We Are Everyone

If you were in a job that wasn't fulfilling your passions, would you leave it to do something else? Jeff Linihan is the Co-Founder, President, and COO of Advocado, but before that he was a lawyer. In this episode, Jeff takes Jenn and our audience down a road of pivotal moments and valuable lessons he's learned along the way as an entrepreneur. Watch the full episode to hear Jeff's take on: Employee's personal brand Empowering employees to pursue what they view as their personal social responsibility Broadening perspectives after using the culture index systemFlexing mental fitness muscles as an entrepreneur Practicing presence 

“As vet techs/veterinarians, we do have a personal responsibility for setting boundaries, finding resources, and doing what we need to take care of ourselves.” Jenn chats with a very special guest for this episode, Dr. Katie Krothapalli. A former veterinary practitioner and Veterinary Medical Officer for the U.S. Army, Dr. Krothapalli now serves as Director of Healthcare Education at Edcetera, a leading provider of professional development and continued education resources and parent company of Vetcetera. She discusses how a critical turning point led her to this current role and how she is using her experience to help others in the veterinary field. She also touches on the challenges veterinary professionals face, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, how creating space for a mental health dialogue in veterinary medicine will help push the industry forward and so much more.  Guest Social Media Links:Dr. Katie Krothapalli LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-krothapalli-56ab1618a Edcetera LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/edceteralearn Edcetera Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EdceteraLearn Vetcetera Twitter: https://twitter.com/vet_etc Vetcetera LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vet-etc Vetcetera Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vetceterace 

“You can be impacted, really either way, by your media use.” In this episode, we continue our exploration of the relationship between media and mental fitness and the ways in which younger generations handle it. Jenn is joined by Sydney Brammer, a doctoral student and graduate part time instructor in the College of Media & Communication at Texas Tech University. Sydney dives into her current research on the connections between body image, interpersonal communication and social media and how 'Z-llennials' (part Gen-Z and part Millennial) are normalizing content that discusses topics such as mental health.  Plus, Sydney shares a personal tidbit on how she creates mental fitness balance in her busy schedule of studying, producing academic papers and teaching. 

“My definition of mental fitness is when my thoughts, ideas and actions all align.” Jenn welcomes Elizabeth Burns, a rising senior in journalism at Texas Christian University and host of the “Bubble Wrapped” podcast, to the show. She discusses what brought her to this major and how that pursuit connects to her personal mental fitness journey. As a part of Gen-Z and future member of the media, Elizabeth also examines how the younger generation is shaping the progression of reporting and communication around mental health.  

“To me, intuition is a way to navigate all domains of life.” In this episode, Jenn chats with Shoshanna French, coach and founder of Simple Spirit. She dives into the mentorship that led her to study the science of intuition and how she transformed that interest into a thriving coaching approach. From Intuitive entrepreneur workshops to executive consulting packages, Shoshanna has helped CEOs, NFL Coaches, TV personalities, business owners and non-profits develop deeper connections with their purpose. Now she is sharing a bit of that insight with us! Watch and/or listen to learn how to strengthen your intuition muscle. 

“Nothing is insurmountable.” Jenn is joined by a very special guest and new member of the Pivotal Moments Media team, Jason Cormier. As if being a renowned neurosurgeon wasn't enough, Jason also works with high level sporting organizations, has a background in music and is the author of his upcoming book, “Driven.” Needless to say, he has a lot of insight to share – which he does! Join Jason and Jenn for a conversation about the importance of life's turns, addressing the challenges, deciding how to handle failures and more. Plus, Jason gives a preview of his book with a heartfelt story featured in its introduction! 

“Managing a company is like flying an airplane, you know where you want to go, but you've always gotta make adjustments depending on which way the wind is blowing.” Joining this episode is Tom Power, President and CEO of Sunshine Minting Inc., the leading domestic and global supplier of precious metal and base metal mint products. Power chats with Jenn about his experience at the helm of the company including his approach as an ‘intrapreneur,' the importance of allowing yourself the space to make mistakes and the true value of establishing community and a supportive culture among a multi-generational team. And, of course, he shares his definition of mental fitness! 

“If we only focus on the negative, we are missing a whole half of the human experience.” In this episode, we are joined by Liza McDevitt, AAMS® and Financial Advisor at Raymond James & Associates, Inc., for a conversation about Applied Positive Psychology. Liza explains how her experience in business led her to earn a Master's in Applied Positive Psychology and how she utilizes it in her current role today working with financial clients. On top of that, she shares some positive problem solving advice for us all to follow! **Raymond James & Associates, Inc. member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. Any opinions are those of Liza McDevitt and not necessarily those of Raymond James.

“Ask those emotions, before you push away, what is this trying to tell me?” We are back with Miki Goerdt, clinical social worker, board-certified art therapist and owner of Emerald Leaf Counseling LLC! In part two of this conversation, Miki dives further into the subject of self-awareness and how it helps to guide our choices. She also discusses the impact of culture, the importance of understanding the messages tucked into our emotions and why we may need to refrain from always having to define where we are on the mental wellness continuum. Plus, we can't forget about art! As an accomplished artist, Miki shares the benefits of a regular art-inspired regimen.  

“Are you as a therapist able to understand people's pain in a real sense? Without that ability where are you going with that therapy session?” Miki Goerdt, clinical social worker, board-certified art therapist, owner of Emerald Leaf Counseling LLC and artist, joins the podcast to share the influences that shape our paths to self-awareness. In part one of this conversation, she discusses her many roles and interests and chats with Jenn about the lived experiences that have shaped her approach as an artist and therapist. From personal loss to her journey as a Japanese immigrant, Miki dives into how she learned to help clients dissect the roots of their own thoughts, emotions and responses. Episode Page: https://www.pivotalmomentsmedia.com/we-are-everyone-creating-gateways-through-self-awareness-part-1/ 

“There is a lot of anxiety about money…” On this episode of We Are Everyone, Libby Snyder, CFP, CPFA and Financial Adviser at Merrill Lynch, stops by the podcast to share the insight she has gathered on her path from teaching to helping people with financial planning. She explains how understanding the mind runs deeply through both professions and ties them together, including the toll that disregarding financial preparedness can take on people's wellness. She also describes her own mental fitness perspective as well as why she has learned to surround herself with those who create a positive environment. 

“It matters how your audience receives the message.” Keina King, a strategic thinker, designer, brand lover, co-founder of Butta Digital Creative Studio and digital marketing copywriter at software supply chain automation company Sonatype, joins Jenn to discuss her creative method as a writer, the value of such roles to an organization's communication and how working in and consuming types of media can have an impact on mental wellbeing. She also lets us in on how she flexes her mental fitness through reading and journaling. 

“Make sure that the whole person is looked after.” We are so lucky to be joined by Dale Pfeifer, who took time to stop by We Are Everyone to spread some inspiration. She shares insight from her journey to becoming one of the leading charitable entrepreneurs through the creation of Goodworld, a company that powers mission-driven organizations with technology that transforms workplace culture, communities and customer connections. Here's a hint - it includes emphasizing mental wellness. She also details why it is so important for her company to support its team as they work to support others. From the practices that her company instills to the view of employee care that they have implemented, we think there will be a lot to take away from Dale as a team member, entrepreneur, changemaker, you name it. 

“Talk therapy allows a person to speak about their topics, but it may be too difficult to discuss. So, music kind of allows for a creative approach and a non-intimidating approach.” Kelsi Tafaro, a board-certified music therapist, neurologic music therapist, special educator and executive director of NeuroSound Music Therapy, LLC., joins Jenn on this episode ofWe Are Everyone to discuss the therapeutic benefits of music. She shares how she was inspired to open her own practice, the scientific support behind music's ability to alter our moods and how it helps us handle conflict and self-awareness. She also answers questions about the lessons that business leaders can take from music therapy as well as how it has impacted her own mental fitness path personally and as an entrepreneur.  Plus, Kelsi and Jenn reveal the songs they listen to for an extra mental boost! 

“It's not the external gaze that's defining for you what fulfillment feels like in your life at this moment, it's all you.” In part two of our conversation with Cecily - a vocalist, writer and healer - she continues to discuss how being a musician challenges and shapes her mental fitness journey. She also dives into reframing our mindset when it comes to social media, how she has built an online community around meditation, the evolution of the meaning behind success and gifting yourself with radical acceptance. 

“How do I use my voice to enable others to find healing in some way?” Cecily, a musician, writer and healer,  joins We Are Everyone for a special two-part discussion on the power of discovering your voice and silencing that inner critic. In this episode, she shares her journey as a vocalist and songwriter including how shifting her focus to music allowed her to explore new ways to bring people together and the themes that she portrays through her work. 

"During the pandemic, you kind of had to face your mind.” COVID-19 was certainly a strain on all of us in one way or another and forced us to reckon with the importance of mental health. This re-evaluation was particularly prevalent in the transitioning workplace. Rayne Steinberg, Co-Founder and CEO of digital asset investment firm Arca, joins Jenn to talk about his own mental fitness journey as well as his team's approach to fostering a company culture that emphasizes clear communication, ownership and an open awareness of the evolving ways to support employee wellness. 

“Up at the top levels, they have to set the example to make the changes, because if it's in disarray up there, it's going to trickle all the way down to the bottom.“ Matt Davis, the president of Driftwood Leadership LLC, and Eric Hipple, an outreach specialist, author, speaker and NFL alumni, join to discuss how focusing on mental fitness impacts leadership strategies, handling life's transitions, the benefit of asking someone what is going on three times and the struggle around perception of resilience. They also share how they began working together and the priceless lessons they have exchanged.

“We hear, often times, the success story...but do we really get down to what were the obstacles that you faced...and how did you show up on the days that you didn't want to? That's where we really learn from one another.” Fellow Pivotal Moments Media member and host of the new podcast Her Journey Told Sandy Lutton chats with Jenn about launching the new show, the stories she wants to help tell and what she hopes the audience takes away from its multi-generational and global perspectives. She also shares her definition of compassion and how it relates to re-framing the conversations we have with ourselves as well as the freedom in misunderstanding.   

“These days you have to be an intentional practitioner and a reflective practitioner to help people get from point A to point B.” Dr. Lonzo Sasso, the CEO of LCS Strategies & Alliance, LLC, a strategic collective of services in Education Consulting, Player Development, Community Affairs, and Event Production/ Brand Marketing, joins host Jenn Sherman for a special in-studio interview! He shares how he became inspired to help others achieve their goals, the tools and benchmarks he offers clients to build themselves up for individual success, the significance of resiliency and his effort to continue expanding access to the resources and process that creates a continuum of mental fitness and wellness.    Get ready to learn about the “three A's” that help to create the “two A's,” the test of the “three C's,” the goal of the “three E's” and the practice of the “two R's.”    

"These are interconnected crises that have come together over a very long period of time. The good news is tools are now available. Tools are now being built at a significant scale that can reach into places that they never have before.” Tom Davidson, the award-winning Founder and CEO of EVERFI, joins Jenn to discuss how his three-term run in the Maine House of Representatives led him to an interest in education tech, EVERFI's mission to address social topics that go beyond traditional curriculum, having honest conversations about handling today's mounting pressures and the relationship between financial, physical and mental health.

"What I found is that I really loved listening to their stories and learning all about how they used art as a way of processing their pain and expressing themselves and kind of communicating all of that to the world.” Kathryn Mullins, a Resident in Licensed Professional Counseling in Virginia with a Master's in Art Therapy, joined We Are Everyone to discuss how studying artists and their expression led her to a career in art therapy, the beneficial process of recapturing our own creativity, the power behind redefining the word strength and the importance of expanding access to art therapy.

“Different workouts work for different people; just as different therapy works for different people.” Sara Battista, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Saroya Tinker, NWHL defenseman, recent graduate of Yale, mentor and podcast host, share the importance of discovering the mental fitness approach that works best for you, tackle toxic positivity and social media impacts, discuss the connection between mental health and activism and advise on the importance of compassion and listening.

“First, the self has to be excavated and confronted before you can possibly confront the rest of the world.” Juliana Wexler, founder of Parama, and Jared Schuster, holistic life coach and founder of Sparks of Consciousness, join host Jenn Sherman in discussing the importance of examining our values and wielding our authentic emotions to create spaces in life and work that best serve us.

“The more you can learn to plan for and manage your own emotional state, the more you actually show up and perform at work.” David Rusenko, GM, Commerce at Square Inc. and Meredith Goldberg-Morse, Senior Manager of Social Impact at MTV, join us in the launch of Season Four of We Are Everyone to address how mental health and wellness is impacting businesses and the workforce – a matter that is importance than ever as America enters back into the office. Meredith dives into how MTV helps content creators understand who can serve as that credible mental wellness resource or advisor so that they can pass the right and credible information.

“I think it's sort of a flywheel where we are possibly using social media and using the Internet in more and different ways.” Danny Dickstein, Brand Partnerships Manager at TikTok, and James Delattre, Associate Vice President for Research and Director of the Office of Entrepreneurship & Commercialization at Penn State join the podcast to discuss the pandemic-driven innovations impacting our relationship with mental wellness and the ways in which companies, future employees, students, and society may be stronger from such adaptations. Considering trends from the growth of fitness and mental health apps to telemedicine and social media use, they examine questions such as how will the market evolve, what will Gen Z’s connection to the digital and social media world teach future workplace teams and how will our understanding of one another shift?

“Being an entrepreneur, you learn how to fail fast, but you also learn how to pivot quickly.” Two hospitality experts - Anastasia Dellaccio - Senior Manager - Community Impact and Philanthropy, Corporate Affairs at Booz Allen Hamilton, and Winston Lord, Storyteller and Ambassador, Founder of Lord Hospitality & Former Chief Evangelist at OpenTable, join us for a discussion on the impacts of mental health and the pandemic within the hospitality industry. The guests also highlight the technological advancements and innovations that has happened in the restaurant and hospitality space in the last year and how these advancements will affect the future. Join in on the conversation on how employers can help bridge the generational gap in the workforce through facilitating dialogue around mental fitness – because #WeAreEveryone

“Your voice is the number one powerful tool that you have and you have to use it to speak up.” Maurisa Potts, Founder & CEO, Spotted MP, joins us for an open conversation about the importance of speaking up and some of the tools that can be used to combat most of the challenges that have come up due to the pandemic. Maurisa also touches on the significance of communication in mental fitness and how it has evolved in terms of mental fitness in her career.

“The power of the art has a proven impact on our wellness.” Peter Maye, Co-Director, Arts in Foggy Bottom, and Kayleigh Bryant - Greenwell, Curator of 2021 Exhibition & Head of Public Programs with the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery, join us for a discussion about how you can use arts to help you in building your mental fitness. Peter and Kayleigh also highlight how working in the field of art helped him or guided him through life endeavors. If you live in the DC area, flex your artistic muscle and check out Arts in Foggy Bottom this summer: http://artsinfoggybottom.com/. Join in on the conversation on how employers can help bridge the generational gap in the workforce through facilitating dialogue around mental fitness – because #WeAreEveryone

“Anything is possible, anything can be fixed, anything can be supported, no matter whom it is and what their problems are.” Natalie Oliverio, Founder and CEO of Military Talent Partners, join us to talk about the trends that she has seen within the Veteran workforce when it comes to mental wellness especially during the pandemic period and being isolated. Natalie also highlights how there is help for everyone, no matter how unique or detrimental their specific situation is. Join in on the conversation on how employers can help bridge the generational gap in the workforce through facilitating dialogue around mental fitness – because #WeAreEveryone

“Stop evaluating what you can't change, but start with the present moment where you are at right now.” Jenny Shtipelman, Senior Vice President, National Capital Bank of Washington and Sean Murphy, Founder and Executive Director, 1455, join us for a lively discussion on the importance of having mindful awareness, emotional intelligence, and situational awareness in your personal and professional lives. Both guests highlight how we can incorporate arts, music, and literature into our daily lives to strengthen our mental fitness muscle.   Join in on the conversation on how employers can help bridge the generational gap in the workforce through facilitating dialogue around mental fitness – because #WeAreEveryone

“You’re going to have to sink or swim.” Pamela Lynne Sorensen, President of High Frequency Consulting, and Matt Billman, Engineer at Heartcast Media and Creator of Chirpin’ DMV, discuss workplace culture as solopreneurs and what gives them discipline to stay productive and set a routine. Both guests talk about how they pivoted their communication and collaboration with clients and team members in a virtual world.

“If you need to help to stay positive, you need to think back on the best moments of your life and write them down.” Kristina Bouweiri, President & CEO of Reston Limousine, and Micha Weinblatt, Founder and CEO of Crooked Monkey, share the new ways and mechanisms that they had to bring in as a company after COVID-19 to pivot and the hardest things they had to do to stay afloat. Both guests highlight the importance of being transparent about mental wellness in the workplace and how each generation manages mental fitness differently.

“Civility begins with being civil to you.” Andrew J. Sherman, Author and Partner at Seyfarth Shaw, and Shelby Joy Scarbrough, Author and Entrepreneur, talk about the trends in the workplace when it comes to employee mental wellness and disengagement/productivity in the pre-COVID as well as the COVID world. Both guests discuss how the pandemic has affected civility and mental fitness of different generations in the workforce inversely. Join in on the conversation on how employers can help bridge the generational gap in the workforce through facilitating a dialogue around mental fitness – because #WeAreEveryone

“Don’t assume that your experience is everybody's.” France Hoang, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at boodleAI, and Chaise Schmidt, Tenant Advisory at Cushman & Wakefield, share their insights on empathy and how different generations in the workforce should embrace and be kind to each other. Both guests also discussed how leaders use mental fitness to drive innovation and entrepreneurship.   Join in on the conversation on how employers can help bridge the generational gap in the workforce through facilitating dialogue around mental fitness – because #WeAreEveryone

“The hardest thing to do in your life is to stop doing something you do all the time and start doing the next thing.” Emily Rasowsky, Marketing at Amazon, and Steve Polo, Managing Partner at OPX, share their insights on the four generations that are in the workforce and how they align on mental fitness. Both guests discuss the importance on how connecting mental fitness to the employee experience in companies would outperform the companies that do embrace similar practices and values. Join in on the conversation on how employers can help bridge the generational gap in the workforce through facilitating a dialogue around mental fitness – because #WeAreEveryone

“Laughter is good for your wellness and for your mental wellness as well.” Tracey Power, Chief People Officer at Vaco, discusses the importance of employers putting their people first and the power of perspective. In the new normal we live in, Tracey shares her thoughts on the different generations in the workforce and how they should communicate, understand and support each other. Join in on the conversation on how employers can help bridge the generational gap in the workforce through facilitating a dialogue around mental fitness - because #WeAreEveryone.

Principal & Senior Director of Financial Planning at Sullivan Bruyette Speros & Blayney, Karen Wawrzaszek, and President of Intelligent Waves, Tony Crescenzo, joined us to discuss how they have developed grit along their journeys. Our guests also touched on being your authentic self, showing empathy, and not only learning from your mentors but mentoring others. 

Author and Assistant Coach of the Boston Celtics, Jerome Allen, joined us alongside Founder/CEO of Miss Jo’s Petite Sweets, Erinn Roth, for a conversation about strength through vulnerability, accountability, and getting your mind right. Our guests also shine a light on their personal experiences with mental wellness, their faith, and much more.Guests: Name: Errin Roth, Founder, and Ceo of Miss Jo’s Petite Sweets Company:  Miss Jo’s Petite Sweets is a bakery, dedicated to Erinn’s Mother, that specializes in sweet treats and desserts Erinn’s Personal Wellness: Cookbooks and laughterName: Jerome Allen, Assistant Coach of the Boston Celtics and Author of When the Alphabet Comes: A Life Changed by Exposure Jerome’s Personal Wellness: DJing   WTAC When the Alphabet Comes | Memoir by Jerome Allen WHEN THE ALPHABET COMES is a powerful new memoir by Jerome Allen. Learn the details of its 2020 release, sign up for updates, find related content.

CoFounder & Chief Creative Officer at SWATCHROOM, Maggie O’Neill, joined us alongside President and Founder of Pivotal Moments, Bob Morgan, to discuss the pursuit of positive energy, adapting to change, and balancing the different aspects of life. Both guests also shared their experiences with mental wellness as entrepreneurs with creative mindsets.

CEO of GRAVITAS and Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at Rider University Geoff Arnold, joined us for a conversation on the benefits of working with a team, the power of practice and ego being the center of our philosophy. The guests also touched on having a perspective that anything is solvable.

It’s a marathon not a sprint. Filmmaker and Director at CINEPHILE ACADEMY, Sheldon Candis, joined us for a discussion on learning to do more with less, putting in work to succeed and developing your own definition of success.

Chief Political Correspondent at Sinclair and Full Measure, Scott Thuman, joined us for a conversation on understanding your place in the world, using past experiences to grow and measuring risks versus rewards. Scott also touches on the struggles that can come with living in the public eye.

The CEO at the Creative Coalition, Robin Bronk, joined us for a discussion on the power of listening, the importance of the arts and communication as our calling card. Robin also stresses the value in breaking things down and compartmentalizing your thoughts.

The President at Rosslyn Business Improvement District, Mary-Claire Burick, joined us for a discussion on the value of community engagement, the importance of self-care, and the significance of having empathy as a leader. Mary also gives tips for avoiding burnout in both your personal and professional life.

How do you take a difficult situation and turn it into something positive? CEO and Founder at GRAVITAS, Lisa Sun, joined us for a powerful conversation on the definition of gravitas, embodying body positivity, and exuding self-confidence.

Former NFL Player & Chief Community Officer at The Bridge, Jordan Hill, joined us for a conversation on struggling with mental wellness while in the NFL, switching to a plant-based diet and bridging the wealth gap through community.

The Head of Musical Theater at Penn State, John Simpkins, joined us for a discussion on viewing wellness as a way of life, having perspective at any age and integrating mental wellness programs for college students.

“The two things in life you can always count on are time and change.” Jay Newton-Small, Founder of MemoryWell, joined us to discuss the struggles that come with being a caregiver, how women are changing America and the impact of Alzheimer’s on mental wellness.

CEO & Founder of DCA Live, Doug Anderson, joined us to discuss the demand for connecting with peers, the power of interpersonal relationships and pivoting his business during the pandemic.

“Every day is a new day.” David Mercer, President, Mercer & Associates, Inc. joined us to discuss decisions guided by principles, the concept of rent-free space and the importance of taking care of yourself.