Soul Minded Business

This will be our last episode of the Soul Minded Business Podcast.  Thank you for listening.We are ending on a very high note with this episode as Wendy and Lilly discuss the power of prayer and healing. Soon two new podcasts will be launching, and you can find them both at:https://wendyswellness.org/and Circle of the Panda - Circle of the PandaThank you for listening.

We are in the process of closing out the Soul Minded Business Podcast and this will be the last solo. Thank you for listening!You can find us at: Circle of the Panda - Circle of the Panda

In this episode, Wendy and Lilly discuss the importance of asking yourself "Who will I serve today?"Please be sure and listen to the prayers placed throughout the episode. You can find Wendy and Lilly by going to the website: Wendy Wellness' Home - Wendy's Wellness (wendyswellness.org)

Our guest on this episode is Olivier Mankondo.Oliver is an author, speaking, and has developed a weight loss and wellness program that is a life changer. He not only tells the story but lives it. To learn more about Olivier and his program, check out his website at: About Us – Olivier Mankondo

Business relationships can often feel like a marriage and a bad one at times.This episode goes over some examples and five tips on how to avoid a bad business divorce. 

This episode is a conversation with Wendy and Lilly about rejection. To contact Wendy and Lilly you can go to the website: Wendy Wellness' Home - Wendy's Wellness (wendyswellness.org)

Johnny Shields was diagnosed with Dyslexia in his late 30s, and his purpose and the journey he took to get to his purpose became clearer. Johnny is now the Founder and Creator of Beer City Comic Con.Listen in as we discuss this cool event and Johnny's journey. You can find more information at: https://beercitycomiccon.com/

Our guest on this episode is David Boyce. David was falsely convicted of a crime he did not commit and served 23 years before being released. In this episode, he discusses what he did to make the best of a terrible situation and how he turned it into an opportunity to serve others.Be sure to listen to the end when David describes the secret to success.

This episode covers the importance of forgiveness. Forgiveness of others and yourself. For more information, you can find Wendy at:Wendy Wellness' Home - Wendy's Wellness (wendyswellness.org)

This is the second conversation with Claudell Carpenter, and he discusses why he feels that we live in the land of opportunity. He also covers goal setting and pursuing dreams. You can find Claudell on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069744637412

Our guest on this episode is Tony Tennaro.Tony is a C 12 Chair Principal for C 12 Greater Charlotte.C12 is a faith-based business group that helps members run their businesses in a God-honoring way.We discuss the current business environment and the importance of having a healthy company culture.You can find Tony at LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonytennaro

When Kyle Cummings was a kid, he pursued the next challenge, risk, or way to get attention. It was a search for connection and meaning. His journey took him to prison, where he found his connection and purpose. 

Have you ever experienced indescribable joy?This episode tells you where you might find it.  

In this episode, Wendy and Lilly go over a 5 Step method on how to pray for healing and they pray for the listeners on the podcast. You can find Wendy at: Wendy Wellness' Home - Wendy's Wellness (wendyswellness.org)

In this episode we have a conversation with Connor McKemey.At just 13-years-old, Connor was burned over 90% of his body with third degree burns and given less than a 1% chance of survival after a backyard explosion. After three months in a medically-induced coma, nearly two years of painful rehabilitation, and more than one hundred surgeries over a decade, Connor emerged triumphantly … not only to walk again, but to live his best life. He went on to play high school and Division I collegiate lacrosse, and embarked on a career in coaching and managing an elite university lacrosse program. Through it all, he carved out a life-long mantra of mental resilience and toughness forged from years of dealing with the long journey back from the lowest possible points of just surviving … to thriving. Connor sees his scars as symbols of survival, rather than wounds of a victim. His compelling message of courage and strength resonates with audiences long after an event is over with. With brutal honesty and humility, Connor captures the hearts and minds of audiences, demonstrating how to move forward with grace, gratitude and gut determination in the face of adversity. He inspires audiences to gain perspective and take action in their personal journey to attack life. His uncanny ability to share authentically and spark mind shifts in others is a testament to the power of his message and who he is as an individual.Today, Connor travels the globe sharing his both powerful and inspirational message with companies and organizations large and small across a wide variety of industries.You can find Connor at: Mac Mentality

It is not often that you find someone passionate about developing business systems and a high level of customer service.Jennifer Wehner has written an exceptional book that puts both of these together. This episode is a discussion with Jennier about her new book and her approach to putting the customer first.You can find Jennifer at: https://www.wehnergroup.com/team/jennifer-wehner-licensed-real-estate-agent

Does "wisdom come with age"? Not necessarily.This episode makes the point that wisdom can be developed at any age with the help:- continual study- mentoring - experiences that we learn from

This is the first episode that we have done of this kind.Listen to Rebecca as she gives a very powerful and heartfelt testimony. 

The term "corporate refugee" is a label that is being applied increasingly these days. What does it mean, and what should you do if you become one?

This is the first part of a series on Spiritual Wellness with Wendy Creel and Lilly Landstreet Duncan. They discuss:- Prayers for Healing- Spiritual Gifts- Gift of Joy- Prayers for Forgiveness- Generational Curses- Examples of Answered PrayersYou can contact Wendy at: https://wendyswellness.org/

This podcast episode covers the importance of staying "calm in the eye of the storm".The storm might be when we are under duress or even on the opposite end of the spectrum, multiple business opportunities in a hot market. 

This episode is a discussion with Kevin Babin, also known as Kevin the Car Guy.Kevin discusses:- How he has lived in his car for 5 years- His love for pickleball - Singing on the street for extra cash and his experience singing the National Anthem. You can find Kevin at: My Pickleball Instructor Home - My Pickleball Instructor

There is great value in a Chamber of Commerce, especially when servant leaders run it. This episode is a discussion with Brooke Clinton, the President of the Chester Chamber of Commerce.  We discuss how to engage with the Chamber of Commerce and what is new in Chester, S.C.You can contact Brooke at: Home - Chester County Chamber of Commerce - SC (chesterchamber.com)

What would life look like if you were stripped of all expectations and shame for past mistakes and became what you were created to be?This episode explores JD's personal experience with this process. If you would like to support our podcast and the projects we are rolling out, you can check us out at: Soul Minded Business (soulmindedbusinesspodcast.com)

Ian Rudick is the founder of Serve in Asheville, NC.  His organization gives micro-loans to people with disabilities that want to start businesses. Ian says in this episode that we all have a personal genius and need help discovering it. This episode covers Ian's journey to realize a vision that started over 20 years ago. You can find out more about SERVE at: Home (servequityfund.org)

This episode is a recording with Shawn Robert Johnson.He is currently incarcerated and, at the same time, is running a business. Shawn covers all his business offers, how he manages to run the business, and some words of encouragement for those incarcerated who want to do something similar. This episode is full of words of hope for all of us. You can find Shawn's website at:Always Xpect Greatness - Custom T Shirts, Shopping Mall, Apparel

This episode is part two of three-part series where JD interviews men that have been incarcerated.Claudell Carpenter is a Veteran, was a police officer, and was also incarcerated, so he brings a lot of life experience to our podcast.  There are many key points in this episode. Some are listed below:- the importance of a support system- anyone can make it in this country- faith is not passive- you can't let your past be an excuse- we all have a purpose - there are always ways to serve othersYou can find video clips of this episode at: Soul Minded Business (soulmindedbusinesspodcast.com)

This is the first part of a three-part series called "Vision from Prison," in which JD interviews men that have been incarcerated.  Jeff Doig is our first guest, and he discusses several interesting points:- his hobby of raising scorpions, tarantulas, and even hissing cockroaches- advice for those that have never been incarcerated- the importance of not becoming obsolete- when people give up- what to do when things are good- his experience when he was incarcerated- goal setting Jeff was a very insightful story that we are sure you will enjoy.To see video clips of this episode check us out at:Soul Minded Business (soulmindedbusinesspodcast.com)

This episode is the reading of an article written by Will Schroter, Founder and CEO at Startups.comTL;DR: "I love hearing about these "Risked it all, Lost it all, Won it all" stories that successful Founders love to tell. It makes for an incredible tale. But what's it like to have actually lived it?" Legendary Founder stories are great — unless you're the poor bastard who had to live through it. As Founders, we're regaled constantly of comeuppance stories of our fellow Founders who risked it all... almost lost it all... and then won it all in the end. It's entertaining, inspiring, and sometimes even true. Often we wish we could have such an epic story ourselves. But what we rarely comprehend in those stories is that in order for the story to be so epic, someone had to go through a massive amount of pain to be able to tell it. The reality of that pain and suffering is not only overlooked quickly but entirely justified by the outcome. But does that make it all OK?Today's Advice Sponsored by Zendesk The Against All Odds Legend Recently a good friend of mine shared a tale of pain and triumph. He had raised an early funding round, hired quickly, and attempted to scale, only to learn after pitching 120 investors that there would be no more funding to be had. This happens a lot, by the way, and it usually ends there. He thought his story was about to end as well, as he had to go through the brutal process of cutting back nearly half of his staff — people who trusted him and he cared about. After getting to "No" 120 times, there comes the point where you have to call it what it is. Then something magical happened. After shaving expenses and continuing to press even more investors, he was able to attract nearly $50 million in investment and get back on the growth train again. He did it — cue the confetti! The Black Abyss of Upcoming Success Now, that's how the legend goes. But here's the reality. In all of those weeks and months in the prior year, he had absolutely zero indication that there would be any success. None of us do. We think when we hear these stories that the Founder's confidence is unshakable and they just power through. We don't. The reality is none of us have any idea that things are going to turn around. How could we? There's no version of us sitting across from people we care about telling them they no longer have jobs while thinking "This is going to turn out great!" We're all staring down an eternal black abyss of the future in hopes that somehow, with no real idea how we'll be able to turn the corner. Some of us do, and we tell great stories. Most of us do not and we just STFU about it and try to forget it. Appreciate the Pain, Not Just the Gain When we hear these stories, or if we're lucky enough to be regaled firsthand, our thoughts should focus on empathy. Empathy for how much was lost on the way to that outcome. Empathy for all of those impacted, which aren't just the people that worked there but the lives of all those that support them. For every great Founder story, there is an intense amount of trauma that goes into creating that story. There are years of nonstop, soul-crushing anxiety, depression, and fear that don't simply disappear because the company raised a round or had an exit. They become permanently embedded in us as one of the many costs of being able to tell that story. If we really want to celebrate a Founder's story, it's not with a congratulatory high five; it should be with an empathetic hug. That Founder just went through hell and back — show some love. 

Aaron Deloach is a spiritual entrepreneur who leverages his talents through the sport of soccer. He is also an author and a pastor. In this episode, we discuss:-  how he helped develop ONE 7 (an inner-city soccer ministry)- what it means to be a spiritual entrepreneur- how we will be "known by our fruit"- the difference between talents and gifts- how to serve people through sports- examples of how Aaron is leveraging his own talentsYou can reach Aaron at: AARON / DELOACH (aarondeloach.com)

This episode is a conversation with Wendy Creel, the owner of Wendy's Wellness in York, SC.We discuss Wendy's faith and her experiences with healing.You can get in touch with Wendy at Wendy Wellness' Home - Wendy's Wellness (wendyswellness.org)

This episode is a discussion with Heather Johnson, Owner of Kudzu Brands. It is easy to see why she was the 2022 Woman Up Impact Award Winner in Asheville, NC. We cover many key points, including:- A servant's mindset-  Kudzu Brands unique process of working with clients- How she made a shift in her career path- The importance of company cultureYou can find Heather at: Kudzu Brands | Asheville, NC | Full Service Marketing Agency

During one point of your life and/or business transition, you will notice and shift.The right kind of people for you will start showing up, and that is when it gets fun.

Curious about what you should be doing? Go back to the start of YOU.Peace to you

Sometimes in our life, things can get into a state of chaos.Business owners know this well, so do enterprenuers. In fact, most of us have had this experience over the past couple of years.It is important to have a period where you reset.

When a significant life change happens, it can turn things upside down.Business owners, first-time entrepreneurs, and many of us from a personal standpoint can relate.It is as if the "house gets swept clean," and what we let into the "empty house" matters to our future success.

Those of us that grew up in the '60s and '70s remember the show "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer".  It is a classic and has some very memorable scenes in it. This episode describes how many of us can relate to the "Island of the Misfit Toys". You can find out more about what we are working on by going to: Circle of the Panda - Circle of the Panda

Jumping into Entrepreneurship is very challenging.Some have called it a "Freefall into Freedom," but everyone's experience is different.You can do some things to make it easier or the effect it can have on you less extreme. For more information, you can find us at: Circle of the Panda - Circle of the Panda

Each of us has some things that would be difficult for us to give up. There is a different list for each one of us.What are the items that would cause you pain if you were to let go of them?

Two things combined can cause us to make a change by choice.  We decide that we can't stay where we are and see something greater for us in the future. This episode describes what JD saw when he made the change.

People make major life decisions usually based on a combination of two things. 1. They realize that they can't stay in their current situation 2. They see something more significant in front of themThis episode describes that intersection. 

Sarah Little is the founder of Little Leaf Plant Boutique. In this episode, she discusses the process she is going through to launch her business. Key points covered:- How she is turning her passion into a business- Her family history and how it comes into play in her business- Small business assistance- The courage that it takes to start a businessYou can find Sarah at: Little Leaf Plant Boutique

Tammy Williams is the Founder and Executive Director of Battered But Not Broken.She serves women that have been incarcerated. Listen to her compelling message for the following key points:- How she knows this is her "calling"- The help she received from the state government- How she listens to God's voice- The boldness to speak upYou can reach Tammy at Battered But Not Broken – Supporting those who deserve a second chance (batteredbutnotbrokenministries.org)

Many of us have thought of writing a book but are unsure of the best way to publish it. This episode is a conversation with Mindy Kuhn. She is the President and Owner of Warren Publishing. In this episode, we discuss the following:- The publishing landscape- The importance of determining why you are writing a book- First steps of writing a book - Some of the secrets to successYou can find Mindy at: Warren Publishing - Warren Publishing, Inc. official home page

It is easy to blame others, our circumstances, or lack of opportunities when we fall short in a key area of our life. We need to take ownership of every area if we are going to succeed. This means ownership of our career, finances, family, faith, etc....This episode discusses why it is essential and some personal examples of where the host has fallen short. 

Dan Nicholson is our guest on this episode.  Dan is the founder of multiple companies across finance, accounting, and software. He has worked with some of the most prestigious companies, including, Clark Nuber, UPS, Deloitte, and WaMu, and was named to the 40 Under 40 list of global accountants four times - he is a leading voice in helping purpose-driven entrepreneurs “Rig Their Game” In this episode, we talk about the following:- Dan's journey into entrepreneurship.- How he went from being a painfully shy kid to speaking in front of thousands -  How we can use our favorite sport to help identify what we should be doing in life- A unique way to improve in any area These key points are included in Dan's new book "Rigging the Game". You can contact Dan at Home - Rigging The Game. 

There is a lot of false advertising, clickbait, and "free" does not mean free stuff going on in business these days.If you are in business be upfront with what you are offering. If you are a customer, call out the nonsense. The truth will win in the end. 

Running or starting a business is very difficult. The good news is that there are some great resources. This video is a discussion with Jim Funk. He and the group that he works with are a valuable resource and they are free. Yes, free! If you are in South Carolina check them out at:https://www.winthropregionalsbdc.org/

This episode shares an experience that JD had when he slightly altered the dynamic of a key relationship. You can reach JD with a "Yo" at 803-370-1057 or at Circle of the Panda - Circle of the Panda

We all need some "5 a.m. Pals". It does not necessarily have to be 5 a.m. but who are the people that just make you better by being around them?To reach out to us you can find us at:Circle of the Panda - Circle of the Panda