrictHealth Council (1996) indicate that approximately 62,000 individuals in Windsorand Essex County are contending with mental health challenges. The CanadianMental Health Association (CMHA) provides a comprehensive array of services tosupport nearly all residents in our area. They offer specialized services forthose affected by severe mental illnesses, support for individuals facinglife's difficulties, and educational programs targeting the public.  Kim Wills, Director ofCommunications & Mental Health Promotion for the CMHA of Windsor-Essex,engaged in a thorough discussion with me this week about the state of mentalhealth across Canada, including local concerns in Windsor and Essex. She shared insights on enhancingand expanding the quality of resources available to individuals in need,ensuring broader access to essential support. For more information: https://windsoressex.cmha.ca Follow: @cmhawecb

Consumer confidence serves as a vital statistical measurethat reflects how consumers feel about both current and anticipated economicconditions. It acts as a key indicator of the overall health of the economy.Recent data has shown a troubling decline in consumer confidence, a trend thatcould have significant ramifications for entrepreneurs.  In April, the Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Indexplummeted to its lowest level in five years, a stark indication of shiftingsentiments among consumers. Adding to this concerning picture, a recent surveyfrom The Associated Press-NORC Center revealed that nearly half of Americansare apprehensive about the prospect of a recession, highlighting widespreadanxiety about the economic landscape. Colin Walsh, who has successfully built and sold beautycompanies valued over half a billion dollars—most notably the sale of OUAI toProcter & Gamble—has navigated numerous challenges associated with scalingbusinesses while striving to maintain balance and fulfillment. His extensiveexperiences have greatly shaped his strategic approach at Procter &Gamble's Specialty Beauty division and are also central to his innovative newventure, YayDay. In our recent conversation, Colin delved into varioustopics, including business leadership, the intricacies of entrepreneurship, andthe crucial timing for scaling a business. For more information:  please visit: https://www.myyayday.com/ à If you wish toconnect, with Colin  feel free to reachout via email at colin@myyayday.com or follow along on Instagram at@colin.j.walsh.

The U.S. construction industry plays a vital role in theAmerican economy, contributing approximately 4.5% to the GDP. It employs about8.2 million people and generates roughly $2.2 trillion in constructionannually. As a leading economic indicator, the industry often signals changesin the overall economic landscape, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. I'm Zach Friedensohn, and I am not your typical generalcontractor. Since 2013, I have been deeply involved in the constructionindustry, blending hands-on experience with a business-oriented approach. Afterearning my degree in business and real estate from the University of NorthTexas, I dove headfirst into the industry, managing subcontractors on largecapital projects while often getting directly involved in the work myself. Thishands-on experience has shaped my leadership style and my approach to operatinga construction company. In 2019, I co-founded my first construction firm and gainedfirsthand insight into what it takes to build a successful business in ademanding industry. This journey led me to establish G&R Construction, adesign-build firm that specializes in commercial projects throughout theAtlanta area. Our work spans a variety of projects, from full-scale renovationsto ground-up developments, including Redan Plaza, the Ryder Training Center,and several mixed-use developments. One crucial lesson I've learned is that constructioninvolves much more than just building—it encompasses leadership, communication,and trust. At G&R Construction, I have made it my mission to redefineclient expectations for contractors. Our emphasis on reliability, transparency,and a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach sets us apart in an industry oftenlacking these qualities. I run one of the fastest-growing general contractingcompanies in the Southeast, with over $3 million in booked projects thisyear—and we're just getting started. Our team of five is rapidly expanding aswe take on more commercial projects and scale G&R Construction. For more information: https://www.g-rconstruction.com/ Email: zach@g-rconstruction.comom

The U.S. Department of Education allocates funds to states,which then distribute the money to local school districts. These districts mustjustify their actions to state authorities to receive funding. This funding impacts resources and training for specialeducation teachers. Last year, 70% of public schools reported vacancies in thisarea, with half of the teachers leaving within five years, according to PBS NewsHour.Dr. Diana Fannon, an educator and advocate with over 23years of experience in special education, has a background as a bilingualschool psychologist and special education director. She has attended thousandsof IEP meetings and helped many families understand special education.Diagnosed with epilepsy at 17 and raising a child with autism, she knows thechallenges firsthand. Through DisabilityEdPros, Dr. Fannon provides parentswith the tools to navigate special education and advocate for their children. Sheis dedicated to ensuring every child has access to necessary education andresources.For more information: https://www.disabilityedpros.com/ Follow: @disabilityedpros

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in2022–23, the number of students ages 3–21 who received special education and/orrelated services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)was 7.5 million, or the equivalent of 15 percent of all public school students.Among students receiving special education and/or related services, the mostcommon category of disability was specific learning disabilities (32 percent).  John Fela (Felageller) is the MinistryRelations Manager at Joni and Friends Chicago, working with churches to equipand train them to help the disabled in their communities. Previous to that, hespent almost 20 years in education, working with children from Infants toMiddle School, serving in a variety of roles including Teacher, Mentor Teacherand School Director. John lives in Lyons, IL, is married to his wife Faith, andis the father to his son Christopher (ASD). He is a public speaker, multiplepodcast guest, and regular contributor to Key Ministry's Special Needs Familyblog, as well as other special needs blogs, including Hope Anew and The Mighty.Connect with John on his website: www.johnfela.com“I choose to do this work because I am profoundly aware of what it is like tobe a special needs parent with no support and no one to reach out to as alifeline when times get hard. I found this especially challenging as a man andfather, since there are not as many resources for dads as there are for moms,and men in these kinds of families bear an incredible burden with almost no onethey can seemingly trust or reach out to.”For more information: https://johnfela.com/Facebook: @John'sBlogforSpecialNeedsParents Instagram: @john_fela_1 LinkedIn: @John(Felageller)Fela

Many American entrepreneurs report a better work-lifebalance compared to traditional employment, although nearly half still find itdifficult to disconnect, and 82% have lost sleep due to work concerns,according to Adobe.After coaching over 10,000 individuals over two decades,Andrew Poles has found it possible to build a successful business withoutcompromising one's personal life. He collaborates with first-time founders torealize this transformation. As a sought-after Executive Coach, Andrew workswith visionary founders on various aspects, including raising capital, buildingteams, entering the market, and achieving work-life integration while stayingcommitted to their goals.First-time founders often encounter business demands thatexceed their experience and skills. Coaching provides the necessary supportbetween previous performance and the expectations of their companies. Andrew isexperienced in helping leaders navigate these challenges effectively. He hascoached over 10,000 leaders, collaborated with executives at organizations likeNASA, Dell, Netflix, and Epic Games, and founded three businesses.Andrew specializes in assisting early-stage founders andsmall business owners in managing overwhelm, building high-performance teams,and leading confidently without burnout. For those growing a business andfeeling the pressure, Andrew offers guidance to lead with clarity, resilience,and impact.LinkedIn: @AndrewPolesEmail: apoles@andrewpoles.com 

According to Forbes, for 80% of people, happiness continues to rise with income past $75,000. However, for a minority who are unhappy, their unhappiness decreases as they make more money — but only up to about $100,000 (approximately the same as $75,000 adjusted for inflation). Dr. Travis Parry is the author of "Achieving Balance" and "Marry and Grow Rich". He has earned a master's degree in psychology and a PhD in Family Relations to better understand finances from psychological and family perspectives. Travis founded the Make Time Institute and has assisted thousands of business owners and couples across all 50 states in achieving their financial objectives. He is an international speaker and hosts the podcast "Balanced Growth Show". His personal life includes being a husband to his wife of 22 years and father to their eight children.The Balanced Growth Method is designed to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses without negatively affecting their marriage or health. Business owners using this method are able to improve their health and relationships by saving time and money. The Balanced Growth Method operates on several principles:• Align your values with your time• Increase productivity• Grow your business while working fewer hours• Achieve individual goals with your spouse• Collaborate to reach financial milestonesFor more information: https://www.maketimeinstitute.com/

Intrinsic motivation thrives when individuals feel a senseof authority over their roles and responsibilities. By granting employeesownership of outcomes and the authority to make decisions that affect theirwork, organizations empower them to take initiative, innovate, and take pridein their contributions. According to the Institute for Health and ProductivityStudies at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, increasingemployees' physical activity can lead to a healthier workforce, boostproductivity, and reduce the risk of developing expensive and debilitatingchronic diseases. Physically active employees incur lower healthcare costs,take less sick leave, and are more productive at work. Specifically, researchindicates that employees who engage in at least 75 minutes ofvigorous-intensity physical activity each week miss an average of 4.1 fewerdays of work per year. Furthermore, those who are physically inactive are morelikely to require sick leave, costing an average of 26 cents for each hourworked. Justin Martinez is a former U.S. Army Ranger who hastransitioned into being an entrepreneur, author, and personal transformationexpert. With a diverse background in real estate, fitness, and financialmastery, he has established multiple successful ventures, including scalingAirbnbs and launching a fitness coaching business. A dedicated athlete, Justinhas completed Ironmans, ultramarathons, and the 75 Hard program several times.His book, The Compounder's Guide to Developing the Ranger Mindset, offers ablueprint for achieving success through discipline and resilience. Justin'smission is straightforward: to assist others in breaking limits, embracingchallenges, and crafting a life characterized by purpose, freedom, andexceptional accomplishment. His philosophy is clear: “Do today what your futureself will thank you for.” By shifting focus from short-term gratification tolong-term success, individuals position themselves for a life filled withgenuine freedom and fulfillment. He joined me this week to share more aboutthis journey. For more information: https://compoundercoach.com/ Instagram: @thecompoundercoach Get the Book: https://compoundercoach.com/ranger-mindset   

Trust in various institutions is declining, making itincreasingly valuable in business. The fourth trust survey released byPricewaterhouseCoopers highlights the significance and opportunity of trustamong business executives, consumers, and employees. Among respondents, 95% ofbusiness executives agree that organizations have a responsibility to buildtrust, an increase from 92% in 2023. The numbers for consumers and employeesare also high, with 92% and 94% agreeing, respectively, remaining unchanged fromthe previous year. There is not only a moral case for building trust but also abusiness case, as 93% of business executives believe that the ability tocultivate and maintain trust positively impacts the bottom line. Amongexecutives, 42% cite productivity as the biggest risk if employees do not trusttheir employer, followed closely by the quality of products and services (41%),operational efficiencies (40%), and profitability (38%). Surprisingly, employeeretention ranks lower on the list. Traditionally, companies have consideredtrust among employees as a way to attract and retain talent. However, this dataindicates that a lack of trust among employees significantly affects everydayoperations. The risk is not simply that employees may leave; it is that theymay stay but work only half-heartedly.  Additionally, 60% of employees report that they haverecommended a company as a good place to work because they trusted it, whereas22% have left a company due to trust issues. Adam Malone is a leadership consultant, corporate keynotespeaker, and father of five, known as “The Tenacious Operator.” After a 20-yearcareer in the corporate world—17 of which he spent with one company, risingfrom analyst to VP—Adam left in 2024 to pursue his passion for helping highperformers become great leaders of resilient teams. His mission is to assistleadership teams and mid-level managers in identifying barriers to performance,enabling teams to function cohesively and thrive even in high-pressureenvironments.  Adam's philosophy is that most leadership behaviors arestraightforward but require consistency, especially on challenging days. Hefocuses on transforming “soft skills” like trust and empathy into realstrengths that foster engagement and inspire change. He joined me this week toshare more about his approach.  LinkedIn: @AdamMalone Text operator 33777

Self-limiting beliefs are negative thoughts or beliefs aboutyourself, your abilities, or the world around you. These beliefs ultimatelyprevent you from reaching your full potential. According to Ipsos, four in ten(40%) of Canadians agree (11% strongly, 29% somewhat) that they lack confidencein social situations, leading many to go to great lengths to avoid them.Unfortunately, nearly 85% of Americans struggle with low self-esteem, as notedby Psychology Today. Dr. Alain Salas is known for helping individuals, coaches,and health professionals break the cycle of limiting beliefs so they canachieve vibrant health, harmonious relationships, and the prosperity theydesire. He created systems for mind clearing, body clearing, and goal andsuccess clearing. Dr. Salas is a #1 Amazon bestselling author, a chiropracticphysician, and an expert in the mind-body connection. With over 28 years ofexperience, he has transformed the lives of more than 4,267 clients in the US andEurope. “I used to live on my sailing boat and ran a boat rentalbusiness in the south of France. Six years later, I felt a calling to sell myboat, close my business, and move to the US to become a chiropractic physician.After graduating, I had a full practice and was living my passion—the Americandream! However, I found it difficult to disconnect from work. I wasn't presentfor my family and was constantly tired and overwhelmed. My stress levels becameso high that my business went from thriving to failing. I ultimately wentthrough a divorce and was diagnosed with colon cancer. Frustrated with ongoing failures in my relationships,health, and business, I embarked on a journey to discover what had gone wrong.A few years later, I discovered the mind clearing system and a three-stepprocess to break the cycle of limiting beliefs, allowing me to achieve vibranthealth, harmonious relationships, and the prosperity I sought.” For more information: https://themindclearing.com/  Email: Dr.asalas@gmail.com 

Messaging from patients to primary care physicians accountedfor 85 percent of all secure messages sent. The volume of messages received byeach physician varied significantly. The median number of messages a primarycare physician received annually was 197, with an interquartile range of 55 to521, as reported by the National Institutes of Health. Jake Sucoff is an entrepreneur, marketer, and four-time bestman. He is the founder and CEO of Patient Procure, a marketing agency thatspecializes in helping medical practices attract and engage their idealpatients. Patient Procure employs exceptional content, storytelling, andtechnology to create effective patient funnels, allowing healthcarepractitioners to focus on their primary mission—caring for patients. With 15 years of experience in building and launchingproducts across various markets—including B2B SaaS, enterprise healthcare, astartup incubator, and loyalty rewards hardware—Jake has collaborated closelywith C-suite executives, navigating high-pressure environments and using datato guide decision-making. His true passions are his family, friends, and music.Currently, he is focused on automation and AI to minimize his time in theoffice, allowing him to spend more time with loved ones. Jake has balanced his career between the startup andenterprise worlds, providing him with a well-rounded perspective. His speakingstyle is honest and vulnerable, with just the right touch of irreverence andhumor. He promises to make you laugh without resorting to puns or cheesy jokes. Jake considers himself an open book andbelieves that honesty is often lacking in the business and startup podcastingworld. Throughout his career, he has experienced numerous ups and downs and hasa wealth of insights that are valuable to both newcomers and seasonedprofessionals. For more information, visit:https://www.patientprocure.com/  Email: jake@patientprocure.com  Learn more at: https://heyjakey.com/

When you choose to serve in the military, you are oftenpraised for your courage and valor, celebrated for your willingness to riskyour life for a common cause. However, the mental toll of military service isfrequently overlooked and underreported. According to a report from theMilitary Times, diagnoses of mental health disorders among active-duty servicemembers increased by nearly 40% over the last five years. This report, releasedby the Defense Health Agency as part of the Armed Forces Health SurveillanceDivision's December Medical Surveillance Monthly Report, examined mental healthdiagnoses among active-duty troops from 2019 to 2023. The findings showed thatanxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) accounted for themost significant increase in diagnoses. Specifically, the diagnoses of these disorders nearlydoubled during this five-year period. While the report did not identify asingle cause for this rise, it suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic, whichoverlapped with this time frame, could be a contributing factor. In 2023, active-duty service members with mental healthdisorders occupied more hospital beds than any other medical condition,accounting for 54.8% of all hospital bed days.  Sam J. Peterson is a dedicated entrepreneur and mentalhealth advocate committed to transforming the lives of veterans and firstresponders through innovative, science-backed treatments. As the co-founder ofMind Spa and the Patriot PowerUP Program, he has developed advanced protocolsthat combine ketamine therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), andhyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to heal and rewire the brain. These powerful,complementary treatments address the root causes of traumatic brain injury(TBI), PTSD, depression, and anxiety, providing long-lasting relief wheretraditional methods often fall short. Data from these programs demonstratetheir significant impact—not just alleviating symptoms but fundamentallyrestoring brain function and improving quality of life. In addition to his work with Mind Spa and Patriot PowerUP,Peterson founded the Invictus Project, a nonprofit organization that offersfinancial assistance to veterans seeking access to these life-changingtherapies. His mission is deeply personal; as a former Army EOD technician, hefaced his own mental health challenges that motivated him to develop programsaimed at true neurological healing rather than mere symptom management. Hebelieves in the power of community, cutting-edge science, and personalized careto create lasting change and remains committed to revolutionizing mental healthtreatment for veterans and first responders. For more information, visit https://www.mindspadenver.com/,call (303) 327- 0350, or email info@mindspadenver.com.

Let's discuss optimism. When was the last time you felt truly hopeful about the future? Optimism is defined as having hope and confidence about what lies ahead or expecting a successful outcome.According to a CBS News poll, 57% of respondents consider themselves “hopeful” for 2025, which represents a 10% increase from the same poll in 2024. The other options were “discouraged” and “both equally,” with the latter seeing a significant decline, while “discouraged” only increased by one percentage point.A recent Marist survey also indicates that more than half of Americans are optimistic about the upcoming year. Fifty-six percent of respondents expressed optimism about 2025, compared to 43% who were pessimistic. This marks a 16-point increase since December 2023, when only 40% felt optimistic about the new year. This is also the highest percentage of optimists since Marist's December 2020 survey, which recorded a similar 56% optimism rate.Jeff Luther is an entrepreneur and professional speaker who exemplifies perseverance. After experiencing sudden cardiac arrest and receiving a life-altering diagnosis, he had to rebuild his life—one step at a time. What began as a struggle to take a few steps evolved into a steadfast commitment to surpass his limits. He demonstrates that resilience is not about making huge leaps but about showing up every day, no matter how difficult it may be. Now, he inspires others to adopt the same mindset, whether in business, life, or fitness.For more information, visit JeffLuther.com Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/ro/podcast... Instagram: @jdluther2.0

Business efficiency measures how effectively a companyutilizes its resources to produce goods and services and generate revenue. Itis represented as a ratio between the resources used and the output produced. According to a LinkedIn survey, over 60% of businesses haveeither used a consultant or are currently using one. The top reasons for hiringconsultants include accessing specialized expertise (70%), gaining an outsideperspective (52%), and supplementing internal resources (44%). The consultingindustry is expected to grow, with the U.S. Department of Labor projecting thatthe professional and business services sector will add more than 1.6 millionnew jobs by 2028. Stephanie Warlick is the Founder and CEO of 5FT ViewConsulting. Along with her team, she supports small to medium-sized businessesas fractional Chief Operating Officers (COOs), EOS (R) Integrators, and HRexecutives, helping to build strong organizational foundations to scale theirstartups. With 30 years of experience in entrepreneurship, HR, and operations,Stephanie uses her knowledge to assist her clients in alleviating the everydayburdens faced by small business owners and entrepreneurs. She is also aninternationally bestselling author, having written *Dark and Silent Office: ADigital Accessibility Guidebook for Inclusive Communication in the Workplace*.5FT View provides consulting and educational services, teaching organizationshow to achieve content accessibility for inclusive communication in theworkplace.  Stephanie has a keen eye for identifying needs and a passionfor seeing projects through from conception to completion. She thrives in thedynamic environment of small businesses, fully immersing herself in the entiregrowth cycle. Her character is rooted in empathy, compassion, and a strongsense of community, ensuring that every individual's needs are met equitably.Stephanie's innovative Stand in the Gap Method coaching program aims to empowerothers to develop awareness, skills, and resilience to “think like an owner”and excel in professional settings. Unlike traditional high-level consultants who typicallyprescribe solutions, Stephanie prides herself on being an "executivedoer." She actively collaborates with business owners, rolling up hersleeves to implement strategies rather than simply advising them. In her rolesas a fractional Chief Operating Officer and an executive Human Resourcesprovider, she addresses a myriad of gaps, leveraging her expertise toeffectively bridge them. When she is not consulting, Stephanie coaches individuals onhow to excel in the workplace through her Stand in the Gap Method and OwnerMindset philosophy, which trains individuals to adopt an entrepreneurialspirit. She enjoys speaking at conferences and events about her books andtechniques. In her free time, Stephanie loves spending time with her family andplaying pickleball. For more information, visit:https://www.stephaniewarlick.com/

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,about one in three adults in the United States do not get enough sleep. Thismeans that more than 35% of Americans sleep less than seven hours per night.Sleep deprivation can negatively impact mental health, cognitive function, andincrease the risk of heart disease and diabetes.  Women, particularly those under age 50, report sleeping lessthan they need and experience higher stress levels than men. For the first timesince 2001, a majority of U.S. adults—57%—indicated in Gallup polling that theywould feel better if they got more sleep, while 42% believe they are gettingenough sleep. This marks a significant reversal from figures recorded in 2013,when 56% of Americans felt they received adequate sleep, and 43% did not. Derek Hales is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief ofNapLab.com, a platform that tests and reviews mattresses using objective anddata-driven methods. His reviews and personalized mattress recommendations helpreaders quickly find mattresses that fit their needs, preferences, and budgets.With over 10 years of mattress testing experience, Derek has evaluated morethan 410 different mattresses in his career. He has been featured on prominentplatforms such as ABC's Tamron Hall show, Freakonomics, CBS News, and ESPN. The story of NapLab began with Derek and his wife, Samantha.Newly married in 2014, they were in need of a new mattress but were unwillingto pay $5,000 for one at a store. Instead, they decided to try a new breed ofonline mattresses. The first mattress they tried was not a good fit, but thesecond one was a significant improvement. As a hobby, Derek launched his firstmattress review website, Sleepopolis, where he published reviews of the twomattresses he had tried, compared them, and provided other helpful guides.Within just a few weeks, traffic surged. Derek's readers wanted more reviewsfrom various brands, prompting him to test new mattresses and write newreviews.  What started as a one-man operation in a one-bedroomapartment gradually grew into a six-person team of friends and family. Thosedays of testing in a one-bedroom apartment are behind them, and they now have adedicated space for testing, photography, videography, and storage.  For more information, visit: https://naplab.com/

Recent research from AARP indicates that the aging processaccelerates noticeably around the ages of 44 and 60. While aging is acontinuous journey throughout life, there are specific periods when significantmolecular changes occur—one of which typically happens after the age of 50. Asa result, we can consider the aging process to accelerate after the age of 50. Carlos Reyes is a veteran in the health and fitness industrywith extensive experience as a Wellness Coach and Certified Personal Trainer.Over the past thirty-five years, he has had the privilege of working with adiverse range of individuals, each with unique goals such as weight loss,weight gain, body reshaping, and post-injury fitness and rehabilitation. Whathe appreciates most are the long-lasting relationships he has built with manyclients, along with the trust and confidence they have placed in his abilitiesover the years and across various stages of their lives. Carlos is committed tohelping his clients maintain their health and wellness, enabling them toperform at a high level well into their 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond. Currently, Carlos works with active individuals aged 50 andabove who want to effectively combat the aging process. His unique approach tofitness emphasizes practicality, possibility, and productivity through aholistic lens that addresses total well-being, including lifestyle, long-termhealth, and independence. Carlos is certified by the American College of SportsMedicine, the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the FunctionalAging Institute, and the WellCoaches Corporation.  Facebook: @CarlosA.Reyes Facebook: @AgelessPerformersForever  LinkedIn: @CarlosA.Reyes

**Preparation is the Best Defense Against Uncertainty** According to LegalZoom, 56% of Americans believe that estateplanning is important; however, only 33% of adults in the U.S. have documentedtheir end-of-life plans. In 2021, among the estate plans created, 75.12% werewills, 18.78% were trusts, and 6.1% included the nomination of a guardian foryoung children. Research from USA Today indicates that fewer older Americansare writing wills, a trend that could create challenges for their survivors. Ananalysis published in August by the Center for Retirement Research at BostonCollege shows that the percentage of households headed by individuals over 70with wills or trusts has steadily declined since the mid-2000s. Between 2008and 2018, this share dropped from 70% to 63%. This downward trend reflects the increasing diversity amongolder Americans. Seniors are more likely than ever to belong to Black orHispanic communities, and these populations are less likely to leave a will orreceive an inheritance compared to non-Hispanic whites. Oscar Vasquez is the founder of EstateDocPrep.com and anexpert in estate planning. He assists families and homeowners in protectingtheir assets from the high costs associated with probate. Oscar's insights oncreating living trusts and avoiding expensive estate planning mistakes couldsave you thousands of dollars while providing peace of mind. **Estate Planning Made Simple and Accessible:** Protectingyour family shouldn't come with a hefty price tag. Unfortunately, many familiesforgo an estate plan because traditional attorney fees can feel prohibitive.That's why we created this platform—to provide everyone with access toaffordable, attorney-drafted solutions designed to safeguard their loved onesand bring peace of mind. Our innovative software simplifies the complexities ofthe legal process, making estate planning effortless and stress-free. If you're a homeowner, you won't want to miss thisconversation. For more information: https://estatedocprep.com/  Get the Guide: https://estatedocprep.com/guide  24/7 Client Assistance: (805) 909-4689 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that overallemployment for Sports Psychologists is projected to grow by 7% from 2023 to2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. On average, about13,000 job openings for psychologists are expected each year over the nextdecade. Many of these openings will stem from the need to replace workers whoare transferring to different occupations or exiting the labor force, such asthrough retirement. Sports psychologist Scott Goldman, PhD, consultingperformance psychologist for the Golden State Warriors,  highlights that while elite athletes arevaluable performers, they are also human beings like anyone else. “I see myrole as a psychologist within a sports organization as being an embedded360-degree resource,” he explains, serving athletes, coaches, and front officemanagers who are responsible for talent evaluation and staff onboarding. Goldman was one of the first clinically trainedpsychologists to become an integral part of both college and professionalsports organizations. His early full-time positions at the NCAA level includedroles at the University of Arizona and the University of Michigan. He has alsoworked with professional teams such as the Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions,and has consulted for the Washington Wizards and Chicago Cubs. One of Goldman'skey achievements is the development of the Athletic Intelligence Quotient (AIQ)assessment tool, which measures the performance-specific cognitive traits thatcontribute to athletic success. He collaborated with James Bowman, PsyD, fromthe Albert Ellis Institute in New York City, on the AIQ for 15 years before itwas published in 2012. The test, described in a 2020 article in the New YorkTimes Magazine as “a comprehensive user's manual to an elite athlete's brain,”is utilized by the NCAA and various professional sports teams, as well asinternational clubs and first responder departments. Goldman's team defines intelligence as “the ability toacquire, process, and apply information.” Drawing from the Cattell-Horn-Carrolltheory of intelligence, Goldman and Bowman sought to define the cognitiveabilities that are most relevant in navigating the complex challenges ofsports: “We viewed sport as a constantly mutating puzzle and asked ourselves,‘What cognitive abilities are most impactful in solving that?'” Goldmanrecalls. Over the past decade, awareness of the importance ofprotecting athletes' mental health has significantly increased. Goldmancontributed to the 2013 National Athletic Trainers Association's consensusstatement on addressing psychological concerns among college athletes and waspart of the mental health task force that established "bestpractices" for the NCAA in 2016. In 2019, both the NBA and NFL beganrequiring teams to provide regular access to behavioral health clinicians attheir facilities, leading many NFL teams to hire psychologists for thispurpose. Goldman joined me this week to share more insights on these importantdevelopments. For more information: https://aiq.team/  Email: sgoldman@aiq.team LinkedIn: @ScottGoldmanPh.D

Recent Gallup research reveals that only 22% of surveyedU.S. workers strongly agree that they feel connected to their team's culture atwork. Team culture encompasses the shared beliefs, behaviors, workingpractices, and values within an organization. For instance, a business mightcultivate a team culture focused on excellence, innovation, or service,depending on its core purpose. Workplace culture is vital as it guides bothindividual and collective actions, making it essential for the success or failureof any organization. By fostering a strong team culture, companies can improveemployee satisfaction, distinguish themselves from competitors, and attract toptalent. Further research from the Harvard Business Review indicatesthat high-performing teams are exceedingly rare; only 8.7% of respondents ratedtheir teams highly. This study identified five key behaviors related to trustthat set high-performing teams apart. These teams typically begin by discussinghow they will collaborate, leading to fewer misunderstandings and smootherteamwork in the future. Marci Schnapp is an entrepreneur and visionary leader whocurrently serves as the Founder and Vision Mover at CollabGenius. With over 20years of experience in business, consulting, coaching, and executive search,Marci brings a wealth of expertise to her work. Over the past decade, she hasapplied CollabGenius's innovative teamwork theories and bias-free talentassessment methods. Her focus is on attracting, retaining, and developingindividuals based on their skills, values, and fit within the organizationalculture, which is vital for future success. She excels in identifying andnurturing talent to ensure the organization's growth and success. CollabGenius is a behavioral science-driven platform thatmodernizes how executive search firms, coaches, business consultants,recruiters, and organizations build high-performing teams and help individualsbecome better team players. With over 20 years of experience in talentassessment, leadership strategy, and team development, I have dedicated mycareer to helping businesses achieve measurable success through data-drivendecisions. At CollabGenius, we provide the tools and insights to: 

Succession planning involves identifying key organizationalpositions and developing action plans for individuals to take over those roles.By comprehensively understanding current and future goals, this preparationensures that the right people occupy the right roles both now and, in theyears, ahead. According to a recent survey commissioned by Scotiabank,Canadian small businesses are facing challenges related to succession planning.As many small business owners prepare for retirement, findings from the studyreleased in October 2024 indicate that approximately 31% of small businessowners in Canada intend to sell their businesses by 2030. The survey alsoreveals that about 65% of owners have a succession plan; however, 43% of thoseplanning to sell in six years or more do not have a plan. Business and Exit Strategist Stephanie Hayes believes anythingis possible if you create it yourself. She emphasizes that she is not youraverage business coach—her approach is anything but typical. At times, she maybe above average, and at others, she may be below average, but she guaranteesthat she will never remain stagnant. You don't want the average experience either, so you'rehere. You seek connection, thoughtful dialogue, intellect, and innovation. Eachday, you want to feel exceptional—better than average. Hayes is the founder of Assets to Exits, a pathway forestablished business owners to transition from merely generating revenue tobuilding wealth and preparing for a future exit from their businesses. Thebusiness community often focuses on startups and early growth phases,overlooking established businesses that are profitable yet may leave theirowners feeling stagnant, uninspired, or directionless. Many business ownersmistakenly believe that an exit strategy is only for Silicon Valley startups orventure-funded companies; however, most businesses have already created value. Theycan leverage that value and multiply it over time with some adjustments. Leveraging her expertise in business model design andinnovation strategy, Stephanie developed an asset-based business model to helpowners shift their focus and work towards a financially rewarding exit. For more information: https://stephaniehayes.biz/  LinkedIn: @StephanieHayes

The 2022 Canadian Student Wellbeing Study, commissioned byStudiosity—a leading online study platform for post-secondary institutions—andconducted independently by Angus Reid, has been fully released. The studyhighlights the critical need for equitable student support by exploring factorssuch as student stress, motivation to achieve high grades, and attitudestowards cheating, segmented by age, household income, location, and field ofstudy. This report also includes year-over-year data from the 2021 survey,aiming to provide the higher education sector with a comprehensiveunderstanding of current students' feelings, commitments, and overallwellbeing. Key findings include:- 76% of students report balancing work and studies.- 40% of students have seriously considered dropping out oftheir college or university, marking a five percentage point increase from2021.- 54% of students have personally observed cheating, with15% stating it happens frequently.- 77% of students believe that cheating has become moreprevalent, attributing this trend primarily to the ease of academic dishonestyin online learning environments.- 61% of students feel engaged with their college oruniversity, with 17% strongly agreeing, showing significant differences amongacademic programs.- 64% of students are at least somewhat optimistic abouttheir employment prospects after completing their college or universityeducation. Ryan Peebles, the executive director of the studentrepresentative council at St. Clair College, joins me this week to discuss howstudent support related to advocacy, inclusion, and diversity has evolved overtime. He shares his insights on how a quality college education can preparestudents of all ages for success in the workforce and beyond. For more information, visit:https://www.stclair-src.org/ Follow us at: @st.clairsrc

In the UnitedStates, a staggering one in five children—equivalent to over 14.5 millionkids—have been identified as having special healthcare needs, as highlighted bythe National Survey of Children's Health. According to thePew Research Center, as of 2023, approximately 3.05 million children are livingwith single fathers across the nation, a notable decline from the peak numberrecorded in 2005. Aaron DeVries, a dedicated advocate for inclusion, shares a personalconnection to this cause as the father of a daughter with a disability. He haswitnessed firsthand the life-changing effects of inclusive education and theimportance of nurturing supportive communities. Aaron's missionis clear: to empower families, ensuring that every child, regardless of theirabilities, is fully embraced and supported in their environment. His passionfor championing inclusion drives his work. Alongside his parenting journey, heis the enthusiastic host of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, where he delves intotopics surrounding inclusion, offering practical insights and resources. If you'reinterested in sharing your experiences or insights, he invites you to be aguest on his podcast, which focuses on inclusion and advocacy from theperspective of a parent. Recently, Aaron joined me to discuss these significantthemes further. For additionalinformation, visit https://theinclusivedad.com/. To listen to the podcast, gotohttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inclusion-and-disability-advocacy-from-a/id1371390804.

Access to funding is essential for fostering opportunities and independence for individuals with developmental disabilities. Unfortunately, the provincial government is falling short in providing these vital resources, in Ontario.   **Severe Funding Shortfalls Impacting People with Developmental Disabilities**   Over 52,000 individuals are currently on waiting lists for critical supports and services due to significant funding shortfalls in the sector. Since 1993, the Ontario government has increased core funding to support agencies by less than 7%, while the cost of living has surged by over 60% in that same period. Developmental services agencies across the province, including those in Essex County, are expressing that the system is no longer sustainable.   These services are not luxuries; they are lifelines that assist people with developmental and intellectual disabilities in their daily activities. They enable individuals to live and work in their communities while providing much-needed support and respite for their families. Supportive services include teaching basic life skills, helping with medications and appointments, and assisting individuals in finding homes, jobs, and community activities, allowing them to truly belong.   The "Journey to Belonging: Choice and Inclusion," initiated under Minister Todd Smith in 2020, is a ten-year initiative aimed at empowering people with developmental disabilities to gain more control and opportunities in their lives. However, with over 52,000 individuals currently on waiting lists for supports and services, systemic change and significant increases in resources are necessary to achieve this goal.   “It hasn't been funded properly,” states Community Living Ontario CEO Chris Beesley. “You can create a vision and be aspirational, but unless you provide the necessary resources, it's meaningless."   Community Living Essex County and the broader developmental services sector are urgently urging the Ontario government to take action. There are 52,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities who are waiting for the chance to belong—not to a service system, but to vibrant communities where they can contribute and be valued.   Karen Bolger, the Executive Director at Community Living Essex County, and Corey Dalgleish, the Director of Community Living Operations, joined me this week to shed light on the urgency of this matter.  

According to available data from a Pew Research Center survey, while a majority of Latinos believe in the "American Dream," only about half (51%) of Hispanics report having achieved it. This indicates a significant gap between aspiration and reality, with many citing challenges in reaching success despite their hard work.   I am many things: an entrepreneur, professor, strategist, international development professional, mentor, former diplomat, lifeguard, paramedic, linguist (fluent in six languages), black belt in martial arts, former wrestler, father, economist, and, most importantly, I LOVE babies.   More than anything, I am passionate about storytelling and believe in the power of stories. They connect us, helping us feel seen, heard, and validated. Through stories and experiences, we find inspiration, learn life lessons, and broaden our perspectives. It only takes ONE story or experience to change your life. Stories remind us that we are not alone and that the world holds vast potential.   My purpose is to open up possibilities that help you create the best story of your life and to affirm that you can achieve your dreams—regardless of who you are, where you come from, or your circumstances.   Dr. Paul Rivera is a strategic planner, expert facilitator, and international economist, widely recognized for his visionary leadership in guiding organizational change toward purpose-driven and sustainable impact. With deep expertise in complex and high-threat international environments, Paul brings together diverse stakeholders to collaboratively craft solutions rooted in purpose, aligned with vision, and supported by community engagement.   An expert in data analysis, Dr. Rivera effectively links analyses to strategic objectives and communicates with high-level decision makers, including ambassadors, corporate CEOs, NGO boards, technical experts, and government ministries. As an effective, efficient, and inclusive leader, Dr. Rivera thrives in dynamic and entrepreneurial settings, working with diverse international teams. Being a first-generation Latino American, he is passionate about coaching multi-passionate, high-achieving people of color to thrive and align their ambitions. Dr. Rivera holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Southern California and is fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.   For more information: https://beactchange.com/  LinkedIn: @PaulRivera, PhD  Follow: @be.act.change 

According to the Washington Post and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, current estimates indicate that around one in five children in the United States are considered neurodivergent. This means they have brains that function differently than the "typical" pattern, with conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, and autism spectrum disorder being common examples of neurodiversity in children.   As a neurodivergent life coach, Christian Vinceneux helps parents gain confidence, navigate challenging situations, and raise resilient, resourceful, and independent children. It's important to note that I don't work on “fixing” your child; instead, I provide you with a roadmap to help them succeed.   Are you parenting a child with ADHD or autism and feeling like every day is an uphill battle? If you're overwhelmed and exhausted by daily struggles, know that you are not alone. You're doing your best, but you might feel drained by your child's behaviors and worried that your efforts aren't making a difference.   Many parents feel lost after following advice from providers that didn't make sense or was ineffective. Often, these recommendations can be unrealistic, ignore parental input, or rely on compliance-based approaches that aren't neuro-affirming.   If you're neurodivergent yourself, things can become even more complex. You may know what needs to be done but struggle to implement it, or your child's behaviors might trigger you to feel dysregulated. You may worry about repeating the same hardships in your child's life that you experienced.   Before blaming yourself, remember that most strategies fail because they aren't properly taught or suited to your family's needs. It's essential to keep in mind that your child is not giving you a hard time; they are having a hard time.   Shifting to this mindset is crucial for discovering effective strategies. That's where I come in. I provide you with clarity and confidence in your parenting while bringing more peace to your family.   I don't offer quick fixes; instead, I show you how to better understand your child's behavior and how to respond effectively to support their social-emotional development. My approach focuses on doing things differently rather than doing more, ensuring it supports your child's growth and your family's well-being.   My methodology is family-centered, neuro-affirming, relationship-based, and entirely tailored to meet your family's specific goals.   For more information: https://www.lifeguidecoaching.org/  LinkedIn: @ChristianVinceneux   

According to Statista and the Forbes Business Council, new technologies are transforming how fans experience live sports, both inside and outside the stadium. A global survey conducted in April 2023 revealed that nearly 80 percent of respondents reported an increase in their spending on technology-enabled merchandise, such as virtual reality headsets and wearable tech devices. Technology has become an integral part of our lives, and the sports industry is no exception. Recent advancements, including video analysis, wearable technology, and virtual reality training programs, have significantly enhanced the sporting world.   These innovations have not only changed how athletes prepare for competition but have also had a profound impact on businesses, creating both new opportunities and challenges across various sectors.   Charles Sims' journey is filled with rich stories and insights from behind the scenes of major acquisitions and transformative ventures in the ever-evolving tech industry. On his podcast, “The Next Pivot with Charles Sims,” he invites listeners into the offices, hallways, and boardrooms of the tech world. The show provides deep industry knowledge through compelling narratives that educate and inspire. Additionally, he co-hosts “Capital Grit,” which helps listeners understand the current investment landscape and reveals the intricacies of fundraising, investing, and venture capital.   For eight years, I served as the CTO for the LA Clippers under Steve Ballmer, where I played a pivotal role in transforming the team's technology infrastructure and driving innovation in sports tech. After that, I spent three years as the CTO for United Talent Agency, the third-largest media and entertainment agency in the world, where I led major technological advancements and strategic initiatives. My expertise lies at the intersection of technology and business. I have a unique ability to demystify complex technical concepts and highlight their real-world value, regardless of the audience's background. Whether it's developing strategic technology roadmaps, leading innovative projects, or mentoring teams, my focus is always on driving success through empathy and innovation.   Known as the 'Hurricane CTO,' Charles Sims is a seasoned tech evangelist, investor, and keynote speaker with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of technology, sports, and entertainment. He has been involved in more than $1.5 billion in mergers and acquisitions, leading transformative initiatives that combine innovation with human-centric design.   For more information: https://www.hurricanecto.com/  LinkedIn: @CharlesSims

Milestones of great significance deserve acknowledgment and celebration, and today marks a joyful success in this regard. Over five years ago, I embarked on a journey to share knowledge and information through a podcast that I initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This endeavor allowed me to express my journalistic talents and my desire to find common ground and build bridges of unity. Now, five years later, I am proud to announce that we have reached over 1,000 episodes of the "Let's Have This Conversation" podcast.   Through this podcast, I hope to have provided meaningful and thought-provoking conversations that encourage listeners to consider how they can contribute to the ongoing societal discourse on progress. I have been fortunate to interview and engage with a diverse array of individuals from various professions and backgrounds. I am incredibly grateful for the wisdom, information, and personal stories of triumph that many have shared with me over the years.   Together, we have worked to create an inclusive and accepting path forward, for which I am forever thankful. It is my hope that I have contributed to a legacy of inclusivity through these diverse conversations. A group of industry professionals whom I have had the privilege of interviewing over the past five years has compiled messages of encouragement and congratulations for this tremendous achievement of reaching 1,000 episodes, which I am excited to share with all of you.  

According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, seventy-three percent of parents believe that sports benefit their child's mental health, and research supports this belief. Additionally, eighty-eight percent of parents recognize the physical health benefits of sports participation. Engaging in sports is an invaluable way for youth to obtain the physical activity necessary to remain fit and healthy.   **Economic and Community Impact**  The advantages of youth sports extend beyond the playing field and impact the wider community. Involvement in sports and physical activities can lead to significant benefits, including:   - A reduction in direct, indirect, and personal healthcare costs, estimated to be up to $28 billion per year. - A stronger long-term labor market.   Seventy-three percent of adults who currently engage in sports participated in athletic activities during their youth. This early involvement encourages a lifelong habit of physical activity that is beneficial in adulthood.   Moreover, over fifty percent of adults involved in sports believe that participation helps reduce stress and enhances mental health. Fifty-five percent of parents think that sports will provide academic advantages for their children and improve their future career prospects. Additionally, eighty percent of parents believe that sports teach valuable lessons in discipline, dedication, and teamwork.   Overall, participation in sports is an effective way for youth to achieve physical fitness and develop crucial life skills.   Greg Walls is the Owner and CEO of Performance Experience. His current role involves overseeing the company's expansion into emerging markets. In his previous position as a Master Trainer and Performance Coach, he maximized competitive opportunities for thousands of athletes across various sports and assisted over 200 students in obtaining college scholarships. As a thought leader, Greg has led management training sessions for executives at organizations such as Aflac, AT&T, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Texas Trust Credit Union, and Crimson Building Company. Under his leadership, Performance Experience has received several accolades, including the 360 Magazine Top 100 Small Business Award, the Mindbody Bold Fitness Innovation Award, and the Mid-Cities Personal Training Company Award.   Greg holds a bachelor's degree in Education from Texas Christian University and possesses more than 30 certifications as a Master Trainer and Performance Coach. He has coached college football at both the Division I and Division II levels and has been a trusted advisor to college coaches for the past 19 years. As an All-Conference Cornerback, Greg understands what it takes to prepare for and perform in sports with excellence. He believes that athletics can serve as an exceptional training ground for developing responsibility, especially when coaches hold their athletes accountable for the details.   Email: info@pesportsandrec.com  Follow: @PerformanceExperience