Stay On Course: Ingredients for Success

Malcolm Reid Sr.: Ingredients for Success for the Modern Generalist and Kicking the Hopium Habit In this episode of the Stay On Course Podcast, Julie sits down with Malcolm Reid Sr., founder of Pro Global Business Advisors, to talk leadership, purpose, and the mindset shifts that separate predictable business growth from hope based guessing. Guest Background Malcolm Reid Sr. founded Pro Global Business Advisors, helping over a thousand coaches serve small business owners with integrity Known for a strong stance against hype driven coaching and for equipping ethical coaches with real systems and support Creator of Profit Advisor, a platform that brings marketing, sales, and fulfillment technology into one methodology Spent decades in music and corporate America before building twenty five years of entrepreneurial experience What They Discussed Why the specialist model is losing ground to the modern generalist in a world shaped by AI The full meaning behind the phrase a jack of all trades is a master of none Why so many entrepreneurs run their business on hope instead of tracked, predictable systems The triplets that keep business owners stuck: gonna do, did not do, and want to do The importance of success metrics and consistent prospecting, even after landing clients How Profit Advisor gives coaches a business in a box, without long contracts or restrictive territories The path to becoming a certified Profit Advisor and building real credibility Malcolm's journey from corporate America to becoming unemployable in the traditional workforce His early career in music, including work alongside KRS-One and Grandmaster Kaz The value of self leadership and consistency for long term legacy building Memorable Quotes Change you must or irrelevant you will become A jack of all trades is a master of none, but it is a whole lot better than just a master of one People are addicted to hope There are parking spaces on that road, that journey to success. Park, but back up and get back on the journey Get one percent better per week, and by the end of the year you will be sixty seven percent better than where you started Key Takeaways Systems beat hope. Predictability comes from tracked metrics, not wishful thinking Becoming a generalist, someone who can do more and deliver faster, is increasingly valuable Growth requires discipline. Small, consistent improvement compounds over time Every failure becomes part of the foundation for helping the next person Purpose and self leadership carry entrepreneurs through moments that feel insurmountable This episode is a must listen for coaches and small business owners ready to build a business rooted in purpose, clarity, and predictable success. Connect with Malcolm Reid Sr. Website: ProGlobalBA.com Free Book: 100kleak.com Company: Pro Global Business Advisors Connect with Julie Riga Website: julieriga.com/lead Social Media: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagra. Coaching: Learn more about leadership coaching and transformation Stacklist: https://stacklist.app/julieriga Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this episode with the leaders in your life who need to hear about purpose, growth, and legacy. #stayoncourse #leadership #purpose #growth #entrepreneur Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bobby Lane: Ingredients for Success in Building a Business That Scales Guest: Bobby Lane, Business Growth Strategist and Founder and CEO of Factotum Host: Julie Riga Guest Background Bobby Lane is a business growth strategist who has spent more than three decades helping organizations build the systems and infrastructure required for sustainable growth. Six years ago, he founded Factotum, a multidisciplinary outsourcing practice that scaled across the UK before launching in the US, where James Orsini, a former boss and longtime mentor, now serves as chairman. Before Factotum, Bobby built and sold an accounting practice, which gave him hands on experience in leadership, delegation, and culture building. Key Topics Discussed Step Out of the Work and Into Leadership. Bobby explains why surrounding yourself with people who are more talented than you is essential, and how learning to delegate allowed his first business to triple in size within two years. Believe in What You Are Doing. Leadership, Bobby says, is spiritual. A leader's energy moves through the entire organization. He encourages leaders to surround themselves with radiators, not drains, and to lead from genuine belief. Build the Right Infrastructure Before You Need It. Back office infrastructure, including finance, HR, and clear systems, is the foundation most owners overlook. Bobby speaks to the cost of weak onboarding and decisions made from instinct rather than reliable information. Integrate AI Without Losing Human Capital. Bobby sees AI as an opportunity to automate process and speed up creative work, but he is clear that experience and human judgment remain essential. Leverage Strategic Partnerships to Accelerate Growth. Bobby explains how identifying the true gatekeepers of relationships, and building culturally aligned partnerships, can accelerate growth faster than reaching one client at a time. He points to the value of mutually beneficial relationships that are actively nurtured and monitored over time, rather than left to chance. Memorable Quotes "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." "Leadership is spiritual. Period." "Always surround yourself with radiators, not drains." "AI is never going to replace human capital." Key Takeaways for Leaders Step into leadership by surrounding yourself with talented people. Belief drives culture. Build infrastructure early to prevent chaos as you scale. Balance AI with human judgment, since technology is an enabler and not a replacement for experience. Choose strategic partners with care, looking for cultural alignment and follow through. Connect with Bobby Lane Website: factotum.com LinkedIn: Bobby Lane, CEO of Factotum Instagram: Bobby Lane UK1 Connect with Julie Riga Stacklist: https://stacklist.app/julieriga Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen, and share this episode with leaders ready to scale with purpose. #StayOnCourse #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #PurposeDrivenLeadership #JulieRiga Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Anne McGhee-Stinson: Conscious Leadership for a New Era of Business About the Guest Anne McGhee-Stinson is the managing partner and director of practice at InteraWorks, a learning and development organization that delivers leadership and performance programs to corporate clients around the world. With more than twenty years of experience as an executive coach, consultant, entrepreneur, author, playwright, and documentary film producer, Anne has spent her career helping leaders and organizations tap into their deepest creative resources and translate that insight into meaningful results. Episode Highlights A Paradigm Shift in Leadership Anne describes a long-building paradigm shift in how organizations operate, moving away from a purely Newtonian, cause-and-effect framework toward a quantum model of leadership that pays attention to the relationships and energy between the parts of a system, not just the parts themselves. The Symphony Orchestra Metaphor Anne compares a conscious organization to a symphony orchestra. Each musician brings individual skill and creativity, the score provides the organizational guidelines, and the conductor, much like a modern leader, is responsible not for each individual player but for the harmony and flow between them. From Command and Control to Conscious Leadership The conversation traces how command and control leadership served the industrial age, when predictability and replicable results were the goal. Anne explains why that model no longer fits a workforce that is more educated, more interconnected, and operating in far more fluid and complex conditions. Leadership as a Ceiling on the Organization Anne references Frederick Laloux's book, Reinventing Organizations, and his idea that no organization can rise above the consciousness of its leaders, pointing to the personal growth work required of every leader who wants to build lasting impact. The Entrepreneurial Mindset Julie and Anne discuss why entrepreneurship is as much a mindset as it is a job title, and why the ability to challenge assumptions, embrace ambiguity, and build multiple streams of income may be reshaping what safety and career growth actually look like. Vertical Leadership Development Anne closes with a call for vertical leadership development, the deepening of self-awareness and consciousness that complements traditional skill building, so leaders have the internal resources to make innovative, purpose-driven decisions even without a playbook. Notable Quotes "No organization can rise above the consciousness of its leaders." "Leadership today begins with personal development." "I believe our organizations of today have the capacity to be the vehicle for social change." Connect with Anne McGhee-Stinson Website: interaworks.com Connect with Julie Riga Explore more episodes, resources, and ways to work with Julie at https://stacklist.app/julieriga #stayoncourse #consciousleadership #executivecoach #leadershipdevelopment #purposeledgrowth Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Caite Corripio: How to Make Your Health Span Match Your Lifespan About Caite Corripio Caite Corripio is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and co-founder of Healthy and Vibrant, where she helps people create sustainable lifestyle change around metabolic health, weight management, stress, and whole body well-being. She has authored two books, "100 Calorie Snacks" and her newly released "100 Self-Care Practices," and hosts a free monthly wellness webinar for her community. Episode Highlights Health Span Versus Lifespan Caite opens the conversation with a foundational truth about aging: "the goal is that you're healthy" so that health span matches lifespan, rather than spending retirement years cycling through doctor visits instead of living out long-planned goals. The Three Macros Made Simple Caite breaks down nutrition into carbs, protein, and fat using a memorable analogy from Winnie the Pooh, where protein is the slow and steady Eeyore, carbs are the quick-burst energy of Tigger, and healthy fat is the wise old owl who balances the two. Pairing macros together, she explains, prevents the blood sugar spikes that come from eating carbohydrates alone. Sugar Cravings and Self-Awareness Caite speaks candidly about her own history with sugar, sharing that she has "a sugar addiction" and continues to fight for better health every day, even while enjoying a slice of cake on her birthday without spiraling into more sugar. Restoring the System Through Sleep and Stress Management Caite calls sleep "nature's nurse," describing it as the time when the body repairs itself, and encourages listeners to release the badge of honor mentality around running on too little rest. She and Julie also discuss box breathing as a simple reset tool, with Caite walking through the visual of breathing around the four sides of a box to calm the nervous system in moments of stress. Wearables and Intentional Tracking Caite discusses her experience wearing a continuous glucose monitor and an aura ring to understand how food, sleep, and travel affect her body, emphasizing that tracking data only matters when it leads to a change in behavior. Movement and Muscle as Retirement Planning Caite reframes exercise as an investment, noting that adults begin losing eight percent of muscle mass per decade after their thirties, and encourages listeners to build strength for the practical demands of daily life, from carrying luggage to preventing falls. Building an Eating Routine Caite recommends eating every two and a half to three hours in smaller, protein and carb balanced portions rather than one or two large meals, and encourages starting the day with protein within about an hour of waking. Choosing Health as a Daily Choice Caite closes with an empowering reminder that a family history of type two diabetes does not have to be a destiny, and that being healthy is a choice made through consistent, sustainable steps rather than a single overnight change. Key Takeaways Health span should be prioritized alongside lifespan through consistent daily habits Balancing protein, carbs, and healthy fat helps prevent blood sugar spikes Sleep and stress management are foundational tools for restoring the body Wearable data is only valuable when it leads to intentional action Building muscle supports independence and confidence at every stage of life Sustainable change comes from small, repeatable choices rather than overnight transformation Connect with Caite Corripio Website: behealthyandvibrant.com Connect with Julie Riga Stacklist: https://stacklist.app/julieriga #stayoncourse #healthspan #wellnesscoach #selfawareness #healthylifestyle Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mila Snider: Guiding Florida Families to the Right Coast and the Right Life In this episode, Mila and Julie discuss: Mila's journey from Ukraine to Vermont to Florida, and the decision to pack her car and start over more than a decade ago The difference between the sunrise coast, covering Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie counties, and the sunset coast, covering Sarasota, DeSoto, and Charlotte counties Why Mila chose to specialize in both coasts and how that gives her clients a wider view of what Florida offers Guiding families relocating from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut as they choose between the east and west coasts of Florida Why location is the one part of a home that can never be changed, no matter how much the interior is updated What buyers and sellers should know before working with a real estate agent, and why the real work begins after an offer is accepted A story about a broken front door and a six month process to get it resolved, and what it revealed about protecting clients financially Mila's three ingredients for success: discipline, accountability, and balance Her personal rule of five F's: finance, family, fitness, fun, and faith Why her commitment to clients does not end at the closing table, and what she believes a true brand is built on Notable moments from the conversation: Mila reflects on her move to Florida, sharing that she packed her car with her personal belongings only, drove all the way down, and started all over, without a single regret since. On discipline, she explains that it is not flashy. It is quiet, it happens behind the scene, and it happens every single day. On accountability, she notes that silence creates anxiety, uncertainty, and unnecessary stress, which is why she stays proactive and keeps clients informed at every stage. On her approach to business and life, Mila shares a belief that has guided her career: your brand is not your logo or your headshot. It is what people say about you when you are not in the room. Julie and Mila also reflect on how emotional a real estate transaction can be, comparing it to some of the most stressful events in life. Mila explains why buyers deserve constant communication, whether the news is good, bad, or there is simply no news to share. This episode is a reminder that where someone chooses to live is one of the most important decisions of their life, and that growth, transformation, and success often begin with the courage to start a new chapter, especially when guided by a trusted advisor. Connect with Mila Snider: Search "the future is brighter with Mila Snider" on any social media platform Phone: 561-727-9835 Connect with Julie Riga: Stacklist: https://stacklist.app/julieriga #stayoncourse #success #journey #purpose #growth Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Marques Ogden: From Rock Bottom to the Bison Mindset, Building Authentic Leadership and Purpose In this episode, Julie Riga welcomes Marques Ogden, former NFL offensive lineman, keynote speaker, author, business coach, and host of the Get Authentic with Marques Ogden Podcast. Marques opens up about his path from professional football to a rock bottom moment that reshaped his entire life and purpose, and what it took to rebuild from nothing. What we cover in this episode: Marques' six year career in the National Football League, and the difficult transition that followed, including a six month struggle with addiction, alcohol, nightlife, and gambling Building a multimillion dollar construction company that reached multiple eight figures a year, and how ego, greed, and the personality ethics led to its total collapse Moving to Raleigh, North Carolina with four hundred dollars to his name, being fired from two jobs in the same week, and taking a job as a custodian earning eight dollars and twenty five cents an hour The rock bottom moment on a custodial shift that became his wake up call and the beginning of phase two of his life The J.K. Rowling quote that shaped his outlook, rock bottom is the moment that rebuilt my life, and the parallel of Rowling writing Harry Potter while living in her car Marques' journey into professional speaking, starting in September 2013 and going two and a half years before his first paid engagement in April 2016 Meeting Mel Robbins in 2018, getting coached, learning the business, and going on to work with more than ninety Fortune 500 companies Becoming a six time best selling author, with a seventh book, Built From The Storm, The Bison Operating System, currently in progress The Bison mindset, a leadership framework built around being bold, having integrity, practicing self awareness, taking ownership, and never quitting Why bison move as a herd through a storm, protecting the weaker, older, and younger members while the strong and bold face the brunt of the storm, and what that teaches us about leadership and community The idea of purpose driven leadership, and why this phase of Marques' life feels more meaningful to him than football or business ever did Julie's own story of rock bottom during her divorce, and the parallels between her journey and Marques' story of resilience The importance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership, and why judgment should never stop anyone from telling their real story A favorite quote from Franklin Delano Roosevelt, smooth seas never made skilled sailors, and what it means to grow through hardship rather than ease This conversation is filled with ingredients for success, insight on resilience, and encouragement for anyone facing their own storm right now. Connect with Marques Ogden: Website, www.marquesogden.com Email, marques@marquesogden.com Podcast, Get Authentic with Marques Ogden Connect with Julie Riga: Explore more from Julie Riga, including her full lineup of resources and links, at https://stacklist.app/julieriga #stayoncourse #leadership #resilience #purpose #authenticleadership Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dre Baldwin: The Third Day Principle for Consistent Execution Key topics covered in this episode: The Third Day Concept The first day is when everyone shows up excited to start something new The second day still holds a crowd, though a smaller one The third day reveals who is truly committed, since the initial excitement fades and the actual work begins The third day is not the moment someone realizes the work is hard, it is the decision made in that moment about whether to continue Principle, Structure, and Discipline Principle creates structure, and structure leads to discipline Principles are identity based unbreaking standards that suffer no exceptions, unlike preferences, which are simply what someone wishes they were When identity is locked in, actions become automatic and willpower becomes irrelevant Discipline is a description of consistent behavior, not a personality trait The Be, Do, Have Framework Most people work backwards, focusing first on actions rather than identity The order that leads to lasting change is be, do, have. Who a person is being comes first, then what they are doing, and finally what they have Internal identity change must happen before permanent action change is possible Motivation Versus Discipline Motivation is an emotion and is fickle, since it does not always show up Discipline is the result of a process and does not depend on feelings At some point, motivation must hand the job over to discipline for anything meaningful to last Confidence as a Byproduct Confidence is not a personality trait, it is uncovered by doing a hard thing for a long period of time Confidence is the absence of self consciousness and internal anxiety Confidence is available to everyone through consistent effort, not something only certain people are born with The Scientific Law of Entropy Anything without standards or parameters keeping it contained moves toward increased chaos and disorder over time Without a process for keeping something in line, it naturally drifts out of line Memorable quotes from this episode: The behavior is discipline, not the person Confidence is uncovered by doing a hard thing for a long period of time The question is not how you feel, the question is what did you commit to Motivation is an emotion, it is energy, discipline is the result of a process Key takeaways for leaders: Identity comes first, structure and discipline are end products of a deeper identity shift Discipline is a behavior, not a trait, consistent follow through defines it Motivation fades, discipline remains, build systems that do not depend on how someone feels each day Confidence is earned through doing hard things consistently, not through natural ability Watch for entropy, without structure, everything drifts toward disorder, in health, business, and leadership alike Connect with Dre Baldwin: Website: thirddaybook.com Brand: Work On Your Game Connect with Julie Riga: Stacklist: https://stacklist.app/julieriga Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts and share this episode with leaders who need encouragement to stay on course when motivation fades. #stayoncourse #leadershipmindset #confidence #growthmindset #discipline Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Boomer Anderson: The Archimedes Lever - Why Health Is the Missing Ingredient to High Performance About Boomer Anderson: CEO of Troscriptions and Health Optimization Medicine and Practice Former investment banker who led South Asia debt capital markets while living in Singapore Entrepreneur, investor, and health optimization advocate helping leaders move from reactive healthcare to proactive performance   Health as the Foundation for High Performance: Health is the overlooked ingredient that drives focus, leadership, and sustainable success Investing in health delivers measurable returns in productivity, decision making, and career growth Recovery should match the intensity of work to avoid burnout and improve long-term performance   The Power of Sleep and Recovery: Sleep deprivation impacts decision making similarly to alcohol impairment Sleep debt accumulates over time, affecting relationships, leadership presence, and mental clarity Simple habits, including intentional evening routines, can dramatically improve sleep quality and performance   Movement and Measuring What Matters: Walking, zone two cardio, and consistent movement improve energy, focus, and longevity Aerobic exercise supports brain function through increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Wearable technology can help leaders monitor sleep, recovery, stress, and overall health to build sustainable habits   Presence Before Performance: Multitasking reduces effectiveness and limits meaningful human connection Being fully present unlocks intuitive intelligence and improves communication, leadership, and decision making Paying attention to body language and subtle cues creates stronger relationships and better business outcomes   Purpose Driven Leadership: Great leadership begins with service rather than ego Enlightened leadership emphasizes contribution, collaboration, and genuine care for others Leading with purpose builds trust, stronger teams, and a lasting legacy   Key Insights: Sustainable success begins by treating health as seriously as professional development Recovery is a competitive advantage, not a luxury Presence creates better conversations, stronger relationships, and more effective leadership Leadership rooted in service and purpose creates greater impact than leadership driven by status or promotion   Connect with Boomer Anderson: Companies: Troscriptions and Health Optimization Medicine and Practice LinkedIn: Boomer Anderson Instagram: @boomersnh Connect with Julie Riga: Stacklist: https://stacklist.app/julieriga Coaching: Learn more about leadership coaching, authentic leadership, and purpose-driven growth Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts. #stayoncourse #leadership #highperformance #healthoptimization #selfleadership Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Robert White: Three Ingredients That Turn Dreams Into an Extraordinary Life About Robert White: Author, serial entrepreneur, and team trainer His companies have graduated 1.4 million participants in high impact experiential leadership training Author of the bestselling book Thank You Very Much, a guide to living an extraordinary life, now a bestseller in three languages The Three Ingredients for an Extraordinary Life: Awareness: the practice of noticing physical sensations, emotional reactions, thought patterns, and the people and environment around you, then telling the truth about what is working and what is not, without blame, shame, or guilt Responsibility: releasing a victim mindset and owning every outcome, both success and failure, rather than blaming others or oneself Communication: pausing before reacting, asking questions instead of making statements, and learning to paraphrase what others have said The Log Jam Analogy: Robert compares forced conflict resolution to using dynamite to clear a log jam It works, but it leaves people feeling wounded A more skilled leader looks for the key log, the underlying issue driving a person's behavior, and addresses it directly Key Insights: Conflict and creativity are connected, and personal triggers, from public speaking to travel to hard conversations, can pull leaders away from their best selves Research suggests small and medium sized business leaders spend around seventy percent of their time on people problems Self-leadership and growth work are essential for building healthy teams Curiosity is often the fastest path through conflict, allowing leaders to ask better questions, listen more deeply, and find creative solutions that honor everyone involved Connect with Robert White: Website: extraordinarypeople.com Newsletter: An Extraordinary Minute, a free weekly read available at his website Book: Thank You Very Much, available on Amazon and Kindle Connect with Julie Riga: Website: Your website Social Media: Your social media handles Coaching: Learn more about leadership coaching and transformation Stacklist: https://stacklist.app/julieriga Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts. #stayoncourse #leadership #selfleadership #personalgrowth #authenticleadership Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Audree Grubesic: The Five Pillars of Heart Centered Leadership Audree brings decades of experience in modular construction, real estate, and business strategy. After years of eighteen hour workdays, she began a personal transformation rooted in meditation, gratitude, and breathwork. That journey led her to create the five pillars framework and Becoming Human Again Events, where leaders gather to reconnect with themselves and lead from a grounded place. The five pillars begin with awareness, which is noticing emotions, patterns, and energy within and around us. Audree explains the difference between masculine energy, which drives goals and decisions, and feminine energy, which builds relationships and listens deeply. A reactive leader creates tension and confusion, while a responsive leader creates clarity and trust. The second pillar is identity. Audree outlines four steps: recognizing the identity currently driving decisions, releasing beliefs that no longer serve growth, redefining values and leadership identity with intention, and embodying that identity consistently so it becomes visible and trusted. The third pillar is purpose. Audree frames purpose as a strategic advantage rather than an emotional idea. Purpose provides direction during uncertainty and focus during distraction. She encourages leaders to ask what matters most, what values guide their decisions, and what they are naturally gifted to create. The fourth pillar is connection. Audree describes building relationships as an act of service, encouraging leaders to ask how they can help rather than what they can gain. She credits the coaching frameworks Julie provided for helping her structure her companies and clarify her own leadership identity. The final pillar is integration, which brings the other four pillars together through daily practice. Audree shares her own routine of breath awareness, gratitude, body awareness, and future self visualization, and leads Julie through a simple sixty second breathing reset live during the episode. Throughout the conversation, Audree emphasizes that the most powerful tools for growth cost nothing. Meditation, gratitude journaling, and breathwork are free, yet they can completely shift the mindset and energy of a leader. Audree also reflects on the importance of community, encouraging entrepreneurs to seek support rather than face challenges alone. She also shares the practice of naming each year with a guiding word, a tool she and Julie both use to stay focused on their intentions. Audree closes the episode with an invitation to Becoming Human Again Events, taking place in Savannah, Georgia on October 16th, where Julie will serve as keynote speaker alongside business coaches and empowerment leaders. She leaves listeners with a powerful question: what would you change if you fully trusted yourself, and how would that change you today. This episode is a reminder that leadership starts from within, and that small, consistent practices can transform how leaders show up for their teams, their families, and themselves. Connect with Audree Grubesic at becominghumanagainevents.com. Connect with Julie Riga through Stacklist at https://stacklist.app/julieriga. #leadership #purpose #selfawareness #growth #stayoncourse Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aurora Winter: Become the Authority AI Quotes, Not the Expert It Replaces Guest Background Aurora Winter is a bestselling author of more than ten books, an award-winning television and film writer-producer, a media strategist, and the founder of Same Page Publishing. With a background spanning Hollywood screenwriting, neuroscience-driven messaging, and thought leadership development, Aurora has built a reputation for helping entrepreneurs and executives turn their stories into scalable brands, books, and businesses. Her latest book, Turn Words into Wealth, outlines seven ways to launch as a thought leader in the age of AI. Fun Fact: Aurora's favorite food is sushi. A rainbow roll to be exact, fresh only, and never from an airport. The Four Human Superpowers AI Cannot Replace Your Stories: Lived experience, breakthroughs, and hard-won wisdom are uniquely yours. Generic AI content destroys brand differentiation; authentic storytelling builds it. Stories are what people remember and repeat for free. Your Coaching and Leadership Skill: Great coaches ask powerful questions and wait for discovery. That process builds new neural pathways and creates lasting transformation. AI delivers passive answers; great leaders create active change. Your Mastery and Judgment: AI is only as good as the expertise guiding it. Identify where you are masterful and use AI to scale that strength. Your Creativity and Authenticity: AI has no creative soul. Your unique perspective, voice, and vision are irreplaceable. Leaning into creativity at any age drives personal growth and builds new neural pathways. The Three Strategic Frameworks The Movie Trailer Mindset: You have eight seconds to grab attention. Start with the problem you solve or a compelling story. Video registers as memorable in as little as 1.7 seconds according to Meta research. The Netflix Series Strategy: Think beyond the single post or episode. Design content as a connected journey where each piece builds toward transformation and positions your audience to take the next step. The Waterfall Method: Solve each problem completely, then reveal the next logical challenge. Each offer becomes the natural next step after the one before it. Key Takeaways Lead with your story. Your lived experience is your most defensible advantage in the age of AI. Sell transformation, not information. AI has made information a commodity. You are the driver. AI is the vehicle. You set the destination. Grab attention in eight seconds. Lead with the problem or the story, never your name first. Think in series. Design your content and offers as a connected journey, not isolated moments. Connect with Aurora Winter Website: samepagepublishing.com Free Book: turnwordsintowealth.com Free Business Breakthrough Call: bookcall.biz Connect with Julie Riga Website: julieriga.com Stacklist: https://stacklist.app/julieriga Coaching: Learn more about leadership coaching and transformation through the Before I Lead program. #stayoncourse #leadership #transformation #personalgrowth #purposedriven Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Travis Hahler: Wired for Change, Part 2 | The Neuroscience of Resistance and Leading Yourself Through Transformation Travis Hahler is the Senior Director of Global Strategy and Transformation at Salesforce and the founder of Neurological Nomad. His book Rethink Resistance: Embracing Neuroscience to Lead Transformational Change is available now on Amazon and major booksellers. Fun Fact: Travis upgraded his answer this time. His favorite is a bolognese made with ground rabbit. You have to go to Italy to get the original. What You Will Learn The six neurological barriers to change and why they exist in every human brain Why all change is loss and how the brain registers that as threat How exclusion, ambiguity, and anxiety each activate the brain's threat response Why corporate employees and entrepreneurs experience resistance in different ways The three core losses driving the most resistance: competence, control, and relationships How to use the six barriers as a personal checklist when resistance rises Why identity language matters: "I am becoming" is neurologically different from "I am trying" Why growth mindset is the defining competency of the AI transformation era How leader empathy produces better change outcomes Why resistance is not personal; it is protective Key Insights The most important question during change: what am I afraid to lose right now? Corporate employees lack autonomy before change begins, making imposed change even harder Entrepreneurs carry a false sense of control; external forces can upend their path without warning Community and accountability are the infrastructure of lasting transformation, not a luxury Leadership is an inside game; you cannot lead others through change you have not faced yourself Resistance is protective, not a character flaw; meet it with grace, not judgment Memorable Quotes "All change is really loss. Positive change, negative change, all lost." "When leaders understand how hard it is for people to move, that empathy builds better change." "Resistance is not personal. It is protective." "Leadership is spiritual. It is an inside game." - Julie Riga "Stay on course. You are going to get knocked down. Do the thing anyway." - Julie Riga Who Should Listen Leaders, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs navigating transformation and the pressure to keep moving when everything feels hard. If you have ever felt like quitting on a Friday and found yourself back at it on Monday, this episode was made for you. Your Next Step Ask yourself one question today: what am I afraid to lose right now? Sit with the answer. That is where your growth begins. Connect with Travis Hahler Website: travishahler.com Book: Rethink Resistance, available now on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and major booksellers LinkedIn: Travis Hahler Connect with Julie Riga Website: julieriga.com/lead Coaching: Leadership coaching and the ingredients for success in life and career Tools and Resources: https://stacklist.app/julieriga Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts Share this with every leader and entrepreneur navigating change #stayoncourse #leadership #transformation #mindset #purposedriven Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Travis Hahler: Wired for Change, Part 1 | Leading Humans Through AI Transformation Travis Hahler is the Senior Director of Global Strategy and Transformation at Salesforce and the founder of Neurological Nomad. His book Rethink Resistance, publishing June 23rd, explores how leaders can embrace human biology to drive meaningful change. Fun Fact: Travis loves a good pasta. Red sauce, vodka sauce, white sauce, all the sauces. You simply cannot go wrong. What You Will Learn Why telling employees to "go play" with AI activates fear rather than innovation How the brain defaults to the worst-case narrative when faced with ambiguity Why early adopters are only about two and a half percent of any workforce How to give your team clarity around what innovation means in their role Why group exploration is safer and more effective than solo adoption How ninety percent of AI users are only chatting with it, not leveraging its potential Why building competence over time beats trying to master everything at once How resisting AI to protect your job is the fastest path to losing it Why leadership is evolving from systems thinking to challenge and reinvention Key Insights Clarity is the foundation of transformation; define innovation before you ask for it Resistance is neurological, not personal; the brain defaults to protection under ambiguity Group adoption accelerates individual progress and lowers perceived risk Competence builds confidence, and confidence enables lasting change Staying still in the age of AI is a career risk, not a safe choice Leaders who thrive will model curiosity, adaptability, and purpose-driven growth Memorable Quotes "Everyone is talking about AI, but no one is talking about how they are going to do it." "People's brains automatically go to the negative." "You do not have to solve everything. Start with the basics." "Trying to hold on to your job is not going to help you save it." "AI is the buffet. You could get whatever you want, however you want it." Who Should Listen Leaders, executives, and professionals navigating AI adoption without a clear roadmap. If you are struggling with workforce resistance, unclear innovation mandates, or leading people through uncertainty, this conversation offers practical strategy and a neuroscience-informed view on why change feels hard. Your Next Step Start with one question: what is one task in your daily work that AI could make easier? Do not try to reinvent everything. Build from there. Leadership in the age of AI means showing up with curiosity, not perfection. Connect with Travis Hahler Website: travishahler.com Book: Rethink Resistance, June 23rd on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and major booksellers LinkedIn: Travis Hahler Connect with Julie Riga Website: julieriga.com/lead Coaching: Leadership coaching and the ingredients for success in life and career Tools and Resources: https://stacklist.app/julieriga Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts Share this with leaders navigating transformation in the age of AI #stayoncourse #leadership #transformation #mindset #purposedriven Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Theresa Benvenuto: Fathers, Legacy, and Living Your Purpose This special Father's Day edition of the Stay On Course Podcast brings together two women bonded through loss, faith, and a shared belief in purpose-driven living. Theresa and Julie each lost their fathers ten years ago. Together they explore what it means to grieve authentically, honor a legacy, and carry forward the lessons their fathers instilled in them. ️ About Theresa Benvenuto Theresa Benvenuto is the Doctor of Connections, with a remarkable gift for building meaningful relationships and helping others discover where their strengths, purpose, and people truly align. She brings her expertise in connection alongside her story of loss and legacy to this conversation. Fun Fact: Theresa's favorite dish is eggplant parmesan made the traditional way, with flour so the eggplant melts on the tongue. Her late mother-in-law made the best version she has ever tasted. What You Will Hear in This Episode Grief Has No Rules There is no timeline for loss. Julie shares how grief broke through at a Trader Joe's checkout just two days after losing her father. Theresa reflects on how it still arrives unexpectedly a decade later. Authentic grieving means following your own path, not someone else's timeline. The Gifts Our Fathers Left Behind Julie grieved her father by completing his life story and turning it into a book. Theresa is still sorting through her late father's baseball card collection, discovering handwritten letters he wrote to Brooklyn Dodgers legends. Both describe these inheritances as gifts that keep on giving. Our Fathers as Cheerleaders Julie's father became her greatest supporter after retirement, calling daily and cheering her on. Theresa's father attended her doctoral graduation just five months before he passed. Both speak to the irreplaceable loss of the person who believed in you without condition. Purpose, Legacy, and Letting Children Be Themselves A candid conversation about pursuing your true calling without waiting for approval. Julie reflects on wanting to sing, write, and build a business while those closest to her waited to believe it until they saw it done. People living in regret often blame others for things they never gave themselves permission to do. Signs from the Other Side Cardinals in the backyard. Roma tomatoes in impossible places. Both Julie and Theresa share the comfort of believing their fathers are still sending signs and cheering them on from heaven. Key Takeaways Grieve authentically on your own terms Look for the legacy your loved ones left behind Your purpose is yours alone to pursue Do the thing, even without approval Our fathers went first so we would believe anything is possible Special Note: Theresa's daughter begins medical school in July and runs the New York City Marathon in November to raise funds for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. If your father is still here, cherish every moment. If he is gone, trust he is still guiding you. Follow your purpose and do the thing he believed you could do. https://stacklist.app/julieriga #FathersDay #Legacy #PurposeDriven #StayOnCourse #GriefAndGrowth Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bryan Daly: The Power of Epic Business Networking Guest Background Bryan Daly is a financial planner and the founder of Epic Business Connections, a networking community he built after the mortgage industry downturn in 2008 forced him to rethink how he grew his business. What started as a way to fill his calendar with clients became something much bigger. Nearly twenty years later, Epic has grown into a thriving community built on trust, learning, and genuine relationships, meeting every Thursday morning online. What Bryan and Julie Discuss Why the 2008 mortgage crisis became Bryan's turning point and pushed him toward a new path Choosing self leadership over giving up and starting something entirely new How consistent referral and networking filled his calendar with clients The unexpected friendships and sense of community that came from showing up week after week Expanding social circles as life and career continue to evolve over time A story about two members who met through the group and got married How Epic Business Connections is designed, including no dues, no fees, and no mandatory meetings The early days at Panera Bread, where 80 to 100 people would show up for breakout sessions The shift from in person meetings across South Florida to an online format after COVID What a typical Thursday morning session looks like, including breakouts and education New ideas for speed networking rounds and friendly contests for members The legendary Purple Monkey Award for the best business commercial Challenging the traditional definition of networking and what makes Epic different Connecting with people who never thought networking was for them, including skeptics Bringing charitable giving back into the group's mission going forward Launching a new website for Epic Business Connections to showcase the community An open invitation to join the free Thursday morning sessions at 8 a.m. Eastern Key Takeaways for Leaders Resilience builds legacy, and a setback can become the foundation for purpose driven impact Authentic connection creates more value than transactional networking ever could Consistent presence, not one big effort, fuels personal and professional growth over time Letting go of old beliefs about networking opens the door to real opportunity Community and relationships are at the heart of long term success and fulfillment Showing up for others builds trust, friendship, and a true sense of belonging If you have ever felt like networking was not for you, this episode is your invitation to think differently. Show up, connect authentically, and discover the opportunities, friendships, and growth that come from genuine community. This episode is great for entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders ready to build meaningful connections and step into purpose driven growth and leadership. Connect with Julie Riga: https://stacklist.app/julieriga Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this episode with someone who could use a reminder that connection fuels success. #StayOnCourse #LeadershipCoach #PurposeDrivenLeadership #BusinessNetworking #AuthenticGrowth Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Founder's Story: From the Bronx to the Boardroom, Figuring It Out Part 3 Host: Julie Riga | Episode Type: Solo Episode Part 3 What You Will Learn: Julie bridges her college years into her early career, tracing the jobs, lessons, and life moments that quietly built the foundation of who she is today. From learning to negotiate contracts and coordinate productions to sitting at KRS-One's kitchen table and being told to figure it out, every experience added a layer to her leadership story. Key Topics: The Early Career Jobs That Taught Her Everything: Working as a production coordinator at Rack Productions coordinating video shoots, billing, and contracts Why early career jobs are some of the most powerful learning experiences of your life How each role built skills she would carry forward for decades The KRS-One Chapter: Working as a personal assistant to legendary hip hop artist KRS-One from 1997 to 1998 The broken fax machine moment and the four words that defined the job: "Figure it out, Julie" How resourcefulness, phone calls, and showing up became her most important tools Why this role was her first real introduction to entrepreneurship The Family Legacy Behind the Leader: Growing up with immigrant parents: a father from Italy and a mother born in Siberia Julie's mother was carried through a forest as a baby while her family fled Nazi Germany How the fabric of trauma and learning shaped the woman Julie became Putting personal hardship in perspective against the weight of generational resilience Memorable Quotes: "Figure it out, Julie. You are gonna figure it out." "I learned some really important skills. There is so much to be said about that job." "The fabric that made who I am today was one that was deep trenched in learning, in trauma, and learning and trauma." "My mother and father's life was harder. They went through war. I just went through people yelling at me and talking bad about me. You put it in perspective." "Somehow we get back up again and we stay on course." "Life is not a straightforward thing. It never will be and it never has been." Key Takeaways: Resourcefulness is one of the most powerful skills any leader can develop Early career jobs teach you more than any classroom ever could Being told to "figure it out" is not a burden. It is an invitation to grow Your family story is part of your leadership story whether you realize it or not Perspective is everything. Put your hard seasons next to someone else's and recalibrate No matter what life brings, the mission is always the same: stay on course About Julie Riga: Julie Riga is a leadership coach, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and host of the Stay On Course Podcast. She helps leaders and business owners discover their true purpose, build authentic confidence, and break through to their next level of success. Services: One on One Coaching | Leadership Programs | Training Programs | Brand Building Explore all of Julie's resources here: https://stacklist.app/julieriga Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts Share this episode with someone who needs to be reminded that every hard season has a purpose #StayOnCoursePodcast #FoundersStory #PurposeDrivenLeadership #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipMindset Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Founder's Story: Starting Over, Studying Hard, and Finding My Voice Part 2 Host: Julie Riga | Episode Type: Solo Episode Part 2 What You Will Learn: Julie opens up about the college years that changed everything. For the first time, nobody knew her past. Nobody knew what happened in high school. She got to start over. And she made the absolute most of it, earning Dean's List honors, discovering a love of learning, and ultimately finding her way to a microphone that would define her path for decades to come. Key Topics: The Power of Starting Over: Why college gave Julie her first real opportunity to reinvent herself Making 12 friends within two days and experiencing real community for the first time How a clean slate can be the most powerful gift life offers The Eight Hour Study Sessions: Earning her place on the Dean's List despite severe gaps in her foundational education Spending up to eight hours in the library to match results others got in two Why the will to succeed can override any learning deficiency The Sorority She Walked Away From: Pledging a sorority and quitting on induction night after Hell Night The professor who asked: "Are you here to pledge a sorority or are you here to get an education?" Choosing her education and her purpose over fitting in Finding Her Voice on the Radio: Becoming the voice of Rowan College on 89.7 WGLS FM Hosting two talk shows and a club mix as CJ the DJ How an internship she thought was pointless turned into one of the most brilliant series the station had ever run Memorable Quotes: "Sometimes that is just what you need in life. You need to start over." "You will do it if you want it bad enough. You will do it." "Nothing in my life was handed to me. Nothing. And so I had to push forward." "I am here to get an education, sir. And that moment changed everything for me." "Learning was the remedy to my problems. I could learn." "When you start to remember what you did as a young person and you are able to come back to who you started becoming, because life took you in a different direction from where you started. This is the journey I have been on." Key Takeaways: A fresh start is not a luxury. It is sometimes a necessity for growth Outworking everyone else is a valid and powerful strategy Knowing what you want badly enough will always outperform raw talent Purpose-driven decisions require walking away from things that do not serve your mission Your earliest passions are often pointing you toward your purpose all along About Julie Riga: Julie Riga is a leadership coach, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and host of the Stay On Course Podcast. She helps leaders and business owners discover their true purpose, build authentic confidence, and break through to their next level of success. Services: One on One Coaching | Leadership Programs | Training Programs | Brand Building Explore all of Julie's resources here: https://stacklist.app/julieriga Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts Share this episode with someone who needs to be reminded it is never too late to start over #StayOnCoursePodcast #FoundersStory #PurposeDrivenLeadership #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipMindset Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Founder's Story: Bullied, Broken, and Built for Purpose Part 1 What You Will Learn: Four years into hosting the Stay On Course Podcast, Julie Riga steps into the guest seat to share the story she has never fully told before. From honoring her father's legacy to surviving Graves disease, from eating lunch alone in a high school bathroom to becoming a leadership coach and transformation catalyst, Julie's journey is proof that our hardest seasons carry our greatest lessons. Key Topics: The Heart Behind Stay On Course: Why Julie created the Stay On Course Podcast four years ago How her father's words of faith became the soul of the brand The meaning behind "Stay on course" and why it carries so much weight Lesson One: The Kid Who Had Lunch in the Bathroom: Being bullied from age five and the identity it almost stole Spending high school years eating lunch alone due to isolation and illness The quiet inner voice that carried her through: "They do not know who you are. They do not know who you will become." The Surgery That Changed Everything: Undiagnosed Graves disease discovered at 16 after a life-threatening surgery Being rushed to the ICU and the doctor's warning to her mother How her senior year marked the turning point toward becoming herself Memorable Quotes: "If the world falls down on your shoulders, brush it off and keep going your way. Stay on course. Have faith." "They do not know who you are. They do not know who you will become." "I am a person of conviction and I am a person of purpose." "It is because of those lessons that I became the unique individual that I am today." Key Takeaways: Your story has purpose. The hard seasons are the foundation of who you are becoming Reframe every setback as a lesson and watch your growth accelerate Faith carries you through seasons you cannot navigate alone Circumstance does not define you or your future Tenacity and conviction are forged through difficulty, not comfort About Julie Riga: Julie Riga is a leadership coach, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and host of the Stay On Course Podcast. She helps leaders and business owners discover their true purpose, build authentic confidence, and break through to their next level of success. Services: One on One Coaching | Leadership Programs | Training Programs | Brand Building Explore all of Julie's resources here: https://stacklist.app/julieriga Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts Share this episode with someone who needs to be reminded: your story is not over #StayOnCoursePodcast #PurposeDrivenLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipMindset Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

David Aferiat: Stop the Bottleneck and How a 3D Decision Engine Transforms Leadership Teams Guest: David Aferiat, Growth Coach and Entrepreneur Host: Julie Riga About David Aferiat David Aferiat is a growth coach, entrepreneur, and community leader with a track record built on perseverance, strategic leadership, and long-term vision. He co-founded a fintech company that earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list for six consecutive years, licensing its technology to eTrade and TD Ameritrade. He has also led the French American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurs Organization (EO). David now coaches CEOs and leadership teams to delegate with confidence and build decision-making systems that sustain professional growth. Fun Fact: The favorite food of David is Shakshuka, a Mediterranean dish of roasted peppers, tomatoes, and spices with eggs poached in the reduction, topped with feta and parsley, served with warm pita. He makes his own hummus. The 3D Decision Engine: Discover, Discuss, Decide Discover: Before the meeting, team members log issues and opportunities into a shared parking lot, a simple spreadsheet visible to all. Each item is written as an outcome statement. Tag each item as an opportunity or an obstacle. Discuss: Follow a fast, slow, fast cadence. Align quickly on the list, go deep in discussion, then move to decision. Everyone speaks beyond their own role. Time-box each conversation with a visible timer. Decide: Every decision is assigned one accountable owner with milestones and a follow-up timeline. Decisions fall into six categories: change a process, change a person, change the strategy, stop something, delegate it, or automate it. Key Insights Decision bottlenecks are a leadership problem, not a business problem. When the founder becomes the single point of approval for every decision, growth stalls because of organizational design, not market conditions. The fix is structural. Perseverance is the daily curation of atomic habits and routines designed to serve a future version of yourself and your business. David asks founders one powerful question: what is the last chair around the table you gave up? Each role you release creates more freedom, more capacity, and more life. The two greatest gifts for any founder are community and coaching. Join an organization like EO or a local business network. Invest in a coach who meets you at your stage and holds you accountable to the leader you are becoming. Memorable Quotes "Perseverance is about curating a routine, atomic habits that let you drop the keys off to a future version of yourself." "If everything has to go through the owner, you are choking what could be happening to move the business forward." "Share the burden. That is what a team is for." Connect with David Aferiat LinkedIn: David Aferiat Coaching Website: avid.coach Connect with Julie Riga Resources and Tools: stacklist.app/julieriga #StayOnCourse #LeadershipMindset #DecisionMaking #PurposeDrivenLeadership #BusinessGrowth Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Operations Advantage: Business Success Beyond SalesGuest: Tonya Odio, Author and Founder of Executive Foundations Host: Julie RigaOverviewWhat separates a passionate idea from a thriving, sustainable business? Operations. In this milestone episode recorded live in the studio for the very first time, Julie Riga sits down with Tonya Odio, author of The Operations Advantage: Business Success Beyond Sales, to unpack the systems, structures, and mindset shifts every entrepreneur needs to build a business that does not just sell, but scales. Tonya brings 20 plus years of corporate operations experience into a conversation that is practical, purposeful, and fun.Watch the live recording on YouTube: Stay On Course Podcast with Julie RigaThe Operations Advantage: Business Success Beyond SalesAbout This EpisodeJulie Riga sits down with Tonya Odio, founder of Executive Foundations and author of The Operations Advantage: Business Success Beyond Sales, for an inspiring conversation on what it takes to build a business that lasts. Tonya shares her journey from corporate operations leader to entrepreneur and author, offering actionable strategies for business owners ready to move beyond the excitement of the sale and into the engine that powers long-term success.Fun Fact: Tonya loves a good steak. A great steak is always a yes.The Three Ingredients for Business Success1. Clarity - Understanding What Operations Really MeansOperations simply means how you run your business. Getting clear on the behind-the-scenes systems that deliver your product or service is the starting point for every entrepreneur moving from overwhelm to confidence and purposeful growth.2. Financial Foundation - Start With Your NumbersCash flow is the anchor of every smart business decision. Understanding your profit and loss statement empowers you to invest wisely, price correctly, and grow with intention. Facing your numbers is the beginning of real clarity and freedom.3. Systems and Scalability - Rinse, Repeat, and GrowA system is anything repeatable that saves time and energy. Tonya landed her very first client over lunch before her service was fully packaged. The lesson: messy action is better than no action.Memorable Quotes"A business may start with a sale, but in order for it to be sustained, you have got to be able to operate well.""Messy action is better than no action.""You do not need to be an expert at everything, but you need to know enough about everything to ask the right questions." - Julie RigaAbout the BookThe Operations Advantage: Business Success Beyond Sales by Tonya Odio is a practical guide for entrepreneurs ready to build an organized, profitable, and scalable operation. Each chapter covers a specific area of business with best practices, implementation steps, and real-world examples.Available on Amazon beginning June 4th.ResourcesBook: The Operations Advantage on Amazon - June 4thTonya Odio: executivefoundations.comJulie Riga Resource List: stacklist.app/julierigaWatch Live on YouTube: Stay On Course Podcast with Julie RigaKey TakeawaysClarity about operations is the first step toward business transformationFinancial clarity is the foundation of every smart business decisionRepeatable systems free you to focus on growth and the work you loveStarting before you are fully ready leads to real momentum and real clientsBuilding a business should be meaningful, purposeful, and enjoyable

The Operations Advantage: Why Clarity, Systems and Profit Are the True Ingredients for Business SuccessGuest: Tonya Odio, Operational Strategist and Founder of Executive Foundations Host: Julie RigaWhat if the secret to scaling your business had nothing to do with selling more, and everything to do with how you run things behind the scenes? In this episode, Julie Riga sits down with Tonya Odio, founder of Executive Foundations and author of The Operations Advantage. Together, they uncover what truly drives long-term business growth. Tonya brings a purpose-driven perspective: repeatable systems, workflow clarity, and profit awareness are the real foundations of a sustainable business. Whether you are a solopreneur or a seasoned CEO ready to scale, this conversation will transform how you lead.The Operations Advantage: Why Clarity, Systems and Profit Are the True Ingredients for Business SuccessAbout Tonya OdioTonya Odio is the founder of Executive Foundations, where she helps entrepreneurs scale with clarity, structure, and sustainable profit. With a career built behind the scenes of small businesses, guiding workflow and connecting operational dots, she developed a cross-functional understanding of how businesses truly run. Her debut book, The Operations Advantage: Business Success Beyond Sales, launches June 4th on Amazon.Fun Fact: Tonya loves a good steak paired with a fresh salad and a sweet, tangy dressing.The Three Ingredients for Business Success1. ClaritySuccess starts when you understand not only which systems your business needs, but how those systems support your growth. Get clear on your roles, workflows, and priorities. Move from reacting and putting out fires to operating with intention. Focus on one offer, master it, and refine it before expanding. Clarity is a leadership skill, not a luxury.2. SystemsStrong businesses are built on repeatable, flexible systems. Operations is simply a collection of systems, the routines and processes that power your business every day. The why behind your system matters as much as the what and the how. If a system does not support your goals, it does not belong in your business. The setup takes time upfront, but the long-term return in efficiency and profit is transformational.3. ProfitYour systems have a direct impact on your profit. You cannot just chase sales. You have to protect your margins. Audit your workflow regularly to find wasted time and unnecessary costs. Review your profit and loss statement every month. Identify which services carry the highest margins and promote those with intention. Audit your software stack too. Redundancy in tools quietly drains profit.Memorable Quotes"Operations is not a scary word. It is just how you run your business.""If you talk to businesses that have scaled to six or seven figures, it boils down to their repeatable processes.""It is not just the what and the how. It is the why.""We were not meant to do everything alone."Key TakeawaysClarity is a leadership skill. You cannot build what you cannot define.Systems are the real scale engine. Repeatable processes take businesses to six and seven figures.Profit is protected through awareness. Know your margins, your expenses, and your waste.You cannot do it all alone. Collaboration and delegation are the cornerstones of legacy building.AI is a system too. Use modern tools to analyze and streamline, then take action.Connect with Tonya OdioWebsite: executivefoundations.comLinkedIn: Tonya OdioBook: The Operations Advantage: Business Success Beyond Sales, available on Amazon June 4thConnect with Julie RigaPodcast Resource List: https://stacklist.app/julieriga#StayOnCourse #OperationsAdvantage #PurposeDrivenLeadership #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurshipSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts.Connect Everywhere:Website: www.julieriga.comPodcast: www.stayoncourse.ioLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/julieriga/Email: julie@julieriga.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Happiness Is a Skill: Neuroscience, Resilience, and the Triumph Steps FrameworkGuest: Beatriz Martinez-Peñalver, Licensed Psychotherapist and Creator of Triumph Steps Host: Julie RigaOverviewWhat if happiness was not just a feeling but a skill you could learn, practice, and master?In this episode of the Stay On Course Podcast, Julie Riga sits down with Beatriz Martinez-Peñalver, a licensed psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience and the creator of Triumph Steps, a neuroscience-based framework transforming the way clinicians, coaches, and institutions approach emotional literacy. Beatriz breaks down the science behind why thoughts shape reality, how fear disguises itself in daily life, and why resilience is a muscle that anyone can build. Whether you are navigating a difficult season, chasing purpose, or simply ready to fall in love with your life again, this episode delivers practical tools and real inspiration to help you stay on course.Happiness Is a Skill: Neuroscience, Resilience, and the Triumph Steps FrameworkAbout the GuestBeatriz Martinez-Peñalver is a licensed psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience, a community mental health center founder, and the creator of Triumph Steps. Her work bridges clinical therapy and purpose-driven coaching, making emotional fitness and resilience accessible to everyone who needs it. Over the past decade she has focused on prevention and coaching, believing every single person deserves to know how to be happier. Originally from Colombia, she serves clients globally with a team of certified coaches and clinicians.Key Topics CoveredThe Neuroscience of Happiness There is a direct connection between what we think and how we feel. Positive thoughts produce dopamine and serotonin. Anxious thoughts trigger a completely different neurochemical response. The core equation: Thought leads to Feeling, Feeling leads to Action, Action leads to Results across four life domains: Relationships, Health and Well-Being, Vocation, and Time and Financial Freedom.The Eight Steps to Emotional Fitness Happiness is a learnable skill and an emotional muscle. The Triumph Steps framework guides clients through eight steps beginning with identifying a clear vision, building a bridge from where they are today to where they want to be three years from now, and taking one small controllable step at a time.Befriending Fear Fear disguises itself as procrastination, avoidance, and victim thinking. Clients learn to name it, understand it, and act despite it. Something better always waits on the other side of fear.Purpose and Service as Ingredients for Happiness People who turn their gifts outward toward the good of others discover a deeper and lasting happiness. Purpose is not simply found. It is built through intentional service and the courage to ask how your talents can make a difference.Diaphragmatic Breathing Inhale deeply to a count of four, pause, then exhale slowly to a count of six. Repeat three to five times. This practice immediately resets the nervous system and reconnects you to your inner clarity and wisdom.Memorable Quotes"Not everybody needs mental health services, but every single person needs to know how to be happier.""Your past does not define your future. Your future is designed with the thoughts of today.""We act despite the fear. That is what gets us to triumph.""How would you love your life to look three years from now?"Connect with Beatriz Martinez-PeñalverEmail: beatriz@triumphsteps.com Website: www.triumphsteps.comConnect with Julie RigaExplore all of Julie Riga resources, books, and coaching programs at: https://stacklist.app/julierigaSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts and share this episode with anyone ready to build a life they love.#StayOnCourse #HappinessIsASkill #TriumphSteps #PurposeDrivenLeadership #TransformationJourney Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Resilient Leadership Starts Within: The Three Practices That Change EverythingGuest: Dr. Trisha Vinatieri, Clinical Psychologist and Healthcare Leadership Consultant Host: Julie Riga

Thriving in College: What Nobody Tells YouGuest: Danielle Barone, LCSW, Founder of Waves Therapy Group Host: Julie Riga

Redefining Healthcare Through Relationships, Purpose, and Personalized Care with Dr. Stevi Jenkins-KellyGuest: Dr. Stevi Jenkins-Kelly, PharmD, Founder of My Concierge Pharmacy Host: Julie RigaWhat if your pharmacist knew your name, your goals, and your complete health story rather than just your prescription number? In this episode, Julie Riga sits down with Dr. Stevi Jenkins-Kelly, a visionary pharmacist and founder of My Concierge Pharmacy. Together they explore how she left corporate pharmacy to build something new, a practice grounded in personalized service, trust, and a whole-patient approach to wellness. If you have ever felt like just a number in the system, this episode will inspire you to lead with more intention in your own work and life.Redefining Healthcare Through Relationships, Purpose, and Personalized CareAbout the GuestDr. Stevi Jenkins-Kelly is a licensed pharmacist with over 25 years of experience, including time at major chains such as CVS and Publix. She founded My Concierge Pharmacy in West Palm Beach, Florida after finding that most systems are built for volume, not genuine patient care. Her practice is completely independent, self-trademarked, and rooted in one guiding principle: pharmacy as a relationship, not a transaction.She holds advanced certifications in diabetes care and collaborative practice and specializes in medication management, chronic disease support, and preventative health. She serves patients across Florida and Pennsylvania, with direct delivery and personalized consultations at every stage of life.Fun Fact: Dr. Stevi loves salmon in every form. Lox and bagels with capers and onions is her absolute go-to.The Three Ingredients for Concierge Success1. Service as a Foundation True service is never transactional. Dr. Stevi built her team culture around being service-minded at every level. When you are moving a patient out of a system that has failed them, you must become the new definition of what great care looks like.2. Trust Through Follow-Through Trust is built by doing what you say you will do, every single time. My Concierge Pharmacy proactively manages patient profiles, coordinates with providers, and connects with each patient a minimum of six times per year. Patients soon find they do not need to chase anyone because someone is consistently and genuinely watching over their care.3. Customization That Feels Personal Concierge care is never cookie-cutter. Whether the patient is a parent preparing for summer, an elderly person managing chronic illness, or a performance athlete focused on longevity, every care plan is built specifically around that individual. Intentional personalization is what sets real concierge care apart from everything else.Key Insights from This EpisodePharmacists are trained in anatomy, biochemistry, and treatment protocol, making them the chemistry and treatment counterpart to a physician's diagnostic approach. Most patients never access this full depth of knowledge because corporate environments do not allow for it. Concierge pharmacy is changing that reality.Dr. Stevi also applies a micro-therapy model, focusing on one health challenge at a time rather than overwhelming patients with everything at once. This approach builds clarity, confidence, and a genuine sense of control over personal health, growth, and life balance.Connect with Dr. Stevi Jenkins-KellyWebsite: www.myconciergepharmacy.com Book a consult to explore whether concierge pharmacy is right for you. Service covers Florida and Pennsylvania with direct home delivery available.Connect with Julie RigaExplore leadership coaching, transformation, and purposeful living at the link below.Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts and share this episode with someone who deserves better from their healthcare journey.#StayOnCourse #PurposeDriven #LeadershipMindset #AuthenticGrowth #TransformYo

The Trust Advantage: How Leaders Turn Complexity Into ConfidenceOverviewIn this episode of the Stay On Course Podcast, host Julie Riga sits down with Jeff Willinger, a globally recognized digital transformation leader, Microsoft MVP, and one of the leading voices in enterprise AI and the future of work. Jeff shares the three ingredients that separate visionary leaders from those who fall behind. In an AI-driven world, the most valuable thing a leader can offer is not a solution. It is confidence. Whether you are a corporate executive, an entrepreneur, or a professional navigating change, this episode will shift the way you think about trust, technology, and your own leadership legacy. This conversation is for leaders who are ready to stop reacting and start leading with clarity and conviction.The Trust Advantage: How Leaders Turn Complexity Into ConfidenceGuest: Jeff Willinger, Digital Transformation Leader, Microsoft MVP, Director at Turn Digital Host: Julie RigaAbout Jeff WillingerJeff Willinger is a globally recognized digital transformation leader, Microsoft MVP, and Director at Turn Digital. With over 20 years of experience in the Microsoft ecosystem, Jeff bridges the gap between business and technology. He makes tools like Microsoft SharePoint and AI Co-Pilot simple, tangible, and powerful for organizations of every size. His leadership philosophy centers on clarity, accountability, and always moving toward where the opportunity is going to be before anyone else sees it.Fun Fact: Jeff is a proud New Yorker and a dedicated seafood lover. His ideal meal is king crab with drawn butter and lemon. When he is in a rush, nothing beats a classic New York pizza slice.The Three Ingredients for Leadership Success1. Clarity Over ComplexityIf people do not understand it, they will not act on it. Jeff leads with insight, paints a clear before-and-after picture, and earns trust by delivering real value before asking for anything in return. Simplifying the message is not a soft skill. It is a core leadership advantage that drives growth, alignment, and real transformation.2. Proof Over PromiseEvery leader talks about what AI can do. Jeff shows it. He uses readiness assessments, fast pilots, and measurable results within two weeks to build genuine confidence. Make it tangible, make it fast, and let the results do the talking. This approach drives adoption, closes deals, and creates unstoppable momentum.3. Reduce Risk at Every StepEvery deal and every transformation decision is a risk decision at its core. Jeff breaks big changes into safe, digestible steps and proof-of-concept pilots that let teams experience real results without fear. His goal is not to push a deal through. It is to make saying yes feel like the obvious, safe, and smart choice for every stakeholder.Key Quotes"Everyone goes to where the puck is. I go to where the puck is going to be.""If they do not understand it, they will not buy it.""People are not buying your solution. They are buying your conviction and your clarity.""What took 20 hours in the past is taking 10 minutes with AI and you cannot unsee that productivity.""Bring value wherever you go and you will always have a job and you will always have a client."Key TakeawaysClarity is a competitive advantage in leadership and in businessProof beats promise every single time in businessAI is not optional for organizations that want to grow and stay relevantThe human edge in leadership is real, irreplaceable, and truly essentialGovernance creates real freedom, not limits, when built wellConnect with Jeff WillingerLinkedIn: Jeff Willinger Instagram: @TheRealJWillie Company: Turn DigitalConnect with Julie RigaExplore all resources, tools, and episode links at: https://stacklist.app/julieriga#Leadership #DigitalTransformation #AILeadership #StayOnCourse #Transformation

From Zero to Trader: The Beginner's Blueprint for Financial FreedomGuest: Mitch Abel, Founder of Investment Current Host: Julie RigaWhat if losing $150,000 was the beginning of your greatest financial breakthrough? Mitch Abel retired in 2015 and lost $150,000 in his first six months of trading. His partner Diana looked at him and said two words: "Keep going." Six months later, he made it all back. Today, over 250 students have come through his program at Investment Current. This episode walks you through exactly how a complete beginner gets started in trading the right way, from opening your first account to building the plan that protects you from yourself. If you have ever wanted to take control of your financial future but did not know where to start, this is your recipe.From Zero to Trader: The Beginner's Blueprint for Financial FreedomAbout This EpisodeJulie Riga sits down with Mitch Abel, founder of Investment Current, a purpose-driven trading education platform that has helped over 250 students build financial freedom and generational wealth. Mitch is a living example of resilience and transformation. After retiring, he lost $150,000 in his first six months and came back stronger than ever. This episode is your step-by-step guide to starting your trading journey with clarity, confidence, and a strong foundation.Guest BackgroundMitch Abel is the founder of Investment Current, an options trading education community built for complete beginners. His platform includes a 100 percent interactive live trading room, a 12-week curriculum, weekly faculty office hours, and personal mentorship. No trader has to face this journey alone.Fun Fact: Mitch loves a hot pastrami sandwich on rye with coleslaw, sauerkraut, and pickled tomatoes.The Three Ingredients for Trading SuccessFoundation: You can begin with as little as $2,000 to $10,000. The 10 percent portfolio rule means you never risk more than 10 percent of your total capital on a single trade. New government rules now allow pattern day trading inside self-directed IRAs and 401k accounts, making this journey accessible to almost anyone.Education: Learn the language of the market before risking a single dollar. Investment Current offers a 6-week foundational program followed by a 12-week course with video lessons, written takeaways, quizzes, homework, and live faculty office hours. All beginners start with paper trading, simulated trading with no real money, for a minimum of six months before moving to live capital.Strategy: Write your personal trading plan. Define your entry rules, exit rules, stop loss rules, and profit targets. Keep a trading journal to track your emotions, your decisions, and your growth. Tools like TraderSync allow you to capture and analyze every trade in one place.Memorable Quotes"If you have the right education and the right tools, it is not gambling. It becomes second nature.""We do not want you to fail. The only way to win is to start off slowly.""Trading will bring out every emotion you have ever had. You do not want to be alone on this journey."Real Student ResultsStudents made $4,500 in a single day with a 40.63 percent return on capital. One student made $280 in 34 seconds. Five focused trades per day can generate over $1,000 in earnings within just a few hours.Next StepsVisit investmentcurrent.com and join the free 7-day trading room trial. See the strategy in action, experience the community, and decide whether this is the next chapter of your journey toward financial freedom and legacy building.Connect with Mitch Abel Website: www.investmentcurrent.comConnect with Julie RigaWebsite: julieriga.com/leadStacklist: https://stacklist.app/julierigaSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen. Share with someone ready to take control of their financial future.#StayOnCourse #Leadership #Transformation #LegacyBuilding #FinancialFreedom

Why Your Data Is Not the Star of the Show: The Human Science of Powerful PresentationsGuest: Anthony Greiter, Founder of Agent, Technical Translator and Presentation Coach Host: Julie Riga, Leadership Coach and Founder of the Stay On Course Podcast

Stop Letting Your Business Own You: The Role Alignment Secret Behind an $18M ExitGuest: Brandon Lee, Business Alignment Coach and Founder of Build By Design Host: Julie Riga Podcast: Stay On Course Podcast

Whole Health Wealth: The Money Mindset Shift That Changes EverythingGuest: Matt Paradise, Author, Financial Wellness Speaker and Liver Transplant Survivor Host: Julie Riga

Showing Up as Your Authentic Best Self: Ingredients for SuccessGuest: Dr. Lori Smith | Government Contracting Expert, Serial Entrepreneur and Founder Host: Julie RigaOverviewWhat does it truly mean to show up as your authentic best self every single day? In this powerful episode of the Stay On Course Podcast, host Julie Riga sits down with Dr. Lori Smith, a DBA-trained government contracting expert, serial entrepreneur, and advocate for women, minority, and veteran-owned small businesses. With over 40 years of leadership experience and a legacy built on radical self-honesty, service, and purpose-driven impact, Dr. Lori unpacks the real ingredients for success in leadership, business, and life. Whether you are a corporate executive, entrepreneur, veteran, or someone on a journey of authentic transformation, this conversation will challenge you to lead from your most honest and whole self.Showing Up as Your Authentic Best Self: Ingredients for SuccessAbout Dr. Lori SmithDr. Lori Smith is a DBA-trained government contracting expert, serial entrepreneur, and founder dedicated to helping women, minority, and veteran-owned small businesses win government work and build generational wealth. She has mentored more than 11,000 small businesses over a 40-year career. She serves as Co-Lead for the Georgia Women Veterans Board and Advisor to the North Georgia Women in Leadership Program.Fun Fact: Dr. Lori is a proud veggie girl. Her most cherished food memory is her mother's lima beans, green beans, and collard greens.The Three Ingredients for Authentic Success1. Radical Self-Honesty Showing up as who you truly are in every room, every role, and every relationship is the foundation of authentic leadership. Trust is the currency of real leadership, and you cannot build a lasting legacy on a version of yourself that is not genuine or sustainable.2. Consistent Micro Habits Small, intentional daily actions are the building blocks of transformation. Movement, reflection, and purposeful routines are not extras. They are the foundation of wholistic wellness and personal growth. Integrate these habits into your calendar the same way physical training was once built into military life.3. Courageous Connections Asking for help is an act of strength, not weakness. Surrounding yourself with people who elevate your authentic growth is one of the most strategic leadership decisions you will ever make. Be discerning about who you allow into your inner circle and courageous enough to release what no longer aligns.Memorable Quotes"We really have to start showing up from that honest place and being who we say we are all the time.""You can still lead while you are still bleeding. You can still lead while you still need to heal.""The goal for management should always be: I am developing you to replace me.""Abundance comes in every aspect of life when you give from an authentic place."Key Takeaways for LeadersRadical self-honesty is the foundation of trust, impact, and legacyMicro habits compound into transformation when practiced with intentionCourageous connections accelerate authentic growth and purpose-driven leadershipAccountability with grace is the mark of true leadership presenceYour energy is your leadership. Show up whole.Connect with Dr. Lori SmithLinkedIn: Dr. Lori SmithPodcast: GovCon Clarity with Dr. Lori Smith on Spotify, Buzzsprout, iTunes and iHeartBook: Rising Beyond the Shadows, releasing in MayComing Soon: The Readiness Room, a membership community for entrepreneursConnect with Julie RigaWebsite: julieriga.com/leadCoaching: Leadership coaching and transformation with Julie Riga#StayOnCourse #AuthenticLeadership #PurposeDriven #LeadershipMindset #LegacyBuildingSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with a leader who is ready to show up as their authentic best self.

Cooking Up Your One-of-a-Kind Signature Offer: The Four Ingredients for SuccessGuest: Deborah C. Smith, Marketing Strategist and Holistic Business Coach Host: Julie RigaOverviewWhat does it really take to build a signature offer that sells, scales, and sets you free? In this episode, Julie Riga sits down with Deborah C. Smith, a marketing strategist, holistic business coach, and host of the Mindset to Market Podcast, to break down four essential ingredients every purpose-driven entrepreneur needs to craft a one-of-a-kind offer. This conversation is your blueprint for intentional growth rooted in clarity, joy, and your unique story.Cooking Up Your One-of-a-Kind Signature Offer: The Four Ingredients for SuccessAbout Deborah C. SmithDeborah C. Smith is a marketing strategist and holistic business coach who helps purpose-driven entrepreneurs build simple marketing and sales systems that allow them to scale with ease. With two decades of self-employed experience, she hosts the Mindset to Market Podcast. Deborah and Julie met at PodFest, forming an instant friendship built on purpose and authentic leadership.Fun Fact: Every morning, Deborah hard boils two eggs topped with green salsa hot sauce. Perfect, perfect breakfast.The Four Essential Ingredients of a Signature OfferIngredient 1: Alignment with Your Unique Skills, Story, and Lived ExperienceYour signature offer must be rooted in who you genuinely are. It is the intersection of your expertise, your journey, and your lived experience. The goal is to speak to your audience problem in a way that only you can. This is the foundation of authentic leadership and a personal brand built to last.Ingredient 2: It Solves a Clear, Tangible, and Urgent ProblemDeborah introduces the house on fire analogy. When a house is burning, nobody hesitates. Your offer must speak to that same urgency. In online marketing, you have only seconds to capture attention, so you must speak to the right-now problem. People buy to get out of pain and move toward greater fulfillment.Ingredient 3: A Simple, Repeatable ProcessA signature offer is not a collection of skills. It is a system. A clear, step-by-step process is the key to your freedom as a business owner and your audience ability to trust what working with you looks like. Every service has a process behind it, and that is where your real value lives.Ingredient 4: It Lights You UpThe most overlooked ingredient is joy. If your offer does not genuinely excite you, it will be nearly impossible to sell. Sales is energetic, built on relationships, trust, and authentic connection. Chase the thing that feels like your purpose, and the results will follow.Memorable Quotes"A signature offer is not a random batch of skills. It is a very clear, compelling, and process-driven thing that you create yourself.""If you love it, you will find you can sell anything on the internet.""Sales is energetic. It is about relationships, trust, and connection."Key TakeawaysClarity is the foundation. Get clear on your who, what, and why first.Solve what is urgent. Speak to the problem your audience feels right now.Build a repeatable system. A consistent process turns expertise into a scalable offer.Chase the joy. Your fulfillment is a business asset, not a luxury.Your story is your strategy. Own your lived experience because no one else can.Connect with Deborah C. SmithWebsite: www.deborahcsmith.comPodcast: Mindset to Market PodcastSocial Media: Instagram, LinkedIn, and all major platformsConnect with Julie RigaWebsite: julieriga.com/leadCoaching: Before I Lead program#StayOnCourse #SignatureOffer #PurposeDriven #LeadershipMindset #EntrepreneurSuccessSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts. Share with every purpose-driven entrepreneur ready to build something that truly matters.

Leadership Lessons from the Kitchen: The Three C's Every Great Leader NeedsWhat does cooking have to do with building a business? Everything. Julie Riga sits down with Sutton C. McCraney and Lace Flowers, co-founders of the Flavor Room, to explore how kitchen wisdom transforms the way leaders lead and grow. From curry goat to lamb biryani, this conversation is packed with purpose, authenticity, and real talk that leaders need. This episode is a masterclass in intentional, purpose-driven leadership.Leadership Lessons from the Kitchen: The Three C's Every Great Leader NeedsGuests: Sutton C. McCraney and Lace Flowers, Co-Founders of The Flavor Room Host: Julie RigaAbout the GuestsLace Flowers is a British Jamaican home cook and co-founder of the Flavor Room and Empire Kitchen, based in South America, with over 18 years of research into what happens when foundational culture is missing inside organizations. Sutton C. McCraney is a U.S. Air Force veteran and entrepreneur based in Morocco whose background in discipline shapes her approach to building ecosystems rooted in equity. Favorite foods: curry goat for Lace, lamb biryani for Sutton.About the Flavor RoomThe Flavor Room is an invite-only leadership ecosystem for founders and CEOs of color, not a coaching program, mastermind, or networking group. It is a curated space built on mutual benefit, high standards, and authentic connection, represented across five countries. The vision: bring your flavor, build your influence. No performance. Just authentic leaders showing up as themselves.The ResearchSutton and Lace published "Legit: Redefining Equity, Leadership and Influence in Online Business," tackling the illusion of inclusion, ethics in sales and marketing, hidden systems such as care labor and access to resources, and the future of online business. Their findings produced the Legit Business Standards Framework, now deployed with business owners and organizations worldwide.The Three C's: Ingredients for LeadershipClarity - You cannot prepare a meal without knowing what you are making. The same applies in business. Clarity does not come from endless planning. It comes from doing. Stop creating content in isolation. Start selling. Get the buy-in early and refine as you go."You do not get clarity from endless planning. You get clarity by doing." - Lace FlowersCommunication - Even a solo cook must communicate with themselves, their recipe, and their timing. In business, communication means clear systems so every team member knows what they are doing, when, and why. Clear communication creates cohesive results and satisfied people at the end of the table."The first person you need to communicate with effectively is yourself." - Lace FlowersConsistency - Julie visited a different Outback Steakhouse and felt the drop in quality immediately. Consistency builds trust and creates a revolving door of repeat clients and referrals. People trust people they already trust, and that trust is earned one consistent interaction at a time."People trust people they already trust." - Lace FlowersKey TakeawaysClarity is your foundation. Get clear on your vision and systems before anything else.Communication starts with yourself. Know your recipe, then share it with your team.Consistency builds legacy. The standard you maintain is what people return for.Authenticity outlasts ad budgets. Values and standards are your real competitive advantage.You are not in competition with anyone but yourself.ConnectWebsite: www.theflavor.bizPodcast: Fully Flavored Business Podcast on Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and all major platforms. New episodes every Tuesday.LinkedIn: Sutton C. McCraney and Lace Flowers.Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts.#StayOnCourse #LeadershipLessons #PurposeDrivenLeadership #FoundersOfColor #TheFlavorRoom

How to Be an Unforgettable Podcast Guest: Ingredients for Success on Any ShowGuest: Steve Ramsey Host: Julie RigaWhat separates a forgettable podcast guest from one that hosts cannot stop talking about? In this candid conversation, Julie Riga and Steve Ramsey unpack the real tips every guest needs to show up prepared, authentic, and impactful before the mic even turns on. If you are stepping into podcasting as a guest, this episode is your blueprint.How to Be an Unforgettable Podcast Guest: Ingredients for Success on Any ShowAbout This EpisodeJulie sits down with Steve Ramsey for an honest conversation about what it truly means to show up as a great podcast guest. From preparation and storytelling to promotion and personal branding, they explore the mindset shifts and practical strategies that transform a nervous guest into a confident, purpose-driven presence. This episode is essential for any leader ready to leverage podcasting for authentic growth and lasting impact.The Three Ingredients for Podcast Guest Success1. Preparation and Research Do your homework on the host and their show before you appear. Listen to several episodes to absorb the tone, vibe, and format. Preparation is the foundation of authentic, confident performance and meaningful connection.2. Clarity and Simplicity Have a two-sentence introduction ready for the host to use. Offer one clear call to action for the audience, not seven. Be ridiculously easy to work with, a principle inspired by David Averin. Simplicity in your message reflects true mastery of your subject.3. Storytelling and Authentic Connection Build a personal story vault, a curated collection of go-to stories that reflect your journey, values, and expertise. Open with a story that creates immediate common ground. People do not just want to know what you do. They want to know who you are and why your work matters.Key InsightsThe Story Vault Principle Preparation is not just logistics. It is emotional readiness. Having a curated bank of personal stories means you will never fumble for words mid-interview. Your story is your most powerful leadership tool.The One Call to Action Rule Audiences can only act on one thing at a time. Direct people to a single destination and let that page send them everywhere else. This is strategic simplicity and intentional leadership in practice.The Ridiculously Easy Standard Arrive with your bio, headshot, links, and stories already prepared. Make showing up effortless for your host and your audience at every step.The Screenshot Moment Taking a real-time screenshot and sharing it before the episode drops signals investment, gratitude, and authentic enthusiasm. This is the mark of a guest who leads with purpose and not just promotion.Memorable Quotes"Have a two-sentence introduction ready for the host. Make it ridiculously easy." - Julie Riga"A story creates immediate common ground. I would rather hear your story than what you do." - Julie Riga"School tells us to write a five-page essay. The real world tells us to say it in seven seconds." - Julie RigaKey TakeawaysKnow the show, the host, and your stories before you arriveOne call to action, one introduction, one powerful story creates impactAuthentic storytelling creates connection faster than any title ever willRemove all friction for your host and your audience at every turnShow the world you value the collaboration before, during, and afterConnect with Julie RigaFind Stay On Course on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen. New episodes drop weekly featuring leaders and coaches sharing their three ingredients for success.Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts Share this episode with a leader who is ready to show up fully#StayOnCourse #LeadershipMindset #PodcastingTips #AuthenticGrowth #IngredientsForSuccess

The LEARN Framework: Building a Lasting Culture Through Intentional LeadershipGuest: Jim Carbaugh, Educator, Leadership Coach and Author Host: Julie RigaOverviewJim Carbaugh spent 35 years in classrooms and school leadership before turning five letters his grandfather taught him into a framework now adopted by schools and businesses nationwide. His LEARN Framework covers Listen, Ethics, Attitude, Respect, and Know. In this episode, Jim and Julie explore what it takes to build a lasting culture, lead with purpose, and stay curious in a rapidly changing world.The LEARN Framework: Building a Lasting Culture Through Intentional LeadershipAbout Jim CarbaughJim Carbaugh is a leadership coach, speaker, and author with 35 years in education as a teacher, coach, and school administrator. His LEARN Framework was shaped by a personal story of mentorship passed down by his grandfather and refined through decades of leading people under pressure. He is the founder of All Points Leadership, now transitioning to jimcarbaugh.com, and has a new book releasing soon that walks leaders step by step through the framework.Fun Fact: Jim is a devoted fan of Maryland Hardshell Blue Crabs with Old Bay seasoning and has a reputation for testing the limits of all-you-can-eat seafood restaurants.The Three Ingredients for SuccessListenYour climate controls your culture. Before you can build a great culture, you must first understand the climate you are creating. True listening means entering every conversation with curiosity, not with the intent to fix or to win. Communication does not happen unless the listener confirms understanding. Leaders must listen at every level of the organization and always clarify before anyone leaves the room.EthicsYour non-negotiables are your values in action. Jim leads a team exercise where everyone writes their top three to five non-negotiables. When compared, shared values almost always surface, revealing why conflict was unnecessary in the first place. When leaders stretch beyond their non-negotiables, poor decisions follow. Knowing your values empowers bold choices, including walking away from opportunities that do not align with who you are.KnowNo has two sides. The first is the boundary you set for yourself. The second is the no you will receive from others. We are wired to hear no as permanent, but it is not final. Every yes you have earned came through the no's you navigated. The mindset shift is replacing no with "What if?" Leaders who stay curious, embrace new tools, and keep learning are the ones who will shape what leadership looks like in the years ahead.Memorable Quotes"Your climate controls your culture.""Communication does not happen unless the listener says it does.""In life, we either get better or we get worse. Nothing stays the same.""No is not permanent. The next yes you get came from all the no's you decided to get over.""Leaders need to be curious. That is the bottom line for everything."Connect with Jim CarbaughWebsite: jimcarbaugh.com Upcoming Book: A step-by-step guide to the LEARN Framework for educators and leadersConnect with Julie RigaPodcast: Stay On Course, available wherever you listen to podcasts Coaching: Leadership coaching, transformation, and executive developmentSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with a leader who is ready to grow.#StayOnCourse #LeadershipMindset #PurposeDrivenLeadership #LEARNFramework #AuthenticGrowth

Three Keys to Identity, Success in Business and LifeGuest: Joanna Harabedian, Faith-Based Relationship Strategist, Amazon #1 Bestselling Author and Miss America 2019-2021 Host: Julie RigaOverviewWhat if the greatest challenge you face as a leader is not a business problem but an identity problem? In this episode of the Stay On Course Podcast, Julie Riga sits down with Joanna Harabedian, Miss America 2019-2021 and Amazon #1 bestselling author of From Solo to Soulmate. Together they unpack three transformational keys to identity that shape success in business and in life. From learning to receive gracefully to rewriting your deepest inner story, Joanna brings spiritual depth, emotional intelligence, and practical wisdom to every woman ready to break free from cycles that no longer serve her.Three Keys to Identity, Success in Business and LifeAbout the GuestJoanna Harabedian is a faith-based relationship strategist, Amazon #1 bestselling author, and Miss America 2019-2021, a title she held for three years due to the COVID pandemic. She helps high-achieving women break unhealthy relationship patterns and build emotionally healthy, God-aligned partnerships.Her Princess Crowning Program has reached hospitals and stages. A defining moment came at a quadriplegic facility in California, where a young woman named Karina, non-responsive for five weeks and silent for five years, began to speak after being crowned. That moment became the foundation of Joanna's mission.Fun Fact: Joanna's favorite food is homemade ravioli with pesto sauce, inspired by her grandfather from Peru.The Three Keys to Identity1. The Ability to Receive High-achieving women are often celebrated givers who never learned to receive. Joanna shares a vivid dream in which a bouquet given in love is slapped back in rejection, and a voice tells her: this is how you make people feel when you decline their compliment. In business, refusing a genuine compliment builds invisible walls and signals distrust. In marriage, it slowly dismantles connection. The practice is simple but powerful: say thank you and receive it fully.2. Self-Awareness Patterns rooted in childhood do not disappear; they evolve and bleed into every area of life. Joanna references a study where women with fake scars removed before a job interview still reported being treated unfairly because their inner story shaped what they believed others saw. Self-awareness is the key that uncovers the root of those stories. Without it, cycles of unworthiness continue across relationships, career, and leadership. With it, transformation becomes possible.3. Emotional Intelligence and Alignment Joanna calls it wisdom alignment: the convergence of self-knowledge and purposeful living. She shares her journey through a painful first marriage, asking God to show her how she arrived there, and doing the courageous growth work that led to a thriving decade-long partnership. She teaches that we break twice in life, and that the second break, when met with honesty and faith, becomes the breakthrough that reveals our true purpose.Memorable Quotes"The story you tell yourself about yourself is the most important story you will ever tell.""Little keys unlock big doors, and big doors swing on small hinges.""I help women contrast and complete, not compare and compete.""Diamonds are forged in the fires of the earth. That is how the facets are created."Connect with JoannaWebsite: www.loveunblocked.comInstagram: @thesoulmate_strategistBook: From Solo to Soulmate on AmazonConnect with Julie RigaPodcast: Stay On Course PodcastWebsite: julieriga.com/leadSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with a woman ready to step into her identity and lead with purpose.#StayOnCourse #IdentityAndLeadership #LoveUnblocked #PurposeDrivenLeadership #AuthenticGrowth

Why Hiring the Right Coach Changes Everything: The Ingredients for Leadership GrowthGuest: Kate Hendrickson, Strategic Planning and Leadership Consultant Host: Julie RigaWhat does it truly take to accelerate your growth, lead with clarity, and build a business that reflects your values?In this episode, Julie sits down with Kate Hendrickson to unpack why hiring the right coach is one of the most transformational decisions a leader can make. From self-awareness and accountability to strategic planning and continuous learning, this conversation delivers purpose-driven insights for entrepreneurs, CEOs, and anyone ready to stop working in their business and start leading it.Why Hiring the Right Coach Changes Everything: The Ingredients for Leadership GrowthAbout This EpisodeKate Hendrickson is a strategic planning and leadership consultant with more than two decades of experience helping organizations turn vision into action. With a background spanning television, film, hospitality, and consulting, Kate brings a unique storytelling perspective to leadership and business growth. Julie and Kate explore how the right coaching partnership delivers honest guidance and strategic accountability that accelerates growth with greater clarity.Key Topics DiscussedPerspective and Self-Awareness An honest outside view of your leadership blind spots is where transformation begins. A coach helps you identify recurring patterns, face uncomfortable truths, and build the self-awareness needed to lead authentically. Without openness to honest reflection, you will keep getting stuck in the same cycles.Acceleration and Strategic Momentum Moving from reactive firefighting to proactive, purpose-driven planning changes everything. Kate shares a real client story: three years into her business, a leader had no roadmap forward. Through strategic planning workshops, they narrowed priorities and built real, measurable momentum fast.Continuous Learning and Upskilling No CEO ever reaches a point of knowing everything. From AI to organizational change, the landscape keeps shifting. A coach keeps you learning and adapting alongside your business and an ever-evolving world. Curiosity is not optional. It is the job.The Value of CoachingThe CEO role is uniquely isolating. You cannot always bring challenges to your staff, and you do not want to burden your family. A trusted advisor who understands your business gives you a safe space to think out loud, course correct, and stay accountable to your vision. Hiring a coach is not a sign something is wrong. It is a sign you care about your business, your people, and your long-term legacy. Kate also introduces the Before I Lead community coaching program, which pairs one-on-one sessions with a peer mastermind group for connection, accountability, and shared growth.Memorable Quotes"If you have got someone who is really going to help you accelerate and stick with you on the long-term journey, it can change everything.""The CEO does not have a boss. That is part of the value of a coach.""Hiring a coach does not mean you are failing. It means you are continuously learning, growing, and caring."Key TakeawaysPerspective reveals what you are too close to see yourselfSelf-awareness is the foundation of authentic leadershipContinuous learning is not optional, it is the jobCommunity and accountability accelerate transformationInvest in yourself the way you invest in your businessConnect with Kate HendricksonWebsite: kate-hendrickson.comBook: Christmas Switch, available nowConnect with Julie RigaCoaching: Before I LeadCommunity coaching for business owners and CEOsSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with a leader who is ready to grow.#StayOnCourse #LeadershipGrowth #PurposeDriven #BeforeILead #TransformationJourney

Lead Where It Matters Most: Homegrown Leadership Starts at HomeGuest: Joe LaRussa, Mayor, Entrepreneur and Founder of Homegrown Leadership Host: Julie RigaOverviewWhat if the leadership skills driving your professional success could also transform your home life?In this episode, host Julie Riga sits down with Joe LaRussa, small city mayor, entrepreneur, and founder of Homegrown Leadership, to explore one of the most overlooked arenas of personal development: leading at home. After 25 years in automotive manufacturing, Joe saw that high performers bring their best to work while their households run on pressure and chaos. This is a practical guide for overwhelmed spouses and parents ready to stop surviving and start leading with intentionality, systems, and community as their foundation.Lead Where It Matters Most: Homegrown Leadership Starts at HomeAbout This EpisodeJoe founded Homegrown Leadership to help high performers bring the same systems and mindset from work into their households, creating more time, less stress, and a home they are proud of. Joe and Julie break down three essential ingredients for stronger household leadership: intentionality, systems, and community. Listeners walk away with practical tools like shared calendars and communication rhythms, and a fresh perspective on building a home that runs with clarity instead of pressure.Guest BackgroundJoe LaRussa is the founder of Homegrown Leadership and a sitting small city mayor. Shaped by 25 years in manufacturing, Joe recognized that strategies enabling professional excellence were largely absent in the households of high-performing individuals.Fun Fact: If Joe had to pick one favorite food, it would be a slow-roasted leg of lamb, prepared with herbs, spices, and olive oil.The Three Ingredients for Homegrown LeadershipIntentionality is the first ingredient. At work, leaders plan for years. At home, many struggle to decide what is for dinner. The average household leader has about two golden hours per day to lead at home. Elevating out of reactionary mode requires a conscious decision to lead with strategy. Be a laser beam, not a light bulb.Systems and Tools create the structure that sets families free. A shared family calendar is the foundational tool. A whiteboard wall and weekly Sunday planning meetings help the whole household align and prioritize. Fun must be planned, not left to leftover time. The 13 Summers mindset reminds parents how finite their seasons with their children truly are, making intentional planning feel urgent and meaningful.Community is the most forgotten ingredient. Most people cannot name the neighbors behind six doors surrounding their home. True community means having people to call when life gets hard. Isolation is a leadership gap. When households are healthy, neighborhoods are healthy, and when neighborhoods are healthy, communities thrive.Memorable Quotes"It is home where your leadership matters the most.""Your life will never be less complicated than it is today. So do not wait.""It is not on the shared calendar? It does not exist.""When households are healthy, neighborhoods are healthy."Key TakeawaysDecide to lead before the moment arrives. Intentionality is the foundation.Shared systems reduce chaos and build confidence for every member of the household.Community is not optional. Isolation is a leadership problem with a leadership solution.Your golden hours are your greatest daily asset. Use them with purpose.Do not wait. In six months, you will either be glad you started or wish you had.Connect with Joe LaRussaWebsite: www.homegrownleadership.netFree assessments and starter tools are available on the website.Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts.#HomegrownLeadership #StayOnCourse #LeadershipMindset #PurposeDrivenLiving #FamilyFirst

From Losses to Legacy: The Day Trading System That Builds Generational WealthGuest: Mitch Abel, Founder of Investment Current Host: Julie RigaOverviewWhat happens when retirement arrives and the numbers do not add up? For Mitch Abel, it became the catalyst for a remarkable transformation. After 40 years in sales, Mitch retired in 2015 with a $400,000 portfolio and quickly lost $150,000 in his first six months of day trading. Instead of walking away, he went deeper, rewatching every course, practicing every day, and mastering the three ingredients that changed everything. Today, he has built generational wealth secured in a trust for his grandchildren, and through Investment Current, he is teaching hundreds of others to do the same. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, discipline, and the mindset shift that turns trading into a purposeful system.From Losses to Legacy: The Day Trading System That Builds Generational WealthGuest: Mitch Abel, Founder of Investment Current Host: Julie RigaAbout This EpisodeJulie sits down with Mitch Abel, a former social worker turned four-decade sales veteran turned self-made day trading educator, to explore how purpose-driven learning and emotional mastery can transform your financial future. This conversation is about patience, discipline, and emotional control as the foundation for lasting wealth and a legacy that outlives you.The Three Ingredients for Trading SuccessPatience is the foundation. Winning and losing are both part of the game. Learning to read market language, chart patterns, and price action takes time. The market moves up, down, and sideways, and responding well to each requires consistent daily practice.Discipline means following a clear set of rules every single day. Mitch applies the 10 percent rule: never risk more than 10 percent of your total portfolio on a single trade. Treating trading as a business, not a pastime, separates those who build wealth from those who walk away.Emotional control is the hardest ingredient of all. Fear and greed destroy most traders. Mitch partners with Randy Howell, a psychologist who works exclusively with traders, to help students stay calm and stay on course. The technical side of trading can be learned in months. Mastering your emotions is the deeper work.Key InsightsMitch lost $150,000 in six months, then recovered every dollar within the next six months through relentless study and disciplined practice. Within three years, money was no longer a concern. He structured his wealth in a skip-generational trust so his grandchildren begin receiving distributions at age 40, after learning to earn and build for themselves.Investment Current serves four communities: young adults seeking financial independence, career changers escaping corporate life, pre-retirees building a retirement runway, and retirees seeking purpose and daily income. All four follow the same core framework of patience, discipline, and emotional control.Connect with Mitch AbelWebsite: www.investmentcurrent.comYouTube: Search "Investment Current" for free trading videosLive Trading Room: First 5 days free, then $87 per monthConnect with Julie RigaWebsite: julieriga.com/leadCoaching: Leadership coaching and transformationKey TakeawaysPatience is a skill you build, not a trait you are born withDiscipline gives you the freedom to make clear decisions under pressureEmotional control separates consistent traders from those who quitLegacy is built intentionally, with a plan and a long-term visionIt is never too late. Mitch started this journey at 62.Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with anyone ready to build a lasting financial legacy.#StayOnCourse #GenerationalWealth #LeadershipMindset #PurposeDriven #LegacyBuilding

Meditation to Manifestation: Manifesting the Business of Your DreamsGuest: Katie Krimitsos, Founder and CEO of Women's Meditation Network Host: Julie RigaOverviewWhat if manifestation isn't about vision boards and morning affirmations? In this powerful episode of the Stay On Course Podcast, host Julie Riga sits down with Katie Krimitsos, founder of the Women's Meditation Network, a platform reaching nearly 3 million downloads each month and ranking in the top 0.1% of all podcasts worldwide. Katie reveals how meditation is the ultimate gateway to manifestation, self-leadership, and intentional life design. From clearing subconscious money blocks to writing into the future, this transformative episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven growth, authentic alignment, and the courageous journey of becoming who you were always meant to be.Meditation to Manifestation: Manifesting the Business of Your DreamsAbout Katie KrimitsosKatie Krimitsos is the Founder and CEO of the Women's Meditation Network, helping millions of women reconnect with themselves through guided meditation and practical, proven life design tools. Her new course, Meditation to Manifestation, pairs deep inner work with actionable journaling techniques to help women consciously build the business and life they truly want.Fun Fact: Katie bakes a fresh sourdough loaf every week on her 15-acre family farm and says she is probably the only one eating it!The Three Ingredients for Success1. Deep Self-Awareness Through Meditation Meditation is not about clearing your mind or sitting cross-legged at 5 a.m. It is about knowing yourself so deeply that you can hear your intuition, access your clarity, and lead from within. Even five deep breaths taken in the driveway counts as a meaningful practice.2. Alignment Alignment means your beliefs, thoughts, words, and actions are all moving in the same direction. Katie uses the image of a garden hose: when there are kinks and knots, the water cannot flow. When the hose is laid out flat, the water flows freely. Your dreams are the water. Remove the kinks.3. Intentional Life Design Pick up a pen. Write into the future you want, as though it has already happened. This free, simple practice activates intention and opens the door to manifestation. Julie manifested five European cities this way as a single mom, and it worked.Key InsightsManifestation is not a vision board. It is the natural byproduct of full alignment between who you are and how you live.Subconscious stories around money, worthiness, and identity create the kinks that quietly block your flow. Awareness is always the first step.Meditation in any form builds the capacity to pause, hear your intuition, and respond thoughtfully to life rather than react to it.Presence is the practice. Stress and anxiety only exist when we leave the present moment. Stillness brings us back to where our joy and guidance live.You are the author of your own life. Self-leadership begins the moment you pick up the pen and choose to write a new story.Memorable Quotes"Manifestation is a natural byproduct of alignment. When what you believe, think, say, and do are all in agreement, that is when it flows.""The most important ingredient for success, no matter what success looks like to you, is a deep knowing of yourself.""The water is meant to flow. Your dreams are already yours."Connect with Katie KrimitsosWebsite: womensmeditationnetwork.comCourse: Meditation to Manifestation, available nowPodcast: Search Women's Meditation Network on any podcast platform or YouTube

Your Story Is Your Greatest Asset: Building a Narrative Operating System That Drives Real GrowthGuest: Rain Bennett, Award-Winning Filmmaker, Author and Fractional Chief Storytelling Officer Host: Julie RigaWhat if your story was not just a marketing tactic but the very strategy that drives transformation, alignment, and legacy in your business? In this episode of the Stay On Course Podcast, host Julie Riga sits down with award-winning filmmaker and Fractional Chief Storytelling Officer Rain Bennett to unpack the power of storytelling as a leadership and growth strategy. Rain reveals how founders can build a narrative operating system that aligns brand, product, sales, and culture into one cohesive belief system. A masterclass in purpose-driven leadership and authentic communication for founders and leaders ready to build a lasting legacy.Your Story Is Your Greatest Asset: Building a Narrative Operating System That Drives Real GrowthAbout Rain BennettRain Bennett is an award-winning documentary filmmaker with over 20 years of experience. As the host of the Storytelling Lab podcast and a Fractional Chief Storytelling Officer, he helps growth-stage companies transform scattered messaging into a clear narrative operating system. His forthcoming book The Chief Storytelling Officer releases August 25, 2025 and is available for pre-order on Barnes and Noble.Fun Fact: Rain grew up on the coast and loves fresh local seafood. His favorite? Raw oysters cracked open right on the pier.What We CoverStorytelling Is the Strategy Storytelling is not a marketing add-on. It is the operating system for your entire organization. The transformation lives in the receiver of the story, not the teller. You must hook people emotionally before any information can land.Narrative vs. Stories Your brand narrative is the overarching mission and change you want to create in the world. Your brand stories are the infinite individual moments that support it. Once this is clear, story opportunities appear everywhere, from a LinkedIn post to a full documentary.Co-Authoring with Your Community Great brand narratives are collaborations, not monologues. Like Nike sending reps to track meets to listen to runners, you must build deliberate systems to find and capture your stories.Everyone Is a Brand Storyteller From the CEO to the server at your restaurant, every human touchpoint is a chapter in your brand story. Culture starts from the top, but the story is lived by everyone on your team.Your Story Is Your Only Unique Asset Skills can be acquired. Tools can be replicated. But nobody on this earth has your path. Your story is the single most valuable asset you own and it is usually the most overlooked.Memorable Quotes"The power of storytelling lies in the receiving of the story, not the teller. That is where the transformation is.""Your story is the only unique thing that you or your brand can ever truly own.""It is not transactional, it is transformative. They are trying to change something in the world."Key TakeawaysYour story is your most powerful and irreplaceable strategic assetStorytelling is the operating system for your whole organizationBuild deliberate systems to listen and co-author your narrative with your communityEvery team member is part of your brand storySelf-leadership and inner clarity are the foundation of authentic purpose-driven storytellingConnect with Rain BennettWebsite: rainbennett.comPre-Order: BarnesandNoble.comPodcast: The Storytelling Lab#StayOnCourse #LeadershipStorytelling #NarrativeStrategy #PurposeDrivenLeadership #ChiefStorytellingOfficer.Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with any founder or leader ready to lead with story as strategy.

Leadership from the Saddle: What Horses Teach Us About LeadingGuests: Britain Mills-Dawes and Tea Di Lillo Host: Julie RigaIn this episode of Stay On Course, leadership coach Julie Riga is joined by equine practitioner Britain Mills-Dawes and Alberta horse trainer Tea, co-hosts of the Uncinched podcast. Together they explore the leadership lessons hidden between horse and rider: trust, presence, intuition, and the quiet confidence that makes others gravitate toward you. Whether you lead a company, a team, or simply yourself, this conversation will change the way you think about authentic leadership and purpose-driven growth.Leadership from the Saddle: What Horses Teach Us About LeadingMeet the GuestsBritain Mills-Dawes is an equine practitioner, clinician, and Western media contributor. She educates riders through biomechanics and horsemanship and co-hosts the Uncinched podcast, building community across the horse industry through journalism and live events.Tea is a horse trainer from Alberta, owner of Qualitea Equine, and a coach for the Calgary Stampede Show Rider team. A lifelong learner and co-host, dedicated to helping both horses and riders reach their full potential.The Three Ingredients for Leadership SuccessDrawing on years of partnership with horses, Britain and Tea share three core leadership ingredients that translate directly from the arena into everyday life and work.1. Trust and ConsistencyHorses are prey animals and their instinct says you might be a threat. Building trust means showing up with positive, intentional energy every single day. The same applies to your team. Stress acts like a predator on the nervous system, and a great leader creates enough safety that people seek guidance rather than hide their anxiety.2. Presence and IntuitionRiding in the mountains, you learn quickly when to lead and when to follow. The horse senses the terrain in ways you never can from the saddle. True leadership presence means being attuned enough to know which role serves the moment best. In the workplace, that awareness is the difference between micromanaging and genuine mentorship.3. Communication and Emotional RegulationHorses cannot lie. Their body language tells you everything. Britain argues it is often easier to communicate with a horse than a human for that reason. For leaders, the lesson is this: create the psychological safety that lets people speak honestly. The ability to walk into a charged situation and lower the emotional temperature without adding to the fire is one of the most valuable leadership skills you can develop.Memorable Quotes"Trust is built over time. It is not just showing up every day. It is showing up with intention every single day." Tea"You have to ride the horse that shows up." Tea"Leadership is quiet. It is that quiet confidence and self-reflection that people naturally gravitate toward." BritainKey TakeawaysShow up with consistent, intentional energy. Trust is a compounding investment, not a one-time gesture.Presence is a leadership skill. Know when to guide and when to step back and follow.Create psychological safety so your team seeks your guidance rather than hides their struggles.Lead by example and with integrity. Quiet confidence draws people naturally to your leadership.Great leadership is a give and take. Empower your people to shine where they shine best.ConnectBritain and Tea: Uncinched on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and most major platforms. Visit stableinstincts.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.Julie Riga: Stay On Course podcast wherever you listen.#StayOnCourse #LeadershipMindset #AuthenticLeadership #PurposeDriven #LeadByExampleSubscribe to Stay On Course and share this episode with every leader in your world who needs to hear it.

Give First and Win Bigger: How Great Partnerships Start with Generosity, Not NegotiationGuest: Stan Valo, Founder of eDots Host: Julie RigaOverviewWhat if the key to business growth wasn't in closing deals, but in giving first? In this episode of Stay On Course, Julie Riga sits down with Stan Valo, founder of eDots and a 21-year e-commerce veteran, to explore a transformational mindset shift. Stan unpacks his three-ingredient recipe for partnership success that helped him build a purpose-driven business where the yeses come easily, clients become true collaborators, and value flows in every direction. Whether you are a solopreneur, executive, or founder, this episode is a masterclass in intentional relationship-building, strategic growth, and legacy-driven leadership.Give First and Win Bigger: How Great Partnerships Start with Generosity, Not NegotiationAbout Stan ValoStan Valo is the founder of eDots, an e-commerce growth engine that helps brands, manufacturers, and distributors scale across new online marketplaces and sales channels. With over 21 years in the industry, Stan developed a performance-only partnership model that blends agency services with distribution expertise. His philosophy, "I don't sell, I solve," reflects his commitment to authentic leadership, purpose-driven business, and building lasting professional relationships.Fun Fact: Stan's favorite food is his grandmother's stuffed peppers with sour cream, a cherished recipe from her home country of Moldova.Stan's Three-Ingredient Recipe for Partnership Success1. Go First: Give Unconditionally In negotiation, the one who speaks first loses. In partnerships, the one who gives first wins. Lead every new relationship with introductions and referrals, no strings attached. Ask "who can I help you meet?" and watch generosity build the foundation of lasting trust.2. Be a Solver: Solve Something Meaningful Stan's core mantra is simple: don't sell, solve. Focus on real problems rather than closing transactions. When you solve meaningfully, value overflows and the relationship deepens naturally. The best leaders are solvers who match people with exactly what they need.3. Create Undeniable Value for Both Sides Value must flow in both directions for a partnership to last. Choose your partners wisely, start light, and let the relationship evolve before committing deeper. Think of it like dating before marriage: coffee first, then friends, then family. Integrity is everything.Memorable Quotes"In a negotiation, the one that talks first loses. In partnerships, the one that goes first wins.""I don't sell, I solve. I've never had to negotiate a single deal.""It's hard to get a no when you're offering so much.""I don't have a contact form. I have an application form. That changes the dynamic."Key Takeaways for LeadersGive Before You Ask - Lead with generosity. Start with a gift of value: an introduction, a connection, or an insight. Trust and opportunity follow naturally.Shift from Selling to Solving - The most powerful transformation in business is moving from transaction to contribution. Solve real problems and the yeses follow.Build Relationships, Not Contracts - Start light, prove your value, and let partnership depth grow organically over time.Stay Narrow and Know Your Strengths - Clarity of focus amplifies impact. Build a power team of trusted partners who complement your core strengths.Integrity Is Your Growth Engine - Authentic connection without an agenda is the ultimate long-game strategy and the foundation of lasting legacy.Connect with Stan ValoWebsite: edots.coSubscribe to Stay On CourseSubscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and share with leaders ready to stop selling and start solving.#StayOnCourse #GiveFirst #PurposeDrivenLeadership #PartnershipMindset #AuthenticGrowth

Rebellious Success: Failure, Bigger Games, and Playing Full OutGuest: Toni Will | Host: Julie Riga | Stay On Course PodcastWhat if failure was your greatest leadership asset? In this bold and energizing episode, Julie Riga sits down with Toni Will, a two-time Guinness World Record holder, General Manager of the Kalamazoo Wings, TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, and author of the upcoming book Rebellious Success. Toni brings contagious energy and hard-won wisdom to a conversation about competence, confidence, and what it truly means to step into your bigger game. She shares her framework for building self-trust through failure, explains why playing small keeps everyone around you stuck, and challenges listeners to declare a bigger game before they feel ready to do it.Rebellious Success: Failure, Bigger Games, and Playing Full OutAbout This EpisodeToni Will is a powerhouse leader who blends elite performance with hard-earned connection, proving that competence and community can coexist. As General Manager of a men's professional hockey team, a professional development coach, and a soon-to-be published author, Toni lives at the intersection of leadership, resilience, and authentic growth. In this episode, she and Julie dig into three transformative ingredients for success that challenge everything you thought you knew about failure, purpose, and personal evolution.Fun Fact: Toni's favorite food is sushi, anything from the grocery store all the way up to fresh-caught in Hawaii.Three Ingredients for SuccessInvite Failure to the Table: Failure is not the opposite of success. Quitting is. The failure resume asks you to write down everything you have walked through and survived. What emerges is not a record of loss but a portrait of resilience, self-trust, and wisdom. When you stop fearing failure and start inviting it, it becomes one of your greatest tools for growth, confidence, and transformation.Stop Playing Small: Because Someone Else Is Playing small to make others comfortable keeps everyone stuck, including you. Authentic leadership means showing up fully, reading the room with emotional intelligence, and never beginning from a diminished version of yourself. Rising tides lift all ships. Collaboration grounded in core values is always stronger than competition driven by fear.Declare a Bigger Game: Growth does not always mean moving up. Sometimes it means growing out. Every micro-decision you make each day either aligns with your next level or holds you back from it. Act from the next level now. Ask not only what something costs you to pursue, but what it costs you to stay exactly where you are.Memorable Quotes"The only time you are failing is when you quit trying." "Stop playing small because someone else is." "The story we tell ourselves about ourselves gets in the room before we do." "What is the cost if I do not do it? Because there is always a cost."Key TakeawaysBuild a failure resume and transform it into your record of courage and growthStop playing small. Full authentic presence is a leadership skillDeclare your bigger game before you feel ready and lead from that placeAlign your actions with core values to unlock clarity, confidence, and self-trustInvest in yourself. The ROI of personal growth compounds over timeAbout Toni's Book: Rebellious Success One part memoir, one part self-help, one part business leadership. A complete roadmap for defining success on your own terms and building it without apology. Pre-order opens March 13th. Book launches August 11th.Connect with Toni WillConference: empowHer Book: Rebellious SuccessConnect with Julie RigaStay On Course PodcastLeadership Coachingjulieriga.com/lead#StayOnCourse #RebelliousSuccess #LeadershipMindset #PurposeDriven #WomenInLeadershipSubscribe to Stay On Course Podcast wherever you listen. Share this episode with the leaders and game-changers in your life who are ready to play bigger.

Your Brand Is Your Business Outfit: The Unspoken Rules of Brand Identity That Drive Real GrowthGuest: Lexy Rubin, Owner and Creative Director of Rubin Design Company Host: Julie RigaOverviewIn this episode of the Stay On Course Podcast, Julie Riga sits down with Lexy Rubin, Owner and Creative Director of Rubin Design Company, an award-winning branding agency in South Florida. Lexy is a purpose-driven brand strategist whose career spans NASA internships, New York City corporate branding, and 11 years building her own legacy as a founder.Together, they explore what it truly means to build a brand that connects and stands the test of time. From first impression psychology to the rise of AI in design, this conversation delivers authentic growth strategies for entrepreneurs and business leaders ready to elevate their brand.Your Brand Is Your Business Outfit: The Unspoken Rules of Brand Identity That Drive Real GrowthAbout Lexy RubinLexy Rubin is the owner and creative director of Rubin Design Company, a South Florida-based branding agency offering custom logo design services, brand identity design, and brand strategy consulting nationwide. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she became the first graphic designer to intern at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, then worked with Bath and Body Works and L'Oreal in New York City.Fun Fact: Lexy's favorite food is Chicken Romano from the Cheesecake Factory.Key Topics DiscussedWhat Is a Brand, Really? Your brand is your business's first impression. It is the outfit your company wears every day. It shapes purchasing decisions, team recruitment, and client trust before a word is spoken.Why Professional Branding Matters in 2026 Working with a professional logo designer or corporate branding agency is your foundation. With AI everywhere, authentic human-crafted brand identity is a genuine competitive advantage. Apple, Nike, and Starbucks invest heavily in branding because perception is everything.The AI Question Every Business Owner Is Asking Can AI replace custom logo design services? Lexy says not at the soul level. There is an emotional and spiritual dimension to brand identity that no algorithm can replicate. Investment in professional brand strategy consulting is more urgent than ever.Branding Trends for 2025 to 2026 Typography is king, with bespoke typefaces driving personality across logos, websites, and cards. Motion graphics are replacing static visuals. Video-first design is now expected. If your brand has not been refreshed in ten or more years, it is outdated.You Are the Brand Your personal leadership presence and business brand are inseparable. In the age of AI cloning, being authentically yourself is your single most powerful asset.Memorable Quotes"Your brand is basically your first impression. It is the outfit your business wears.""The real, authentic version of yourself is going to be craved now more than ever because of AI.""There is a magical recipe to great brand identity: part logic, part skill, part soul."Key TakeawaysYour brand is your foundation. Get it right before you scale.Authenticity is your superpower in a world of AI-generated content.Every touchpoint is a brand moment: your logo, LinkedIn, and background.Refresh your visual identity as trends and audience expectations evolve.You are the brand. Leadership presence and professional branding are inseparable.Connect with Lexy RubinWebsite: www.RubinDesignCo.comLinkedIn and Facebook: Rubin Design CoConnect with Julie RigaWebsite: julieriga.com/leadCoaching: Learn more about leadership coaching and transformation#BrandIdentity #StayOnCourse #AuthenticLeadership #PurposeDrivenBusiness #BrandingTips2026Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with any business owner who needs to hear this.

When Uncommon Becomes Destiny: Faith, Discipline, and Divine Alignment Transform Your Calling into PurposeGuest: Minister Bernard Marrow Host: Julie RigaWhat happens when you stop trying to fit in and start owning the uncommon path God placed in you? In this episode of Stay On Course, host Julie Riga sits down with Minister Bernard Marrow, founder of By Faith We Good Ministry Inc., musician, author, and motivational speaker. Together they explore how divine alignment, unshakeable faith, and purposeful community can transform isolation into destiny. If you have ever felt too different, too early, or too overlooked, this conversation is for you.When Uncommon Becomes Destiny: Faith, Discipline, and Divine Alignment Transform Your Calling into PurposeMinister Bernard Marrow is the founder and president of By Faith We Good Ministry Inc., a 501(c)(3) faith-based nonprofit that spreads the gospel of Jesus Christ, feeds families in need every month, and sows into the purpose of others. He is also the owner and CEO of Shop BFWG LLC and a multi-faceted creative: singer, songwriter, musician, author, and motivational speaker. He hosts the By Faith We Good Podcast and Radio Show, which includes a Faith and Finance segment covering investments, budgeting, and money management.Fun Fact: Minister Bernard's favorite dish is seafood pasta, known in Italian as frutti di mare.Key TopicsDivine Alignment and Ownership Recognizing your God-given sweet spot and refusing to operate in someone else's lane. You always win when you are in full alignment with your divine purpose and destiny. Comparing yourself to others will only pull you off course.Discipline Through the Process God's timing differs from your timeline. Staying focused, equipped, and inspired even when results are delayed is what separates those who eventually manifest greatness from those who give up just before the breakthrough arrives.Purposeful Community and Legacy Being deeply intentional about who you share your vision with, and transforming seasons of isolation into community-supported, purpose-driven progress toward a greater calling and a lasting legacy.Memorable Quotes"Everything that's comfortable ain't safe.""When God calls you, he calls you to do what's uncommon. He wants us to stand out, to be great, bold, and fearless.""No doesn't mean never. Not yet doesn't mean not ever. If you don't give up, the doors will open.""You can't share everything with everybody. Trust God to connect you with the right people."Key TakeawaysOwn Your Uncommonness - You were not made to fit in. Your uniqueness is your superpower. Take full ownership of who God created you to be.Trust the Process - Stay committed to the alignment and manifestation will follow. Keep going even when you cannot see the finish line.Comfort Is Not Safety - The familiar can be the enemy of the extraordinary. Step out of your comfort zone in faith.Guard Your Vision - Not everyone deserves access to what God placed inside you. Be wise about who you allow into your inner circle.No Is Not the End - Rejection and delay are part of the journey, not the destination. Stay the course.Connect with Minister Bernard MarrowLinkedIn: Minister Bernard MarrowFacebook: By Faith We Good Ministry Inc.Instagram: @ministermarrow / @min.marrowPodcast: By Faith We Good Podcast and Radio ShowShop: Shop BFWG LLCConnect with Julie RigaPodcast: Stay On Course PodcastWebsite: julieriga.com/leadRole: Leadership Coach and Transformation GuideSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts and share this episode with every purpose-driven leader and creative ready to own their uncommon destiny.#StayOnCourse #PurposeDriven #LeadershipMindset #ByFaithWeGood #UncommonDestiny

From Trauma to Triumph: The Three Ingredients for Post-Traumatic GrowthGuest: David Dachinger, Retired Fire Lieutenant, EMT, Peer Coach and Grammy-Nominated Producer Host: Julie RigaWhat if your greatest trauma became your most powerful mission? In this transformational episode, Julie Riga sits down with David Dachinger, a stage four cancer survivor, retired fire lieutenant, Grammy-nominated producer, and resilience advocate, to unpack the three essential ingredients for post-traumatic growth: identity release, meaning making, and mission activation. This is a conversation about courage, clarity, and the power of choosing life.From Trauma to Triumph: The Three Ingredients for Post-Traumatic GrowthAbout This EpisodeIn this deeply moving episode, Julie Riga welcomes David Dachinger, a clear testament to transformation, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. Together they explore what it means to evolve through adversity and how every leader and entrepreneur can activate their own post-traumatic growth journey. David shares how a stage four cancer diagnosis became the catalyst for a legacy of healing, purpose, and mission activation.Guest BackgroundDavid Dachinger is a retired fire lieutenant and EMT who hosts Responder's Resilience: Igniting the Shift Within, engaging experts on first responder mental health. He serves as a peer coach for 22ZERO, supporting first responders and veterans. A two-time Grammy Award nominee, his life changed in 2014 with a stage four cancer diagnosis that became the foundation of his advocacy for purposeful living and wellness.Fun Fact: David's favorite food is the Holy Shiitake pizza from Mellow Mushroom.The Three Ingredients for Post-Traumatic Growth1. Identity Release A stage four diagnosis instantly shifted David from caregiver to patient. Clinging to a victim identity blocks transformation. Through intentional word choice and daily gratitude, he released the old self and stepped into a healed identity. Like the lobster, we must shed the old shell to grow a stronger one.2. Meaning Making The same event affects people differently because it is the meaning we assign that determines our outcome. David reframed adversity by asking, "What is the gift in this?" Gratitude practice, present-moment awareness, and a shift in self-talk became his most powerful tools. Words, he discovered, are medicine.3. Mission Activation David and his wife created Live Calm with Cancer, a book, app, and calming TV experience for patients. He then joined 22ZERO to help first responders, veterans, and cancer patients heal trauma. His full-circle return to cancer advocacy, equipped with lived experience and proven tools, is a masterclass in turning pain into purpose.Key Quotes"Suffering is optional. We have a choice in every situation.""How do I turn these adversities into my superpower?""We are powerful creators. Positive self-talk is the core of all of it."Key Takeaways for LeadersRelease the old identity. Growth begins when you stop defining yourself by trauma or circumstance.Make meaning intentionally. The meaning you assign to adversity determines whether it becomes a wound or a wisdom.Activate your mission. Pain with purpose becomes power. Your story is meant to serve someone else's transformation.Words are medicine. Language shapes belief, belief shapes biology, and biology shapes your life.Suffering is optional. You always have a choice, and that choice is the foundation of fulfillment and legacy.ConnectDavid Dachinger: www.respondertv.com | 22ZERO: www.22zero.org | LinkedIn, Instagram, FacebookJulie Riga: www.julieriga.com/lead | LinkedIn, Instagram, FacebookSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts.#StayOnCourse #PostTraumaticGrowth #Leadership #Transformation #PurposeDriven

Selling from the Soul: Confidence, Grit and Purpose-Driven SuccessHost: Julie Riga | Guest: Monique IacobacciWhat does it truly take to show up every day with confidence, resilience, and authentic purpose, even when doors are being slammed in your face? In this heartfelt episode, Julie Riga sits down with her longtime friend and powerhouse sales leader Monique Iacobacci to explore the mindset and soul-driven conviction behind over a decade of transformational selling. From polar-vortex cold calls on the New York City subway to becoming Business Development Manager of the Year, Monique shares the ingredients for success that no sales manual can fully capture.Selling from the Soul: Confidence, Grit and Purpose-Driven SuccessAbout the GuestMonique Iacobacci is an Executive Business Development Manager for the number one professional skincare brand in the country, working with plastic surgeons, dermatologists, high-end spas, and aesthetic clinics. With over thirteen years in her field, she has broken sales records, earned Rookie of the Year honors, and helped transform New York City into one of her company's strongest markets. She brings analytical precision and genuine human warmth to everything she does.Fun Fact: Monique's favorite food is pizza with hot honey pepperoni, a bold and unexpected twist that perfectly mirrors her approach to sales and to life.The Three Ingredients for Success1. Confidence in Who You Are and What You Know Walk in knowing your product, your value, and your purpose fully. Confidence is the clarity and conviction that you have something genuinely meaningful to offer. Without it, no strategy will carry you far.2. A Service-First Mindset Approach every interaction with sincerity and a genuine desire to help. Selling stops feeling like selling when you show up as a trusted partner committed to solving your client's real problems.3. Intentional Focus and Discipline Conversations drift. The best professionals bring them back. Stay present, stay purposeful, and always return to what moves the relationship and the result forward.Filling Your Cup and Building ResilienceMonique's secret to sustained performance is a faith-anchored mindset shift: choosing to declare each day will be great, even when every instinct says otherwise. Her core philosophy: you are the brand. If your cup is not full, you have nothing to pour into others. Prioritizing yourself is not selfishness. It is the foundation of authentic leadership, confident presence, lasting impact, and purposeful living. Fill up so you can fully show up.Key Takeaways for LeadersFill Your Cup First - Self-leadership is the foundation of showing up with the energy and confidence that wins trust.Believe in Your Value - Conviction is contagious. When you know you can help someone, that certainty does half the work.Rejection Is Redirection - A no is rarely final. Treat every closed door as a not yet and keep nurturing the relationship.Ask Better Questions - The most powerful sales tool is a mirror. Ask questions that help your client see their own gap.Stay On Course - Keep learning, evolving, and challenging yourself every day. Growth does not stop when you hit your goals.Memorable Quotes"If my cup isn't filled, how am I supposed to pour into somebody else?""I felt like a doctor knocking on a sick person's door saying, here is medicine that you need and you just don't know it yet.""Nothing worth it is easy. I will tell you that.""Keep sewing into yourself and putting yourself first. That is what gives you the energy and the drive to keep going."Connect with Julie RigaWebsite: julieriga.com/leadSocial Media: @julierigaCoaching: Learn more about leadership coaching and transformationThis episode is a must-share for sales leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone building a career grounded in authentic growth, self-leadership, and purpose.#StayOnCourse #PurposeDrivenLeadership #AuthenticGrowth #SalesLeadership #Ingredie

From Corporate Boardrooms to Small Business Breakthroughs: Ingredients for Success with James OrsiniStay On Course Podcast | Host: Julie Riga | Guest: James OrsiniWhat does it really take to build a thriving small business and how do the lessons of the Fortune 500 world translate to the entrepreneurial journey? In this candid and inspiring conversation, Julie Riga sits down with seasoned executive James Orsini to unpack the mindset shifts, operational disciplines, and leadership principles that separate businesses that scale from those that stall. Whether you are a founder, a corporate executive ready to pivot, or a small business owner in the thick of the grind, this episode is packed with transformative insights to help you stay on course.From Corporate Boardrooms to Small Business Breakthroughs: Ingredients for Success with James OrsiniAbout James OrsiniJames Orsini is a seasoned executive leader with more than 35 years of experience as President, CEO, COO, and CFO across high-growth organizations. After an 11-year run at VaynerX alongside Gary Vaynerchuk, where he helped grow the company from $42M to $350M and 2,000 people across 15 offices, James now advises founders and small business leaders through Vyve, Factotum, and J & J Consulting Services, co-founded with his wife Joanne.Fun Fact: James is a proud Italian-American whose ultimate comfort food is his wife's Sunday pasta sauce, slow-cooked for hours every single week.Ingredients for SuccessFocus and Strategic Prioritization Entrepreneurs rarely run out of ideas; they run out of focus. James advocates for working backwards from your endgame and using tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize what truly moves the needle each quarter.Knowing When to Hire and Delegate Founders who hold on too tight risk choking their own growth. Tracking yellow hustle time versus green paid time on your calendar reveals exactly when it is time to bring in your first hire and step fully into your leadership role.Integrity Above All Doing the right thing with your employees, vendors, and partners, even when nobody is watching, creates a reputation that outlives any single business venture. James calls this the most enduring ingredient for success.Community and Accountability Leadership can be lonely. Investing in a mastermind, coaching program, or peer group compresses your learning curve and gives you the sounding board every leader needs. Iron sharpens iron.Culture as Your Competitive Advantage VaynerMedia maintained a 17% voluntary turnover rate in an industry averaging over 35%. Hire for kindness and empathy first, then teach the skills. Culture is your most sustainable edge.Memorable Quotes"Doing the right thing is always the right thing, even when people are not looking.""Some founders squeeze the baby so tight, they choke it. Know when to let go and move to the work only you can do.""Work backwards from the legacy you want to leave. That clarity drives every decision."Key TakeawaysTransition from operator to leader. Work on the business, not in it. This mindset shift is the turning point for every founder ready to scale.Build your network with gratitude and empathy. Relationships cultivated with care become your greatest long-term asset.Stay open to pivoting. The business you build two years from now will look nothing like what you imagined today, and that is a strength.Connect with James OrsiniLinkedIn: James OrsiniVyve: @Revive (social handles)Factotum: factotum.comJ & J Consulting Services (LinkedIn)Connect with Julie RigaStay On Course PodcastBefore I Lead Programjulieriga.com/leadSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts and share this episode with every founder and leader who is ready to build something that lasts.#StayOnCourse #LeadershipMindset #SmallBusinessSuccess #PurposeDrivenLeadership #BeforeILead

When Success Feels Heavy: The Architecture of Trust That HoldsGuest: Debbie Simmons, Legacy Architect, Keynote Speaker and Bestselling Author Host: Julie RigaWhat is your life really built on, and will it hold when pressure hits? In this powerful episode, Julie sits down with Debbie Simmons, founder of the multimillion-dollar nonprofit Anchor Point and creator of the Architecture of Trust. Debbie shares how she turned a breaking point into a blueprint, why hustle and control eventually crack, and how high-capacity leaders can rebuild on a foundation that truly holds.When Success Feels Heavy: The Architecture of Trust That HoldsAbout This EpisodeJulie sits down with Debbie Simmons, a legacy architect, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and founder of Anchor Point, a multimillion-dollar nonprofit based in Houston, Texas. Debbie created the Architecture of Trust to help high-capacity leaders rebuild their foundations when success starts to feel heavy. After walking through profound loss and leadership pressure, she turned her breaking point into a blueprint and today equips CEOs and founders to lead with trust that holds, not hustle that burns out.About Debbie SimmonsDebbie is the founder of Anchor Point, a multimillion-dollar nonprofit giving families hope for over 15 years through medical care, case management, a maternity home, therapeutic camps, and recovery ministry. She is the bestselling author of The Heart of Legacy and creator of the Success to Significance seminar, which helps purpose-driven leaders move from external achievement to internal alignment and lasting impact.Fun Fact: Debbie's favorite food is cheesecake, plain with a good graham cracker crust. As she says, "it's not my friend!"The Three Ingredients for Trust-Based Leadership Success1. Know What You Are Trusting Stop and honestly identify the default patterns you reach for under pressure. For most entrepreneurs and executives, it is hustle, control, silence, urgency, or self-reliance. Debbie's core principle: if you can name it, you can tame it. Reflect on what you actually did the last time the pressure hit and you will discover what your foundation is truly built on.2. Be Brave Enough to Shift Courage and fear feel identical. The only difference is that the courageous person acts anyway. Once you identify the pattern, make your best plan, take the leap, and tweak as you go. Leadership growth is a journey of iteration, humility, and intentional living that rewards those who stay the course.3. Invite Accountability and Build Community Name the pattern you are working on and share it with a trusted coach, mentor, spouse, or friend. Growth accelerates in community and stalls in isolation. When someone safe can call you back to your values and your vision, transformation happens faster. This is self-leadership in action.Key Takeaways for LeadersThe systems that got you here will not take you to your next levelTrust is structural, not emotional. Build systems and teams that hold even when you are not at 100%Moving from success to significance requires inner alignment, not just outward achievementCourage is a daily choice. Do it, tweak it, and do it againMemorable Quotes"What is your life really built on, and will it hold when pressure hits?""The things that got you here will not take you to your next level.""If you can name it, you can tame it.""The difference between courageous and fearful is that the courageous person does it anyway."Connect with Debbie SimmonsWebsite: www.thedebbiesimmons.comSuccess to Significance Seminar: www.successandsignificance.netFree Book Download: www.theheartoflegacy.comConnect with Julie RigaWebsite: julieriga.com/leadCoaching: Learn more about leadership coaching#StayOnCourse #LeadershipMindset #PurposeDrivenLeadership #LegacyBuilding #AuthenticGrowth